Jnana Yajna 33
Year & Dates:
October 08, 1957 to October 29, 1957
Yajna Topic:
Ishavasya Upanishad
Place:
Hyderabad, India.
Only ten months before, just as 1957 was ushered in, thousands had thronged the Andhra Yuvathi Mandali, Barkatpura in Hyderabad. They had tasted the sweet devotion and recognized the field and the Knowing Principle that Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda had presented through the Gita Jnana Yajna of chapters 12 and 13. With their spiritual appetite kindled, they assembled again on October 8, 1957 at 6 pm. After Col. K. N. Waghray, President of the Yajna Committee, hoisted the Om flag, he began, “Swami Chinmayanandaji has chosen Ishavasya Upanishad as the theme of His discourse this time. The purpose of this Upanishad is to teach the essential unity of God and this world.”
Selfless, Spiritual Outlook
Pujya Gurudev’s choice was timely since spiritual and material integration of the modern man was the need of the hour, in the turbulent 1950s, especially in India; only the enduring wisdom of the Upanishads could offer a comprehensive and lasting solution. Shri Bhimsen Sachar, the Governor of Andhra Pradesh, who inaugurated the yajna and unveiled the portrait of Adi Shankaracharya, appealed for a changed outlook based on scriptural understanding. In His opening discourse, Pujya Gurudev was forthright and clear: “Turning to God in darkness is not true religion, and it would only amount to temporary adjustment and compromise. True religion means a correct understanding of the questions like ‘Who am I? From where have I come? And what is the purpose of life?’”
To build that understanding, Pujya Gurudev explained, in His morning sessions, the path to Self-Awareness using the succinct verses of Atma Bodha written by Adi Shankaracharya. Then, His discourses in the evening on the pithy 18 verses of the Ishavasya Upanishad made the audience review the world in a different, divine light. The majestic vision that Pujya Gurudev inspired in the audience was evident in the other limbs of the Jnana Yajna – the soulful Akhanda Kirtan, the devout Maha Mrtyunjaya Homa, the purifying sprinkling of Ganga waters, as well as the sacred bath and prayers at the Vemulawada Uma Maheshwara temple 130 miles from Hyderabad. Whether in the yajnashala or through His lectures to students of Osmania University, Pujya Gurudev unceasingly steered everyone to look out with a unifying Upanishadic lens and make work a selfless offering.
Photo Gallery
Akhanda Kirtan and the joy-giving Presence of the Guru on a yatra is blissful.
For those who want to walk the path of knowledge and reach the ultimate, the most efficient technique is Bhakti.
Unless you know the glory of the past, how can you work in the present and make sacrifices for rebuilding a future?
Satsang at the Vemulawada Uma Maheshwara temple
Ignite your spiritual quest now and embark on a spiritual journey. What are you waiting for?
Making sure that the aspirants have food for the soul and the body
Attentive to the program brochure that the speaker announces
Sitting near the Master, I am spellbound by the silent eloquence of His presence!
As He shows us the ways to rein in our five senses
People bustling in through every entrance to hear the life-transforming talks by Gurudev!
Aerial view of the Yajnashala from above the Vyaspeeth
In the packed yagnashala, amidst the fervent chants, a beautiful tapestry of devotion is woven that transcends time and space!
Who is our true friend? Think!
“Think,” Says Pujya Gurudev
The Upanishads have glorified sweat and toil to the highest pinnacles of recognition. ‘Dignity of Labour’ is nowhere so openly declared and religiously glorified as in the Hindu scriptures. Dedicated and noble work alone can polish the animal-man to a state of true cultural and right discipline. To those who know what it is, work is not a slavery or a drudgery but it is the Chutney of life. But when a dissipated and demoralized generation have in their misconstrued enthusiasm fallen off their track into a disastrous wreckage, they tumble down into the pits of “more wages and less hours”!! To them even “no work and all money” would still be only a state of terrible and agonizing discontentment!! Man is not born to revel in idleness.
From Ishavasya Upanishad Book
You are Searching in the Wrong Place!
As we unravel the mysteries of consciousness and reality, we confront a fundamental question: are we searching in the wrong place? In this thought-provoking discourse, learn how to transcend worldly distractions and turn your attention towards the ultimate reality, Paramatma. Prepare to shift your perspective and embark on a quest for deeper understanding and inner awakening.