Jnana YajnasA 108 Day Pilgrimage with Swami Chinmayananda

Since it was Pujya Gurudev’s first Jnana Yajna in Warangal, Pujya Gurudev highlighted the purpose of Jnana Yajnas during India’s times of spiritual inertia and moral distress. He stated clearly that “in order to achieve the renaissance of our culture, each individual must become an active center of cultural reintegration and this makes his own contribution.” From June 16-22, the discourses covered key introductory aspects of Vedanta and Srimad Bhagavad Gita, priming the audience to delve into the beauty of the chosen chapter of Bhakti Yoga in that 88th yajna. The topic for study in the mornings was Kenopanishad.

The Chinmaya Spell: Warangal was entranced by Pujya Gurudev’s powerful voice and spiritual vibrations, and the large number of seekers who clustered in the yajnashala understood the Chinmaya phenomenon for the first time. The incessant rains could not wet their enthusiasm, and the lack of space inside the auditorium did not deter them from finding options to hang on to every word that Pujya Gurudev uttered. They wished they could experience the bliss of the yatra with Pujya Gurudev; they were disappointed that the Ganga Prokshana ceremony also had to be cancelled. Nevertheless, Pujya Gurudev comforted their devoted hearts with His bountiful love which itself sanctified like the Gangajal.

Apart from His discourses and satsangs through the days, Pujya Gurudev invigorated the members of the Warangal Rotary Club and the students of the Engineering College and the Multipurpose School, Warangal.

For Reflection: Pujya Gurudev’s devotion to His audience awakens a sense of awe. Such was the Guru, deeply aware of the needs of a new audience, that He never resorted to shortcuts while teaching and did not dilute His precious foundational introductions.