ॐ HARI OM! ॐ
Pearls of Wisdom from Swami Chinmayananda
“Until we discover this spiritual centre in ourselves, the God in us, we will be confused, miserable, unsatisfied, and disturbed—an enigma to ourselves and to others.”
Gita reflection
Why do we worship Hanumanji equally with other forms of God? He was primarily a messenger of God and an ardent servant. However, a messenger of God holds a special place in His heart.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna states that there is no one more accomplished in His eyes than someone who teaches the knowledge contained within it.
Pujya Gurudev, when he began giving public lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, referred to it as Geeta Gyana Yagna. Typically, the term “yagna” is associated with fire sacrifices in which holy offerings are made to the deity being worshipped.
Gurudev thoughtfully followed Lord Krishna’s declaration: “My assessment is that I will be worshipped by those who study the sacred conversation between Myself and you, which is a form of knowledge sacrifice (Gyana Yagna).”
Gurudev explained that in this sacrifice, the fire represents knowledge, while ignorance is what is being sacrificed.
Chinmaya Niketan Bala Vihar will be closed for winter break on Sundays, Dec 21st and 28th.
This Week’s Topics
Vishwambhara Sunday Lunches
Food Drive 2025
New Year Eve Bhajan Sandhya
Gita Chanting 2025-2026
Likhita Japa 2025-2026
Chinmaya Niketan Calendar
Chinmaya Mission Worldwide
VISHWAMBHARA SUNDAY LUNCHES
“CHINMAYA VISHWAMBHARA SUNDAY MEALS — ‘Bhagavan resides where food is served with love.’”
Menu for this Sunday, Dec 14th: Pasta, Minestrone Soup, Garlic Bread
(Sattvik equivalent—onion & garlic free—is also available, but will be strictly made if pre-ordered)
Please confirm your Sunday meal by midnight, Friday, December 12, to help us procure groceries.
Please use the link to make your donation: https://chinmaya-atlanta.com/vishwambhara
Meal Donation:
Ages 12 & below – $5
Ages 13 & above – $8
FOOD DRIVE 2025
As part of our annual Food Drive, we invite all families to come together and support this noble cause by donating non-perishable food items and essential supplies. Your contributions will help provide meals and care items to those in need within our community.
Drop-Off Details:
Please bring your donations on Sundays when you come for Bala Vihar.
Collection bins will be kept based on Houses—kindly drop your items in your respective House bins.
LAST DAY TO DROP OFF FOOD ITEMS: SUNDAY, DEC 14TH
LINK FOR MONETARY DONATIONS: https://chinmaya-atlanta.com/food-drive
Here’s your 2025 Food Drive List
Masoor Dal, Toor Dal, Moong Dal, Whole Moong, Chana Dal, Urad Dal, Pulses, Channa (garbanzo beans), Kala Channa, Rajma, Black Eyed Peas, Peanuts, Sabudana, Rice (small 10 lb bags), Sona Masoori, Basmati, Idli Rice, Garam Masala, Red Chili Powder, Red Chili Whole, Turmeric Powder, Coriander Powder, Coriander Seeds, Cumin Powder, Cumin Seeds, Black Pepper Whole, Black Pepper Powder, Salt, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves, Cardamom, Bay Leaves, Mustard Seeds, Fenugreek Seeds, Sesame Seeds, Fennel Seeds, Garam Masala (readymade), Pulao/Biryani Masala, Channa/Chole Masala, Rajma Masala, Chaat Masala, Rice Flour, Besan, Maida (all-purpose), Whole Wheat/Atta (10 lb bags), Sooji, Idli Rava, Jowar Flour, Bajra Flour, Jaggery, Vermicelli, Poha, Phool Makhana, Juice Packs, Cookies, Biscuits, Crackers, Ginger-Garlic Paste, Pickles, Chips, Popcorn, Packaged Desi Snacks (long shelf life), Canned Desi Sweets (Gulab Jamoon, Rasgulla), Ready-to-eat Food Packets, Gits Instant Food Packets, Red Chili Sauce, Green Chili Sauce, Chili Vinegar, Pasta Sauce (red and white), Maggi, Hakka Noodles, Horlicks, Bournvita, Tea (bags and leaves), Instant Coffee, Honey, Milk Powder, Plain Oatmeal, Flavored Oatmeal Packs, Cereal Boxes, Cereal Bars, Pancake Mix, Pancake Syrup, Jam (strawberry and grape), Peanut Butter, Nutella, Peanut Oil, Vegetable Oil, Canola Oil, Olive Oil, Ghee, All-purpose Cleaner, Dishwashing Liquid, Laundry Detergent, Soaps, Shampoo, Conditioner, Moisturizer (body lotion), Toothpaste, Toothbrushes.
New Year’s Eve Bhajan Satsang @ Chinmaya Niketan
Join us at Niketan on New Year’s Eve for a serene and uplifting Bhajan Satsang as we conclude the year in the divine presence of Bhagavan and Gurudev.
Date: December 31
Time: 10 PM to MIDNIGHT
Venue: Chinmaya Niketan
Let us come together with our families to offer bhajans, prayers, and gratitude for the blessings of the past year, and to welcome the New Year with positivity and devotion. You can bring light prasad, like fruits or sweets, to be served after Arati.
All are welcome
Likhita Japa 2025-2026
Likhita Japa – “Om Shri Rāmāya Namaḥ”
All students are requested to complete Likhita Japa in a composition notebook.
Instructions:
- Use a composition notebook
- Write “Om Shri Ramaya Namah” neatly on each line.
- Number every page.
- On the front page, clearly write: Your name, Grade, House name
- At the end, write the total count of “Om Shri Ramaya Namah” completed.
- Due date: Sunday, March 29, 2026
Gita Chanting Competetion
We have begun learning Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita in the Assembly for the Gita Chanting Competition on Saturday, February 7th, 2026. Audio files and Chapter 12 – Bhakti Yoga lyrics will be posted on our Niketan website.
https://chinmaya-atlanta.com/gita-chanting
Our Gita teachers will be teaching Chapter 12 shlokas to the children in their respective classrooms for 15 minutes after the Bala Vihar classes.
Register here for the Competition: https://chinmaya-atlanta.com/gita-chanting-signup
Happy Chanting!!!
NIKETAN CALENDAR
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Saturday, Dec 13, 2025 | Sri Rama Thirumanjanam @ 7.30 AM |
| Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025 | Masa Shivaratri Rudrabhishekham @ 6.30 PM |
| Sundays-Dec 21 & 28th, 2025 | Winter Break – NO BV Classes |
| Wednesday, Dec 31, 2025 | New Year’s Eve & Bhajan Sandhya |
| Friday, Jan 16, 2026 | Masa Shivaratri Rudrabhishekham @ 6.30 PM |
| Saturday, Feb 07, 2026 | Gita Chanting Competition |
| Sunday, Feb 15, 2026 | BV Shivaratri Puja @ 10.00 AM |
| Sunday, Feb 15, 2026 | Shivaratri Rudrabhishekham @ 7.00 PM |
| Saturday, Feb 21, 2026 | Ekadasha Rudrabhishekham @ 3.00 PM |
| Tuesday, Mar 17, 2026 | Masa Shivaratri Rudrabhishekham @ 6.30 PM |
| Friday, Mar 27, 2026 | Sri Rama Navami Celebrations @ 7.00 PM |
| Wednesday, Apr 15, 2026 | Masa Shivaratri Rudrabhishekham @ 6.30 PM |
| Friday, May 15, 2026 | Masa Shivaratri Rudrabhishekham @ 6.30 PM |
| Saturday, Jun 13, 2026 | Masa Shivaratri Rudrabhishekham @ 6.30 PM |
| Sunday, Jul 12, 2026 | Masa Shivaratri Rudrabhishekham @ 6.30 PM |
| Monday, Aug 10, 2026 | Masa Shivaratri Rudrabhishekham @ 6.30 PM |
| Wednesday, Sept 09, 2026 | Masa Shivaratri Rudrabhishekham @ 6.30 PM |
| Thursday, Oct 08, 2026 | Masa Shivaratri Rudrabhishekham @ 6.30 PM |
| Saturday, Nov 07, 2026 | Masa Shivaratri Rudrabhishekham @ 6.30 PM |
| Sunday, Dec 06, 2026 | Masa Shivaratri Rudrabhishekham @ 6.30 PM |
Early Bird registration ends Dec 31st – Chinmaya MahaSamadhi
Aradhana Family Camp 2026
Location: Sheraton Parsippany, NJ, July 30 – Aug 4, 2026
With Bhagavan’s and Gurudev’s Grace, the 33rd MahaSamadhi Camp will be hosted in New Jersey as part of Chinmaya Mission’s 75th Anniversary Celebrations! Join hundreds of families from across the country for a transformational spiritual retreat.
Highlights of the Camp
- Omkara Upasana* from Mandukya Upanishad by Swami Swaroopanandaji
- Navadha Bhakti from Ramcharitmanasa by Swami Ishwaranandaji
- Guided Meditation by Swami Shantanandaji
- Special CHYK Program by Swami Prakashanandaji & Swami Aparajitanandaji
- Daily Yoga, Vedic Chanting, Workshops & Informal Satsangs
- Children & Youth Programs with Swamins & Brahmacharins
- Bhajans with Swami Siddhananda ji
- Cultural Evenings and Garba
Fresh Sattvik Meals cooked onsite
REGISTER SOON!
Early Bird Rates end Dec 31:
- Single Room – SOLD OUT!
- Family of 2 – $3500* (*few left*) | $4000 after
- Family/Group of 3 – $4000* | $4750 after
- Family/Group of 4 – $4500* | $5500 after
- Family/Group of 5 – $5000* | $6250 after
- CHYKs (18–35 yrs) – $1000* (shared quad room)
Installment Plan:
- Register before Dec 31st to avail 6 equal monthly payments!
For Info & Registration CLICK HERE
Trailer: https://youtu.be/X5QwRu6Vs1IHere is a testimonial by past participants: https://youtu.be/_g6srU4RGIg
