Chinmaya Niketan inaugurated by Swami Tejomayananda
After more than 26 years of sadhana (spiritual practice) of the dedicated acharyas (leaders) and devotees of Chinmaya Mission, Atlanta, a truly spiritual and educational center, Chinmaya Niketan, was inaugurated by HH Swami Tejomayananda, head of the Chinmaya Mission worldwide on July 25, 2015. With the blessings of Guruji Tejomayanandaji and Dharmic Vandana, Sri Ram Parivar Pratishthapan in the center was performed.
The three days (July 25-27th) began with ribbon cutting ceremony and blessing. Acharya Raghu Grandhige gave a welcome speech and recognized guests such as the head of the Norcross Police Department, donors, and others who helped the mission to build the beautiful new building. More than 500 devotees and interfaith persons graced the occasion. Various Vedic rites followed, including moorthy and vastu homam and aarathi. At the end of the ceremony, delicious maha parasadam (lunch) was served.
During the evening program Swamy Tejomayanandaji drew a large audience for his discourse on Bhakti in Tulsi Ramayan/Ramacharita Mansa, citing Tulsi Ramayan and Bhagwan Ram. True bhakti, he said, should be unconditional and without expectations; only thus can one achieve liberation and moksha. He explained that moorthy puja is only the first step towards liberation; once a devotee reaches a higher state of consciousness, he does not need worshiping of a moorthy.
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Swamyji emphasized that Chinmaya Niketan will be a spiritual center of learning and devotion to God/Guru. The institution will continue Balavihar classes, organize Day Weekend Family Camps, teach Sanskrit, conduct study groups, and hold spiritual satsangs and lectures. The Chinmaya Niketan has around 350 students in the Atlanta area. It is open to any person irrespective of religious faith who is interested in learning about Vedantic and Hindu Dharma philosophy to awaken the inner consciousness and one’s spiritual mission in life.
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