The Chinmaya Inspiration Yatra XXI, in New Zealand, took place from December 29th, 2025 to January 7th, 2026 under the guidance of Sri Vivek Gupta, Sri Vijay Gupta, and Sri Suman Rajupet, with the loving support of Chinmaya Nikunj. 45 yatris from Chinmaya Mission Niagara embarked on a 10-day journey with the central reflection, “Are you ready to find a new you?” The Yatra combined spiritual learning, physical activity, cultural exposure, and community bonding across New Zealand’s North Island.

The Yatra began in Auckland and continued to Hamilton, where the group settled in and was warmly welcomed by the local Chinmaya community. Sri Vijayji opened the Yatra with discourses on the Ramayana, establishing a reflective foundation for the days ahead. Throughout the journey, Sri Vivekji led satsang on Sadhana Chatuṣṭaya, helping everyone reflect on inner independence, steadiness of mind, and living with clarity and joy.

The schedule included daily nature walks, hikes, satsang, and group reflections. Activities such as the Pinnacles Track hike, whitewater rafting, and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing offered physical challenge and encouraged perseverance. Visits to Blue Spring, Waitomo caves, and coastal areas provided opportunities for quiet reflection and a deeper appreciation of nature. 

Shared meals, group games, informal discussions, and simple joys strengthened connections among the yatris and fostered a strong sense of community. Each day invited the yatris to face challenges, foster presence, and discover strength beyond comfort. As the Yatra continued, the routine became a moving meditation with each step an opportunity for surrender and awareness. They welcomed the New Year with Satyanarayan Puja, allowing yatris to begin 2026 with intention and gratitude.

The Yatra concluded with a beautiful visit to Swamini Amritananda at Chinmaya Nikunj before departing. As the yatris returned home, they carried with them the experiences, teachings, and reflections from the journey, along with a renewed commitment to live intentionally and more meaningfully.

Chinmaya Mission Boston hosted the “Thinking Deeply, Living Intentionally” Loving Earth Retreat from November 7-9, 2025. Guided by Shri Vivek Gupta, Shrimati Shashikala Dwarkanath, Shri Suman Rajupet, and Shrimati Nandini Tivakaran, this dynamic family retreat explored inner and outer landscapes with about 100 seekers of all ages. The transformative weekend, featuring discourses, activities, an Earth Fair, and service, taught expressing ananya bhakti towards Prthvi Devi (Mother Earth).

Seekers explored what it means to be human, endowed with courage, inquiry, and the capacity to care. Guides stressed seeing Earth not merely as a resource, but as a revered Mother, reminding attendees that when She suffers, children cannot flourish.

Mornings began with meditation followed by lessons on yama-s, yajna-s, and the nine forms of devotion. These encouraged rethinking wants versus needs and reflecting on daily choices that impact self-development and the planet. Outdoor activities included a guided hike, a conservation game, and soccer.

Not-for-profits and seekers organized an Earth Fair highlighting repair, reuse, and refusal of single-use products. The Fair featured a repair shop and displays for making cleaners, laundry detergent, play dough, lotion, advocacy, and sustainable gift wrapping. Our yuva-veers facilitated Jeopardy and satvik tank sessions, teaching that environmentalism, as Prthvi yoga, is vital for integrating spiritual practices into everyday living.

On the last day, over 300 students learned about faith and environmentalism from dedicated, trained young adult teachers and guides. Seekers left inspired, connected, and committed to family and community action, carrying forward both gratitude and responsibility toward Mother Earth.

Authors: Shayon Banerjee, Juie Deo and Artificial Intelligence

The Chinmaya Mission Cleveland hosted a profoundly enriching Devi Retreat from October 2–5, 2025, in Akron, Ohio, centered on the uplifting theme “Finding Your Love.” Seventy-three Devi-s from across North America came together to create a sacred environment of reflection, sisterhood, and spiritual awakening. Over four days, participants immersed themselves in devotion, learning, and inner transformation.

The retreat featured illuminating discourses and guided contemplations led by esteemed Vedanta teachers — Vilasiniji, Shashikala i, and Vivekji — whose wisdom gently guided seekers on the path of self-discovery. Across ten immersive sessions, participants explored the essence of true love through divine examples: Devi Sita’s unwavering love for Bhagavan Rama, the Guru’s unconditional love for disciples, and the joyous, surrendered love of the Rishi patnis for Bhagavan Krishna.

The experience was further enriched through guided meditation, yoga, bhajans, and outdoor activities. Interactive workshops addressed holistic health, self-defense, education and safety awareness, environmental stewardship, and creative self-expression — all thoughtfully designed to help attendees weave Vedantic principles into daily living. The retreat’s serene natural setting offered the perfect backdrop for slowing down, turning inward, and reconnecting with one’s deepest self.

One of the most inspiring aspects of the retreat was the inclusivity and shared devotion among all the women, who uplifted one another with compassion and strength. As the retreat concluded, participants carried home a profound realization: the highest love is not sought in the world outside, but discovered in the divinity within.

Chinmaya Mission Cleveland looks forward to welcoming seekers again at the 12th Annual Divya Shakti Retreat, October 22–25, 2026, continuing its tradition of transformative spiritual gatherings.

-Saloni Khatri

A Retreat Hosted by Chinmaya Mission Boston

By CHYSK Boston 

From August 29- September 1, Chinmaya Yuva Kendra’s (CHYK) and Chinmaya Setukari’s (CSK) gathered for a retreat hosted by Chinmaya Mission Boston. Nearly 35 seekers communed, traveling locally and from across the country to spend the weekend at Chinmaya Maruti located in Andover, MA. With loving guidance from Vivekji and Sumanji, the retreat included daily satsang, discussions, dynamics, and quiet reflection time. Further opportunities to integrate mind, body, and spirit included a beach clean-up, sports, intentional seva throughout the ashram, and quiet reflection time both during the daytime and during a stargazing activity. 

The retreat’s theme “Life is Grace” focused on understanding and building acceptance to life’s circumstances. Our Retreat Guides shared during satsang about 10 factors intended to build association, thought, and therefore development. These factors are Aagama, Aapa, Praja, Desha, Kala, Karma, Janma, Dhyana, Mantra, and Samskara. Beyond illuminating satsang and fruitful dialogue, Seekers also had the opportunity to serve Mother Earth and picked up 1598 pieces of trash off of a public beach. The impact of removing 47.3 lbs of trash from the beach went beyond numbers as a young girl vising the beach with her family was inspired by Seekers and collected trash herself to help Mother Earth also. It was real life embodiment of how association and thought can help oneself and others develop. 

Seekers shared sentiments of feeling integrated, connected, and part of the shared commUnity at the formal retreat closing. Seekers reflected that outward actions such as journaling in a park or a beach cleanup are daily activities yet now, they were able to see the divinity in those same actions. Deep gratitude to Vivekji, Sumanji, Chinmaya Boston Sevaks, and all Seekers for the priceless learnings, wisdom, and for enabling this reflective experience for all. 

From August 3 to 10, 2025, 21 exploring and evolving adults from across the U.S. and Canada embarked on a weeklong yatra through the Great Plains. Travelling in RVs through six U.S. states – Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas – yatris explored what it meant to “feel and flow” with one’s greater purpose.

This Chinmaya Inspiration Yatra (CIY), guided by Shri Vivek Gupta and Shri Suman Rajupet, marks the twentieth yatra organized by Chinmaya Mission Niagara. Each yatra represents a sacred unfolding of the essence of Oneness and a journey inward – and CIY XX was no different.

Each morning commenced with Vedik contemplation with Shri Vivekji, as well as daily discourse on Rishi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. Interspersed with intentional hikes, athletics, and many hours on the road, Shri Sumanji facilitated meaningful dialogue and discussion among yatris. Some highlights included hiking to over 10,000 feet elevation in Rocky Mountain National Park, guided visualization in a field of sunflowers in Nebraska, experiencing a drive-in movie theater in Kansas, and many nightly satsangs around the campfire.

As one yatri from Canada shared, “I learned the importance of accountability and adaptability… I reflected on my shift in perspective for needs vs. wants and understanding that expectations of the future should not exist to be truly present.”

Yatris were encouraged to embrace each moment, diving deeply into each conversation as an opportunity for self-development. And as they return to their universities and professional lives, the yatra continues—within each of them.

By Sravani Hotha

In late July 2025, CHYSK DC hosted our annual retreat “Reuniting Through Uniting” at Chinmaya Somnath in Chantilly, VA. For more than ten years, CHYKs and CSKs of Chinmaya Mission Washington Regional Center have hosted retreats for CHYKs and CSKs from DC, MD, VA, and beyond.

Under the guidance of Shri Vivekji of CM Niagara, seekers explored Bhakti Yoga from Chapter 12 of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita through profound satsanga, thought-provoking discussions, and enriching activities such as a dance competition for ego erasers (ice-breakers), drawing one’s spirit animal to think about strengths and fears, and an Open Mic night where seekers expressed their bhakti through their individual talents. 

There was also a Chat & Chai satsang with Raoji and Richaji to hear their insights into Sanatana Dharma. This was an opportunity to ask deep spiritual questions in an informal and comfortable setting. 

Seekers also gathered for Fireside Chats, a treasured CHYSK DC tradition, in which everyone split into small discussion groups and shared their thoughts or an anecdote based on a selection of thought-provoking prompts. Participants were able to connect with each other on a much deeper level because during these discussions.

As the retreat came to a close, Shri Vivekji organized a workshop on advocacy to demonstrate how to turn bhakti into karma yoga.

True to this year’s theme “Reuniting through Uniting”, the retreat helped CHYKs and CSKs unite with Bhagavan by reuniting with each other. 

Report By: Sudarshan Atmavilas

From July 21st to 25th, 2025, at Chinmaya Somnath in Chantilly, VA, 34 high schoolers from across the United States gathered for the Annual DC Youth Camp and were engaged in numerous activities, ranging from discourses to dodgeball, from 9 AM to 5 PM. The camp’s theme was “Movies, Meaning, and Me”, focusing on finding meaning in movies, and using that to personally reflect on one’s life and self-development — as conceptualized and conducted by Shri Vivekji. Vivekji, Shankarji, and young adults facilitated daily workshops with the campers, reflecting on movies such as Inception, Batman Begins, and Kung Fu Panda, on topics such as faith and embracing discomfort. Campers were also challenged to get out of their comfort zone, such as through eating with their hands and engaging in seva around the Ashram.

CHYKs led athletics everyday to help campers push their mental limits and build inner stamina. On July 23rd, the campers went to JK Community Farm, which donates all of its harvest to local homeless shelters and food banks, and served for 3 hours to help remove plastic pesticide sheets and harvest bell peppers. Afterwards, they went to a large field and played soccer and ultimate frisbee for several more hours. On July 25th, Swami Prakashanandaji graced the camp with an hour of satsang, sharing on the moral responsibility the next generation has towards its country. Overall, the feedback from the campers was very positive, with a tangible atmosphere of enthusiasm and community.

Giving Effort:
Each week, commUnity members took intentional action to support an elder — offering companionship, helping with errands, sharing meals, or engaging in meaningful conversation. These small acts are powerful reminders of how care and connection uplift lives.

Giving Time:
Our commUnity listened to and reflected on eight podcast episodes exploring themes of aging with grace, intergenerational connection, and compassionate elder care.

Giving Resources:
Our commUnity raised $21,160 for charities supporting our elders. We raised $13,155 for Meals on Wheels chapters helping seniors meet critical nutritional and social needs and $8,005 for Trellis Connects, supporting older adults and caregivers through community-based services and education.

Nearly 1 in 10 people over 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse and during the COVID pandemic, 1 in 5 older adults reported elder abuse. Through learning, service, and heart, the commUnity came together to reaffirm our commitment to honoring our elder generation.

Introduction

Pujya Swami Chinmayananda’s vision for Chinmaya Mission is “Maximum happiness for maximum people for maximum time.”

With this spirit, Chinmaya Mission Cleveland-Niagara shares Sanatana Dharma’s ancient wisdom in a modern context, helping interested individuals pursue spiritual development. In 2016, Chinmaya Cleveland-Niagara began virtual courses thrice weekly for adults to remove geographical and scheduling barriers. To further tailor the teachings and increase inclusivity, virtual classes for children, parents, young adults, women, and older adults became available.  

In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic brought uncertainty and greater need for remote satsang. This uncertainty gave birth to Meaningful Mornings, a daily 15-minute satsang led by Shri Vivekji. In the initial lockdown period, Meaningful Mornings provided practical insights from Vedanta and helped seekers stay connected, even while at home.  With its great popularity and efficacy, Meaningful Mornings grew into a platform for daily scriptural study, even after COVID. From October 2022 to June 2024, Shri Vivekji shared the philosophy and practical application of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita by systematically teaching all 700 verses, one verse daily. 

Nine years since the inception of virtual classes, the Chinmaya Cleveland-Niagara community is serving seekers of varying ages, from all corners the world. Offerings include daily contemplation on Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, daily morning satsang, weekly evening courses, in-person retreats, yatras, and one-with-one connection with trained Guides.  Of special note, this fall, for the 9th year, 100+ seekers from Chinmaya Cleveland-Niagara’s “Running from the Mind” community will be running a half marathon, as a mindfulness and inner tranquility practice.

Broadening the Culture of Giving 

The Chinmaya Mission pledge shares, “Devotion to the people is devotion to the Supreme Self.” To make this pledge actionable, the Chinmaya Mission Cleveland-Niagara serves society by giving resources, time, and effort where it is needed most.

Starting in 2020, the Chinmaya Mission Cleveland-Niagara community recognized the need to broaden the practice of dana (charity). In addition to supporting Chinmaya Mission, seekers began to support non-profit organizations serving the pressing needs of society. In this first year of philanthropy, over $100,000 was donated to seven charities serving those in need including women, children, animals, and the food insecure. In 2021, over $150,000 was donated to another seven charities, including those supporting women’s safety and COVID-19 relief in India and other countries. From January 2022 to March 2025, over $850,000 has been donated to over 30 charities working across the globe to protect our air, water, earth, wildlife, mental health, safety, food security, women, and children. In March 2025, the community completed raising over $1 million dollars to non-religious charities, and the impact of these efforts are evident as shared by the charities with messages to the community.

Shri Vivekji has guided seekers to not only give resources but also to give time and effort toward society. With this guidance, over the past 3 years, this community has dedicated time and effort toward:

• planting 4,000 trees and native plants
• spending 630 hours in cleaning up litter
• collecting and donating 27,000 pounds of food to local food banks
• providing 20,000 needed items to local women and children’s shelters
• communicating with legislators 1008 times to support gun safety laws
• committing to gift sustainably by 570 seekers 
• learning about domestic violence by 100 readers
• funding $5000 for youth projects to protect the environment

Living the Teachings through Giving

With Vedanta as the foundation, Chinmaya Mission Cleveland-Niagara’s culture of giving provides the means to infuse philosophy into practice. The scriptures teach that there are 5 debts (rna) to repay:  (1) nature’s forces (deva), (2) nature’s beings (bhuta), (3) society (samaj), (4) family (pitr), and (5) spiritual visionaries (rsi). The Chinmaya Mission Cleveland-Niagara community’s past and ongoing efforts are oriented around giving back to these rnas and fulfilling Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda’s vision. 

By Team Mentorship Sanga

Established in 2021, Mentorship Sanga—an initiative of Chinmaya Mission Niagara—has united over 300 seekers across 100+ cities to support one another in living a life rooted in Sanatana Dharma. Through thoughtful mentor-mentee pairings and monthly Wellness Workshops, the program offers space to explore sensitive topics in accordance with Vedantic principles.

After five years of connecting virtually, this inspiring community gathered in person for the first annual Mentorship Sanga Retreat in March 2025 with the gracious support of Chinmaya Mission Cleveland. True to its values, Mentorship Sanga focused the retreat on Facing Stigmas and Rising Above Them, welcoming seekers in their teens to their 60s. 

As shared by Sri Vivek Gupta of Chinmaya Niagara, “The feelings evoked from this retreat felt similar to that of a Yatra.” Truly, seekers were transported to and held in a nurturing environment through the grace of Devi Gayatri to share insights around three themes: Exploring Identity, Understanding Mental Health, and Redefining Success. These sessions invited deep introspection into personal narratives and values. Participants explored understandings of mental health in comparison with mental illness, discussing how communities can dismantle stigma with compassion and support. Seekers also reflected on the ways they judge themselves and explored how to live beyond externally defined standards of achievement

A highlight of the retreat was a powerful trust fall activity—an act of collective vulnerability every participant embraced. The sense of unity and mutual upliftment was unforgettable. 

We look forward to the next Mentorship Sanga Retreat in 2026. Stay tuned!