From November 21st to November 27th, 2022, Vivekji of Chinmaya Mission Niagara led a yatra
of 88 seekers from across the US and Canada to the Chinmaya Ashram in Couva, Trinidad &
Tobago. Swami Prakashananda and Brahmacharini Kritikaji of Trinidad ashram welcomed the
yatris and helped with all the coordination. It was a week of satsang, seva, and inspiration.

The yatra week had activities planned for each day. The mornings started with Swami
Prakashananda’s discourses on Shiva Sankalpa Suktam, a text on how to divinize the mind’s
thoughts. The first few days consisted of trips to (1) Maracas Beach, where the group played in
the water during a pouring rainfall, (2) a trio of temples, including “The Temple in the Sea” and
one with an 85-ft tall Lord Hanuman statue, and (3) the new Chinmaya Vidyalaya that combines
secular and sacred studies. Meals included Bake and Cheese sandwiches, Trinidadian street
food ‘doubles’, and dinner at the Ashram restaurant, Garam Masala.

In the evenings, Vijayji gave discourses on the Ramcharitmanas, and how the Ramayana
directly represents one’s inner personality. The last adventure was the hike up Tapovanam Hill,
through the rainforest, to the ashram at the top. The group set off on Jeeps and pickup trucks
until a certain point, and after that most yatris hiked on foot through the mud and river ahead.
After reaching the top, everyone enjoyed Swamiji’s hot cocoa and freshly made dinner, before
sleeping on foam mattresses. The next day, the yatris headed back down, and spent most of the
last day in maunam reflecting on the learnings of the experience. After Swamiji made a pizza
dinner for everyone in his handmade oven, it was time for the Closing Ceremony, where several
seekers shared their reflections. The following day was full of departures, when it was time to
bid everyone goodbye.

In Western society, thirteen is sometimes considered an unlucky number. However, for 21
seekers, the 13th Chinmaya Inspiration Yatra was the most fortunate of times. Over two weeks,
Shri Vivek led our yatris from India, Canada, and the U.S. to the holy land of Maharashtra, the
outward expression of their inner journey.

They began their time together at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, meeting Pujya Gurudev at His
home. Even amidst the noise of Mumbai, they basked in the peace of the ashram as they let go
of their outside lives.

Gurudev then guided them to Chinmaya Vibhooti, where Pujya Guruji so lovingly spoke on
Aparokshanubhuti. During those seven days, Guruji also led daily meditation classes, teaching
the yatris the steps needed for tapping into their true potential. Having the younger minds of
the group – our Balvihar kids – as part of the Yatra was even more wonderful, as they helped
rediscover the wonder of this divine knowledge. Guruji jokingly suggested Vivekji carry a flag to
keep the yatris all in order and loved when they took His request seriously!

Trying to discover the first-hand experience within, the yatris engaged in satsanga, sadhana,
and seva every day. Children and adults alike spent their breakfast, lunch, and dinner times by
serving food to all the camp attendees. Some of the yatris climbed the nearby mountain,
pushing themselves to focus on the present, only on their next footstep. Together they
welcomed in the new decade with Vishnu Sahasranam, reflecting on the change they wanted to
make in the upcoming years.

From the shastras, they were then guided to Bhagavan Himself. Departing Chinmaya Vibhooti
on January 1 st , the yatris traveled to Dehu, Alandi, and Pandharpur. They found themselves
immersed in love for Bhagavan Vittal, manifested through the great Saints, Sant Tukaram and
Jnaneshwar Maharaj. Every second was filled with devotion, from singing bhajans in line to
actually touching Bhagavan Vittal’s feet. With the blessings of Guru and Bhagavan, the seekers
completed their Yatra on January 2 nd at Chinmaya Mauli.

Throughout these yatras, seekers have journeyed far across several countries and continents,
learning and growing along the way. Rather than limiting the spirit of the yatras to only a few
weeks, the yatris have taken various sankalpas to raise funds for various parts of our Mission
over the years. Over the course of CIY I – V, 100,000 USD was raised for CORD Siruvani.
Following this success, 100,000 USD was then raised by CIY VI – X yatris for the education
efforts of Chinmaya Mission Trinidad.

With gratitude in their hearts, on December 31 st , Shri Vivek and the yatris present took on a
new sankalpa. Over the next five yatras (XI – XV), together they pledge to offer 100,000 USD for
Pujya Guruji, largely for the visionary efforts of Chinmaya Vibhooti. Through these efforts, they
hope to transform their two week yatra into a lifestyle of serving, learning, and growing.