In support of dissemination of spiritual knowledge, Chinmaya Maruti of Andover, MA held a grand Mahasamadhi Yagna. The spiritual retreat and lectures covered a wide range of topics.  The retreat was held Aug 1 – Aug 7, 2005 at Chinmaya Maruthi.

The highlight of the retreat was a week long series on the Sunderkhand by H.H. Swami Tejomayananda.  Despite his weak constitution, Swamiji enthralled the audience with his lectures that provided deep insights into these treasure troves. Describing the Sunderkhand as the “beautiful story” Swamiji expounded on the meaning of beauty and what it is in the story that is beautiful. “Beauty is that is which is fresh and beautiful every moment. God is the most beautiful. Madhuradipathe Akhilam maduram” said Swamiji. “In the Sunderkhand the beauty is that of the devotion of Lord Hanuman for Shri Rama”. In the typical Chinmaya fashion Swamiji used simple examples to expound serious philosophical thoughts. All through his lectures, his sense of humor added a light touch to an otherwise serious topic.

Summer camps for children provided age appropriate spiritual education for children ranging in age from 5 to 17. Many of the older children volunteered their time to help conduct camps for the younger children. “It is wonderful to see the interaction between the older and the younger children in such a spiritual environment. The older children are great mentors” said  Brni. Bhamati Chaitanya who is the resident Acharya of Chinmaya Maruthi.

Describing the essence of the retreat Dr. Dwarkanath the president said ”There is tremendous interest in America in the Indian spiritual tradition, interest that goes beyond yoga. If someone has toyed with the idea of a pilgrimage of self-discovery to India, this retreat is an opportunity to learn right here”

The Mahasamadhi Yagna culminated with a fundraising banquet held at the Wyndham Hotel in Andover. “Our goal is to solve difficult problems and become a better and not a bigger person” said Desh Deshpande as he welcomed attendees to the banquet. Why a fundraiser? “Knowledge, like water, is free. Just as we need funds to lay the pipelines to distribute water, we need funds to disseminate knowledge by establishing balvihars, schools, etc” said Swami Tyagananda.  Anil Singhal, Desh Deshpande and Dr. Dwarikanath pledged matching funds to the tune of $100,000 for the first 10 attendees who became life members. In an unusual show of support of the activities and mission of Chinmaya Maruthi, a total of over $250,000 were raised within 20 minutes.

“We are pleased with this event and hope to make spiritual retreats and summer camps an annual event” said Brni. Bhamati Chaitanya. To get more information of Chinmaya Maruthi please check out their website at http://www.chinmayamaruthi.org.

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