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Hari Om.
FROM SEED TO FLOWER
Over 15 years ago, in April 1988, a group of visionary families started the Austin branch of Chinmaya Mission with the inspiration and full support of Acharyas Gaurang and Darshana Nanavaty (CM Houston).
Indian parents realized the need for their children to learn Indian culture and religion, in order to grow up with a solid sense of self-worth and a rich appreciation of their ancient heritage. These parents also recognized their own need for spiritual fulfillment.
CM Austin has grown in leaps and bounds to arrive at where it is today. The core group of 15 families that met in the homes of two dedicated members has blossomed into a 65-family Chinmaya parivara.
After several unavoidable changes of venue, CM Austin finally attained its long-time goal of purchasing its own property. In the summer of 2001, CM Austin purchased a beautiful property with 6.1 acres of land in Round Rock, a quiet area on Austin’s outskirts.
In July 2001, Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda came to Austin to inaugurate and bless the new center and ashram, which he named, “Chinmaya Vatika.” The tranquil and rural atmosphere of Chinmaya Vatika is especially conducive for spiritual studies.
The purchase and development of the new ashram was made possible through generous donations from community members, as well as loans from several sources. Since then, many more dedicated members have generously donated their time, talent, and finances to maintain, renovate, and expand Chinmaya Vatika into a 4,800 sq. ft. ashram. The ashram now has two stories (with a 1,600 sq. ft. prayer hall on the second floor), and plans for further expansion are on the drawing board.
FROM FLOWER TO TREE
The new ashram has allowed CM Austin to host more spiritual discourses by CM acharyas, including Acharya Gaurang Nanavaty (Dipavali 2001) and Swami Chidatamananda (July 2002), which were well attended and highly appreciated.
The new ashram has also facilitated annual festival celebrations of Janamashtami, Mahashivaratri, Ganesha Chaturthi, Holi, Rama Navami, and more. CM Austin’s Dipavali Puja is celebrated at Chinmaya Vatika with great devotion and enthusiasm.
One of the most popular events held at the ashram was CM Austin’s “Hello India” children’s summer camp in 2002. Held on five consecutive Sundays, the camp took the children on a cultural tour of India. A similar camp, “Bharat Darshan,” was held in the summer of 2003.
Acharyas Gaurang and Darshana Nanavaty have made several visits to CM Austin, giving discourses for Study Group and Bala Vihar, respectively. With their blessings, and the local volunteer teachers’ dedication, CM Austin’s Bala Vihar classes have become renowned for quality learning. Currently, six BV classes are held at Chinmaya Vatika every Sunday.
Through the years, CM Austin’s Bala Vihar has staged numerous skits, plays, and dances based on scriptural stories, as well as Indian feasts, creative games, and fun art projects, such as building a Gita chariot.
Teachers (trained by CM Houston sevaks) and parents continue to strive to provide children with a sense of fun and family while learning about their spiritual and cultural heritage. The permanent home of Chinmaya Vatika promotes and will improve the quality and frequency of classes, activities, and events offered.
CM Austin’s Study Group for adults has so far covered Self Unfoldment and Bhaja Govindam. Currently, the class is studying Shrimad Bhagavad Gita. For the past eight years, Dr. Madhu Godsay has been facilitating the sessions, making the discussions both interesting and worthwhile so that all participants can gain a renewed appreciation of our spiritual heritage and put the teachings into practice.
Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda visited CM Austin in July 2003 to conduct a week-long yajna, and inspired one and all with his discourses on the Gita and the Ramayana.
Hari Om. |
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Sivagami Natesan |
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