About Chinmaya Vrindavan
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Chinmaya Vrindavan - Together for a better world
Chinmaya Mission exists to provide individuals from any background, the universal wisdom of Vedanta and the practical means for personal growth and development, enabling them to become positive contributors to society.
We are the Vrindavan center located at Cranbury, NJ USA and part of this global educational and service-oriented spiritual and charitable organisation. Swami Shanthananda ji is the resident Acharya (teacher) here in the NJ, USA.
Chinmaya Mission was established in India in 1953 by devotees of the world-renowned Vedanta teacher, His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda. Guided by his vision, devotees all around the world formed the nucleus of a spiritual renaissance movement that now encompasses a wide range of spiritual, educational, and charitable activities, ennobling the lives of thousands in India and across its borders.
Presently, headed by His Holiness Swami Swaroopananda, the Mission is administered by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust (CCMT) in Mumbai, India. Under his guidance, the Mission has continued mushrooming across the globe and stands today with over 300 centres worldwide.
Chinmaya Vrindavan offers an array of study forums and activities in English based on Indian scriptures for adults, children, youth (18-35 years) and senior citizens (60+) that empower and transform individuals. Chinmaya Vrindava is run entirely by volunteers and nearly all our activities are free to attend. In the spirit of the Vedic tradition that the highest knowledge should be given freely to all, the majority of our activities are supported by the contribution of individuals and generous sponsors.
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Regular Activities
Chinmaya Vrindavan conducts regular classes for all ages – there is something suitable for everyone, right from babies a few months old to senior citizens. These classes take different forms including talks by our resident Acharya, Swami Shanthananda ji , interactive classes for children and teenagers, study groups and workshops. We also offer classes in Sanskrit, social service projects, devotional singing, and yoga and celebrate a range of festivals and events throughout the year. The Balavihar for children of all ages is a wonderful and enriching program conducted by Chinmaya Vrindavan. Please check out the Balavihar links in the main menu for all details
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Annual Activities
Our core annual activities include residential retreats (camps) and Gyana Yagnas (spiritual discourses) conducted by our own Swami Shantanandaji and visiting Swamis on texts including the Bhagavad Geeta and the Upanishads. Swamis are most commonly Sannyasis (monks) trained in Chinmaya Mission’s teacher-taught lineage, who have dedicated their lives to the study and dissemination of Vedic knowledge for the benefit of society. For details and schedules please click the Yagnas and Activities link on the main menu
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Publications
Chinmaya Mission publishes hundreds of titles on Vedanta and has two global divisions in the USA and India dedicated to producing the highest quality books and audiovisual content, including commentaries on every major Vedic text. We have a bookshop at our centre and a dedicated US-based online bookshop on which it is possible to purchase most items: www.chinmayapublications.com.
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Other Regional Chinmaya centers
Sevaral Chinmaya Mission centers and temples exist in and around the Chinmaya Vrindavan ashram. These centers are listed below
Chinmaya Madhuvan - Yardley, PA
Chinmaya Ramdoot - Branchburg, NJ
Chinmaya Ramalaya - Harleysville, PA
Chinmaya Jersey city Bala Vihar
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Chinmaya Mission Worldwide
Chinmaya Mission is spread out all over the world with hundreds of ashrams and temples. Below are listed some of the main Chinmaya Centers
Chinmaya Mission Headquarters (CCMT) - Mumbai
Chinmaya Mission West - headquarters for western hemisphere
Chinmaya International Foundation - Veliyanad, Kerala