Chinmayananda biography
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Early indications
Balan was not born holy, yet he took sannyasa at the age of thirty-three, as, in his words, “It was the only sensible thing to do.” Tracing back to the early s, this son born to the Poothampalli House in Kerala’s Ernakulam, to Vadakke Kurupath Kuttan Menon of Trichur and his wife, the devout Parukutti Menon, Poothampalli Balakrishnan Menon was the third child after two daughters. This was a traditional home steeped in worship and service of the Lord, where worship and prayer lasted longer than a slow meal. It was a home known for its kindness and hospitality, where Kulagurus Chattambi Swamigal, Yogiraj Bhairavananda and all visiting saints were revered and respected. Little did this household imagine that the baby in the crib came with a severely questioning mind, unrelenting of illogical discipline and a bank of questions whose answers lay dispersed and far into time.
In Poothampalli House, the evening poojas that at first began as a trial for an indifferent B
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Swami Chinmayananda&#;s Formative Years
“The future is carved out of the present moment. Tomorrow’s harvest depends upon today’s ploughing and sowing.” &#; Swami Chinmayananda
In Kerala, the birthplace of Adi Shankara and many other spiritual giants, was born Balakrishnan Menon (Balan), who was to become Chinmayananda. He was born in the city of Ernakulam on May 8, , as the eldest son of a munsif (judge), named Kuttan Menon. Balan lost his mother, Parukutty Amma, when he was fem. His mother’s sister, Kochu Narayani Amma, brought up Balan and was called Mother bygd him.
Watch the Film on Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda here.
From to he studied at St. Thomas College, where he earned a BA degree. He went on to Lucknow university to take brev graduate degrees in literature and lag. While still at Lucknow University, Balakrishnan joined the Quit India movement. He actively participated in India’s independence movement and was imprisoned. In prison, he became seriously ill and was nackdelar
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The life of Swami Chinmayananda was one of extraordinary spiritual strength, immeasurable love and tireless service. In less than half a century, he has left behind a worldwide organisation, hundreds of institutions, and millions of devotees. This was all aimed at a single theme, discovering the Eternal within.
Early Life
Swami Chinmayananda was born on May 8th, as Balakrishna Menon (Balan) in Ernakulam, Kerala. His family was very devout in their religious life and had regular contact with holy men. This influence moulded Balan&#;s mental and moral make-up preparing him for the mission of his life ahead.
Balan excelled with his education graduating in Science, Political Science, Law and English Literature at Lucknow University. A man of strong ideas and idealism he entered the field of journalism where he felt he could influence political, economic and social reform in India. At this time he met Swami Sivananda at Rishikesh and became very interested in the spiritual path.