About Us
Chinmaya Mission is a dynamic spiritual organization dedicated to enriching countless lives with the timeless wisdom of Vedanta and Hindu scriptures. Since 1982, Chinmaya Mission Houston (CMH)’s founding Acarya couple, Sri Gaurangbhai Nanavaty and Smt. Darshanaben Nanavaty have advanced the mission and vision of Pujya Gurudeva Swami Chinmayananda in all of CMH’s activities. Sunday discourses, and weekly Study Groups empower adults with scriptural living. Yuvakendra classes and activities energize youth with positive self-unfoldment, and Bala Vihar nourishes children with a love for values symbolized in the multifaceted Hindu culture. To continue the transformational Journey with The Master, CMH now offers the Chinmaya Jivan Darshan, a digital multimedia exposition of Pujya Gurudeva’s teachings to reach seekers around the world. The innovative journey with the Vedantic Master is highlighted with the milestones from many of his discourses, books, satsangs, and press discussions – Chinmaya Jivan Darshan will be charted with His unforgettable words and voice.
Our Gurudeva
Swami Chinmayananda (1916-1993), the founder of Chinmaya Mission, was born in Cochin, India. Not satisfied with degrees in literature and law or with other worldly aspirations, he pursued the spiritual path in the Himalayas under the guidance of Swami Shivananda and Swami Tapovanam.
He taught the logic of spirituality, while emphasizing the balance of head and heart. “Selfless work, study, and meditation are the cornerstones of spiritual practice,” he said. He is credited with the renaissance of spiritual and cultural values in India and with awakening the rest of the world to the ageless wisdom of Vedanta.
Our Guruji
As the Spiritual Head of Chinmaya Mission centers worldwide, Swami Tejomayananda is fulfilling the vision that Swami Chinmayananda started. He oversees spiritual, cultural, educational, and social service activities, which are so dear to Gurudeva. As he puts it, “I am not in Swamiji’s shoes, I am at his feet.”
Swami Tejomayananda completed the Vedanta studies at an early age of twenty, and was initiated into Samnyasa in 1983. He decided to dedicate his life to spreading the teachings of Pujya Gurudeva.
Our Worldwide Head
In an era ripe with scepticism and confusion about matters spiritual, Swami Swaroopananda is a rare voice that blends authenticity with accessibility; theory with self- practice; logic with heart. In his words:
“Fill the heart with the oil of love, place in it the wick of single-pointed mind. Light it with the knowledge of truth and remove the darkness of ignorance around you. Just as one lamp can light many lamps let each youth kindle this light in many hearts”.
Formerly the Regional Head of Chinmaya Mission Australia, United Kingdom, Middle East, Africa and Far East, and presently Chairman of the Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth Trust (University for Sanskrit and Indic Traditions) and Director of the Chinmaya International Residential School in Coimbatore, South India, Swami Swaroopananda has now been bestowed by Swami Tejomayananda the privilege to also serve as the Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide.