Spreading the knowledge of Vedanta to Vancouver and beyond
Our Vision & Values
To provide to individuals from any background, the wisdom of Vedanta and the practical means for growth and happiness, enabling them to become positive contributors to society.
The aim of the Mission is to impart the timeless and universal science of Vedanta and infuse its members with dynamic wisdom through further knowledge of the Self. This dynamism can be seen in the hundreds of schools, hospitals, and rural upliftment projects the Mission funds and oversees.
Inspired by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinamayananda’s visit to British Columbia in 1972 for a lecture series at Simon Fraser University, Chinmaya Mission Vancouver (CMV) was started to continue spreading this Vedantic knowledge and play an important in fostering the culture of India in the minds of the people of Vancouver.
1889-1957
1916-1993
Former Head - Chinmaya Mission Worldwide
Head - Chinmaya Mission Worldwide
Chinmaya Mission Vancouver is part of the Global Chinmaya Mission, an organization with over 200 centres around the world. Learn more about the Mission’s history, its many projects and charitable activities, and ongoing events and courses.
August 8, 1953
The powerful words of the brilliant, unknown, young Swami had kindled a flame in the hearts of a group of people in Chennai. On Swamiji Chinmayanda’s suggestion, a group of people set up an informal forum to collectively study the Upanishads in Chennai, India. These texts, Swami Chinmayananda had emphasized, needed to be read numerous times for the knowledge to percolate into and be assimilated by the heart and mind. Soon after, this study group with the blessing of Swamiji, was seeking to setup an organization using the term “Chinmaya”, which signified true knowledge and “pure Consciousness.” It was to be a movement dedicated to the spread of knowledge.
1972
The seeds of “The Chinmaya Movement” were laid in Vancouver B.C., in 1972 when Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayanandaji was scheduled to arrive for a series of three lectures at Simon Fraser University. The organizer, Mrs. Menon suddenly had to fly to New York and so Mr. and Mrs. Kapahi got the golden opportunity of hosting Gurudev. This accidental incident proved to be a turning point in their lives and of the Chinmaya movement in Vancouver.
1986
Regular study classes have been conducted in Vancouver by various Acharyas. Inspired by Pujya Gurudev, Robyn Thompson joined the two year Brahmachari course in Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai. Brahmacharini Robyn returned to Vancouver in 1986 and conducted regular study classes which were held first at Mr. and Mrs Deshpandeï's residence and later on at Mr and Mrs Kapahiï's residence.
1988
Inspired by Pujya Swami Tejomayanandaji's discourse on Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Geeta Jaya Muzumdar joined the Chinmaya Mission, Vancouver in 1988. She remained an active listener for 11 years while her two children were growing up and in 1997 joined the board as Treasurer. She took over as President in 2003 until 2015.
September 2021
Continuing the teachings and values of the global Chinmaya Mission in Vancouver today, our organization remains strong and steadfast in its mission to promote spiritual growth and happiness to all. Accordingly, we strive to make our newly redesigned website as the primary means to communicate our special events and classes to our members.
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