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Journey of a Master: Swami Chinmayananda
This biography Swami Chinmayananda (1916-1993) is for anyone who wants to get a perspective of a different mindset and a unique way of life. In telling the story of one master’s training and evolution in the Himalayas and his subsequent mission to his countrymen, the author enlightens you on the essence of India’s culture, philosophy and religion. His story will surely educate you, inspire you, and broaden your horizons of the meaning of life.
The Swami spent five years in the Himalayas under the tutelage of two incredible Masters of live, as different as day and night. Although both were scholars of the scriptures, their manifestation was unique. One was an incredible streak of light and energy who traveled India teaching, then created a huge ashram center to serve all of humanity. The other was a quiet contemplative recluse who sang inspirational songs and taught only a few students.
Swami Chinmayananda appeared on the scene at an appropriate time in Indian history. The British had just left the country with no one trained to take the helm of State. The British had taken all the top government positions. In addition, they had curtailed any industrial development; the Empire was about having consumers for British products. The Indians had lost their moorings: economically, spiritually and personally.
To these countrymen, beaten down by 150 years of British rule, repression and slavery, the Swami gave a message of hope. He worked relentlessly for about 40 years to bring about a spiritual revival in India and abroad. His unique style and logical approach was appreciated by everyone from college students to bankers to priests—both Hindu and Christian.
By teaching directly the wisdom of their ancient scriptures, he gave the listeners confidence and inspiration to move forward in business and in creating charitable endeavors for the uplifting of the downtrodden of the country. Through 200 centers in India, his devotees have built and operate schools, hospitals and clinics, nursing homes, retirement homes and training centers for nurses and teachers, as well as spiritual training centers.
This story of the legacy of one of the most influential persons in the modern history of Hinduism is sure to surprise you, amaze you—and inspire you.
The Swami spent five years in the Himalayas under the tutelage of two incredible Masters of live, as different as day and night. Although both were scholars of the scriptures, their manifestation was unique. One was an incredible streak of light and energy who traveled India teaching, then created a huge ashram center to serve all of humanity. The other was a quiet contemplative recluse who sang inspirational songs and taught only a few students.
Swami Chinmayananda appeared on the scene at an appropriate time in Indian history. The British had just left the country with no one trained to take the helm of State. The British had taken all the top government positions. In addition, they had curtailed any industrial development; the Empire was about having consumers for British products. The Indians had lost their moorings: economically, spiritually and personally.
To these countrymen, beaten down by 150 years of British rule, repression and slavery, the Swami gave a message of hope. He worked relentlessly for about 40 years to bring about a spiritual revival in India and abroad. His unique style and logical approach was appreciated by everyone from college students to bankers to priests—both Hindu and Christian.
By teaching directly the wisdom of their ancient scriptures, he gave the listeners confidence and inspiration to move forward in business and in creating charitable endeavors for the uplifting of the downtrodden of the country. Through 200 centers in India, his devotees have built and operate schools, hospitals and clinics, nursing homes, retirement homes and training centers for nurses and teachers, as well as spiritual training centers.
This story of the legacy of one of the most influential persons in the modern history of Hinduism is sure to surprise you, amaze you—and inspire you.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1989
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98 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 23, 2015
This is an amazing story about the life and evolution of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. Ms. Nancy Freeman Patchen does a wonderful job of not only providing context to the locations and events of Gurudev's time in this bodily form, but also illustrating the charm and wit of Gurudev, whether it be in lectures or satsangs or any other form of communication with devotees. Gurudev had a manner of taking the complicated concepts of Vedanta and explaining them in a way that made them much simpler and easier to comprehend, and did so with His unique sense of humor. It allowed us devotees to use those lessons and apply them in our daily lives, no matter what situations we encountered. Part 4 was my favorite part of the book because of its question and answer format, with Gurudev providing insightful answers to the questions of devotees. This book is a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it!
skimmed-through-read-again-later
June 17, 2013A fascinating account of Swamiji's life and lessons. Remember reading as much as I could within a span of 2-3 hours at the library in my university. I particularly enjoyed reading about his childhood in Kerala, and his journey from self proclaimed atheism to sanyaasa. Hope to re-read it completely soon!
October 3, 2019
What a great he was.
January 11, 2010
It's a fascinating book about an extraordinary man who touched millions of lives and left them better, happier & more enlightened. Although I never had the opportunity to meet him, he's made the most significant impact on my life! This book attempts to give you a glimpse of his teachings and his influence and succeeds quite well.
April 23, 2019
This is a superb biography of a man who led a divinely spiritual life dedicated to serving humanity. If you are interested in meditation and spirituality...its a must read. It's no good just meditating and leading a selfish life..!
May 25, 2016
Read this book to take a dip and bath in the Spiritual experience of a great guru.
October 29, 2018
Nice biography.
Nice detailed life account of Shri Swami Chinmayanandji on uplifting the community living socially and spiritually. It was nice to read it.
Nice detailed life account of Shri Swami Chinmayanandji on uplifting the community living socially and spiritually. It was nice to read it.
April 25, 2021
Gives a great insight to the making of a great seer as also the Chinmay Mission. The long journey of the master from a village in the south to becoming a popular and revered spiritual leader is indeed stupefying. Everything about the book is great other than the sequencing.
September 24, 2025
Good Read if spiritual saints and gurus lives interests you. The presentation and the manner in which the book is written could have been better. Nevertheless, it is a fine read about one of the most popular swamis from India.
May 18, 2023
Enjoyed the book. Clearly one of the great thinkers in recent times.
April 30, 2023
It is an interesting account of a Swamiji who had had an interesting family background, good education, and the benefit and blessings of two of the most notable and remarkable spiritual luminaries of the 20th century.
Swamiji's life had always, since his teenage days in fact, been dotted with great many controversies and radicalities: of all, the most uncommon one was his intention not to be dissuaded by his Diksha guru who did not see any value in his embarking on reforming the world. His disobedience was a trifle unorthodox and heterodox for a Swamiji who taught Hinduism.
The book gave a good overview of Swami Chinmayananda's swift rise to prominence at a time when his Siksha and Diksha gurus were still around. The author's efforts were, however, vastly blemished by her parochial belief in Aryan Invasion theory.
Swamiji's life had always, since his teenage days in fact, been dotted with great many controversies and radicalities: of all, the most uncommon one was his intention not to be dissuaded by his Diksha guru who did not see any value in his embarking on reforming the world. His disobedience was a trifle unorthodox and heterodox for a Swamiji who taught Hinduism.
The book gave a good overview of Swami Chinmayananda's swift rise to prominence at a time when his Siksha and Diksha gurus were still around. The author's efforts were, however, vastly blemished by her parochial belief in Aryan Invasion theory.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews