Posted by Milan Samani on April 27, 2002 at 22:18:11:
Hari Om !
Attached is a report of Swami Chidatmanandaji's recent visit to London
(Apr 19-23, 2002) for publication in Tapovan Prasad. Thanks & Hari Om Suresh Chinmaya Mission UK
Swami Chidatmananda: A Whirlwind Visit by Milan Samani (Apr 25, 2002)
Swami Chidatmananda left yesterday morning for the US after what can only be described as a Whirlwind visit: immensely powerful and moving, yet so very brief and over before we realised it. Those of you who were able to attend his talks will agree with me when I say he truly is an exceptional man and an exceptional Swami.
His brief visit began on Thursday with a mind-blowing introduction to 'Values for Excellence'. For those of you that heard Swamiji speak for the first time, his tremendous oratorical abilities and skill in manipulating words were absolutely staggering.
Saturday was dedicated to the Youth, with the whole morning and afternoon filled with Questions/Answer sessions, discussion groups and a talk entitled 'Relax in Vedanta'. By the evening, word was getting around that there was an extraordinary Swami in town and his talk on 'Success in Marriage' (a must for those in, or contemplating entering the institution of marriage) was given to an audience of well over a hundred, in a house bursting at the seams with people.
On Sunday, the auspicious day of Ram Navmi, all talks were dedicated to the Ramayana, beginning in the morning with a talk at the Sai Centre in Mill Hill. This was followed by a combined Bal Vihar session in Northwood where we were blessed with not only Swamiji's presence, but also fantastic weather. While Swamiji spoke to the Parents, the rest of us kids (!) were wreaking havoc outside on the bouncy castle, throwing Holi colour
(any opportunity) and generally making a mess. Talks on the Ramayana continued throughout the afternoon and evening, with the ever-expanding audience reaching over a hundred people.
Monday saw a talk on 'The Science of Mantra Yoga' and the conclusion to 'Values for Excellence': both talks making people feel proud to be part of an organisation that can produce Swami's who can so effortlessly weave logic, wit, and knowledge of the higher.
Tuesday afternoon's subject, 'Thoughts on Creation' was considered by those who attended to be the most profound talk of Swamiji's visit and the talk on Stress Management at University College London had to be heard to be believed. Both talks were a deft fusion of Science and Spirituality and left the audience (mostly newcomers at UCL) stunned and eager for more.
Unfortunately there was no more, as Swamiji's brief but intense whirlwind of a visit had ended. Our deepest thanks to Swamiji for enriching us with his presence and to all of you who helped to organise and attended the talks.
On a personal level, Swamiji was a very powerful inspiration for my activity within the mission when he first visited London last year and we on the committee are fast realising that next year, bhikshas and one-off talks will not be enough to satisfy his ever-increasing crowds... watch this space!
If you missed Swamiji roar live on stage, recordings of his talks will be available:
* Values for Excellence Set of 3
* Stress Management 1 tape
* Success in Marriage 1 tape
* Ram Navmi: Aspirations for Excellence Set of 4
* The Science of Mantra Yoga 1 tape
* Thoughts on Creation 1 tape
Please e-mail us at info@chinmayauk.org for more details.
Hari Om. Milan Samani