study-devi-groups

Study Groups constitute the heart of our Mission. The ideas, when discussed with others, not only become deeply rooted in you…they also inspire those who listen to you…

Swami Chinmayananda

Study Groups

A grassroots movement
Study Groups began through the enthusiasm of thousands of sincere seekers who attended Swami Chinmayananda's talks and yajnas, and felt the need to continue regular scriptural studies.
It was at the end of the 17th Jnana Yajna in Delhi (March 1956), where Swami Chinmayananda emphasized the necessity for meeting regularly with a definite study scheme. Interested persons were allocated a ‘Study Group’ at a location near their home.
Each week, the group met to study the various scriptures of Vedanta together, in a methodical and systematic manner. The Chinmaya Movement emerged, grew, and expanded into a worldwide spiritual organisation of Vedantic teachings based on the strength of its Study Groups.

Study Group Model

A Chinmaya Mission Study group involves five to fifteen people who meet weekly for about ninety minutes at a time and location convenient to the members.
The group studies and discusses scriptural texts according to a prescribed syllabus that offers the seeker a systematic exposure to Vedanta. Chinmaya Study Groups enable seekers to connect with like-minded individuals and to wrestle with the ideas and concepts of Vedanta for their deeper understanding.
Members of the group support each other by sharing their study, knowledge, reflections and experiences of personal application.

Study group purpose

Nurturing regular spiritual practice

The focus of Chinmaya Study Groups is logical reflection on the teachings of the scriptures. The aim is to gain Self-knowledge.
To explain the importance of constant reflection, Swami Chinmayananda gave the example of a cup of coffee with a spoon of sugar at the bottom. Until and unless the sugar is stirred, the coffee remains bitter.
Similarly, knowledge can only be assimilated and permeate our thoughts and actions when it is properly ‘stirred’ by the intellect. The purpose of a Chinmaya Mission Study Group is to stir the knowledge of Advaita Vedanta.
Regular participation develops an enquiring mind, strengthens faith and devotion and encourages implementing spiritual practices in daily life. By leading such an integrated life, sincere seekers benefit their families and have an impact in their community and beyond to build a more peaceful world.

Study Group Curriculum

The programme of study as formulated by Swami Chinmayananda is so designed that even a novice at Vedanta can understand the introductory topics. The outline and study texts cater to the quantity of time each member has, as well as their attention span and level of knowledge.

Certain basic steps are followed in the study of each verse of the text:
• Understanding the context and background of the verse and connecting it to the previous one
• Appreciating the deeper import of specific words
• Reflecting and contemplating on the verse

Devi Group concept

Devi Groups are study groups exclusively for women. The first Devi Group, or Chinmaya Study Group exclusively for women, was inaugurated in November 1958, at Chennai, India, with Swami Chinmayananda's blessings:
‘Salutations to Mothers! I need not mention how happy I am that a Devi section of Chinmaya Mission is being inaugurated on this sacred day. Indeed, women have been, and even today are, the real custodians of our country's spiritual culture. The fall of our cultural standard is a true measure of the growing ignorance in the mothers of our society.’

To find out about classes and activities near you, contact your nearest Chinmaya Mission Centre or contact us at ccmt@chinmayamission.com

Central Chinmaya Mission Trust

Saki Vihar Road, Powai, Mumbai - 400 072.

Tel : +91-22-2803 4900

E-mail : ccmt@chinmayamission.com