The life of Swami Chinmayananda is indeed legendary. His life was one of extraordinary spiritual strength, immeasurable love and tireless service. In less than half a century, Swami Chinmayananda left behind a worldwide organisation, hundreds of institutions, and millions of devotees. This was all aimed at a single theme, discovering the Eternal within.

Swami Chinmayananda was born on May 8th, 1916 as Balakrishna Menon (Balan) in Ernakulam, Kerala. His family was very devout in their religious life and had regular contact with holy men. This influence moulded Balan’s mental and moral make-up preparing him for the mission of his life ahead.

Balan excelled with his education graduating in Science, Political Science, Law and English Literature at Lucknow University. A man of strong ideas and idealism he entered the field of journalism where he felt he could influence political, economic and social reform in India. At this time he met Swami Shivananda at Rishikesh and became very interested in the spiritual path. Here he found the answers that he was seeking.

Balakrishna Menon took monkhood from Swami Shivananda to become Swami Chinmayananda - the one who is saturated in Bliss and Consciousness. Swami Shivananda saw the potential in Swami Chinmayananda and sent him to study under the greatest Teacher in the Himalayas - Swami Tapovan Maharaj.

Swami Chinmayananda studied for 12 years under Swami Tapovan’s guidance, leading a very austere and rigorous life. Then he felt a deep inner urge to share his knowledge and wisdom with the mass of humanity. He descended to the plains and held his first yagna in Poona to a small group of three people. This humble beginning rapidly expanded to more than 500 series of lectures given to audiences numbering thousands.

Swami Chinmayananda, known to his devotees as "Gurudev", has authored more than 35 books which include commentaries on the major Upanishads and the Bhagvad Geeta. His commentary on the Bhagvad Geeta is acknowledged as one of the finest ever written.

On 3 August 1993, in San Diego, USA, Swami Chinmayananda attained Mahasamadhi. He worked tirelessly to the very last moment and created an international spiritual revolution.