Prayagraj, 19 Sept (HS): The most important aspiration of

human life is perhaps the desire to be free from sorrow. Yet, despite our

efforts to change people and circumstances around us, sorrow often continues to

trouble us. What if the source of our sorrow lies not so much in external

situations, but in the way we interpret and respond to them?

Exploring this profound question, Chinmaya Mission Prayagraj

is organising a Gita Jnana Yajna from 20 to 30 September 2026, with

illuminating discourses by Swami Abhedananda Sarasvati, Acharya of Chinmaya

Mission. The evening sessions will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at the

Chinmaya Mission Ashram, Prayagraj.

The Yajna will focus on the profound teachings of the 9th

Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, exploring the nature, character and influence of

Ishvara (the Supreme Reality) and their relevance to our understanding of life.

Swami Abhedananda Sarasvati brings over three decades of

experience in teaching Vedanta, Bhakti and Yoga. Through his talks, retreats

and extensive work with spiritual seekers, he has sought to make the timeless

wisdom of the scriptures relevant to contemporary life. His teaching

initiatives have included a 600-day series on the Ramcharitmanas. His work has

also extended internationally, including the development of six ashrams and two

temples in South Africa.

In Africa, Swamiji conceived the “Nourish to Flourish”

initiative, through which more than 2,000 underprivileged people receive

nutritious meals free of charge every day. To date, the initiative has

benefited more than 300,000 people. He was honoured with the Sivananda World

Peace Award in 2024.

The central message of the Yajna is deeply relevant to

modern life. As Swami Abhedananda explains, the “address” of sorrow is not

necessarily in external circumstances, but in our own interpretations and

notions. “Change your mindset, and situations will no longer trouble you.

Instead of fighting your troubles, try to dissolve the troubled personality.”

The Yajna will therefore be an opportunity to look within

and understand how our perceptions, expectations and misconceptions influence

our experience of life. The wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita offers not merely

philosophical knowledge, but a practical vision for developing clarity, inner

strength and a more balanced approach to life’s challenges.

Alongside the evening Gita Jnana Yajna, morning Vedanta

classes on Dashashloki, composed by Adi Shankaracharya, will be conducted from

21 to 30 September, from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. These sessions will provide an

opportunity to explore the fundamentals of Vedantic thought through the

profound teachings of Adi Shankaracharya.

The programme is intended not merely as a series of

lectures, but as an invitation to pause, reflect and discover a deeper

understanding of oneself and life. The timeless wisdom of the scriptures can

offer valuable insights into dealing with challenges, relationships and the

constant changes of the world with greater clarity and equanimity.

Chinmaya Mission Prayagraj invites seekers, students,

families and all those interested in exploring the deeper dimensions of life to

participate in this spiritual programme. Venue: Shri Akhileshwar Mahadev Mandir

Sabhagar, Chinmaya Naveen Sevashram Nyas, Rasulabad Ghat Road, Prayagraj.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi