Chinmaya Upavan
Chinmaya Upavan is a 4.5 acre wooded property aptly named by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda ji as it surrounded by luscious forest-like greenery. It has been acquired by Chinmaya Mission New York to build an Institute of Vedantic studies along with a Hindu temple and a community center where people of all ages can converge to study, discuss and imbibe Vedantic wisdom. Located on 129 Woodbury Road, Woodbury, NY 11797, it is easily accessible by the highway and LIRR Cold Spring Harbor Station.
Vision and Purpose
The goal of life is Self-Realization or the realization of our oneness with the Divine. The three methods given in our scriptures are: śravaṇam, mananam,and nididhyāsanam which mean listening to the truth, reflecting upon it and thus, realizing it. Years ago, seekers used to convene by the banks of the river, in the forests or in sacred ashrams to perform austerities, serve, and purify the mind thus being able to absorb the great declarations of our scriptures.
While today, we have several methods of connecting online and listening to our scriptures from various people from all over the world, the sublimation of the ego does not happen through merely contact with the scriptures but it happens through companionship with those who sincerely walk this path.
Having a space where our community can meet and learn from the Guru Parampara and serve together for a greater cause is key to self-development and keeping this tradition and culture alive. Chinmaya Upavan is a place for all seekers to spend time with each other or in solitude, serve, purify and reflect while walking on this path of spirituality.
Our main deity will be Vanvāsi Rāma Parivār. Upon being sent to the forest, Śrī Rāma and Sītā Mātā and Lakṣmaṇa ji bravely faced the unknown without blame and without complaint. As they lived in the forest, they spent their time performing austerities and in satsanga with the saints and sages. We too aspire for Upavan to be that sacred place.
Divine Service:
Chinmaya Mission runs hundreds of schools, hospitals, rehabilitation centers and temples around the world. However, the Mission’s highest purpose is to help people discover the magnitude of their own potential.
It is through the wisdom of Vedanta that a person can peel off layers of acquired identity that constrain them from achieving their true potential. The precise alignment of mind, body and spirit to unlock the human genius and elevate its possibilities, is the hallmark of Vedantic knowledge. Chinmaya Mission Upavan is the sanctuary where seekers embark on their journey within.
“iha ced-avedīd-atha satyam-asti na ced-ihāvedīn-mahatī vinaṣṭiḥ |bhūteṣu bhūteṣu vicitya dhīrāḥ pretyā-smāllokād-amṛtā bhavanti || 2.5 ||” - Kenopanishad
If one realizes the Self, here in this lifetime then the true end of all human aspirations is gained. The goal of life is achieved. If one does not, great is the destruction. The wise, seeing the one Ātman in all beings, rise from the sensual world and realize their immortality.
Facility Highlights
The facilities at Chinmaya Upavan will include: Yajña Hall – The yajña hall will accommodate approximately 200 seekers where Vedantic discourses by Swamins, Brahmacharins and Sevaks will take place. We will also be able to host workshops, training sessions, and cultural programs catering to our community. We will also celebrate various festivals such as Navarātri, Deepāvalī, Mahā Śivarātri, Holi, Śrī Rāma Navami, Hanumān Jayantī, Sītā Navamī, Guru Pūrṇimā where the deeper significance of the festivals will be explained along with a simple traditional pūjā and bhajans by the community. *Space will also be available for rent – (Weddings, Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc.) Mahāvākya Temple – A sacred temple which will serve as a place of worship for our community members will be built. This will be a place of silence and meditation on the Mahāvākya Tat Tvam Asi – Thou Art That from the Chhandogya Upaniṣad. Temple structure: Left wall: Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, symbolizing the Guru that leads us to the ultimate Truth Left Deity: Śrī Kṛṣṇa, symbolizing the word TAT – That Īśvara or Lord from which everything emerges, is sustained and into which everything dissolves. Middle Deity: Śrī Rāma Parivār, symbolizing the word TVAM – That Jīva or individual who lives a life of dharma in this world in and through their lives. Right Deity: Bhagavān Śiva, symbolizing the word ASI – That Ādi Guru who reveals to us that the essence of the Lord and the essence of the individual are ONE. Right wall: Mirror Tat Tvam Asi You are what you seek Listen to it. Reflect upon it. Realize it. This is the purpose of life. We will also have a form of Lord Ganesha to welcome us and ensure that we are free from any obstacles during our study and reflection. Bala Vihar / Study Group/ Devī Group Classrooms – 10 Bala Vihar/ Study Group/Devī Group classrooms will be constructed which will serve to teach our children, youth, adults and seniors Vedanta – the Science of Inspired Living. Both our Bala Vihars and Study Groups follow a systematic study of Vedanta whether it is through our Itihāsas like Rāmāyaṇa or Mahābhārata or prakaraṇa granthas or topical texts like Self-Unfoldment, Bhaja Govindam or the Upaniṣads and the Bhagavād Gītā. Recently, our Devī Group has also developed where women learn chanting of Viṣṇu Sahasraṇāma and various stotras. Our classrooms will ensure the continuation of all of the above activities in a safe, secure environment and also provide space to reach out to more families. The facility can also be used for a children’s summer camp. Fully Equipped Commercial Kitchen – While food for the soul is of utmost importance, the body as the tool or instrument which enables us to stand, sit and absorb also needs our love and care. Our fully equipped commercial kitchen aims to provide our community with holistic vegetarian food while being as eco-friendly as possible with minimum waste. After all, our forest is also our Goddess just in a different name and form. This will also give an opportunity for our volunteers to serve the community in different ways. Parking for approximately 100 cars – Upavan will be a safe place where families can park their cars. It is located in Woodbury, NY. It is 1.5 miles north of the Long Island Expressway at Maneto hills road exit and is approximately an hour drive from Manhattan. It is also very accessible to the LIRR Cold Spring Harbor Station (a one hour train ride and a 15 minute walk). Accessibility – The entire building is wheelchair accessible and also has an elevator which goes to all floors.
History
Swami Chinmayananda visited New York in the early 1970s and inspired many sevaks and sevikas to start study groups to discuss Vedanta and even start Bala Vihar for their children. On September 11, 2007, Chinmaya Mission New York was officially incorporated as a non-profit organization. Almost 50 years later, we are ready to build our home so that we can continue to serve the community in a larger way and leave a legacy for our children.
Upavan Timeline
2013-2014 – CM Board members started looking for a new ashram. They scouted over 50 places in Manhattan, Queens and Long Island and decided on a location in Long Island due to its ability to accommodate a larger number of people and car parking.
2015 – Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda visited New York. During this time, he was shown a piece of land in Woodbury, Long Island. He was very impressed with the hilly terrain and lush trees. He approved this to be the center of Chinmaya Mission New York and named it Chinmaya Upavan.
2015-2018 – The Board went through the process of getting permits from the town of Oyster Bay and Nassau County to build the ashram and finally purchased the property.
2018 – Pujya Swami Swaroopananda ji visited New York for his yajña on ‘Maha Mrtyuñjaya Mantra’ at the Ganesha Temple in Flushing Queens. During this time, he presided over the Bhūmi Pūjā or ground breaking ceremony of Chinmaya Upavan and announced our main deity of Vanvāsi Rāma Parivār.
On August 16, 2018, CMNY had their official ground breaking ceremony or Bhoomi Puja in the presence of Swami Swaroopananda ji.
2019-2021 – The Board continued the process of working on the permits for the property.
July 23, 2021 – On the auspicious day of Guru Pūrṇimā, Dr. Jatin Kapadia received all the approvals for the property from the town of Oyster bay and Nassau county. After many hurdles, we have finished all requirements and are seeking bids from General Contractors with the aim of beginning construction soon.
October 30, 2023 –With Bhagavan’s grace and blessings, the construction of Chinmaya Upavan finally started with a special blessing from Swami Ramakrishnananda ji. Your donations will fund the construction of Chinmaya Upavan so that we can finally have a home for our community.
Contribution Opportunities
We invite our entire community to build our home. CMNY is the New York Chapter of the Chinmaya Mission, serving New York City, Long Island, Westchester and Wappinger Falls. We are a community of over 2,000 members with programs for all ages including children, youth, adults and seniors. Now, more than ever, we seek your support. Donations can take the form of sponsorships, giving levels as outlined on our giving tree or according to one’s ability.
Supporting Chinmaya Upavan will contribute significantly in creating a safe and secure space to ensure the preservation and teaching of Hindu Scriptures thereby benefiting all members of our community at large. Our Rishis did so much just to keep our scriptures intact and it is our dharma, to pass these teachings on to the next generation. Together, we can make this happen.
Sponsorship Opportunities as we build our center include:
FOUNDING SPONSORS
| SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES | AMOUNT IN US DOLLARS |
|---|---|
| Vanavasi Ram Parivaar (Main Deity) | $200,000 |
| Radha Krishna Deity | $75,000 |
| Shiva | $75,000 |
| Ganesha | $75,000 |
| Main Yajna Hall | $200,000 |
| Library/Office | $75,000 |
| Dining/Meeting Room | $75,000 |
| Bala Vihar Classroom | $50,000 each |
FOUNDING DONORS
| DONOR OPPORTUNITIES | AMOUNT IN US DOLLARS |
|---|---|
| Diamond | $35,000 |
| Platinum | $25,000 |
| Gold | $15,000 |
| Silver | $10,000 |
You can make donations by check payable to: Chinmaya Mission New York
And mail to:
Chinmaya Mission New York
c/o Kanwal K. Kapur, CPA
25 Winthrop Drive, Woodbury, NY 11797
Please mention Chinmaya Upavan on memo line.
Wire transfer information is available upon request for larger donations – please email info@chinmayanewyork.org.
Chinmaya Mission New York is tax exempt organization under section 501(c)(3).
Your contribution is deductible to the extent permitted under the law.
While no amount is too big or too small, it takes many trees to build a forest (Upavan). Please also use our Giving Tree below as a guidance for online donation levels.
We are grateful if you would consider absorbing the online processing fee so that the full amount of your contribution may benefit Chinmaya Upavan. Please send a check for any donations over $5001.00 to avoid processing fees.
CMNY Upavan FAQ for fundraising
Our objectives for the Upavan Fund 2021-2022 is to raise at least $3 million to begin construction of Chinmaya Upavan, an institute of Vedantic studies & Hindu Temple in Woodbury, NY.
For our first fundraiser, starting Nov 4, 2021 our goal is to raise $2 million.
What are the goals of Chinmaya Upavan?
- To develop and sustain an ashrama/place of learning, reflection and contemplation for seekers of all ages and stages of life
- To conduct Vedanta classes, Study Groups and Bala Vihar offering a systematic scheme of study by trained teachers
- To invite various Swamins/Brahmacharins/Sevaks for jñana yajñas to enlighten the community
- To celebrate festivals with their deeper significance and philosophy
- To have a facility to conduct special occasions for the Bala Vihar communities in Manhattan and Queens-Long Island such as graduation, summer camp and various festivals
- To offer a retreat space for those seeking solitude and silent reflection
What is your role in helping to build Chinmaya Upavan?
As members of this community, we serve as sevaks and sevikas of a greater Mission and Vision. Supporting Chinmaya Upavan will contribute significantly in creating a safe and secure space to ensure the preservation and teaching of Hindu Scriptures thereby benefiting all members of our community at large. Having a space where our families can meet and learn from the Guru Parampara and serve together is key to keeping our tradition and culture alive.
All of us and our children have benefited because our ancestors fulfilled their dharma in preserving and propagating this life-changing Vedantic wisdom through the establishment of ashramas and gurukulas. Today, it is our turn to do the same.
How long will it take to complete construction?
Once we officially begin construction, the Chinmaya Upavan Project will take approximately 2 years to complete with God’s grace and Pujya Gurduev’s blessings.
Is my donation tax deductible?
Yes, your donation will be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.