Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati was a great Visionary who tirelessly taught people about Advaita Vedanta, a philosophy of universal Oneness. He followed in the tradition of great teachers like Adi Sankaracharya and Swami Vivekananda. In fact, he is often called the “second Swami Vivekananda”. Swami Chinmayananda left His bodily form on August 3, 1993.

Chinmaya Mission® was established in India in 1953 by devotees of Swami Chinmayananda. Guided by his vision, devotees all around the world formed the nucleus of a spiritual renaissance movement that now encompasses a wide range of spiritual, educational, and charitable activities, enabling the lives of thousands in India and globally. Presently, headed by Pujya Swami Swaroopananda-ji (Pujya Swamiji), the Mission is administered by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust (CCMT) in Mumbai, India. Under Pujya Swamiji’s guidance, the Mission has continued mushrooming with grace and confidence across the world. Currently, Chinmaya Mission includes a number of seminaries for training Hindu Monks, over 300 centers worldwide, Chinmaya University, Orphanage, India wide Rural development programs, Nursing College, Chinmaya International Residential School, over 80 primary & high schools in India and West Indies and many more for the well being of Children, Teenagers, Adults and Seniors.

The retreat officially begins on Friday, 12th April, 2024 from 11am but you can arrive anytime after 10am and settle in, relax and enjoy the premises. Please note, the rooms are available only from 2pm.

Pujya Swami Swaroopananda (Pujya Swamiji), Global head of Chinmaya Mission worldwide, Swami Aparokshananda (Perth),

Swami Shrikarananda (Sydney) and Brahmacharini Aashraya (Melbourne).

Daily activities start at 6:30 in the morning. Yes, there will be different program for toddlers, children, teenagers and adults. Please note, toddlers will have to be accompanied by one of their parents.

Please see https://www.cmfamilycamp.com/registration-info/ for the various rooming options and fees related to the camp. The fee will cover your food, accommodation, classes and activities. 

There are opportunities to sponsor bhiksha and paduka puja. For further information, please contact Kadambari Kapadia at 0417 133 073.

There is no option for partial attendance. The Retreat programs including the discourses are designed with full time attendees in mind. 

There will be separate sessions by Swamins/Brahmacharins separately for Shishu Vihar (0-5yrs), Balavihar (Kindy to Yr 6), Junior CHYK (Yr 7 to Yr 12) during the time parents are attending the talks by Pujya Swamiji. The sessions include story time/value based & self development sessions, art & craft, games, debates, discussion etc.

Note: If the child is less than 5 years old, he/she can be in the Shishu Vihar class. If the child is signed up for Shishu Vihar, an adult needs to accompany the child in the Shishu vihar class.

A student under 18 is allowed to be registered at the retreat if he/she is registered with a parent/guardian adult (i.e., 18 and above) who will take full responsibility for him/her. Quad share accommodation and single accommodation is not available for under 18 students.

Respectful dress covering arms and legs for children and adults alike will be appreciated. During the Paduka Puja it is traditional to don Indian outfit (vesthi, kurta, sarees for ladies)

We will be serving wholesome vegetarian food at the retreat. All efforts will be made to adhere to special needs for allergies. 

Please email sydney@chinmaya.com.au for any questions. If you need to speak to someone, please call Mahesh Patel at 0401 964 162.