Chinmaya Mission grows into a recognizable presence in the West

Between 1966 and 1974, Chinmaya Mission West transformed from the divine vision of Pujya Gurudev into a growing spiritual network, rooted in Vedantic wisdom and sustained by dedicated seekers.

1966 – Gurudev returned to the San Francisco Bay Area to hold his first Jnana Yajna on the West Coast of the United States.

1971 – Gurudev’s Bhagavad-Gita talks at Boston University’s Department of Religion, from December 1 through 10, 1971, marked the beginning of Chinmaya Mission in Boston.

1972 – Gurudev visited Toronto for the first time in 1972 at the invitation of the Vedanta Society. He held a group of Torontonians spellbound — thundering from the podium, enchanting his audience with his unique way of teaching and his kingly personality.

1973 – The first Chinmaya Camp was held in the United States, at Sonoma State College (now University) in Rohnert Park, California.

1974 – With Pujya Gurudev’s permission and blessings, Chinmaya Mission Toronto (CMT) was founded.