Biography of  Swami Chinmayananda

(May 8, 1916 - August 3, 1993)

One of the greatest saints who became a legend during his lifetime was Swami Chinmayananda. He was born on May 8, 1916, as Bala Krishna Menon in Ernakulam, Kerala, in a religious family.

From his young days, he was very good in studies. He excelled in his education, graduating in science, political science, and English literature from Lucknow University. A man of strong ideas and idealism, he entered the field of journalism with the aim to sway political, economic, and social reforms in India. During those days he got in contact with Swami Shivananda. Since then, he was known as Swami Chinmayananda - the one who is saturated in bliss and consciousness. His 12 years of study under the guidance of Tapovan made him a man of wisdom.

After that, he started delivering lectures at different places to spread his teachings. He was the founder of many schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. On August 3, 1993, in San Diego, U.S.A., he attained Mahasamadhi' (death).