By Swami Prakashananda is the founder and Acharya of Chinmaya Mission of Trinidad and Tobago.
Chinmaya Mission of Trinidad and Tobago (CMTT) was inaugurated on October 2, 1997 (Gandhi Jayanti). In 1999, the Mission acquired more than 2.5 acres of land in Couva, Central part of Trinidad, Trinidad and Tobago. CMTT’s membership began with only three persons and stands today at over 2,000, spanning throughout Trinidad.
The heart of the Mission is its Couva ashram, administered under the able guidance of resident Acharya, Swami Prakashananda. Acharyas serve year round conducting various classes, satsangs and discourses across the Island.
CMTT sponsors an active, year-round program of courses and discourses on sacred texts, and devotional and meditation practices that are aimed at making the teachings of Vedanta accessible to individuals of any background. Spiritual, cultural, and social service activities are also offered.
CMTT’s ashram facilities include a temple and lecture hall, a high school, two pre-schools and primary school, the first Chinmaya Vidyalaya outside of India, and three residential hostels to accommodate students and guests. The Vidyalaya now have satellite centres in Debe, Gasparillo, Esmeralda, Barrackpore, Munroe Road and Chaguanas.
CMTT’s youth wing CHYK (Chinmaya Yuva Kendra) is actively involved in all Mission activites. CHYKs organize and participate in study classes, charitable and social events, spiritual camps, jnana yajnas, and cultural programs.
CMTT Activities:
– Classes in Vedanta, Vedic chanting, meditation, yoga, stress management, as well as many more
– Satsangs at the Ashram every Sunday morning, and various locations throughout Trinidad and Tobago
– Jnana Yajnas (spiritual discourses) on spiritual texts, held at the ashram and in other parts of the country
– Spiritual camps for children, youth, and adults
– Regular Chinmaya Study Groups for adults, aimed at deepening one’s understanding of the scriptures and its application in daily life
– Indian music and dance classes
– Sanskrit classes
– Charitable projects serving needy communities and families
– Publications (print, audio, and video) for sale
– Annual CM Fundraising Dinner
– Shanti Yatras and Gita Symposiums
Vedanta Courses:
CMTT completed its first one-year, residential Vedanta course in 2009.
The second course lasted 19 months and concluded in 2015
The third course is currently underway and will be completed in November 2018
