Swami Chinmayananda, also known as Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati, was a renowned spiritual leader and teacher who founded the Chinmaya Mission. He was born as Balakrishna Menon on May 8, 1916, in Ernakulam, Kerala, India.

Swami Chinmayananda was a multifaceted personality, having excelled in various fields such as journalism, law, and politics. He graduated from Lucknow University with a Master's degree in English literature and also completed his law degree from the University of Madras. He then worked as a journalist for a few years before becoming a lawyer.

However, Swami Chinmayananda's life took a significant turn when he met Swami Sivananda, a renowned spiritual master, in Rishikesh. Inspired by Swami Sivananda, he renounced his successful career and became a disciple, taking the name Swami Chinmayananda.

Swami Chinmayananda's thirst for knowledge and his dedication to spiritual growth led him to study under the guidance of Swami Tapovan Maharaj, a renowned Vedanta master. He spent seven years with Swami Tapovan Maharaj, delving deep into the study of Vedanta and other ancient Indian scriptures.

In 1951, Swami Chinmayananda started delivering lectures on the Bhagavad Gita in Pune, which soon gained immense popularity. His teachings were simple, practical, and relevant to the modern world, making them accessible to people from all walks of life. This led to the formation of the Chinmaya Mission in 1953, with the aim of spreading the knowledge of Vedanta and promoting spiritual growth.

Under Swami Chinmayananda's leadership, the Chinmaya Mission grew rapidly and spread across the world, with centers in India and abroad. He also established schools, colleges, and hospitals to provide holistic education and healthcare to people in need.

Swami Chinmayananda was a prolific writer and has authored over 100 books on various spiritual and philosophical topics. His most famous works include "The Holy Geeta," "Self-Unfoldment," and "The Art of Man-Making." His teachings continue to inspire millions of people worldwide, even after his Mahasamadhi (passing away) in 1993.

Swami Chinmayananda's legacy lives on through the Chinmaya Mission, which continues to spread his teachings and serve humanity. His life and teachings serve as a guiding light for those seeking spiritual growth and inner transformation. Swami Chinmayananda's contribution to the world of spirituality and his selfless service to humanity will always be remembered and cherished.