Swami Chinmayananda, the founder of Chinmaya Mission, was born as Balakrishna Menon in 1916 in Kerala, India. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in spirituality and the search for the ultimate truth. However, it was not until he met Swami Sivananda, a renowned spiritual master, that his interest turned into a deep passion.

As a young man, Swami Chinmayananda was a brilliant student and excelled in academics. He pursued a degree in English literature and law, and later went on to work as a journalist. However, despite his success in the material world, he felt a deep sense of dissatisfaction and emptiness within.

In 1945, at the age of 29, Swami Chinmayananda met Swami Sivananda, who had a profound impact on his life. Swami Sivananda was a highly revered spiritual master and founder of the Divine Life Society in Rishikesh. His teachings and guidance ignited a spark within Swami Chinmayananda, and he became deeply interested in spirituality.

Under the guidance of Swami Sivananda, Swami Chinmayananda immersed himself in the study of Vedanta, the ancient Indian philosophy that explores the nature of reality and the self. He also underwent rigorous spiritual practices, including meditation and self-reflection, to deepen his understanding of the spiritual path.

In 1949, Swami Chinmayananda renounced his comfortable life and became a monk, taking the name Swami Chinmayananda. He then went on to study under Swami Tapovanam, another renowned spiritual master, and continued to deepen his knowledge and understanding of Vedanta.

Swami Chinmayananda's spiritual journey led him to different parts of India, where he met and learned from various spiritual masters. He also traveled to the United States, where he gave talks and lectures on Vedanta, attracting a large following of spiritual seekers.

In 1953, Swami Chinmayananda established Chinmaya Mission, a global spiritual organization dedicated to spreading the knowledge of Vedanta and promoting spiritual growth and self-transformation. Through his teachings and writings, he inspired countless individuals to embark on their own spiritual journeys and discover their true selves.

In conclusion, Swami Chinmayananda's interest in spirituality was sparked by his encounter with Swami Sivananda and his subsequent studies and practices under the guidance of various spiritual masters. His deep passion for the search for the ultimate truth led him to renounce his worldly life and establish Chinmaya Mission, leaving a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals around the world.