Welcome to Jeeyar Educational Trust, Seattle Chapter site.
His Holiness Sri Tridandi Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
at Seattle July 25-30, 2023
Jai Srimannarayana!
With hearts filled with gratitude and profound joy, we come together to reminisce and cherish the divine visit of His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji to Seattle from July 25 to July 30, 2023. Our spiritual journey during these five days was nothing short of extraordinary, leaving an indelible mark in our lives. Devotees welcomed Swamiji at the airport at 9:30 PM on July 25, followed by a traditional welcome at the hosts' house, Srimathi Swetha and Sriman Ajith, in Sammamish.
The daily Thirtha Ghosthi allowed us to partake in the sanctified water blessed by Swamiji, cleansing our minds and inviting divine blessings. Approximately 700 devotees have been blessed with theertham.
Mount Rainer Visit (Giri Darsan with Swamiji)
The journey began with a road trip to the majestic Mt. Rainier on July 26. Amidst the breathtaking scenery, we experienced the joy of camaraderie and spiritual contemplation. 100 devotees joined Swamiji on a trip to Mount Rainier from Seattle, Portland, San Diego, and other parts of the USA. Amidst the breathtaking scenery, Swamiji provided his words of wisdom, guiding us toward a deeper connection with nature and the divine. Mother Nature welcomed Swamiji with the OM sign on Mount Rainier. During the one-mile hike to Myrtle Falls from Paradise Point, Swamiji interacted with many visitors who were mesmerized by his positive energy. At Narada Falls, Swamiji appreciated Mother Nature's beauty, especially the water.
Donors & Volunteers Appreciation
On July 27th, Swamiji appreciated the generous donors and volunteers' contributions to Jeeyar Educational Trust and VT Seva initiatives. Swamiji gave an update about the Statue of Equality's progress and the project’s current state. During this heartfelt event, Swamiji talked about his visit to the United States in 2017, when he shared the dream and concept of the "Statue of Equality." In his latest visit, His Holiness expressed immense gratitude to everyone who made this dream a reality. Swamiji then visited HTCC at Bothell, where the temple executive board and priests gave him a traditional welcome, followed by Swamiji's pravachanam (discourse), attended by 800 devotees.
Sama:srayanam - Manthra Initiation
On July 28th, His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji granted manthropa desam to 35 devotees following the theertha goshti. During an informal meeting with Prajna youth teaching volunteers and VT Seva volunteers, Swamiji demonstrated the correct posture of Surya Namaskarams. His visit was marked by a proclamation from WA State Governor, Jay Inslee, recognizing July 28th as Equality Day in honor of Swamiji's global service.
Ask ME anything on Service, Social, Spirituality
On July 29th, Swamiji met with leaders of the Seattle Hindu Community and Cultural organizations to discuss challenges faced by the community in the Greater Seattle area. Swamiji exchanged ideas with the leaders and suggested three main events involving all communities: an Independence Day parade, an International Yoga Day celebration, and a Day of Equality.
Later in the afternoon, The Greater Seattle community leaders, the Consulate General of India from San Francisco, Dr. T.V. Nagendra Prasad, and Senator Manka Dhingra, Bellevue City officials, and Issaquah City officials facilitated Swamiji receiving the third-highest civilian honor of India, Padma Bhushan.
In his speech, the Consulate General of India emphasized the significance of communities, highlighting their role in providing a sense of belonging, support, and growth. He spoke about Indian Spirituality and its special place in the world and how the contributions of Swamiji have made an everlasting impact on communities worldwide.
His address was followed by Senator Manka Dhingra's speech, who read the proclamation of Equality Day signed by Governor Jay Inslee, declaring July 28th, 2023, as Equality Day in Washington. She spoke about the importance of Seva (service for others) and that humanitarianism knows no limits, and how education is the great equalizer to remove generational poverty. She asked us to pledge to follow Swamiji’s footsteps nurturing empathy, service, and kindness. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal joined virtually to congratulate and thank Swamiji for his contributions to society. She spoke about the importance of education and access to healthcare. She also spoke about the need to protect immigrants and refugees. She said we must work together to create a more just and equitable world.
During the "Ask Me Anything" session, 600 attendees sought Swamiji's wisdom and insights as he compassionately guided us through our spiritual dilemmas. Swamiji answered questions submitted by the youth on a wide range of topics, from dealing with stress and peer pressure to addressing discrimination in society and promoting religious tolerance. His response was relatable and easily understandable, making the session more enlightening for the young minds.
Sri Srinivasa Kalyanam
On July 30th, His Holiness Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji blessed Srinivasa Kalyanam, the celestial wedding ceremony in the Greater Seattle area. Approximately 1500 devotees experienced this divine event, where Swamiji explained in detail the purpose of the Kalyanam and Kalyana Gunas of Srimannarayana. During the event, a Prajna student, a 4th-grade student, performed Super Memory Skill with Sri Vishnu Sahasranamam. After the event, devotees and volunteers received mangalasasanams.
Around 9 PM, Swamiji continued his journey to Houston to bless events at Ashtalakshmi Temple.