Chinmaya Govardhan Vedanta Spiritual Center (Chinmaya Mission, St. Augustine) is a uniquely beautiful 17-acre property and day-retreat center located 13 miles west of St. Augustine, Florida. The grounds abound in majestic live oak trees, cedars, azaleas and camellias, bamboo groves, a flowing woodland creek, and contemplative walking paths. It is an idyllic setting for peaceful spiritual retreat and Self-enquiry, where one may readily experience the inner joy of the Self and communion with the Divine.
We are a branch of Chinmaya Mission, a worldwide non-profit organization founded in 1953 by the great Indian saint and spiritual master, H. H. Swami Chinmayananda, and now headed by H. H. Swami Tejomayananda. We are dedicated to sharing the knowledge of Advaita Vedanta (Non-dual philosophy) through in depth study of the Hindu scriptures, cultivation of devotion to God and higher spiritual values of life, and selfless service to society. Our emphasis is not only on the theoretical knowledge of Vedanta but also on the practical means by which we can learn to face life’s inner and outer challenges with clear perspective, mental balance, and positive dynamic action. As Swami Tejomayanandaji puts it, “To see life as a whole, and to live a whole life.”
At Chinmaya Govardhan and the local St. Augustine/Jacksonville area, we offer:
- Devotional Chanting Programs (Kirtan and Arati)
- "The Yoga of Life" Series: Using spiritual principles to face the challenges of life.
- Days of Spiritual Retreat and Meditation
- Classes/Satsangs: The study of Vedanta and other Hindu scriptures, such as Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Srimad Bhagavatam.
