Swami Chinmayananda, the founder of Chinmaya Mission, was born as Balakrishna Menon on May 8, 1916 in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. He was the youngest of eight children in a devout Hindu family. His father, Balakrishna Menon, was a successful lawyer and his mother, Parukutty Amma, was a pious and religious woman.

From a young age, Balakrishna showed a keen interest in spirituality and often spent time with holy men and sadhus who visited his home. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of Swami Sivananda, a renowned spiritual master, and would often attend his lectures and satsangs.

After completing his education, Balakrishna went on to study law and became a successful lawyer like his father. However, he felt a deep sense of dissatisfaction and emptiness in his life, and his search for true fulfillment led him to resign from his job and embark on a spiritual journey.

In 1947, at the age of 31, Balakrishna met Swami Tapovan Maharaj, a renowned sage and disciple of Swami Sivananda. He spent the next seven years under the guidance of Swami Tapovan, studying the scriptures and practicing intense spiritual disciplines.

In 1951, Swami Tapovan initiated Balakrishna into sannyasa, the renounced order of life, and gave him the name Chinmayananda, which means "one who is filled with the bliss of pure consciousness". Swami Chinmayananda then traveled extensively, spreading the message of Vedanta and inspiring people to lead a spiritual life.

In 1953, Swami Chinmayananda visited the United States for the first time, where he gave talks on Vedanta and Hinduism. He also established the Chinmaya Mission, a global spiritual organization dedicated to spreading the knowledge of Vedanta and promoting spiritual growth.

Throughout his life, Swami Chinmayananda continued to inspire and guide people through his discourses, writings, and personal interactions. He was known for his dynamic and engaging style of teaching, making the ancient wisdom of Vedanta accessible and relevant to people of all ages and backgrounds.

In 1993, Swami Chinmayananda attained Mahasamadhi, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual knowledge and service. Today, the Chinmaya Mission has over 300 centers worldwide, and continues to carry on his mission of spreading the message of Vedanta and promoting spiritual growth.

In conclusion, Swami Chinmayananda's early life was marked by a deep longing for spiritual fulfillment, which eventually led him to renounce the material world and dedicate his life to the pursuit of spiritual knowledge and service to humanity. His teachings and legacy continue to inspire countless individuals to lead a life of purpose, peace, and fulfillment.