Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time:  7:00 - 8:45 pm Fridays on Balavihar weekends   Learn to chant and reflect on - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, discussion based on Gurudev’s commentary, watch gurudev’s talks - Shloka-s/stotra-s:  LalitA pancakam, toTakAShTakam, shiva-mAnasa pUjA, lakshmI-nRsimha-karAvalamba-stotram, [gopI gitam and gangA stuti if time permits] - Guided Meditation

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members   Time:  7:00 - 8:45 pm Fridays on Balavihar weekends   If the Upanishads are the text books of philosophical principles discussing man, world and God, the Bhagavad Gita is a handbook of instructions as to how every human being can come to live the subtle philosophical principlaes in the actual work-a-day world. Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the Divine song of the Lord, occurs in the Bhisma Parva of the Mahabharata. This great handbook of practical living marked a positive revolution in Hinduism and inaugurated a Hindu renaissance for the ages that followed the Puranic era. 

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members   Time:  7:00 - 8:45 pm Fridays on Balavihar weekends   The Vedanta 101 study group is targeted towards beginners in Vedanta and  introduces the foundations and glossary of our scriptures in a structured and systematic way.   Kaivalyopanishad belongs to the Atharvana Veda.  Its poetic diction, systematic development of thought at once clear and concise, and scientific arrangement of highly philosophical ideas make it one of the most striking minor Upanishads. In this Upanishad, Asvalayana, the great teacher of Rig Veda is a disciple and Lord Brahma, the Creator is the teacher.   The book Self Unfoldment written by Pujya Swami Chinmayananda is an extensive manual that elucidates the whole topic of Vedanta in simple layman’s language. The book is filled with simple examples which illustrate complex Vedantic concepts like BMI chart, Karma, Gunas, Pancha Kosha, meditation and many other topics.

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time:  7:00 - 8:45 pm Fridays on Balavihar weekends   Kathopanishad is a unique Upanishad which starts with a katha (a story) of a young boy who is ready to face the Lord of Death in his quest for Truth to know what lies beyond death. He asks the very pertinent and philosophical question, ‘Is there or is there not, and if it is what is it?’In short, this teaching is an extravaganza of spiritual knowledge and meditation that guides a student step by step to the glorious state of immortality, peace and bliss. The format of our class will be to watch video of Guruj’s  discourses for about 30 minutes and continue our Satsangha reading out Gurudev’s Book on Kathopanishad followed by Q&A . The class will have active participation with a quest to prime our precious moments to unfold the mystery beyond Death.

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time:  9:15 - 11:00 AM Sundays on Balavihar weekends   Chanting of all verses in the 18 Chapters of the Bhagavad Gita will be taught with correct pronunciation and intonation.

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time:  9:15 - 11:00 AM Sundays on Balavihar weekends   The group will learn simple bhajans that are melodious and easy to sing.  Prior musical experience not required.

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time: 9:15 - 11:00 AM Sundays on Balavihar weekends   If the Upanishads are the text books of philosophical principles discussing man, world and God, the Bhagavad Gita is a handbook of instructions as to how every human being can come to live the subtle philosophical principles in the actual work-a-day world. Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the Divine song of the Lord, occurs in the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata. This great handbook of practical living marked a positive revolution in Hinduism and inaugurated a Hindu renaissance for the ages that followed the Puranic era.   This year the class will first complete Karma Yoga from the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3.  The discussion will focus on learning how to implement “Yogah Karmasu Kowshlam” - the dexterity of action, the art of making any day to day karma into Karma Yoga.   Chapter 4 introduces the need to perform karma as a yoga without attaching to the results (fruits) in order to achieve atma gnana (knowledge of self). Often quoted, profound slokas such as (yada yadahi dharmasya and paritranaya sadhunam) that discuss about Bhagavan's avatar are thoroughly discussed. Many types of yajnas are described and discussed, which are often misunderstood.

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time: 9:15 - 11:00 AM Sundays on Balavihar weekends   Vedanta is the science of life. It shows us the gateway to peace and happiness. To understand this subtle science, knowledge of certain terms and concepts is mandatory. With striking examples and ingenious poetry, Atma Bodha guides the reader along the path of Vedanta terminology. Reflecting on these verses will uplift the mind and elevate the soul. A great guide for beginners and a meditation prop for advanced seekers.

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time: 9:15 - 11:00 AM Sundays on Balavihar weekends   Among the Upanishads, the Mundaka Upanishad is regarded as one the most important. It throws a flood of light on the Jnana Marga (the path of Knowledge) and leads the aspirant to the highest rung in the ladder of Jnana—Brahmavid brahmaiva bhavati. It appears in the Atharva Veda.

Open for Balavihar Parents and Balavihar children who have passed SAFL classes or level 3 Sanskrit class offered at Chinmaya Mission   Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members   Time:  11:15 - 12:30 PM Sundays on Balavihar weekends   This class will focus on understanding quotes and poems in Sanskrit.  

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time:  11:15 AM - 12:30 PM Sundays on Balavihar weekends   Discussions in Marathi based on Dasbodha (Advice to the Disciple) by Samarth Ramdas Swami and Amrutanubhava by Saint Dnyaneshwar.  Dasabodha is a comprehensive volume in verse form providing instructions on the religious life, presented in the format of a conversation between a Guru and disciple. The narration is believed to have taken place in a cave called Shivatharghal in the Raigad district of Maharashtra.   Contained within the chapters of Dasbodh, Ramdas Swami outlines the path of liberation through Devotion and Knowledge. Through knowledge, Ramdas Swami clears away all doubts and gives the understanding of one's "True Self." Ramdas Swami also reveals the true meaning and significance of "Discrimination" and "Detachment."  The text also deals with diverse aspects of human life such as politics, conducting business dealings and taking care of one's body and family life. 

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time: 12:45 - 2:30 PM Sundays on Balavihar weekends   The Vedanta 101 study group is targeted towards beginners in Vedanta and introduces the foundations and glossary of our scriptures in a structured and systematic way.   Vedanta is the science of life and when properly understood and applied, is the answer to the problem of human suffering. Tattva Bodha is a prakarana grantha, written in simple samskritham, provides clear definitions of Vedantic terms like nitya, anitya, viveka, vairagya, maya etc. It also clearly defines the necessary preparation a student of Vedanta must undertake to truly benefit from this knowledge. The sum total of all Vedantic analysis is presented vividly in this book to gain the above objectives.   The book Self Unfoldment written by Pujya Swami Chinmayananda is an extensive manual that elucidates the whole topic of Vedanta in simple layman’s language. The book is filled with simple examples which illustrate complex Vedantic concepts like BMI chart, Karma, Gunas, Pancha Kosha, meditation and many other topics. Every chapter ends with with a set of questions and references for further reading from the Holy Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other Vedantic texts. The greatness of this book lies in the fact that it does not only discuss Vedantic philosophies academically but also provides real life examples of how this philosophy can be applied in real life by the aspirant to gain the ultimate happiness which is within us. Anyone who reads and absorbs the contents of this book gets a very firm footing on the spiritual path and his/her doubts vanish due to the simple handling of topics.

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time: 12:45 - 2:30 PM Sundays on Balavihar weekends   If the Upanishads are the text books of philosophical principles discussing man, world and God, the Bhagavad Gita is a handbook of instructions as to how every human being can come to live the subtle philosophical principlaes in the actual work-a-day world. Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the Divine song of the Lord, occurs in the Bhisma Parva of the Mahabharata. This great handbook of practical living marked a positive revolution in Hinduism and inaugurated a Hindu renaissance for the ages that followed the Puranic era. 

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time: 12:45 - 2:30 PM Sundays on Balavihar weekends   If the Upanishads are the text books of philosophical principles discussing man, world and God, the Bhagavad Gita is a handbook of instructions as to how every human being can come to live the subtle philosophical principlaes in the actual work-a-day world. Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the Divine song of the Lord, occurs in the Bhisma Parva of the Mahabharata. This great handbook of practical living marked a positive revolution in Hinduism and inaugurated a Hindu renaissance for the ages that followed the Puranic era.

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time:  1:00 - 2:45 PM Sundays on Balavihar weekends   Chanting of all verses in the 18 Chapters of the Bhagavad Gita will be taught with correct pronunciation and intonation.

The lessons plans will be adjusted based on the level of the students. For beginner levels: The students will learn the basics of chess and build a solid foundation needed to move ahead - from the movements and values of the pieces, to tactics and different checkmate patterns. For intermediate levels: The students will have a better understanding of the patterns, tactics, and principles in the opening, middle game, and end game. For advanced levels: The students will focus on the strategizing, thinking process, and have a deep understanding of different openings and endgame techniques. 

The lessons plans will be adjusted based on the level of the students. For beginner levels: The students will learn the basics of chess and build a solid foundation needed to move ahead - from the movements and values of the pieces, to tactics and different checkmate patterns. For intermediate levels: The students will have a better understanding of the patterns, tactics, and principles in the opening, middle game, and end game. For advanced levels: The students will focus on the strategizing, thinking process, and have a deep understanding of different openings and endgame techniques. 

Overview A competitive interactive online lesson for advanced level for all ages. Similar to traditional settings, participants will have time to play a supervised game. Recommended for players rated 1300-1800. Open to all ages. Focuses on middle-game understanding, strategy, positional play, and endgame techniques. General Details​​ This section is a much more serious and competitive training ideal for tournament players​ Activities include discussion, problem-solving, supervised gameplay, game analysis, and homework.

The TA program is aimed at children in the 12th grade. TA’s will: - Co-teach a class with another teacher - Need to keep a minimum of 70% attendance in the Bala Vihar year - Engage children in the curriculum  - Share stories and experiences that will resonate with the students - Assist the classroom teacher in any activities or curriculum development

The lessons plans will be adjusted based on the level of the students. For beginner levels: The students will learn the basics of chess and build a solid foundation needed to move ahead - from the movements and values of the pieces, to tactics and different checkmate patterns. For intermediate levels: The students will have a better understanding of the patterns, tactics, and principles in the opening, middle game, and end game. For advanced levels: The students will focus on the strategizing, thinking process, and have a deep understanding of different openings and endgame techniques. 

The lessons plans will be adjusted based on the level of the students. For beginner levels: The students will learn the basics of chess and build a solid foundation needed to move ahead - from the movements and values of the pieces, to tactics and different checkmate patterns. For intermediate levels: The students will have a better understanding of the patterns, tactics, and principles in the opening, middle game, and end game. For advanced levels: The students will focus on the strategizing, thinking process, and have a deep understanding of different openings and endgame techniques. 

Chess afterschool program for Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy. 8-week program on Mondays. October 16, 2023 - December 11, 2023. Grandmaster instruction from complete beginners to advancing tournament players. Our goal is for the students to experience the joy and significant social/educational benefits of learning and playing Chess.

Chess afterschool program for Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Academy. 10-week program on Mondays. Session time is 3:15 pm - 4:45 pm. January 8, 2024 - March 25, 2024. Grandmaster instruction from complete beginners to advancing tournament players. Our goal is for the students to experience the joy and significant social/educational benefits of learning and playing Chess. Students will also be prepared for tournaments and competitive play. Please use code "sibling10" for a sibling discount of 10%. Register early and save 10%. Use code "early10," and register before January 2, 2024.

Overview A competitive interactive online lesson for advanced level for all ages. Similar to traditional settings, participants will have time to play a supervised game. Recommended for players rated 1300-1800. Open to all ages. Focuses on middle-game understanding, strategy, positional play, and endgame techniques. General Details​​ This section is a much more serious and competitive training ideal for tournament players​ Activities include discussion, problem-solving, supervised gameplay, game analysis, and homework.