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   Requires individual subscription to the Advanced Vedanta Course through Chinmaya International Foundation.   The class will review the entire CIF Baghavad Gita Course - all 18 Chapters in 30 lesson modules. There is no prerequisite for this course.    Note this course is not offered as part of Balavihar registration. The course requires a separate payment towards the course registration to the Advanced Vedanta Course through Chinmaya International Foundation.  Access to the portal including video content and lessons of the course are available lifelong.

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time:  7:00 - 8:45 pm Fridays on Balavihar weekends   This year the class will complete learning to chant Vishnu Sahasranamam. Discussion will include the meaning of each name.    The class will also learn to sing a bhajan or a shloka set to a simple, easy to chant tune, followed by a short 5 minute 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. 

Classes begin: SAT. 10th SEPT 2022 Total # of classes: 15 classes - 4 months (students roll into Beginner level after this course is complete!) Time: Every SAT 10.30 AM CST Fees: $270  Location: Hybrid (Online VIA ZOOM + In-Person for Local students) Batch Type: Group Batch (Max 9 students per batch) Session Dates: From 10th SEP 2022 to 31st DEC 2022

For absolute and advanced beginners starting out the game, history, basic rules, piece movement, basic checkmates and strategies will be discussed. Free Chesskid account. Lessons to be done via zoom.  14-week class on Sundays

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.

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.

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

For absolute and advanced beginners starting out the game, history, basic rules, piece movement, basic checkmates and strategies will be discussed. Free Chesskid account. Lessons to be done via zoom.  14-week class on Sundays

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time:  11:15 - 12:15 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 - 12:15 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.    Chapter-6:  We will continue to explore the journey of how a person can become a yogi and then a Gnani. We will see how to control the difficult mind; and understand what happens even if we are unsuccessful. We will finally see what happens when we accomplish the goal of becoming a Gnani.   Chapter-7: We will understand more about supreme self (Brahman) through knowledge and wisdom. We will also see the importance of bhakti as a continuing path. We will also understand the 8 different flavors through which the supreme self permeates. This chapter is a step in the direction of addressing any gaps and confusions that might exist in us regarding the application of the supreme knowledge. 

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.

This group is for students rated USCF 1001-1499. Intermediate openings, traps, middlegame, and endgame strategies will be discussed. The lesson will be done via Chess.com and Zoom app. 13-week class for Monday schedule.

The classes are open to beginner to advanced levels from ages 5 to 12 years. 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.   

Geared for players US Chess Federation rated 1500-1999. In this group advanced opening lines will be explored. Advanced middlegame strategies and endgame play will be covered. The lesson will be done via Chess.com and Zoom app. 13-week class on Tuesdays  

September sees the start of our after school classes which offer a wide range of activities alongside chess. Students will be able to explore emerging technologies and hone their problem solving skills through the groundbreaking Chess and Robotics class. Art promotes a creative way of thinking which will complement the individuality of each student’s chess play style in our Chess and Arts & Crafts class. Lastly, students will be able to benefit from the logical reasoning and pattern recognition that comes from the intersection between Chess and Math & Critical Thinking. 

September sees the start of our after school classes which offer a wide range of activities alongside chess. Students will be able to explore emerging technologies and hone their problem solving skills through the groundbreaking Chess and Robotics class. Art promotes a creative way of thinking which will complement the individuality of each student’s chess play style in our Chess and Arts & Crafts class. Lastly, students will be able to benefit from the logical reasoning and pattern recognition that comes from the intersection between Chess and Math & Critical Thinking. 

September sees the start of our after school classes which offer a wide range of activities alongside chess. Students will be able to explore emerging technologies and hone their problem solving skills through the groundbreaking Chess and Robotics class. Art promotes a creative way of thinking which will complement the individuality of each student’s chess play style in our Chess and Arts & Crafts class. Lastly, students will be able to benefit from the logical reasoning and pattern recognition that comes from the intersection between Chess and Math & Critical Thinking. 

September sees the start of our after school classes which offer a wide range of activities alongside chess. Students will be able to explore emerging technologies and hone their problem solving skills through the groundbreaking Chess and Robotics class. Art promotes a creative way of thinking which will complement the individuality of each student’s chess play style in our Chess and Arts & Crafts class. Lastly, students will be able to benefit from the logical reasoning and pattern recognition that comes from the intersection between Chess and Math & Critical Thinking. 

Two hours of Chess instruction, US Chess Federation rated games followed by games analysis by the master. This group is for students with US Chess Federation rating 401-1000. Lesson and tournament will be done on Chess.com or Lichess.org together with Zoom. Consistent puzzle solving is required.  14-week class on Wednesdays.

September sees the start of our after school classes which offer a wide range of activities alongside chess. Students will be able to explore emerging technologies and hone their problem solving skills through the groundbreaking Chess and Robotics class. Art promotes a creative way of thinking which will complement the individuality of each student’s chess play style in our Chess and Arts & Crafts class. Lastly, students will be able to benefit from the logical reasoning and pattern recognition that comes from the intersection between Chess and Math & Critical Thinking. 

September sees the start of our after school classes which offer a wide range of activities alongside chess. Students will be able to explore emerging technologies and hone their problem solving skills through the groundbreaking Chess and Robotics class. Art promotes a creative way of thinking which will complement the individuality of each student’s chess play style in our Chess and Arts & Crafts class. Lastly, students will be able to benefit from the logical reasoning and pattern recognition that comes from the intersection between Chess and Math & Critical Thinking. 

The classes are open to beginner to advanced levels from ages 5 to 12 years. 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.   

Two hours of Chess instruction, US Chess Federation rated games followed by games analysis by the master. This group is for students with US Chess Federation rating 401-1000. Lesson and tournament will be done on Chess.com or Lichess.org together with Zoom. Consistent puzzle solving is required. 14-week class on Thursdays.

September sees the start of our after school classes which offer a wide range of activities alongside chess. Students will be able to explore emerging technologies and hone their problem solving skills through the groundbreaking Chess and Robotics class. Art promotes a creative way of thinking which will complement the individuality of each student’s chess play style in our Chess and Arts & Crafts class. Lastly, students will be able to benefit from the logical reasoning and pattern recognition that comes from the intersection between Chess and Math & Critical Thinking. 

This group is for students rated US Chess Federation 1001-1499. Intermediate openings, traps, middlegame, and endgame strategies will be discussed. The lesson will be done via Chess.com and Zoom app. 13-week class on Fridays.

September sees the start of our after school classes which offer a wide range of activities alongside chess. Students will be able to explore emerging technologies and hone their problem solving skills through the groundbreaking Chess and Robotics class. Art promotes a creative way of thinking which will complement the individuality of each student’s chess play style in our Chess and Arts & Crafts class. Lastly, students will be able to benefit from the logical reasoning and pattern recognition that comes from the intersection between Chess and Math & Critical Thinking. 

September sees the start of our after school classes which offer a wide range of activities alongside chess. Students will be able to explore emerging technologies and hone their problem solving skills through the groundbreaking Chess and Robotics class. Art promotes a creative way of thinking which will complement the individuality of each student’s chess play style in our Chess and Arts & Crafts class. Lastly, students will be able to benefit from the logical reasoning and pattern recognition that comes from the intersection between Chess and Math & Critical Thinking.