Vedic Chanting   Sundays in person at CMC Badri and Thursdays online on Zoom. Last Sunday of the Month, 9:00 – 10:00 am : Complete Chanting In person @ CMC Badri   Vedic chants are chanted in 3 levels – Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced       CONTACTS Shashi Narasimhan – laksharag@gmail.com Phone: 630-922-7072 Sunil Narayanan – pnsunil@outlook.com Phone: 630-923-2534 Ramesh Krishnan – ramesh_krishnan20@yahoo.com

Rudram & Chamakam Chanting Sundays in person at CMC Badri and Thursdays online on Zoom.   CONTACTS Ramesh Krishnan – ramesh_krishnan20@yahoo.com

Bhagavad Geeta Chanting   CONTACTS Sudha Goutama – sudhagouth@yahoo.com Ramesh Turuvekere – rameshrt@gmail.com

Bhagavad Geeta Swami Sharanananda ji’s loving and humble personality is a great source of inspiration to all that come in contact with him. His joyful exuberance and enthusiasm is contagious and his discourses are an uplifting experience for all.   Bhagavad Gita is the most popular and probably the single most influential text in Hindu philosophy. It is certainly one of the world's greatest scriptures. The message of Geeta is universal in its scope, and it opens the gate of deliverance to all without distinction. Lord Krishna states, "Through whatever paths men seek to come unto Me, I accept them through those very paths; all paths which men take, O Arjuna, lead ultimately unto Me only." 

Sanskrit Class Level 1 This class takes place on Sundays in person at CMC Badri.   Covers basic conversational Sanskrit Simple sentences using gender, number, tense and declensions Building vocabulary of commonly used nouns and verbs Simple short stories and proverbs Role playing and short skits   INSTRUCTOR Venkat Palli - vsp410@gmail.com Phone: 848-218-0432  

Sanskrit Class Level 2 This class is for adults who have completed Sanskrit Level 1 course. This program is conducted online via Zoom.   Covers advanced spoken Sanskrit and introduction to Sanskrit grammar Compound sentences using adjectives and adverbs Sandhis and usage of pronouns in various tenses and moods Advanced stories and introduction to prose order of shlokas and proverbs Storytelling and short essay writing   INSTRUCTOR Venkat Palli - vsp410@gmail.com Phone: 848-218-0432  

  Lalitha Sahasranama Chanting This class is conducted online via Zoom on Sundays 4:30 -5:30 pm starting 10 Mar 2024.   CONTACT: Sudha Gouthama [630-502-9341]

  Vishnu Sahasranama Chanting This class is conducted online via Zoom on Sundays 6:00 -7:00 pm starting 10 Mar 2024.   CONTACT: Sini Narayanan [630-621-0080]  Sudha Gouthama [ 630-502-9341]

  Swaranjali is conducted in person @ CMC Badri on Sundays, 12:30 pm – 1:00 pm   And Online on Wednesdays, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm  via Zoom   INSTRUCTORS Raman Mahadevan – ramdevan23@gmail.com Phone: 630-999-3629   Pavithra Anand pavithra.anand@gmail.com  Phone: 630-440-9258

Sanskrit Class Level 3 This class is for adults who have completed Sanskrit Level 2 course. This is Level 3 class (Batch of 2019) conducted online via Zoom on Mondays, 6:0 0pm to 7:30 pm.   Covers advanced spoken Sanskrit and introduction to Sanskrit grammar Compound sentences using adjectives and adverbs Sandhis and usage of pronouns in various tenses and moods Advanced stories and introduction to prose order of shlokas and proverbs Storytelling and short essay writing   INSTRUCTOR Venkat Palli - vsp410@gmail.com Phone: 848-218-0432  

Simple values and discipline through the English Alphabet. The Chinmaya Mission Pledge and the meaning, message and values it imparts.

Yato Dharmah Tato Jayah - Where there's Dharma, there's Victory. Victory is achieved by avoiding sins and performing right actions. Lessons from the Mahabharata serve as a foundation for teaching the concepts of Karma and Dharma. Morals are taught through provocative questions/answers of Yaksha Prasna. The practical application of dharmic concepts to one's own life are discussed in every lesson. 

Based on Goswami TulsidasJi's Ramacharitamanas, the goal of this curriculum is  to make children aware that our capacity for knowledge depends on the caliber of our mind and intellect - and therefore, it is critical to quieten the mind and sharpen the intellect to be happy and succesful. And the way to do this is by assimilating the values described in the chaupais of the Ramacharitamanas - whereby we all can become an "address" of God.

Learn about the different Hindu deities through mythological stories, Shlokas, games, songs, arts&crafts and festival celebrations.

The goal of this curriculum is to inspire a healthy reverence and understanding of why India is referred to as a sacred land, her glorious heritage and the goal of human  life as revealed by our Scriptures and lived by our saints. Children will gain clarity through the lives and spiritual journeys  of selected saints of India and Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda.

Spark curiosity and understanding of Hindu Culture through interactive discussions, reflection, understanding and application of the concepts shared in the class. Topics include Symbolism of deities and basic concepts in vedanta such as four goals of life (purusharthas), the six virtues (shad sampati), the three qualities of the mind (gunas) and the four stages of life (ashramas).

Nature is one of our greatest teachers: illustrate that anyone or anything in Nature can be our teacher if only we have humility and the proper attitude to recognize them.

Kindle devotion and faith in young minds through age-appropriate stories from the Srimad Bhagavatam. The curriculum focuses on episodes from the first nine cantos of Bhagavatam and cover the Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Vamana and Narasimha Avataras of Bhagavan Vishnu and related stories

Self Unfoldment by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda is a text that helps the seeker to develop a strong foundation in the most basic concepts in Vedanta. Discussions and interactive activities ensure these concepts remain embedded in the experience of the student. With this foundation, the student is well prepared to study Prakarana Granthas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita. 

Inspire children to act with fearlessness, humility, conviction and faith as did Sri HanumanJi. Instill the eight virtues (ashta-siddhi) of Lord Hanuman that make Him a Super SuperMan!

Narrate the immortal story of Ramayana and inspire children through stories of Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Sri Hanuman.

Based on books of the same name by Pujya Swami SwaroopanandaJi, this thought-provoking curriculum aims at equipping youth with the Vedantic tools that help perceive challenges as meaningful opportunities for inner growth and transformation. Managing your inner life i.e. the mind through sound Vedantic principles is the key to succesfully managing external challenges, situations and relationships. 

Parent & child program with songs, stories, arati, games, arts/crafts and fun activities designed to sow the seeds of spirituality in young, developing minds.

Spark curiosity and understanding of Hindu Culture through interactive discussions, reflection, understanding and application of the concepts shared in the class. Topics include Symbolism of deities and basic concepts in vedanta such as four goals of life (purusharthas), the six virtues (shad sampati), the three qualities of the mind (gunas) and the four stages of life (ashramas).

The goal of this curriculum is to inspire a healthy reverence and understanding of why India is referred to as a sacred land, her glorious heritage and the goal of human  life as revealed by our Scriptures and lived by our saints. Children will gain clarity through the lives and spiritual journeys  of selected saints of India and Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda.

Based on Goswami TulsidasJi's Ramacharitamanas, the goal of this curriculum is  to make children aware that our capacity for knowledge depends on the caliber of our mind and intellect - and therefore, it is critical to quieten the mind and sharpen the intellect to be happy and succesful. And the way to do this is by assimilating the values described in the chaupais of the Ramacharitamanas - whereby we all can become an "address" of God.

Learn about the different Hindu deities through mythological stories, Shlokas, games, songs, arts&crafts and festival celebrations.

Simple values and discipline through the English Alphabet. The Chinmaya Mission Pledge and the meaning, message and values it imparts.

Yato Dharmah Tato Jayah - Where there's Dharma, there's Victory. Victory is achieved by avoiding sins and performing right actions. Lessons from the Mahabharata serve as a foundation for teaching the concepts of Karma and Dharma. Morals are taught through provocative questions/answers of Yaksha Prasna. The practical application of dharmic concepts to one's own life are discussed in every lesson. 

Based on books of the same name by Pujya Swami SwaroopanandaJi, this thought-provoking curriculum aims at equipping youth with the Vedantic tools that help perceive challenges as meaningful opportunities for inner growth and transformation. Managing your inner life i.e. the mind through sound Vedantic principles is the key to succesfully managing external challenges, situations and relationships. 

Narrate the immortal story of Ramayana and inspire children through stories of Lord Rama, Mother Sita and Sri Hanuman.

Self Unfoldment by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda is a text that helps the seeker to develop a strong foundation in the most basic concepts in Vedanta. Discussions and interactive activities ensure these concepts remain embedded in the experience of the student. With this foundation, the student is well prepared to study Prakarana Granthas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita. 

Inspire children to act with fearlessness, humility, conviction and faith as did Sri HanumanJi. Instill the eight virtues (ashta-siddhi) of Lord Hanuman that make Him a Super SuperMan!

Kindle devotion and faith in young minds through age-appropriate stories from the Srimad Bhagavatam. The curriculum focuses on episodes from the first nine cantos of Bhagavatam and cover the Matsya, Kurma, Varaha, Vamana and Narasimha Avataras of Bhagavan Vishnu and related stories

Nature is one of our greatest teachers: illustrate that anyone or anything in Nature can be our teacher if only we have humility and the proper attitude to recognize them.

This text highlights the fundamentals of Vedanta in a clear and logical manner appealing to the modern, scientific-minded generation. It demonstrates how to tap the immense potential power of our inner resources and thereby transform our lives.

Stories, Bhajans, Activities: Children learn about Hindu Deities such as Ganesha, Shiva, Krishna, Rama, Devis through stories, activities, bhajans, celebrations and much more.

For adults, we offer Vedantic education based on the Bhagavad Geeta, Upanishads, and other Advaita Vedanta texts using commentary by Swami Chinmayananda. Registration is required to attend the Vedanta Classes. CMSA offers Vedantic education based on the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other Advaita Vedanta texts (using commentary by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda). Our resident Acharya, Shri Arvindji Bhagwat conducts regular classes on Sundays (in-person during Balavihar) as well as on weeknights (via online platforms like Zoom). We invite you to continue your spiritual journey through regular classes and study groups of Vedantic scriptures. 

The curriculum covers the virtues of Hanumanji such as unwavering devotion, strength, wisdom, and intelligence. The children will learn how these qualities will serve as essential building blocks for their emotional, social, and moral development, helpingthem become well-rounded individuals. The curriculum also teaches the Hanuman Chalisa and its meaning. This sacred and powerful hymn dedicated to Lord Hanuman imparts several valuable lessons to children. Through the stories and teachings contained in the Hanuman Chalisa, children will develop a deeper understanding of the importance of being humble in victory, gracious in defeat, and grateful for the blessings they receive in life.

Children will learn about Lord Sri Krishna and His virtues through Krishna Lila stories.They will also learn about the selfless supreme spiritual love and devotion of Gopis for Krishna which made them see Him everywhere.The goal of “My Twenty-Four Teachers” (adapted from the 11th canto of Bhagavatam) is to learn that anyone or anything can be our teacher if we have humility and the right attitude to recognize. Nature is one of our greatest teachers. Children will get a synopsis of precious teachings learnt by Saint Dattatreya from these twenty-four teachers. These gurus pave the path towards spiritual self-realization. 

Based on the popular book by the same name, this class educates our 5th/6th grade students in the profound symbolism of Sanatana Dharma/Hinduism.  The goal of this curriculum is to:● Explain the ideal that idols represent● Explain the symbolism of the Hindu deities: Ganesha, Shiva, Lord Vishnu,Goddesses, Sri Krsna, and Sri Rama● Explain the significance of traditional religious festivals attributed to the abovedeities and celebrate them

Children will learn about Hindu culture. A salient feature of this curriculum is an exhaustive explanation of our samskaras that gives children an understanding of why we do what we do so that they will follow rituals with its proper understanding. Ageless Guru describes the inspirational life of Swami Chinmayananda, a modern sage of extraordinary spiritual strength, love, tireless service, and metaphysical reach. 

Analysis of main personalities as we study the text in detail and understand how actions define character, how adherence to Dharma is portrayed in difficult situations.Vibhishana Gita (Keys to Success): Teaches children how to achieve success in the world by living a life that is rich in values. Emphasis is on the mind and how a disciplined mind achieves happiness and peace.

Children learn why we have so many deities and how they are the symbols of the one Lord, who pervades all. These symbols teach us to live a life of discipline, harmony, fulfillment, and happiness.Where there is Dharma, there will be Victory: Discussion of Yaksha Prashnas and Yudhishtra's answers

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.   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.   Upadesa Sara concisely introduces all four paths enshrined in our Hindu scriptures with Ramana Maharshi's unique way of explaining Vedanta.

Through this text children learn how a life lived as prescribed by the Hindu Samskaras can reduce stress and tension in life, easily setting and accomplishing lofty goals.Our Pledge: Discuss this beautiful work by Gurudev and how it provides a roadmap for responsible citizenship, engagement and upliftment of ourselves as well as society.

Bhagavad Gita discussion at the level of high school children: 6 chapters per year, completing all 18 chapters in 3 years. The essence of Bhagavad Gita is provided through interactive discussion of the teachings and how they can be applied to achieve both a successful and a peaceful life. A number of classroom activities are conducted to help the children reflect on their choices in everyday situations they face today in high school, and challenges they anticipate in college life away from their families.

Mythological value based stories, Arts & Crafts projects, Yoga, Sanskrit Vocabulary

Simple values like aspiration, brotherhood, cleanliness etc. are taught through animal stories and coloring. Through simple hands-on activities and demonstrations, children learn that just because something is not seen does not mean it is not there! Hence, the need to fix our mind.

Children listen to the story of Ramayana and learn to comprehend the values that Sri Rama lived by. Coloring and drawing scenes, and following the trails of Sri Rama's journey with events and stories inspire children and develop their imagination.