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.

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.

Stories of Lord Vishnu's main avatars teach children how to measure happiness in this world and the right means to achieve it. They are taught how to develop discrimination between needs and wants, and responsibility by owning up to their choices and learning from them.

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.

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   Vivekachoodamani is the cream of Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita. It re-educates the student, in a systematic way, to provide him with a new vision of life. The Goal and the Journey are both exhaustively dealt with in this elaborate tratement of Vedanta by Acharya Shankara. To one, who is making a deep study of this book, no other help is needed for leading him to a spiritual life and getting him to his self improvement.

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

In-depth storytelling to expose children to this rich and complex epic. Complete MahabharathaLearn about the geography and culture of India through art, architecture, sacred places, temples etc.

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

Lord Krishna's leelas teach children about sharing, self-discipline, and integrity. They are taught to introspect and observe themselves. Through the text My Twenty-four Teachers, they understand how all aspects of mother nature are selfless and giving, and how we must open our eyes to learn from teachers all around us.

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.

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.

From Beginning until Virata Parva: Children listen to the story in detail and learn about this rich and complex epicWhy India is sacred? Our rich heritage & saints and sages are our treasure. Stories of selected Saints.

Have a backbone like a ruler and rule the world. Learn from Hanumanji's example - courage, strength, fearlessness, alertness, discipline, eloquence etc., as these qualities make us physically as well as mentally strong, and help us develop a majestic personality.

The main theme, as the title Yato Dharmaḥ, Tato Jayaḥ suggests, is to teach children that where there is Dharmaḥ, there is victory in life; one must follow Dharmaḥ. The text dives deep into teaching what is Dharmaḥ, how to live by Dharmaḥ, along with the story of Mahābhāratam and a comparative analysis of the main characters and their Dharmaḥ in the epic.

Values imparted through stories from our great Hindu scriptures, quizzes, games, crafts, discussions, bhajans, hymns, shlokas, plays, dances, and cultural festival celebrations in ENGLISH (ESSENCE of VEDAS & UPANISHADS)

Dr. Jatin Kapadia will be conducting Advaita Vedanta Study Group in person at the Queens/Long Island Bala Vihar on Sunday mornings.    Dr. Jatin Kapadia will explore various topics in Advaita Vedanta. This class will explore the core principles of the advaita tradition focused on nonduality. It will explore how our true inner Self (Atman) is not separate from the ultimate, infinite Reality (Brahman). 

The Bhagavad Gita is a timeless masterpiece which is still very applicable in today's world. Through this course, the students will explore the different chapters of the Bhagavad Gita and how to apply them in daily life. Topics in this course include: facing challenges, discovering our real selves, the essence of karma yoga, understanding the goal of life, being our best selves etc. 

Values imparted through stories from our great Hindu scriptures, quizzes, games, crafts, discussions, bhajans, hymns, shlokas, plays, dances, and cultural festival celebrations in ENGLISH (PRACTICAL TIPS from BHAGAVAD GITA).

Bala Bhagavatam is aimed at children in Grades 2 and 3.  Through the stories of different avatars of Lord Śri Viṣṇu, children learn to own up their own actions, learn to ask for only what they need, and not secessarily what they desire.

Krishna Krishna/My Twenty Four Teachers are aimed at children in Grades 4.  The goal of My Twenty-Four Teachers is to teach that: Who we are and what we know is because of our teachers and that we are indebted to them We learn only when our attitude is proper; attitude makes us a good disciple Anyone or anything can be our teacher, if we have humility and the right attitude to recognize them, and Nature is one of our greatest teachers

Values imparted through stories from our great Hindu scriptures, quizzes, games, crafts, discussions, bhajans, hymns, shlokas, plays, dances, and cultural festival celebrations in ENGLISH (GITA SHLOKAS, VALUE-BASED STORIES).

The Ramayana is a timeless epic filled with dharma, devotion and wisdom. In this course, the students will explore the story of the Ramayana, the deeper symbolism of each character and life-changing lessons that they can apply here and now.

Bala Ramayana is aimed at children in Grade K and Grade 1. Children learn the story of the Ramayana and develop an understanding of the values that Śri Rama lived by. Coloring and drawing scenes, and following the trails of Śri Rama's journey with events and stories, inspire and inculcate the imagination.

The TA program is aimed at eligible 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

Values imparted through stories from our great Hindu scriptures, quizzes, games, crafts, discussions, bhajans, hymns, shlokas, plays, dances, and cultural festival celebrations in ENGLISH (VALUES from MAHABHARATA).

Shishu Vihars are a safe and nurturing space for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers to start their Bala Vihar journey. It is a parent & me class.   The goal of the curriculum is to promote: - Strong bonds between parent and child through active engagement in class - Familiarity with the God and Goddess forms in Hindu Culture - Propagation of the common childhood stories for the Gods and Goddesses - Cultural learning through songs (styled after familiar rhymes) and arts and crafts  

Parent & Child Classes in ENGLISH to sow the seeds of spiritual wisdom in young hearts with activities/yoga, stories & values, bhajans & prayers, arts & crafts.

Values imparted through stories from our great Hindu scriptures, quizzes, games, crafts, discussions, bhajans, hymns, shlokas, plays, dances, and cultural festival celebrations in ENGLISH (SYMBOLISM in HINDUISM).

Values imparted through stories from our great Hindu scriptures, quizzes, games, crafts, discussions, bhajans, hymns, shlokas, plays, dances, and cultural festival celebrations in ENGLISH (BALA RAMAYANA).

Values imparted through stories from our great Hindu scriptures, quizzes, games, crafts, discussions, bhajans, hymns, shlokas, plays, dances, and cultural festival celebrations in ENGLISH (HANUMAN the SUPERMAN).

Values imparted through stories from our great Hindu scriptures, quizzes, games, crafts, discussions, bhajans, hymns, shlokas, plays, dances, and cultural festival celebrations in ENGLISH (BALA BHAGAVATAM).

The curriculum** of Bala Ramayana includes: Narrate the story of Rama and Ram parivaar as told by Goswami Tulsidasji Description of different character personalities and what children can learn from them Inspire the children to be better versions of themselves

Anju Arora will be conducting a Bhaja Govindam study group in person at the Master’s School (in Westchester) on Sunday mornings.    Bhaja Govindam by Swami Chinmayananda is a commentary on the famous devotional composition of Adi Shankaracharya. With clarity and warmth, Swami Chinmayananda unpacks each verse, which urges seekers to turn away from fleeting worldly pursuits and seek the eternal truth through devotion to God and self-knowledge. The book blends practical guidance for daily living with Vedantic wisdom, showing how Shankara’s call to “seek Govinda” is a timeless reminder to live with purpose, clarity, and spiritual focus.   Book Please follow the link to purchase book: https://www.chinmayapublications.com/bhaja-govindam 

Anju Arora will be conducting a Bhaja Govindam study group in person at the Master’s School (in Westchester) on Sunday mornings.    Bhaja Govindam by Swami Chinmayananda is a commentary on the famous devotional composition of Adi Shankaracharya. With clarity and warmth, Swami Chinmayananda unpacks each verse, which urges seekers to turn away from fleeting worldly pursuits and seek the eternal truth through devotion to God and self-knowledge. The book blends practical guidance for daily living with Vedantic wisdom, showing how Shankara’s call to “seek Govinda” is a timeless reminder to live with purpose, clarity, and spiritual focus.   Book Please follow the link to purchase book: https://www.chinmayapublications.com/bhaja-govindam 

The curriculum of Symbolism in Hinduism includes: Explain the ideal that moorthis represent Explain 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 above deities and celebrate them  

The curriculum** for India, The Sacred Land includes: The knowledge of why India is the Sacred Land, and what India stands for Reverence for Mother India, and her glorious heritage An understanding of the goal of life revealed in scriptures and lived by our saints Clarity that by “Walking the Footsteps of the Saints,” the goal of life can be achieved

The curriculum** of Bala Bhagavatam includes: Learn about Lord Vishnu and his avatars Narrate the story of each of the Dasavatara’s Encourage devotion through the stories of Lord Vishnu

The curriculum** for Hindu Culture program includes: Defining the Vedas as the source of Hindu culture, explaining the relevance to today's social and individual problems Topics discussed are the symbolism of idols, the cultural role of temples, the symbolic meaning of Hindu deities, Hindu festivals, Dharma, vegetarianism, the four Varnas, the Mahabharta and the Puranas

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. 

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 Groups offered for Academic Year 2026-27   Session-2 (12:00 pm - 2:00 pm) SG#1: Kindle Life  SG#2: Bhaja Govindam SG#3: Tattva Bodha SG#3: Bhagavad Gita (Chapter-8) SG#5: Upadesa Sara   Who should attend? - Open to all Parents, Guardians, Adults and Youth.   Kindle Life (SG#1) is the First study class recommeded for all "New" members to the Chinmaya Mission (including those who started late in the last academic year; or old members returning after a long gap).   As a pre-requisite, signing-up for any study class (i.e. from SG#2 to SG#4) requires completion of the prior study classe(s).    For questions, guidance please contact Sri. Sunil Narayanan or Sri.Venkata Ramana Namboori  

Learn devotional bhajans and kirtans during the Bala Vihar school year.   This class is conducted in person, parents can join BV children and learn together.

Lord Krishna's leelas teach children about sharing, self-discipline, and integrity. They are taught to introspect and observe themselves. Through the text My Twenty-four Teachers, they understand how all aspects of mother nature are selfless and giving, and how we must open our eyes to learn from teachers all around us.

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 Sunday on Balavihar weekends   The Woman Seeker showcases 18 extraordinary women saints from different parts of Bharat. They walked different paths to realization- as householders, wandering ascetics and universal mothers serving as anchors to the communities they lived in. The text includes devotees that merged with God through ananya bhakti like Andal, Akka Mahadevi, Sant Janabai, Mirabai. It includes divine voices like Mukta Bai, Atukuri Molla, Padmapriya, Gangasati. There are renunciates like Lalla, Mata Rupa Bhavani, Sri Avudai Akkkal. There are Vedic Rishsikas like Vakdevi, Gargi, Maitreyi. The text features fearless universal mothers Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, Sarada Devi, Anandamayi Ma, and our Chinmaya Mission’s own Swamini Saradapriyananda. Their songs, poetry and journeys to enlightenment are sure to spark inspiration in the minds of those who read, study, discuss and internalize their sweet wisdom.

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.

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

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time: 12:45 - 2:30 PM Sundays on Balavihar weekends   Kena Upanishad also humorously called ‘What-O-Upanishad’ by Swami Chinmayananda is one of the most important among the many Upanishads. Kena means ‘by whom’ and true to its name this Upanishad digs deep into the question of who or what is the enlivening force that makes us think and do things. It starts off by asking ‘willed by whom does the mind land upon objects’? An innocent but deep question indeed. The Upanishad then develops on this thought into profound depths which takes one into the core of Vedantic teachings.