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   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   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. 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.   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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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.

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  

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

Bala Ramayana is aimed at children in Grade K and Grade 1. Children learn the story of Ramayana and learn to comprehend 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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Siblings with encourage and excite one another through our obstacle course, swings and things, bubbles, parachute time. This is the ideal class for busy families of two or more children in building their muscles, imaginations, and confidence as they climb courses, jump on the Tumbl Trak, enjoy our indoor swings, and lift, carry, and stack giant blocks. Teachers guide busy bodies through new skills with games and gizmos that get children excited about exercise and prepare them for gymnastics and sports.-music,dance

Siblings with encourage and excite one another through our obstacle course, swings and things, bubbles, parachute time. This is the ideal class for busy families of two or more children in building their muscles, imaginations, and confidence as they climb courses, jump on the Tumbl Trak, enjoy our indoor swings, and lift, carry, and stack giant blocks. Teachers guide busy bodies through new skills with games and gizmos that get children excited about exercise and prepare them for gymnastics and sports.-music,dance

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Siblings with encourage and excite one another through our obstacle course, swings and things, bubbles, parachute time. This is the ideal class for busy families of two or more children in building their muscles, imaginations, and confidence as they climb courses, jump on the Tumbl Trak, enjoy our indoor swings, and lift, carry, and stack giant blocks. Teachers guide busy bodies through new skills with games and gizmos that get children excited about exercise and prepare them for gymnastics and sports.-music,dance

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Wear your tutus and tiaras! This class playfully introduces the basic positions and movements of ballet using music, games, creative imagery, and stories. Then, enjoy a special tea party in your tutu after the dancing is done. At the end of the semester, the dancers will have a special tea and dance session to share with family and friends.-music,dance

Siblings with encourage and excite one another through our obstacle course, swings and things, bubbles, parachute time. This is the ideal class for busy families of two or more children in building their muscles, imaginations, and confidence as they climb courses, jump on the Tumbl Trak, enjoy our indoor swings, and lift, carry, and stack giant blocks. Teachers guide busy bodies through new skills with games and gizmos that get children excited about exercise and prepare them for gymnastics and sports.-Gym

All aboard! Join us for an exciting musical adventure where you and your child become passengers on the Rockin’ Railroad! “This is one ride every child should take,” says Eric Messenger, Editor, New York Family. Each week, a rockin’ crew and “conductor” take you on a journey through tempo, rhythm, word recognition, and sound identification. The class explores a different instrument and musical genre each week and meets special puppet friends along the way. We make stops at fun destinations including Instrumentville and Grandma’s House before heading back to Kidville Station! The train’s about to leave…so have your tickets out please!-music,dance

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All aboard! Join us for an exciting musical adventure where you and your child become passengers on the Rockin’ Railroad! “This is one ride every child should take,” says Eric Messenger, Editor, New York Family. Each week, a rockin’ crew and “conductor” take you on a journey through tempo, rhythm, word recognition, and sound identification. The class explores a different instrument and musical genre each week and meets special puppet friends along the way. We make stops at fun destinations including Instrumentville and Grandma’s House before heading back to Kidville Station! The train’s about to leave…so have your tickets out please!-music,dance

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Siblings with encourage and excite one another through our obstacle course, swings and things, bubbles, parachute time. This is the ideal class for busy families of two or more children in building their muscles, imaginations, and confidence as they climb courses, jump on the Tumbl Trak, enjoy our indoor swings, and lift, carry, and stack giant blocks. Teachers guide busy bodies through new skills with games and gizmos that get children excited about exercise and prepare them for gymnastics and sports.-music,dance

Siblings with encourage and excite one another through our obstacle course, swings and things, bubbles, parachute time. This is the ideal class for busy families of two or more children in building their muscles, imaginations, and confidence as they climb courses, jump on the Tumbl Trak, enjoy our indoor swings, and lift, carry, and stack giant blocks. Teachers guide busy bodies through new skills with games and gizmos that get children excited about exercise and prepare them for gymnastics and sports.-music,dance

All aboard! Join us for an exciting musical adventure where you and your child become passengers on the Rockin’ Railroad! “This is one ride every child should take,” says Eric Messenger, Editor, New York Family. Each week, a rockin’ crew and “conductor” take you on a journey through tempo, rhythm, word recognition, and sound identification. The class explores a different instrument and musical genre each week and meets special puppet friends along the way. We make stops at fun destinations including Instrumentville and Grandma’s House before heading back to Kidville Station! The train’s about to leave…so have your tickets out please!-music,dance

Siblings with encourage and excite one another through our obstacle course, swings and things, bubbles, parachute time. This is the ideal class for busy families of two or more children in building their muscles, imaginations, and confidence as they climb courses, jump on the Tumbl Trak, enjoy our indoor swings, and lift, carry, and stack giant blocks. Teachers guide busy bodies through new skills with games and gizmos that get children excited about exercise and prepare them for gymnastics and sports.-music,dance

All classes are with parent/caregiver.-Gym

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Swing! Shoot! Score! With so many sport choices, why choose just one? Build coordination, core-body strength, and agility with non-competitive exploration of balls, bats, hoops, clubs, racquets and sticks. Our instructors introduce young athletes to the basics through lots of playful drills, games and obstacle courses.-Gym

Warm up those muscles and develop fitness habits to last a lifetime! Big kids break a sweat playing games where they’ll learn how to understand structure, figure out strategies, and practice teamwork. Obstacle courses, swing structure challenges, and Tumbl Trak games will build coordination, agility, strength, and balance. With this exciting workout, they’ll run out of energy before they run out of things to do!-Gym

All classes are with parent/caregiver.-Gym

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