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.

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: 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.   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   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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Chinmaya Vrindavan Amrutavihar is a special program tailored for children, who are differently abled, to come together for social interaction, spiritual growth and learning. The children are introduced to stories from our Puranas, taught how to chant shlokas and sing bhajans, along with art & craft activities, yoga, breathing exercises and group discussions.   Classes meet on every Wednesday during the Balavihar calendar year from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.    For further information contact: amrutavihar@chinmayavrindavan.org

Calling all high schoolers for a weekend retreat focused on the theme of “Lift Yourself By Yourself” - designed to impart accountability, mental clarity, and emotional resilience.   The retreat will carefully study Chapter 6 Verse 5 from the Bhagavad Gita: “One should lift oneself by oneself; one should not lower oneself. The mind is verily one's friend; the mind is one’s own enemy.”   Event Details: 🗓️ Saturday, Sept 26th to Sunday Sept 27th Shanti Mandir - 51 Muktananda Marg, Walden, NY 12586 👥 Open to all high school students (including incoming freshmen & graduating seniors) 🐦💰 Early Bird Contribution: $160 until August 3rd (includes all accommodations - lodging, meals, merch, etc.) - Please use the code CHYKEarly26 for the early bird rate. 💰 Regular Contribution: $175 until Sept 1st (includes all accommodations - lodging, meals, merch, etc.) Teacher for the Weekend: Brni. Shubhani Chaitanya Known for her warm nature and clear, straightforward delivery, Shubhani Ji brings the Gita to life in a way that makes sense to today’s youth. What to Expect: Inspiring satsangs and interactive sessions with Shubhani Ji Workshops, yoga, bonfire, group activities, and fun challenges Time for reflection, connection, and fun Great food, good company, and camp vibe

TAITTIRĪYA UPANIṢAD - Brahmananda Valli - The Path to Knowledge. Revealing the sacred values (siksa) that mold character and invoke higher knowledge. MANĪṢA PANCHAKAM - Only five verses in Manessha Panchakam but enough to keep one thinking for a lifetime.