Geeta Study Group   a) Time: Sundays 12:15 pm - 1:00 pm   b) Open to all Balavihar families. Ages 18+ welcome   c) Participants will study the Gita in depth as a group and exchange thoughts on their understanding, enabling a better learning experience   d) Primary text: Swami Chinmayananda's commentary on the Gita. Other texts as needed.  

Brahmacharini Shubhani Chaitanya will be conducting Vedanta Study Group online via Zoom video conferencing. The Zoom link to join the online session will be sent to registered participants.    In this text, Swami Chinmayananda takes us through the thought process necessary to gain control of our inner world. He shows us the logic of meditation and then teaches specific techniques for applying this practice in our daily lives. When meditation becomes natural to us, we truly transform, remaining calm and still amidst the dynamic and changing world.     Audience This class is for women seekers of all ages and backgrounds combining elements of discourse and discussion.  It's a safe and sacred space to explore Vedantic texts as it relates to the life of women.      Book Follow the link below to purchase book, https://www.chinmayapublications.com/meditation-and-life    

To understand and appreciate Vedanta better, we begin with the introductory book of Self Unfoldment by Swami Chinmayananda. We often underestimate the study of any introductory book, because we are familiar with a lot of the terms due to our background. It is only when we discuss and dive deeper, we realize how many questions we still have about our true nature. Join us on a deeper journey to the Inner Self.    Audience: This is for those who like to gain a clear foundation on Vedantic concepts. This online study group will be led by Anju Arora and the text will be studied in a discussion and interactive format. The Zoom link to join the online session will be sent to registered participants.    Please follow the link to purchase book: https://www.chinmayapublications.com/self-unfoldment-us-edition  

Dr. Jatin Kapadia will be conducting Bhagavad Gita Study Group in person at the Vaishnav temple on Sunday mornings. To purchase a copy of the book, please visit https://www.chinmayapublications.com/geetas-upanishads   If you have questions please contact Kartick Kalaimani at qlibalavihar@chinmayanewyork.org    

The vision of Swami Chinmayananda, the founder of Chinmaya Mission, was that the eternal knowledge of the scriptures is key to the inner transformation of the individual. Study groups are the method by which a total inner change can be achieved, comprising of a process of study, reflection and meditation that initiates and sustains inner change. Study groups are forums where seekers of knowledge study a Vedantic text and discuss the concepts with like-minded aspirants in an open environment of positive spiritual growth. This study group on Manah Shodhanam, on the coattails of our weekly parent satsang, is for those seekers who would like to go deeper into the text in a group discussion format. They are free to all Balavihar families to attend. This adult study group offers a structured and systematic way of bringing clarity, coherence and comprehension of ancient Indian wisdom to a seeker of spiritual knowledge. Through regular attendance and sincere application, study classes serve as a key activity to create a pathway towards inner transformation.

Brahmacharini Shubhani Chaitanya will be conducting Vedanta Study Group online via Zoom video conferencing. The Zoom link to join the online session will be sent to registered participants.    Vakya Vritti is a text by Adi Shankaracharya that dwells upon the great statement Tat Tvam Asi. Tat Tvam Asi is the very essence of the entire Upanishadic literature that reveals the oneness between the individual Self (Jiva) and the Supreme Self (Brahman).  Through a detailed analysis, Adi Shankaracharya explains the meaning of each word with lucid examples, logical analysis and meditative practices.     Book To purchase the book: https://www.chinmayapublications.com/vakya-vritti-2     Audience This class is for those who have studied Vedantic texts and are seeking more clarity and abidance in the Self.

Dr. Jatin Kapadia will be conducting Bhagavad Gita Study Group online via Zoom video conferencing. The Zoom link to join the online session will be sent to registered participants. To purchase a copy of the book, please visit https://www.chinmayapublications.com/geetas-upanishads   Please confirm further dates with Vivek Gupta408 693 5171vivekguddu@gmail.com   Tips for those who are new to zoom: How do I join a Zoom meeting? -If you have not done so, please download and install the software called 'Zoom' which enables you to join the satsang. It will only take a few minutes https://zoom.us/support/download -Please make sure your computer has a video camera and the audio is working. Consider joining at  10 minutes earlier to ensure that everything is working well.  

Brahmacharini Shubhani Chaitanya will be conducting Vedanta Study Group online via Zoom video conferencing. The Zoom link to join the online session will be sent to registered participants.    Is it possible for a finite and limited mind to comprehend the infnite?   In Chapter 7, Shri Krishna reveals to Arjuna his true nature as the very essence of the world. He goes on to explain what prevents people from realizing this nature and gives Arjuna practical tips as to how one can overcome these obstacles. Shri Krishna leads Arjuna to true knowledge - the knowledge of which, nothing more remains to be known.   The Gita is one of the most widely translated and commented upon scriptures of the world. It is a revelation to humanity by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, a friend and disciple at a critical moment of his life.  It is a universal scripture containing various strands of teachings suited to all types of people at their stages of development.  It teaches the Supreme Goal to be attained as well as the means for attaining it. To purchase a copy of the book, please visit, (For each chapter individually) https://www.chinmayapublications.com/geetas-upanishads   (For the Holy Geeta complete with all chapters) https://www.chinmayapublications.com/bhagavad-gita-holy-geeta   This class is for seekers who have basic knowledge of Vedanta and are looking to gain a deeper understanding of the Self and their spiritual journey. Most of the students of this class have studied the previous chapters of the Bhagavad Gita. If you haven't done so or if you wish to review, please visit https://www.youtube.com/c/ChinmayaMissionNewYork/featured  for class videos.

Dr. Jatin Kapadia will be conducting Vedanta Study Group online via Zoom video conferencing. The Zoom link to join the online session will be sent to registered participants.    What do you call a devotee who is also a king -- an emperor among saints or a saint among emperors? Kulaśekhara Ālvār, was a regal devotee who lorded over the Lord of His heart, Mukunda! He would cry, smile, weep, laugh, plead, throw a challenge to the lord and make Kṛṣṇa give into His sweet adoration.   Swami Ishwarananda in his erudite exposition on Mukundamālā, a composition of this saint says that love by itself is healing, but divine love is several notches higher and a Divine Lover is an alchemist who transforms an ordinary life into an inner pilgrimage, leading to an ecstatic union with the Lord.   His exhaustive commentary is replete with easy examples and parallels from the Upaniṣads and the Bhagavad-gītā. This will be an illuminating affirmation for any devotee and an eye-opener to any atheist who is very sure of himself.   Through this text, you will discover the deeper dimensions of your emotional and spiritual personalities.   Follow the link below to purchase book, https://www.chinmayapublications.com/mukundamala

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time:  7:00 - 8:45 pm Fridays on Balavihar weekends   Kathopanishad is a unique Upanishad which starts with a katha (a story) of a young boy who is ready to face the Lord of Death in his quest for Truth to know what lies beyond death. He asks the very pertinent and philosophical question, ‘Is there or is there not, and if it is what is it?’In short, this teaching is an extravaganza of spiritual knowledge and meditation that guides a student step by step to the glorious state of immortality, peace and bliss. The format of our class will be to watch video of Guruj’s  discourses for about 30 minutes and continue our Satsangha reading out Gurudev’s Book on Kathopanishad followed by Q&A . The class will have active participation with a quest to prime our precious moments to unfold the mystery beyond Death.

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   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:  7:00 - 8:45 pm Fridays on Balavihar weekends   Learn to chant and reflect on - Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, discussion based on Gurudev’s commentary, watch gurudev’s talks - Shloka-s/stotra-s:  LalitA pancakam, toTakAShTakam, shiva-mAnasa pUjA, lakshmI-nRsimha-karAvalamba-stotram, [gopI gitam and gangA stuti if time permits] - Guided Meditation

Adult Study Group Attendees:  Open only to registered Balavihar families or Parivaar/Sevak members Time: 9:15 - 11:00 AM Sundays on Balavihar weekends   A preliminary text of Vedantic studies, this work lays a very good foundation for all advanced studies. Full of guidance for right living, the book inspires every reader to pursue true spirituality. The language here is simple, yet forceful. Avoiding Technical jargon, Pujya Gurudev initiates us into the essentials of a higher, value-based life. Organized into over thirty lessons or essays, the material here is ideal for a novice.

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.

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   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   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.

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:  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.

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: 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.