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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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   A preliminary text of Vedantic studies, Kindle Life 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.   Upadesa Sara concisely introduces all four paths enshrined in our Hindu scriptures with Ramana Maharshi's unique way of explaining Vedanta.

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.

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.

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

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.

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 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 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. 

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 (ESSENCE of VEDAS & UPANISHADS)

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).

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 (VALUES from MAHABHARATA).

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).

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

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 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 (PRACTICAL TIPS from BHAGAVAD GITA).

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 (GITA SHLOKAS, VALUE-BASED STORIES).

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 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 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 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

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

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

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 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.