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.

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: 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 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.

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:  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.

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.

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

Bala Vihar is a weekly gathering for children from grade 1 to grade 12 and their families.  Bala Vihar Mission Statement To help children learn values with fun, to delight like the moon and shine like the sun.   Bala Vihar fosters the holistic well-being of children by nurturing their physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual development through value-based learning and spiritual growth.   Bala Vihar Objectives: Inspire Right Thinking: Shape young minds to think clearly, judge rightly and live courageously according to noble values and ideals. Cultivate Love for Culture: Instill pride in India’s rich heritage and spiritual wisdom, nurturing respect for tradition and the environment. Foster Holistic Growth: Develop the child’s physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual dimensions, ensuring balanced and integrated growth. Build Strong Character: Prepare children to face life’s challenges with confidence, discipline, compassion, and a cheerful outlook. Encourage Seva and Leadership: Nurture responsibility and selfless service, enabling them to grow into responsible citizens and future leaders.

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.    Note: All classes will be online and will evolve to a hybrid model once Upavan is fully operational.   In this chapter, Lord Krishna reveals to Arjuna the beauty of the worship of the personal form of  God as well as the worship of the formless Brahman. He shows how holding on to the name and form can take one to the nameless and formless Reality.  Further, He provides steps for all to rise and grow as devotees through enumerating the wonderful qualities of a bhakta.    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.

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.   The Essence of Bhagavad Gita class will cover key topics from Chapter 2 of the Bhagavad Gita. This year we will focus on the characteristics of a devi of steady wisdom. Such a seeker will remain calm and balanced amidst all life circumstances. Further, we will study the foundations of Karma Yoga as a path to selfless action.     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/art-of-man-making-part-1 

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

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.   Note: All classes will be online and will evolve to a hybrid model once Upavan is fully operational.   Chapter 5 of Panchadashi, titled “Mahavakya Viveka,” explores the highest Truth of the unity between the individual jiva and the reality of Brahman. In this chapter, we will explore the four principal Mahavakyas from the Vedas and how each of these statements all point to the same nondual Truth. These serve as a guiding light on the path of self-realization.   Book To purchase the book (Complete chapters of Panchadashi): https://www.amazon.com/Pancadasi-Swami-Vidyaranya/dp/8171205070    To purchase chapters 5,10 and 15 of Panchadashi with the commentary of Swami Tejomayananda: https://chinmayapublications.com/panchadasi-ch-51015   Audience This class is for those who have studied Vedantic texts and are seeking more clarity and abidance in the Self. This is an intermediate text of Vedanta.

The problem of mind control is as old as the hills. The mind never tires of playing tricks and there is no way to peace unless it is tamed. Indeed he is strong who conquers others, but he is mighty who conquers himself. Manah Shodhanam is an original Sanskrit composition of Swami Tejomayananda. This text and commentary helps us understand the working of our mind and gives practical solutions of how to tackle it. With a pure mind, life becomes cheerful and meaningful and finally peaceful and blissful.    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://chinmayapublications.com/manah-sodhanam

The Gayatri Mantra is the essence of the entire Veda. It is considered our nitya karma/ daily karma to perform this japa every morning.  Every Sunday, Brni. Shubhani will lead a Gayatri Japa meditation wherein 108 Gayatri Mantras will be chanted followed by a meditation.   All sessions will be conducted online via Zoom. Meeting link will be provided to registered participants.   Audience This is OPEN to ALL. Although most seekers who attend this have gone through the Gayatri Japa class under Brni. Shubhani, those who are new may also join this to start a spiritual sadhana.   Book https://www.chinmayapublications.com/search?q=tune+in+the+mind

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 JCHYKEarly26 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 – Brahmānanda ValliThe Path to Supreme KnowledgeDiscover the profound wisdom of the Brahmānanda Valli, which reveals the nature of the Self, the bliss of Brahman, and the inner journey from the finite to the Infinite. This timeless teaching guides the seeker toward lasting fulfillment through Self-knowledge. MANĪṢĀ PAÑCAKAMFive Verses... A Lifetime of ReflectionThough composed of only five verses by Bhagawān Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, the Manīṣā Pañcakam is a masterpiece of Advaita Vedānta. Each verse invites deep contemplation on the true nature of the Self, offering insights that can inspire a lifetime of reflection and spiritual growth.