Registration for the Fall 2026 session of Chinmaya Mission New York Downtown Bala Vihar in Chelsea is now open!   Bala Vihar offers weekly Hindu spiritual and cultural classes rooted in Sanātana Dharma for the entire family — from toddlers (age 2) through high schoolers — along with Parent Satsang with our resident Vedanta teacher.   🗓 Saturdays | 4:00 PM – 5:45 PM📍 Chelsea, Manhattan✨ Classes begin September 2026   Through bhajans, stories, interactive discussions, and festival celebrations, students gain a deeper connection to Hindu culture, values, and spirituality in a fun and engaging environment.   Students develop:•⁠  ⁠Confidence & leadership•⁠  ⁠Empathy & teamwork•⁠  ⁠Connection to Hindu culture & values•⁠  ⁠Spiritual understanding rooted in Indian traditions   Spaces are limited, so we encourage early registration!   For more information please fill out this inquiry form by clicking the green Sign Up button or email us at downtown.registrations@chinmayanewyork.org.

Spark curiosity and understanding of Hindu Culture through interactive discussions, reflection, understanding and application of the concepts shared in the class. Topics include Symbolism of deities and basic concepts in vedanta such as four goals of life (purusharthas), the six virtues (shad sampati), the three qualities of the mind (gunas) and the four stages of life (ashramas).

Self Unfoldment by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda is a text that helps the seeker to develop a strong foundation in the most basic concepts in Vedanta. Discussions and interactive activities ensure these concepts remain embedded in the experience of the student. With this foundation, the student is well prepared to study Prakarana Granthas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita. 

Self Unfoldment by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda is a text that helps the seeker to develop a strong foundation in the most basic concepts in Vedanta. Discussions and interactive activities ensure these concepts remain embedded in the experience of the student. With this foundation, the student is well prepared to study Prakarana Granthas, Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita. 

Spark curiosity and understanding of Hindu Culture through interactive discussions, reflection, understanding and application of the concepts shared in the class. Topics include Symbolism of deities and basic concepts in vedanta such as four goals of life (purusharthas), the six virtues (shad sampati), the three qualities of the mind (gunas) and the four stages of life (ashramas).

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.   In this chapter of Panchadashi, it is revealed that lasting peace and happiness arises from Self-knowledge rather than material comforts. Most people tend to seek material items and comfort believing that to be the source of joy; however, the true satisfaction (tripti) arises from an inner state of fulfillment, completely independent of the outside world. This knowledge of true Self shines like a lamp (deepa) which removes the darkness of ignorance and guides us to Self-realization.   Book Please follow the link below to purchase book, https://chinmayapublications.com/tripti-deepa-panchadasi-chapter-7

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.   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   Considered being the greatest Upanishad in the Vedic literature the Mundakopanishad with Karika examines life in its entirety. It analyzes and discusses the waking, dream and deep-sleep states of Consciousness and helps us to discover the Reality behind them all. 

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 201 study group is targeted towards intermediate students 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.

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 Groups offered for Academic Year 2026-27   Session-1 (9:00 am - 11:00 am) SG#1: Kindle Life  SG#2: Tattva Bodha SG#3: Atma Bodha SG#4: Bhagavad Gita (Chapter-2) SG#5: Senior SG    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  

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.

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.

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). 

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  

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.

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 

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.

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.