Lessons from Ramayana through stories, games, quizzes, arts and crafts.

Understanding of God through Srimad Bhagavatam and Introduction to Bhagavad Gita through discussions, games and skits.

Fun introduction to Hindu gods through alphabet safari, stories and music.

Lessons from Ramayana through stories, games, quizzes, arts and crafts.

Adult Study Groups offered for Academic Year 2024-25 SG#1: Kindle Life  SG#2: Bhaja Govindam SG#3: Tattva Bodha SG#4: Manha Sodhanam SG#5: Bhagavad Gita (Chapter-3) SG#6: Bhagavad Gita (Chapter-6) SG#7: Bhagavad Gita (Chapter-14)   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#7) 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:  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.  

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:  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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.   In this Chapter, Bhagavan Krishna shows Arjuna His visvarupa (infinite cosmic form). Arjuna is astounded by this vision that shows Bhagavan’s unlimited form, that has no beginning or end–in other words, indescribable. Arjuna inquires about this form and asks further about his doubts and fear about the impending war. Bhagavan helps Arjuna understand this cosmic form and allays Arjuna’s fears. Bhagavan explains further that only those who have pure devotion (like Arjuna) are capable of witnessing this cosmic form, get to know Bhagavan, and attain union with Him.   Book To purchase a copy of the book, please visit https://www.chinmayapublications.com/geetas-upanishads   (For the Holy Geeta complete with all chapters) https://www.chinmayapublications.com/bhagavad-gita-holy-geeta

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.

Learn to chant Bhagavad Gita from the start with the correct pronunciation.  This is the perfect way to enjoy and deepen our understanding of the Bhagavad Gita. If you aren't part of our Monday Bhagavad Gita class (explanation of each verse), you can sign up here.   You can also catch up on the missed talks in our Chinmaya Mission New York youtube channel here.  

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.

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.

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. 

Bala Ramayana is aimed at children in Grade K and Grade 1. Children learn the story of Ramayana and learn to comprehend 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.

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

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.

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

Dr. Jatin Kapadia will be conducting Bhagavad Gita Study Group in person at the Vaishnav temple on Sunday mornings.    Book 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     If you have questions please contact Kartick Kalaimani at qlibalavihar@chinmayanewyork.org

Anju Arora will be conducting a Self Unfoldment study group in person at the Master’s School (in Westchester) on Sunday mornings.  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.  Our Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda, expounds upn the fundamentals of Vedanta through His  lucid, exhaustive, clear, and logical language. Through the study of this book, seekers will build a strong foundation for further Vedantic study. In fact, one can even consider this book a complete manual to unfold themself and understand the true heart of Vedanta.  Book To purchase a copy of the book, please visit: https://www.chinmayapublications.com/self-unfoldment-us-edition

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** 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

The curriculum** of Gems of Ramayana includes: Description: The Ramayana is a timeless epic filled with dharma, devotion and wisdom.  In this course, the students will explore the story of the Ramayana, understand the deeper symbolism of each character and life-changing lessons that they can apply here and now. The curriculum** of Key to Success includes: Includes determineing the criteria for Success as described by the Vibheeshana Gita and the dharma chariot  The importance of the caliber of our instrument-- mind and intellect  The way to quieten our mind and intellect, and live by the noble values The way to ride the Dharma Chariot, to succeed and be happy in life

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

Learn to chant Bhagavad Gita from the start with the correct pronunciation.  This is the perfect way to enjoy and deepen our understanding of the Bhagavad Gita. If you aren't part of our Monday Bhagavad Gita class (explanation of each verse), you can sign up here.   You can also catch up on the missed talks in our Chinmaya Mission New York youtube channel here.   We will focus on chanting Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita in this class.

Life is about having a rhythm to fill our bodies, minds and hearts and that rhythm should be the sound of God.  In light of this, our Online Stotram chanting classes will be held on Fridays from 7:00-7:45pm conducted by Mala Gupta.   These sessions will be conducted online via Zoom video conferencing. The Zoom link to join the online session will be sent to registered participants.    Book can be puchased through the link below:  https://www.chinmayapublications.com/search?q=book+of+hymns   We will cover the following stotrams in class: 1. Sankatanashan Ganesh stotram 2. Sharda stotram 3. Dakshinamurthy stotram 4. Margabandha stotram 5. Gita Dhyanam 6. Balamukunda stotram 7. Rama stotram  8. Hanuman chalisa   The aim is to get each one memorized or very proficient in chanting it. We will perfect one and move to the next stotram. 

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.    Only new students need to register. Current Bhagavad Gita Monday class students will continue to use the same Zoom link they have. Bhagavad Gita Chapter 9 classes start on 6th Jan 2025.   It is in this chapter that the Lord imparts the Royal Secret, the king of all secrets to Arjuna.   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.    In this text, Swami Chinmayananda takes us through the thought process necessary to gain control of our inner world. In part two of this text, we will be studying the practical application of this theory of meditation. Swami Chinmayananda takes us through the concrete techniques that we can perform to start, strengthen, and maintain our sadhanas in our daily lives. Through this process, we will strengthen our ability to control our inner world and reach new depths in our spiritual progress. 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  

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

Description: 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 Vibhishana Gita is found in the sixth canto entitles Lanka Kanda or Yuddha Kanda of Sri Ramacharitamanas, composed by Goswami Tulisadas ji.  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.

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 discern between needs and wants, and responsibility by owning up to their choices and learning from them.

Shishu vihars are a safe and nurturing space for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers to start their Bala Vihar Journey. This is a parent and me class. The goal of the curriculum is to promote: Strong bonds between parent and child through active engagement in this class Familiarity with deities in Hindu Culture Propogation of common childhood stories for the dieties Cultural learnings through music and crafts

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.

The main theme, as the title Yato Dharmah Tato Jayah suggests is to teach children that where there is Dharma, there is victory and to gain victory in life, one must follow Dharma. The text dives deep into teaching what is Dharma, how to live by Dharma, along with the story of Mahabharata and a comparative analysis of the main characters and their Dharma in the epic. The goal of life and how we are the architect of our own future is explained through the Law of Karma. Two unique activities-charting and keeping vigilance of our speech, and setting Dharma Thermostat of different values-are done throughout the year to facilitate the learning of introspection