Bala Vihar - Chinmaya Mission WRC

Bala Vihar is a weekly gathering of children (Preschool to Grade 12) under the supervision of trained teachers. The aim of Bala Vihar is to help children bloom, grow, and inculcate values through fun-filled activities. Bala Vihar enhances the overall development of the personality of a child at all levels – physical, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual.

Please Note: Saturday AM and Sunday AM sessions are in person and Sunday PM session is online only.

Registration Instructions | Membership Details

Introduction
Classes & Curriculum
Schedule
Parent Info
Rules of Conduct
FAQ
2022-23 Bala Vihar Calendar

Children are a major focus at Chinmayam. The goal of Bala Vihar is to “wake up the sleeping giant” in our children and inspire them to reach their maximum potential by imparting a value-based education through a specially designed age appropriate curriculum.

The Bala Vihar program offers weekly spiritual classes for children in their formative school years (Pre K to 12). The classes are organized by age groups, start and end with Sanskrit prayers, and include chanting, bhajans, stories of devotion and morals, interactive discussions, and creative games.

The sessions are of approximately 90 minutes duration including the common assembly time, and are based on specially designed curriculum.

The idea is to provide an environment where the personality of the child blossoms in a spontaneous way. Good conduct, emotional refinement, intellectual finesse, social responsibility and spiritual awareness are developed by the teachers through story-telling from the Puranas and other scriptures, singing of bhajans, chanting of stotrams, games, arts and crafts, plays and other fun-filled activities. The children are encouraged to be responsible, alert and sensitive members of society.

Swami Chinmayananda believed that just as the strength of a wall depended on the quality of each brick, so too, the health of a society depended on the individuals. If the individuals are healthy, the society is healthy. His strategy for building a new society was to “Catch ’em young,” and that is what we are trying to accomplish at Chinmayam.

Chinmayam also offers additional classes and activities besides the regular Bala Vihar classes to help the children blossom and develop their multi-faceted talents.

The senior Balavihar classes provide a forum for youth where they are provided an opportunity to discuss, debate and understand the logic of our religion and its tenets and to become aware of their potential. After having gained this awareness, their potential is directed into creative channels. The high school students are encouraged to volunteer in community and social service activities. Additionally, different career choices are discussed along with what it takes to be a professional in those disciplines. The aim of these classes is to prepare today’s youth to be responsible and successful adults of tomorrow.

The annual session runs from August to May, parallel to the regular school calendar.

Registration Instructions | Membership Details

Children are not vessels to be filled, but lamps to be lit. The seed of spiritual values should be sown in young hearts, and the conditions made favorable for sprouting and steady growth through proper control and discipline. It must be cared for with the warmth of love and affection, and such a tree shall blossom forth flowers of brotherhood, universal love, peace, bliss, beauty, and perfection.
Swami Chinmayananda

From the youngest Ati-Madhuram class to the Chinmayam class for high school youngsters, all Bala Vihar children participate in a variety of activities. The grade in which the child is enrolled in his/her school, is the basis for placement in the appropriate Bala Vihar class.

SHISHU VIHAR

Ages less than 3.5 years

Shishu Vihar is Chinmaya Mission’s newest creative initiative to include infants and toddlers (0 to 3.5 years of age) with a parent/guardian for an early introduction to spiritual education.
Shishu Vihar is all about combining fun and interaction with values and wisdom that the kids will develop as they grow. It is a wonderful bonding time for the parents and their toddlers.

ATI-MADHURAM

Pre-KG (Ages 3-5)

Stories, Bhajans, Activities: Children learn about Hindu Deities/Idols such as Ganesha, Shiva, Krishna, Rama, Devis through stories, activities, bhajans, celebrations and much more.

AMRUTA VIHAR

Special Education

Chinmayam’s Amruta Vihar 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..

MADHURAM

Kindergarten (Age 5+)

Alphabet Safari: Children are introduced to the positive values through the English Alphabet. For example: A for Ambition, B for Brotherhood etc. Each value is taught through a story or song.

SATYAM

1st Grade

Bala Ramayana: Through a specially written version of the Ramayana, children learn to appreciate courage, enthusiasm and wisdom.

2nd Grade

Hanuman Superman: The book illustrates Hanumanji’s qualities such as devotion to duty, Buddhi (intellect), strength, Yasha (fame), courage, fearlessness, alertness and eloquence.

SHIVAM

3rd Grade

Bala Bhagavatam: Stories from Bhagavatam are taught to children to reinforce Hindu values and philosophy. Children also learn about the nine types of Bhakti (devotion) and the significance behind the various shapes and forms of Hindu gods and rituals.

4th Grade

Krishna Krishna & 24 Gurus

SUNDARAM

5th Grade

Saints of India: Many chosen ones came and lived among others, to show the way to God. They lived their life with the spirit and in the manner advocated by the sacred scriptures. They were able to give up everything for the discovery of God in their own heart. In the pages of this book, necessary details of the lives of these saints and the paths they chose to attain Saintliness is depicted, inspiring all readers. Their paths were many but their goal was one.

Sacred India

6th Grade

Symbolism in Hinduism: Hinduism is often labeled as a religion of 330 million gods. This misunderstanding arises when people fail to grasp the symbolism of the Hindu pantheon. Hindus worship the nameless and formless Supreme Reality by various names and forms. These different aspects of the One Reality are symbolized by the many gods and goddesses of Hinduism. Each is but a symbol that points to something beyond, and as none exhaustively represents God’s actual nature, the entire array is needed to complete the picture of God’s aspects and manifestations. Symbolism plays a greater role in the religion and art of India, than in other nations.

Why Do We?

SHIVANANDAM

7th Grade

Vibheeshana Geeta (Key to Success): This text is based on discourses of Lord Rama to Vibheeshana in Ramayana. In Vibheeshana Geeta, Sri Rama outlines the necessary tools for human beings to complete the voyage of life safely and to attain spiritual progress and mental purification. The Vibheeshana Geeta emphasizes the importance of faith, values and devotion. Youngsters will be able to understand and appreciate that while there are bound to be ups and downs in life, devotion can help one handle both types of situations with poise and equanimity.

PO Box Mr God

8th Grade

Hindu Culture: This is a comprehensive and complete analysis of the Hindu culture and its salient feature, its varied facets and its all-encompassing fullness. Skillful definitions, gifted quotes and striking illustrations carry the reader on a pilgrimage of the holy land that India is, and the holy culture that it has. This book will help the Indian Youth to learn and appreciate Indian culture and our heritage.

Ageless Guru: The Inspirational Life of Swami Chinmayananda.

TAPOVANAM

9th Grade

Mahabharata – Yato Dharma Tato Jaya

10th Grade

The Holy Geeta by Swami Chinmayananda (Chapters 1-9): Bhagavad Gita is ‘The Lord’s Song’ is the most popular and probably the single most influential text in Hindu philosophy. It is certainly one of the world’s greatest scriptures. The message of Geeta is universal in its scope, and it opens the gate of deliverance to all without distinction. Lord Krishna states, “Through whatever paths men seek to come unto Me, I accept them through those very paths; all paths which men take, O Arjuna, lead ultimately unto Me only.” Select verses in each chapter are reviewed and studied in a discussion format with Chinmayam class students to stimulate not only learning of the literal meaning of the verses, but also the wealth of subtle knowledge behind each.

Storm to Perform by Swami Swaroopananda

CHINMAYAM

11th Grade

The Holy Geeta by Swami Chinmayananda (Chapters 9-18): Bhagavad Gita is ‘The Lord’s Song’ is the most popular and probably the single most influential text in Hindu philosophy. It is certainly one of the world’s greatest scriptures. The message of Geeta is universal in its scope, and it opens the gate of deliverance to all without distinction. Lord Krishna states, “Through whatever paths men seek to come unto Me, I accept them through those very paths; all paths which men take, O Arjuna, lead ultimately unto Me only.” Select verses in each chapter are reviewed and studied in a discussion format with Chinmayam class students to stimulate not only learning of the literal meaning of the verses, but also the wealth of subtle knowledge behind each.

12th Grade

Self-Unfoldment by Swami Chinmayananda: This introductory text on the fundamentals of Vedanta is written by Gurudev to be clear and logical so as to be appealing to the modern, scientific-minded generation. It is an excellent book for teenagers as well as adults. It inspires the sincere student to pursue deeper study of other Vedantic scriptural texts and understanding of the subtle truths within.

Session	Day		Time
Session 1	Saturday	IN PERSON	9:45 am – 11:30 am
Session 2	Sunday	IN PERSON	9:45 am – 11:30 am
Session 3	Sunday	ONLINE ONLY	1:15 pm – 3:00 pm

We offer three identical Bala Vihar sessions. While registering, please provide your first and second choice of session preferences. If your first choice session is full, you are offered your second choice session.

Chinmaya Mission reserves the right to accept or reject admission and session assignment requests. We recommend early registration to secure admission.

Important Notes For Parents!

With the grace of Bhagavan and Sri Gurudev, Bala Vihar instills in children an appreciation of the play of the Divine in our lives. Trained volunteer parent-teachers provide children a Vedanta-based education that emphasizes spirituality and values so that they grow up prepared to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Children also learn about the rich cultural heritage of India through the medium of stories, drama, arts and crafts, and discussion.

Both parents (if not, at least one parent) must attend the Vedanta Class while the Bala Vihar classes for children are in session. An attendance will be taken during the Vedanta class. Parents who do not comply with this requirements will be required to meet with Acharyas once notified.

To facilitate effective learning, parents are NOT permitted in class unless pre-arranged with the Teacher and the Bala Vihar Coordinator/Director.

The Bala Vihar Coordinator/Director may routinely attend Bala Vihar classes to evaluate the curriculum and for teacher training.

Once or twice a year Bala Vihar teachers will hold a parent/teacher conference. The teachers will update parents on class progress and the topics covered. The purpose of the parent/teacher conference is to facilitate ongoing parental involvement with the child’s learning.

Please bring your children to Bala Vihar classes regularly and on time. To maximize learning and to respect the significant effort teachers put in to prepare for class, please ensure that children attend class regularly and that absences are few and far between, and only due to unavoidable reasons such as illness or other emergencies.

Please notify the teacher(s) before class if your child is going to be absent. In the event of sudden illness or emergency, please notify the teacher(s) as soon as possible. The telephone numbers and email addresses of teachers provided may be used for this purpose.

All children should be well rested and have a nourishing meal before attending Bala Vihar. This fosters better learning.

Please ensure that children come to class prepared with their Bala Vihar notebook, My Prayers book, and other books in their syllabus, pencil, and crayons (for younger children) or colored pens.

During Mission programs other than Bala Vihar (monthly Bhajan nights, etc.), parents are responsible for their children’s behavior. Please teach children to respect the sanctity of the facility by maintaining silence during these programs, not running in the building, dropping trash in trash cans, putting books and games away, etc.

At home, please help children practice and memorize assembly prayers they are learning in class.

Feel free to discuss your child’s progress or needs, or any concerns or questions you may have, with the Bala Vihar teacher(s) or Coordinator. We encourage and value parental involvement and input.

Each classroom needs at least two parent volunteers to help organize occasional field trips, socials, and other special activities. Please contact the classroom teacher if you would like to volunteer.

The dress code for Bala Vihar is provided on the preceding page. Parents are encouraged to follow the dress code and set an example for children. In winter, children are urged to wear sweaters and socks to class.

Chinmaya Mission will use e-mail to convey information about schedule changes, other programs, or snow dates. Please inform us if your e-mail address changes.

We expect all children to follow these rules of conduct!

The Bala Vihar classes start promptly at the scheduled time. Children are requested to be punctual; they should be seated and ready for Hanuman Chalisa followed by Arati at least ten minutes before the start time.

Respect for self is respect for others. Children should be attentive and respectful in class, and raise their hands and wait their turn before speaking.

Children should come to class prepared, and with their Bala Vihar notebook, textbooks, pencil and box of crayons or colored pens (for younger children).

Children are expected to exhibit good manners and maintain discipline at all times. Running in the building, or disturbing any of the books or materials in the classroom is not permitted.

Chewing gum, drinks, or food should not be consumed in in the classrooms.

Dress code for Bala Vihar Children:
Boys – Kurta Pajama or full pants with kurta. No hats, jeans, or shorts.
Girls – Salwar Kameez or long skirt with blouse. Wear a bindi.

Children or Youth who are attending some other activity after Bala Vihar may bring a change of clothes with them.

Use of smart devices (mobile phones, tablets etc.) is not permitted during any classes. If the child(ren) are found using any of those devices, the teacher will take the smart device from the child(ren) and parents will have to collect it from the teacher.

Every family, whether with children or without, whether an existing member or a new applicant for membership, is required to register (please check these helpful instructions) using the Online Registration System. A child may not be enrolled without his/her parent’s enrollment and participation in the Adult Classes. Please note that at least one parent is required to attend the Adult Class while the children are in Bala Vihar. Children CANNOT be left at the Mission premises without a parent.

To participate in the Bala Vihar program, students should be entering grades Pre-K to 12. Pre-K students should be toilet trained and at least three years old as of September 1, enrolling year.

Please register early to increase the likelihood of being assigned to your first-choice session. Admission and session assignment will be confirmed to you by early August.

Only children enrolled in Bala Vihar are eligible to enroll in Performing Arts and Language classes. Students must be at least 6 years of age as of September of the current enrolling year. Registered adult members can enroll in select Performing Arts classes subject to availability of seats after admitting children. Select Language and Performing Arts classes are available for enrollment for non-members as well. Click here for more details on membership and eligibility.

Chinmaya Mission reserves the right to accept or reject admission requests. For admission and session assignment, we recommend early registration. Session assignment is on a first-come basis and subject to capacity limitations (class sizes, Hall Capacity, Parking Lot Capacity, etc.)

Books can be bought through book stores at the Chinmaya Mission centers. In some cases books can be ordered through Chinmayam Publications website.

For cancellations of registrations on or before October 7, full refund of the pledge amount will be given. The Mission will not refund any credit card processing fee incurred by the registrant. A family canceling membership after October 7 will not be entitled to any refund of the pledges paid. For late registrants after October 7, they will have 15 days from the date of registration for cancellation with 50% refund. Thereafter, no refund will be made.

The family’s contact information provided to the Mission will be used only for internal purposes. If any of this information is to be used in flyers, websites or other publicity material, we will do so only with your permission.From time to time, for publicity purposes, CMWRC will publish photos of members taken at different Mission sessions or events, without identifying the members. If we have to identify the members, we will do so only with your prior permission.

Sevaks (volunteers) are critical to the operation of the chapter and programs. Chinmaya Mission is a volunteer run organization. Every member is highly encouraged to serve the mission in their area of interests, based on their skills and expertise. Selfless dedicated service is the foundation for spiritual growth. Any amount of time and commitment offered in seva is welcome.

When registering, please ensure that you provide a current and accurate e-mail address. Please login and update information promptly if there is any change to your contact e-mail or home address. Most communications between CMWRC and its members, including weather- related cancellations, are handled via e-mail.

Need further help? Click here to contact our Membership Team!

Day/Date	Event	Lead Sevaks
Friday August 19th, 2022	Sri Krishna Janmashtami	Urvi Mehta
Saturday and Sunday, September 17th-18th, 2022	Ganesh Puja and Bala Vihar Open House by Session	Meena Shankar and BV Coordinators
Saturday, September 24th. In person event	New Member Orientation	Srikanth Nallani
Saturday and Sunday, September 24-25 (Begins Oct 6th Dussehra on 14th)	BV Common time celebration for Navaratri/Dussehra	Chetana Neerchal
October Date TBD	Bala Vihar Teachers Meeting -1	Sudiksha Nimishe, BV Coordinators
Saturday, Sunday, October 8th, 9th 2022. Traditionally a picnic day. Maybe an opportunity to those who would like to meet for a safe in-person gathering outdoors.	Optional virtual Field trip/picnic day (No Swamiji’s classes that weekend). Save this weekend to Join Vilasiniji and Vivekji for the Divya Shakti Retreat for all ladies 18 and older at Chinmaya Somnath.	More details will be shared with the teachers/students later. Look for the Divya Shakti retreat details in the announcement.
Saturday October 22 and Sunday 23	BV common time celebration for Diwali	Chetana Neerchal
November 11 or 12 evening program (TBD)	Annual fundraiser	Uday Nanavaty
Saturday, October 29th, 5-7 pm	Hindi Diwas celebration	Savita Nigam, Anil Kishore
Date TBD	Chinmayam Diwali Celebration	Priti Mehta and Paulomi Nanavati
Saturday & Sunday, November November 27, 2022	Thanksgiving Weekend *No Bala Vihar, Language, Arts classes*	Holiday Weekend, NO BV classes
December date and time TBD	Bala Vihar Teachers Meeting -2	Sudiksha Nimishe, BV Coordinators
December 3rd, 4th,10th,11th	Chinmayam class students reflecting on Bhagavad Gita Verses	Chinmayam teachers. Email coordination by Teachers
December 14th, Tuesday	Gita, Tapovan Jayanti, Gita Jayanti	TBD
December 17th, 18th	Buffer day for missed participants for BG verses	Chinmayam teachers. Email coordination by TBD
Saturday & Sunday December 24-25, 2022 December 31, 2022- Jan 1, 2023	Winter Holiday Weekend *No Bala Vihar, Language, Arts* *classes*	Holiday Weekend, NO BV classes
Sunday, January 1, 2023,10:30 AM to 12:30 PM	New Year’s Day Puja ,Vishnu Sahasra-Namavali Puja, Guru Paduka Puja	TBD
Saturday & Sunday, January 14, 15, 2023	Bala Vihar common-time celebrating – Makara Sankranti	Chetana Neerchal
Date TBD	Bala Vihar Teachers Meeting – 3	Sudiksha Nimishe, BV Coordinators
Saturday & Sunday, January 21-22, 2023	Bala Vihar Parent Teacher Conferences Language Parent Teacher Conferences	BV coordinators, Sudiksha
Saturday & Sunday, February 11-12, 2023	BV Teachers common time celebration of Maha Shivratri	Chetana Neerchal
Saturday and Sunday February 18th and 19th, 2023	BV Teachers recognition during common time	Sudiksha
Monday, February 18th, 2023	Mahashivarati celebrations	Andrea Beri
March 4th, Saturday, 2023, Time TBD Alternate day: March 11th	BV teachers annual retreat	Sudiksha, BV Coordinators
Saturday and Sunday, March 18,19, 2023	BV Common Time Celebration for Rama-Navami	Chetana Neerchal
Saturday, March 18, 1:00-5:00 PM	Chinmayam Geeta Chanting Competition	Radha Kowtha
March 22 to March 30. (Sunday, April 10th is Shri Ramanavami)	Shri Ram Navami, Ramcharitmanas chanting	Rita Kishore, Devyani Kavathekar, Savita Nigam
Saturday & Sunday, April 8, 9	Spring Break Weekend *No Bala Vihar, Language, Arts classes*	Holiday Weekend, NO BV Classes
Wednesday April 5th, 2023	Hanuman Jayanti	TBD
Shri Adi Shankara Jayanti common time celebration on Saturday and Sunday, Date TBD (Thursday May 5th is the actual date)	Shri Adi Sankara Jayanti during common time	Prabha Maruvada, Vaishali Amin
Saturday and Sunday, May 6, May 7, 2023	BV Common time celebration – Chinmaya Jayanti (Gurudev’s Birthday)	Chetana Neerchal
Saturday May 6th, 2023 Evening program	Chinmaya Jayanti Guru Paduka Pooja And cultural programs by families.	Devyani Kavathekar
Saturday and Sunday, May 6th and May 7th	Mother’s Day celebration during common time	Session coordinator coordinate with Swamiji
Saturday, Sunday, May 13th and 14th 2023	Bala Vihar common time – Geeta Chanting Trophies	Radha Kowtha
Saturday May 13th 12:00-2:00 pm	Session I Rehearsal (For performing BV classes)	BV coordinators
Sunday May 14th, 12:00- 2:00 pm	Session II Rehearsal (For performing BV classes)	BV coordinators
Sunday May 14th, 3:00-5:00pm	Session III Rehearsal (For performing BV classes)	BV coordinators
Date TBD BV Teachers Meeting	BV Teacher’s Meeting – 4	Sudiksha Nimishe, BV Coordinators
Saturday May 20, 2023 at 3 Pm	CMWRC Graduation & Tilak Ceremony	Chetana Neerchal
Saturday & Sunday, May 28-29, 2023	Memorial Day Weekend *No Bala Vihar, Language, Arts classes*	Holiday weekend
Saturday, 3rd June, 12:00 -2:00 PM	Bala Vihar ROUND 1 Class Performances Round2 Rehearsals Session I Rehearsal (For performing BV classes)	BV Coordinators
Saturday, 4th June, 3:00 to 5:00 PM	Session II Rehearsal (For performing BV classes)	BV Coordinators
Sunday, 4th June 3:30PM-5:30 PM	Session III rehearsals for BV classes	BV Coordinators
Saturday & Sunday10th,11th, 2023	Bala Vihar ROUND 2 Class Performances –Round 2 in all Sessions	BV Coordinators (Concluding Weekend of BV)
Saturday, 6/10 from 1:30-3:30 PM	Language Annual Day	Anil Kishore and Anil Darbari
	*End of BV year 2022-23*

_{Since we are still amidst the Pandemic, while the calendar will be followed for most events there may be changes as we progress into the year. Please follow the weekly announcements for the updates.}