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.
Children are a major focus at Frederick Chapter. 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 Frederick Chapter.
Frederick Chapter 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.
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 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.
ATI-MADHURAM
Pre-K (Ages 3-5)
Stories, Bhajans, Activities: Children learn about Hindu Deities such as Ganesha, Shiva, Krishna, Rama, Devis through stories, activities, bhajans, celebrations and much more.
MADHURAM
Kindergarten
Text: 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 & 2nd Grades
Text: Bala Ramayana, Hanuman
Bala Ramayana teaches us many important values that we can apply to our lives. The children will learn the values of courage, loyalty, compassion, and righteousness through the story of Lord Rama. Some key teachings that Bala Ramayana include are – respect for elders and parents, the power of friendship, the consequences of greed, courage and bravery, etc. This Bala Ramayana curriculum has these teachings so beautifully woven together in the form of stories, that it instills into children a reverence for life, a sense of moral beauty, and spiritual alertness in life.
‘Superman Hanuman’ is a valuable resource for children, where they will learn important life lessons through the adventures of Lord Hanuman. The curriculum teaches values such as courage, selflessness, perseverance, determination, devotion, service, humility, and knowledge that can inspire children to become better individuals.
SHIVAM
3rd & 4th Grades
Text: Bala Bhagavatam, Krsna, Krsna Everywhere, My Twenty-Four Teachers
Morals of Bhagavatam stories will be taught which will instill devotion in children. It will also reinforce Hindu values and philosophy. Children will also learn about various avatars of Lord Vishnu and “why” does God come as an “avatara.” They will travel through the blissful journey of studying nine modes of Bhakti (devotion) and will know that to accomplish anything in life, they must be like “Dhruva”(firm) in their resolve. Bhagavatam teaches us to be good and that one rises or falls according to one’s own actions.
Important episodes of Krsna Lila from the 10th canto of Bhagavatam will be covered, which will inspire children to be virtuous and introspect. The goal of “My Twenty-Four Teachers” (adapted from the 11th canto of Bhagavatam) is to teach children that anyone or anything can be our teacher if we have humility and the right attitude to recognize them. Children will get a synopsis of precious teachings learnt by Saint Dattatreya from these twenty-four teachers.
SUNDARAM
5th & 6th Grades
Text: Symbolism in Hinduism, Sacred land of India
Symbolism plays an important role in Sanatana Dharma, as it is used to convey complex philosophical and spiritual concepts through images, objects, and gestures. Each symbol has a rich meaning and is often used in conjunction with other symbols to convey deeper spiritual truths. Here is one example:
Om is the most sacred symbol in Sanatana Dharma and represents the ultimate Reality. It is often chanted during meditation or recited at the beginning and end of spiritual texts.
India, The Sacred Land: Students will learn more about our land, India’s struggle for freedom, Indian emblem, and much more in the curriculum.
SHIVANANDAM
7th & 8th Grades
Text: P.O.Box Mr.God, Vibhishana Geeta (Key to Success), Hindu Culture
An abridged version of P.O.Box Mr.God & Vibhishana Geeta (Key to Success) will be covered, followed by a deeper discussion about Hindu Culture.
‘Vibhishana Geeta’ is a message from Lord Rama to Vibhishana on the battlefield. It outlines the necessary tools for human beings to safely complete life’s voyage and attain spiritual progress and mental purification. Vibhishana Geeta emphasizes the importance of faith, values, and devotion. We will follow this with a comprehensive and complete analysis of the Hindu culture and its salient features, varied facets, and fullness. Skillful definitions, gifted quotes, and striking illustrations carry the reader on a pilgrimage to India’s holy land and religious culture. Our children will learn and appreciate Indian culture and our heritage.
TAPOVANAM
9th & 10th Grades
Text: Bhagavad Geeta (Chapters 1-9), Hindu Culture
Bhagavad Geeta, when taught to children in their early childhood alone can again and again inspire them in their future years of life and supply them with the courage to face their problems. Understanding the timeless principles of the Bhagavad Geeta can give both adults and children deep insight into the hows and the whys of life.
The emphasis will be on the following life lessons from the Bhagavad Geeta
Development of right perspective
Understand that change is the law of nature
Tolerance and forgiveness is essential
Change the way you think
You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions
(Plus) Key concepts of Hindu Culture: Reiterating the values of our culture will lay the foundation for samskaras and give the children an understanding on why we do what we do and not follow rituals without proper understanding.
CHINMAYAM
11th & 12th Grades
Text: Bhagavad Geeta (Chapters 10-18)
Bhagavad Geeta, when taught to children in their early childhood can inspire them in their future years of life and supply them with the courage to face their problems. Understanding the timeless principles of the Bhagavad Geeta can give both adults and children deep insight into the how’s and the why’s of life.
The emphasis will be on the following Life lessons from the Bhagavad Geeta
Development of right perspective
Understand that change is the law of nature
Tolerance and forgiveness is essential
Change the way you think
You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.
| Session | Day | Time |
|---|---|---|
| AM Session | Sunday | 10:15 am – 12:00 pm |
| Assembly Prayers | Sunday | 10:20 am – 10:50 am |
| Bala Vihar Classes for Children | Sunday | 10:55 am – 11:55 am |
| Bhagavad Geeta Classes for Adults | Sunday | 10:55 am – 11:55 am |
Additional classes
- Beginner Shloka Class 9:30 am – 10:10 am
- Advanced Shloka Class 9:30 am – 10:10 am
- Language Class 9:30 am – 10:10 am
- Yoga Session 9:30 am – 10:10 am
- Dance Class 12:15 pm – 1:15 pm
** All Classes are conducted at Urbana Middle School, 3511 Pontius Ct, Ijamsville, MD 21754
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.
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.
Need further help? Click here to contact our Membership Team!
*Important Note: Please check Chinmaya Frederick chapter WhatsApp group, www.chinmayafrederick.org, FCPS homepage, WTOP News (wtop.com) for cancellations during inclement weather.
| Day/Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Sun, Aug 27 2023 | Ganesh Puja and Bala Vihar Open House |
| Sun, Sep 03, 2023 | Labor Day Weekend – No Classes |
| Sun, Sep 10, 2023 | Regular Class New member orientation/Language/Shloka Open House |
| Sun, Sep 17, 2023 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Sep 24, 2023 | Regular Class Best attendance day starts |
| Sun, Oct 01, 2023 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Oct 08, 2023 | Chinmaya Family Picnic (No Regular Class) |
| Sun, Oct 15, 2023 | Swami Dheerananda Ji visits Frederick Chapter |
| Sun, Oct 22, 2023 | Regular Class Common-time – Vijaya Dashami Asvija, Shukla Dasami, ends Tue Oct 24rth, 5:44 AM |
| Sun, Oct 29, 2023 | Regular Class |
| Sat, Nov 04, 2023 | Annual Fund Raiser |
| Sun, Nov 05, 2023 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Nov 12, 2023 | Regular Class Common-time — Sri Maha Lakshmi Puja (Asvija – Amavasya) |
| Sun, Nov 19, 2023 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Nov 26, 2023 | Thanksgiving Weekend – No Classes |
| Sun, Dec 03, 2023 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Dec 10, 2023 | Regular Class |
| Sat, Dec 16, 2023 | Sampoorna Geeta Chanting |
| Sun, Dec 17, 2023 | Regular Class Common-time — Tapovan Jayanti – Gita Jayanti (Fri, Dec 22nd, Margasirsha Shuka Ekadasi) |
| Sun, Dec 24, 2023 | Christmas – No Class |
| Sun, Dec 31, 2023 | New Years Eve – No Classes |
| Sun, Jan 07, 2024 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Jan 14, 2024 | Regular Class Common-time — Sankranthi |
| Sun, Jan 21, 2024 | Regular Class Parent Teacher Conferences |
| Sun, Jan 28, 2024 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Feb 04, 2024 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Feb 11, 2024 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Feb 18, 2024 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Feb 25, 2024 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Mar 03, 2024 | Regular Class |
| Fri, Mar 08, 2024 | Maha Shivaratri Fri, March 8th (Magha-Krishna-Chaturdasi) |
| Sun, Mar 10, 2024 | Regular Class Common-time-Maha Shivaratri (Thu, March 11th – Magha -Krishna-Chaturdasi) |
| Sun, Mar 17, 2024 | Regular Class Geeta Chanting Competition |
| Sat, Mar 23, 2024 | Sri Tyagaraja & Purandhara Dasa Aradhana |
| Sun, Mar 24, 2024 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Mar 31, 2024 | Spring Break Weekend – No Classes |
| Sun, Apr 07, 2024 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Apr 14, 2024 | Regular Class Common-time — Sri Rama Navami |
| Sun, Apr 21, 2024 | Regular Class |
| Sun, Apr 28, 2024 | Chinmaya Family Picnic |
| Sun, May 05, 2024 | Regular Class |
| Sun, May 12, 2024 | Regular Class Common-time — Mother’s Day celebrations Bala Vihar Annual Day – I |
| Sat, May 18, 2024 | Tilak Ceremony |
| Sun, May 19, 2024 | Bala Vihar Annual Day – II |
| Sun, May 26, 2024 | Memorial Day Weekend – No Classes |
| Sun, Jun 02, 2024 | Regular Class |
| End of BV year 2023-24 |