Bala Vihar offers weekly Hindu spiritual and cultural classes for the entire family – from toddlers (age 2) to high schoolers, & parents. The weekly classes run on Saturdays from 3:30 PM to 5:45 PM in the Chelsea area and feature an age-appropriate curriculum rooted in Hindu scriptures, with bhajans, stories, interactive discussions, festival celebrations for the whole family, and dedicated satsangs for parents.   For an expedited response to your query please send us an inquiry through Best Class (Sign up/Registration required). A Bala Vihar Sevak will reach out to you by phone shortly. Please ensure you provide the number you wish to be called on. Alternately, you can also send us an email at cmbvdowntown@chinmayanewyork.org  

Shishu Vihars are a safe and nurturing space for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers to start their Bala Vihar journey. It is a parent & me class.   The goal of the curriculum is to promote: - Strong bonds between parent and child through active engagement in class - Familiarity with the God and Goddess forms in Hindu Culture - Propagation of the common childhood stories for the Gods and Goddesses - Cultural learning through songs (styled after familiar rhymes) and arts and crafts  

Shishu Vihar is a safe and nurturing space for preschoolers to start their Bala Vihar journey. It is a parent & me class.   The goal of the curriculum is to promote: - Strong bonds between parent and child through active engagement in class - Familiarity with the God and Goddess forms in Hindu Culture - Propagation of the common childhood stories for the Gods and Goddesses - Cultural learning through songs (styled after familiar rhymes) and arts and crafts

Shishu Vihars are a safe and nurturing space for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers to start their Bala Vihar journey. It is a parent & me class. The goal of the curriculum is to promote: Strong bonds between parent and child through active engagement in class Familiarity with the God and Goddess forms in Hindu Culture Propagation of the common childhood stories for the Gods and Goddesses Cultural learning through songs (styled after familiar rhymes) and arts and crafts

Each lesson is based on a specific letter and associated theme (example: A is for Aspiration) To teach kindergarten-aged children simple values & discipline through the English alphabet To have fun living these principles! To begin learning basic prayers, along with their meaning To understand the Chinmaya Mission Pledge  and its underlying values

ABC Safari is aimed at children in Kindergarten.   The goal of the curriculum is to teach children: Simple values and discipline through the English alphabet The fun of living by these values and discipline The Chinmaya Mission Pledge and the meaning, message, and values it imparts

The goal of this curriculum is to: Impart and instill the faith that Sri Hanuman will protect them and dispel their fears Inspire them to adopt the virtuous qualities that made Hanuman Ji great Teach them to chant the Dhyana Sloka and the Hanuman Chalisa Explain the meaning of the Dhyana Sloka and the Hanuman Chalisa

ABC Safari is aimed at children in Kindergarten and 1st Grade The goal of the curriculum is to teach children: Simple values and discipline through the English alphabet The fun of living by these values and discipline The Chinmaya Mission Pledge and the meaning, message, and values it imparts

 The goal of Bala Ramayana is to: Narrate the story of Rama as told by Tulsidas Inspire the children to be like Rama

The goal of this curriculum is to: Explain the ideal that idols 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 Ramayana includes: Narrate the story of Rama as told by Tulsidas Inspire the children to be like Rama This will be a combined Kindergarten and 1st grade class. The full curriculum for Kindergarten and 1st grade is ABC Safari and Bala Ramayana and will be taught over 2 DTBV academic years.

The goal of P.O. Box Mr. God is to:  Invite children to find the Omnipresent God and His address. Then they learn that each one of us is His address and we can find Him within us, if we learn to live a life of noble virtues.    The goal of Keys to Success curriculum is to teach: Self-Knowledge is the Key to Success Knowledge we gain depends upon the caliber of our instrument – mind and intellect The importance of quietening our mind and intellect to sharpen our instrument 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 goal of this curriculum is to: Impart and instill the faith that Sri Hanuman will protect them and dispel their fears Inspire them to adopt the virtuous qualities that made Hanuman Ji great Teach them to chant the Dhyana Sloka and the Hanuman Chalisa Explain the meaning of the Dhyana Sloka and the Hanuman Chalisa

The goal of Sri Hanuman The Super Superman is to: Impart and instill the faith that Sri Hanuman will protect them and dispel their fears Inspire them to adopt the virtuous qualities that made Hanuman Ji great Teach them to chant the Dhyana Sloka and the Hanuman Chalisa Explain the meaning of the Dhyana Sloka and the Hanuman Chalisa

The goal of Bala Bhagavatam is to: Learn about Lord Vishnu and his avatars Narrate the story of each of the Dasavataras   Encourage, through the stories of Lord Vishnu, for children to own up to their own actions and ask for only what they need, and not necessarily what they desire.

The curriculum of Bala Bhagavatam includes: Learn about Lord Vishnu and his avatars Narrate the story of each of the Dasavatara’s Encourage, through the stories of Lord Vishnu, to own up to your own actions and ask for only what you need, and not necessarily what you desire This will be a combined Grade 2 and Grade 3 class. The full curriculum for Grade 2 and Grade 3 includes Sri Hanuman The Super Superman and Bala Bhagavatam, taught over 2 DTBV academic years.

Bala Vihar students will be learning the curriculum of both classes throughout the year.   The goal of Krsna, Krsna Everywhere is to: Inspire children to be virtuous and happy through Krsna’s stories Inspire children to introspect Recite Krsna stories from his birth to his role in the Mahabharata   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 Nature is one of our greatest teachers

The curriculum** of Krsna, Krsna Everywhere includes: Inspire children to be virtuous and happy through Krsna’s stories Inspire children to introspect Recite Krsna stories from his birth to his role in the Mahabharata   The curriculum** of My Twenty-Four Teachers includes: 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 Nature is one of our greatest teachers

The goal of Symbolism in Hinduism class teaching is to: Explain the ideal that idols 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 Symbolism in Hinduism includes: Explain the ideal that murti-s (idols) 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 This will be a combined Grade 4 and Grade 5 class. The full curriculum for Grade 4 and Grade 5 includes Symbolism In Hinduism and Krsna, Krsna Everywhere, taught over 2 DTBV academic years.

The curriculum** of Yato Dharmah Tato Jayah includes: Description: 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 curriculum for India, The Sacred Land imparts: The knowledge of why India is the Sacred Land, and what India stands for Reverence for Mother India, and her glorious heritage An understanding of the goal of life revealed in scriptures and lived by our saints Clarity that by “Walking the Footsteps of the Saints,” the goal of life can be achieved

The curriculum for India, The Sacred Land includes: The knowledge of why India is the Sacred Land, and what India stands for Reverence for Mother India, and her glorious heritage An understanding of the goal of life revealed in scriptures and lived by our saints Clarity that by “Walking the Footsteps of the Saints,” the goal of life can be achieved This class will combine Grades 6, 7, and 8. The full curriculum for grade 6 through 8 includes India, The Sacred Land and Key To Success, and Mahabharata taught over 3 DTBV academic years.

The goal of the Key to Success curriculum is to teach: Self-Knowledge is the Key to Success The Knowledge we gain depends upon the caliber of our instrument – mind and intellect The importance of quietening our mind and intellect to sharpen our instrument 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

Hindu Culture is aimed at children in Grades 8 and 9 The goal of the curriculum is to: Teach how to handle obstacles through self-reflection and self-improvement Identify and remove the negative tendencies that hold us back from reaching our goals

The Mahabharata as a Prelude to The Bhagavad Gita is aimed at children in Grade 8.   The goal of the curriculum is to: Learn the epic story of the Mahabharata Discuss the complex moral predicaments presented through the story and how they pertain to our lives Introduce the key learnings of the Mahabharata as narrated in the Bhagavad Gita

The Gita, Seva and Leadership program is aimed at children in 9th - 12th grade. The program for High School students is comprised of 4 components: Class will cover an understanding of the teachings of the Gita and discussions on how to practice the learnings. Seva projects that are conceived, planned, and executed by the students (projects will be worked on during class time). Bala Vihar Leadership opportunities through teaching the younger classes: 9th - 10th graders will have 2- 3 opportunities during the Bala Vihar year and these will occur during class time. 11th - 12th graders will have the opportunity to choose if they would like to be a TA for the year OR attend Gita class. Gatherings with Shubani ji to discuss and reflect on the concepts from class, seva projects and classroom teaching.   Please note: - For 9th - 10th graders, Gita class is mandatory and teaching days, seva and gatherings are optional and based on interest and availability.   - For 11th - 12th graders, a choice must be made between Gita class and being a TA since regular Bala Vihar classes run from 11:30 - 12:30. If the student chooses to be a TA please DO NOT register for this class and register for “TA Program for 11th and 12 graders" instead.

The curriculum for Gita, Seva and Leadership program includes: Prominent points of all chapters of the Bhagavad Gita are brought out in a methodical manner to enable the youth to learn and apply them in our lives. Youth are taught through flowcharts and other unique approaches, the logical sequence of the message of the Gita. Seva and Leadership opportunities  This class will combine is for Grades 9 through 12. The full curriculum for this Seva and Leadership class includes Gita and Hindu Culture, taught over 4 DTBV academic years.

The TA program is an elective offered to rising 11th and 12th graders. TAs 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 in the assigned class Share stories and experiences that will resonate with the students Assist the classroom teacher in any activities or curriculum development

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. 

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

Storytelling through Movement In Bala Vihar, we learn beautiful stories that carry lessons of devotion and culture. This class is a way to live out those stories through dance and movement, so they stay with us forever.  No prior dance experience is required! This class is open to all, from our enthusiastic 2nd Graders to our curious and fun-loving parents! The emphasis is on expression, communication, and confidence, not on technical dance steps. Students will learn to share devotion and values through movement while building confidence and creativity they can carry into daily life. Details: Time: Saturdays, 2:30 – 3:30 PM Location: Chelsea, NYC (Details provided after registration) Dates: Jan 24, Jan 31, Feb 7, Feb 21, 28, Mar 14, Mar 21 (8 classes) Ages: 7 years and older  Donation: $175 Open only to 25/26 CM Downtown Bala Vihar Families

Storytelling through Movement In Bala Vihar, we learn beautiful stories that carry lessons of devotion and culture. This class is a way to live out those stories through dance and movement, so they stay with us forever.  No prior dance experience is required! This class is open to all, from our enthusiastic 2nd Graders to our curious and fun-loving parents! The emphasis is on expression, communication, and confidence, not on technical dance steps. Students will learn to share devotion and values through movement while building confidence and creativity they can carry into daily life. Details: Time: Saturdays, 2:30 – 3:30 PM Location: Chelsea, NYC (Details provided after registration) Dates: Jan 24, Jan 31, Feb 7, Feb 21, 28, Mar 14, Mar 21 (8 classes) Ages: 7 years and older  Donation: $175 Open only to 25/26 CM Downtown Bala Vihar Families

Brahmacharini Shubhani Chaitanya will be conducting this program in hybrid format. This program will be held in person, but will also be accessible online.   The location details for in person sessions will be shared with registered participants closer to the start date.   The Zoom link to join online sessions will be sent to registered participants.   The Essence of Bhagavad Gita class is specially catered to young college students and professionals. It deals with practical applications of selected verses of Bhagavad Gita shedding light on topics like career selection, work dynamics, building relationships, managing emotions with an emphasis on seeking deeper. This class is conducted in a discourse and discussion format which inspires youth to reflect on the subject matter.   Audience This class is for Chinmaya Yuva Kendra (18-28) and Chinmaya Setukaris. Chinmaya Setukaris are the bridge builders between the youth (CHYK) and Bala Vihar parents and more senior members of the Chinmaya Mission family. Typically in the age group of 29-40, this group is characterized by outgrowing youthful energy and seekers interested in transforming ideas into practical mainstream life realities.   Book Please follow the link below to purchase book, https://www.chinmayapublications.com/bhagavad-gita-verses-meaning 

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 Saturdays from 3:30-4:15pm conducted by Mala Gupta.   Learn to chant different stotrams and immerse in devotion for the Divine.   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 purchased through the link below: https://www.chinmayapublications.com/search?q=book+of+hymns    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.   The Essence of Bhagavad Gita class will cover key topics of the Bhagavad Gita based on the book – Art of Man-Making, a dynamic series of talks by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. With clarity, humor, and piercing insight, Swamiji urges us to awaken our inner strength, live with purpose, and serve the world with fearless nobility.    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

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.    Lord Krishna explains the three guṇas—Sattva (purity, harmony), Rajas (activity, passion), and Tamas (inertia, ignorance)—which bind the individual to the cycle of birth and death. He teaches how these qualities influence our thoughts, actions, and destiny, and how one can rise beyond their sway through steadfast devotion and knowledge. The chapter culminates with the vision of the Gunatita—one who transcends all gunas and abides in the Self, free and fulfilled.   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

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.   Aparoksha Anubhuti (“Direct Experience of the Self”) is a Vedantic treatise traditionally attributed to Adi Shankaracharya. It serves as a practical guide for seekers to move from intellectual understanding to direct, experiential realization of the Self. Through reasoning, discrimination, and meditation, it reveals the illusory nature of the world and affirms the ever-present reality of Brahman, which shines as one’s own true nature.   Follow the link below to purchase book, https://www.chinmayapublications.com/tattva-vivekah 

Bhaja Govindam by Swami Chinmayananda is a commentary on the famous devotional composition of Adi Shankaracharya. With clarity and warmth, Swami Chinmayananda unpacks each verse, which urges seekers to turn away from fleeting worldly pursuits and seek the eternal truth through devotion to God and self-knowledge. The book blends practical guidance for daily living with Vedantic wisdom, showing how Shankara’s call to “seek Govinda” is a timeless reminder to live with purpose, clarity, and spiritual focus.   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://www.chinmayapublications.com/bhaja-govindam

The Essence of Bhagavad Gita class will cover key topics of the Bhagavad Gita based on the book – Art of Man-Making, a dynamic series of talks by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. With clarity, humor, and piercing insight, Swamiji urges us to awaken our inner strength, live with purpose, and serve the world with fearless nobility. 

The Essence of Bhagavad Gita class will cover key topics of the Bhagavad Gita based on the book – Art of Man-Making, a dynamic series of talks by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda. With clarity, humor, and piercing insight, Swamiji urges us to awaken our inner strength, live with purpose, and serve the world with fearless nobility. 

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

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.

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.

Dr. Jatin Kapadia will be conducting Bhagavad Gita Study Group in person at the Vaishnav temple on Sunday mornings.    Lord Krishna explains the discipline of a true yogi—one who lives in moderation, free from selfish desires, balanced in success and failure. The chapter culminates in the glory of meditation, where the mind is stilled and the yogi abides in the Self. Among all yogis, Krishna declares the highest to be the one devoted to Him with unwavering faith.    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 upon 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. 

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.   Practice chanting the Bhagavad Gita with experienced learners and improve pronunciation, clarity and familiarity.   You can also catch up on the missed talks in our Chinmaya Mission New York youtube channel here.

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.   Learn to chant the Bhagavad Gita verse by verse with the correct pronunciation and tone.   You can also catch up on the missed talks in our Chinmaya Mission New York youtube channel here.

As part of the celebrations for 75 years of Chinmaya Mission, Gayathri ji will be leading classes to teach Chapter 15 of Bhagavad Gita titled Purushottama Yoga on Wednesdays.    Learn to chant Chapter 15 with proper pronunciation. This is the perfect way to enjoy and deepen our understanding of the Bhagavad Gita. 

As part of the celebrations for 75 years of Chinmaya Mission, Gayathri ji will be leading classes to teach Chapter 15 of Bhagavad Gita titled Purushottama Yoga on Wednesdays.    Learn to chant Chapter 15 with proper pronunciation. This is the perfect way to enjoy and deepen our understanding of the Bhagavad Gita.