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.

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. This 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 infants, toddlers, and preschoolers to begin their Bala Vihar journey. This is a parent-and-child class, designed to foster connection, shared learning, and joyful exploration. The curriculum offers: A gentle and joyful introduction to the Gods and Goddesses in the Hindu tradition Beloved Hindu childhood stories shared in a playful and engaging way Cultural learning through songs (inspired by familiar rhymes), hymns and chants, along with arts and crafts and fun games Children (with their parents) will begin to build a joyful connection to Hindu culture, stories, and values in a warm, nurturing environment.

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

Bala Ramayana is aimed at children in Grade K and Grade 1. Children learn the story of the Ramayana and develop an understanding of 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.

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

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.

ABC Safari is a joyful and engaging introduction for young children to begin exploring values along with early self-discipline through the Bala Vihar journey. The curriculum offers: A playful introduction to simple values, virtues, and positive habits through the Bala Vihar Alphabet Opportunities to experience the joy of living these values in everyday life Familiarity with the Chinmaya Mission Pledge, along with its meaning, message, and values This is a combined Kindergarten and 1st Grade class. The full curriculum—ABC Safari and Bala Rāmāyaṇa—is covered over two DTBV academic years. Children begin to build a foundation of values, positive habits, and cultural understanding in a supportive and engaging environment.

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.

Super Hanumān is a joyful and inspiring curriculum for 2nd and 3rd Grade students, introducing them to the strength, devotion, and courage of Śrī Hanumān. The curriculum offers: Stories of Śrī Hanumān that build faith, courage, and a sense of protection Inspiration to reflect on and embody the virtuous qualities that make Hanumān great Opportunities to learn and chant the Dhyāna Śloka and the Hanumān Cālīsā An introduction to the meaning and significance of these prayers This is a combined 2nd and 3rd Grade class. The full curriculum—Super Hanumān and Bala Bhāgavatam—is covered over two DTBV academic years. Children begin to build faith, confidence, and an appreciation for devotion and values in a supportive and engaging environment.

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

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 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

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 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

Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Everywhere / My Twenty-Four Teachers is an engaging and reflective curriculum for 4th and 5th Grade students, helping them deepen their understanding of values, learning, and the role of a teacher in their lives. The curriculum offers: Inspiring stories of Śrī Kṛṣṇa—from his birth through his role in the Mahābhārata—that encourage virtuous living and inner reflection Opportunities for introspection through the lessons and examples found in Kṛṣṇa’s life An introduction to the idea that who we are and what we know is shaped by our teachers, along with the gratitude we owe them Exploration of the teaching of the 24 teachers, as shared by the sage Dattatreya, showing that anyone or anything can be a teacher when approached with humility and the right attitude Reflection on nature as one of our greatest teachers This is a combined 4th and 5th Grade class. The full curriculum—Kṛṣṇa, Kṛṣṇa Everywhere / My Twenty-Four Teachers and Symbolism in Hinduism—is covered over two DTBV academic years. Students begin to develop a deeper appreciation for learning, cultivate humility, and recognize the importance of right attitude in becoming true seekers.

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

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 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

Key to Success is a thoughtful and engaging curriculum that helps students begin to understand themselves and the role of the mind and intellect in living a meaningful and successful life. The curriculum offers: An introduction to self-knowledge as the foundation for success An understanding that the knowledge we gain depends on the refinement of the mind and intellect Opportunities to explore ways to quiet and steady the mind and intellect Guidance on living by noble values in daily life Chanting and reflection on the Vibhīṣaṇa Gītā, including the symbolism of the Dharma Chariot as a guide for right thinking and inner strength This is a combined Grades 6, 7, and 8 class. The full curriculum—India, My Sacred Land, Key to Success, and Mahābhārata—is covered over three DTBV academic years. Students begin to reflect more deeply on their thoughts and actions, developing clarity, discernment, and a stronger alignment with their values.

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 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

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. 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 and teaching days are mandatory; seva and gatherings are optional and based on interest and availability. 11th - 12th graders will have the opportunity to choose if they would like to be a TA for the year (which will be assigned to them) OR attend Gita class.

Gītā, Sevā, and Leadership is a reflective and application-based program for high school students, guiding them to understand and live the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita in a meaningful and relevant way. The curriculum offers: A structured exploration of the key teachings from all chapters of the Gītā, presented in a clear and methodical way Opportunities to understand the logical flow of the Gītā’s message through tools such as flowcharts and guided frameworks Sevā and leadership opportunities that encourage responsibility, initiative, and service This is a combined Grades 9 through 12 class. The full curriculum of the Gītā is covered over four DTBV academic years. Students begin to develop clarity in thinking, a sense of purpose, and the ability to apply timeless teachings to modern life.

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.

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 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

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 how the three guṇas—Sattva (purity, harmony), Rajas (activity, passion), and Tamas (inertia, ignorance)—manifest in different manners for each individual as they partake in their daily lives. He shows how this affects the food they consume, the way they do yajña (sacrifice), the manner of their tapas (austerity), and their dana (charity).   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

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.   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 seeker 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 youth typically in the ages of 18-35 and consists of university students and young professionals who are interested in transforming philosophical ideas into practical mainstream life realities.   Book Please follow the link below to purchase book, https://www.chinmayapublications.com/bhagavad-gita-verses-meaning    You may also purchase the Holy Geeta by Swami Chinmayananda which includes a full commentary of each verse: 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.   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

The Essence of Bhagavad Gita class will cover key topics of the Bhagavad Gita based on the dynamic commentary and 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.    This year, we will be focused on Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita on Karma Yoga. We will learn to surrender our actions to the Lord and live a life of selfless action.    For the karma yoga chapter 3 with full commentary, please visit, https://chinmayapublications.com/bhagavad-gita-chapter-03-2 *All Bala Vihar parents will receive a complimentary Bhagavad Gita chapter 3 book upon enrollment.  

The Essence of Bhagavad Gita class will cover key topics of the Bhagavad Gita based on the dynamic commentary and 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.    This year, we will be focused on Chapter 3 of the Bhagavad Gita on Karma Yoga. We will learn to surrender our actions to the Lord and live a life of selfless action.    For the karma yoga chapter 3 with full commentary, please visit, https://chinmayapublications.com/bhagavad-gita-chapter-03-2 *All Bala Vihar parents will receive a complimentary Bhagavad Gita chapter 3 book upon enrollment.  

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). 

Anju Arora will be conducting a Bhaja Govindam study group in person at the Master’s School (in Westchester) on Sunday mornings.    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.   Book Please follow the link to purchase book: https://www.chinmayapublications.com/bhaja-govindam 

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.

The problem of mind control is as old as the hills. The mind never tires of playing tricks and there is no way to peace unless it is tamed. Indeed he is strong who conquers others, but he is mighty who conquers himself. Manah Shodhanam is an original Sanskrit composition of Swami Tejomayananda. This text and commentary helps us understand the working of our mind and gives practical solutions of how to tackle it. With a pure mind, life becomes cheerful and meaningful and finally peaceful and blissful.    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://chinmayapublications.com/manah-sodhanam

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

Calling all high schoolers for a weekend retreat focused on the theme of “Lift Yourself By Yourself” - designed to impart accountability, mental clarity, and emotional resilience.   The retreat will carefully study Chapter 6 Verse 5 from the Bhagavad Gita: “One should lift oneself by oneself; one should not lower oneself. The mind is verily one's friend; the mind is one’s own enemy.”   Event Details: 🗓️ Saturday, Sept 26th to Sunday Sept 27th Shanti Mandir - 51 Muktananda Marg, Walden, NY 12586 👥 Open to all high school students (including incoming freshmen & graduating seniors) 🐦💰 Early Bird Contribution: $160 until August 3rd (includes all accommodations - lodging, meals, merch, etc.) - Please use the code JCHYKEarly26 for the early bird rate. 💰 Regular Contribution: $175 until Sept 1st (includes all accommodations - lodging, meals, merch, etc.) Teacher for the Weekend: Brni. Shubhani Chaitanya Known for her warm nature and clear, straightforward delivery, Shubhani Ji brings the Gita to life in a way that makes sense to today’s youth. What to Expect: Inspiring satsangs and interactive sessions with Shubhani Ji Workshops, yoga, bonfire, group activities, and fun challenges Time for reflection, connection, and fun Great food, good company, and camp vibe