What is Bala Vihar?

In Bala Vihar, the rich cultural heritage of India, including moral values, are taught to children and youth at different levels, using the medium of stories, drama, arts, crafts and discussion. Children are also taught popular Bhajans and Slokas. 

In promoting and teaching the universal philosophy of Oneness (Advaita Vedanta), children are made to understand that although Hinduism may appear to have many Gods, the Truth (God) is the one ultimate Reality, and thus it is one God appearing as many forms.

Chinmaya Bala Vihar Curriculum includes various devotional, philosophical & ethical texts and topics, focusing in the early years on developing love for God, in the elementary years on learning & practicing value based living, and in the teenage years on understanding spirituality and fundamental Vedantic principles. The syllabus covers topics and texts from Hinduism's Vedas, Puranas and Itihasas. It is child-friendly and taught on age-appropriate levels.

Purpose

• Instill in our children and youth a reverence for ancient culture and to inspire them to live up to it with correct understanding.

• Create self-confidence so that they are able to serve others.

• Generate personal discipline, dynamic leadership, and true affection in all their contacts.

• Develop a healthy resistance against temptations in the environment in which they grow.

Curriculum

Dhruva: Kindergarten

Text Book: Alphabet Safari
Simple values like aspiration, brotherhood, cleanliness, etc. are taught through animal stories and coloring. Through simple hands-on activities and demonstrations, children learn that just because something is not seen does mean it is not there! Hence, the need to fix our mind.
Shlokas: Invocation, Daily Prayers, Sankatanasana Ganesa Stotram, Ganesha Pancha Ratnam
Sevaks: Tejal Chande, Neeharika Muniraju

Prahalada: Grades 1 and 2

Text Book: Bala Ramayana
Through the Ramayana, the world’s oldest epic, Lord Rama teaches us the values of the perfect person. The children track the path of Lord Rama from childhood to marriage to exile to the war with Ravana, culminating in his crowning as King. Embedded in the story is so much symbolism. How are the 3 pairs of brothers in the Ramayana different? What attracts Vibhishana, to Lord Rama? Why is Hanumaji the greatest devotee, and how can we be like him? The children will amaze you with their deep appreciation of the glories of Lord Rama.
Shlokas: Invocation, Daily Prayers, Hanuman Chalisa

Sevak: Meera Mahenthiran, Raji Arora

Nachiketa: Grades 3 and 4

Text Book: Krishna Krishna Everywhere & 24 Teachers

Where can we find out Guru ? Lord Krishna is the source of so much inspiration and teaching. Canto 10 & 11 of Srimad Bhagavatham are covered in this class. Canto 10 focuses on Shri Krishna's lilas and stories through which children learn about sharing, self-discipline and introspection. As they embark upon "My 24 Teachers", the students learn that Mother Earth teaches us patience, Water teaches us detachment and the importance of freedom, etc. In this wonderful class, students begin to realize that Gurus are always present, if only we are readh to see them.
Shlokas: Guru Stotram, Achyutashtakam, Madhurashtakam, Shree Ganga Stotram

Sevak: Dhanya Limaye

Aruni: Grades 5 and 6

Text Book: Key to Success, India the Sacred Land

Key To Success has been developed from Ramacaritamanasa composed by Sri Tulasidasa, teaches children how to achieve success in the world by living a life that is rich in values. Emphasis is on the mind and how a disciplined mind achieves happiness and peace.

Why is Bharat (India) sacred ? India provides us with a rich history and culture with so much to be proud of. India has offered so much to this world, and in this class, as children begin to get exposed to the history of the United States in their schools, they can also begin to appreciate the rich history of Bharat. What more can we ask for than for our children to develop a pride in what Bharat has offered and continues to offer the world.
Shlokas: Rama Stotram, Guru Paduka Stotram, Shree Ganga Stotram

Sevak: Parthu Kalva, Shipra Parikh

Shri Rama: Grades 7 and 8

Text Book: Symbolism In Hinduism
We see the deities as Idols of Lord in the form of Shree Krishna, Rama,Shiva, Devi, Ganesha etc. We all love to worship and perform rituals in temple but few know the mysticism behind the Idols. They all represent the ultimate one Satchitananda. In this class of God Symbolism, mysticism will be revealed and true knowledge and meaning will be unfolded for children as well as for teachers and parents.
Shlokas:  Lingashtakam, Tapovana Shatkam, Shree Ganga Stotram, Bhagvad Gita Dhyana Shlokas

Sevak: Anjali Shah

Chinmaya: Grades 9-12

Text Book: Hindu Culture

Spark curiosity and love of Hindu Culture through interactive discussions, reflection, understanding and application of the concepts shared in the class. Topics include Symbolism of deities; basic concepts in vedanta such as four goals of life (purusharthas), the six virtues (shad sampati), the three qualities of the mind (gunas), four stages of life (ashramas), Karma, Ishtadevatas and topics on Hindu Culture such as Temple Architecture and Respect in Relationships.

High school students are encouraged to volunteer in community and social service activities with the goal of preparing today’s youth to be responsible and successful adults of tomorrow.
Shlokas:  Taittriya Upanishad, Bhagvad Gita Dhyana Shlokas

Sevak: Vaibhav Shastry