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 Shlokas. 

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: Daily Prayers, Chinmaya Mission Pledge, Sankatanasana Ganesastotram
Sevaks: Tejal Chande, Veena Kumar

Prahalada: Grades 1 and 2

Text Book: Bala Ramayana
The metaphor for the text is, "Have a backbone like a ruler and rule the word." Learn from Hanumanji the values like courage, strength, fearlessness, alertness, eloquence, etc., as they are the vitamins that make our mental backbone strong; thus, develop a majestic personality like Hanumanji. Children also learn through discipline that they can earn merits in the world by studying Hanuman Chalisa and following its teachings.
Shlokas: Invocation, Daily Prayers, Hanuman Chalisa

Sevak: Neeharia Muniraju

Nachiketa: Grades 3 and 4

Text Book: Krsna Krsna Everywhere & My 24-teachers

Krishna lila stories of Krishna. Through these stories children learn about sharing, self- discipline, and are taught to introspect and plot their observations on a daily basis.

My Twenty-four Teachers start with the metaphor, “To succeed, one needs a coach.” And once the coach is valued, mind automatically learns from all. Thus, children are taught to recognize and have reverence’: for our teachers in nature. From Mother Earth, we learn the value of being patient, from mountains, to be steadfast, from an arrow-maker the value of concentration, etc.
Shlokas: Guru Stotram, Madhurashtakam

Sevak: Dhanya Limaye

Aruni: Grades 5 and 6

Text Book: Key to Success

Key To Success 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.
Shlokas: Rama Stotram, Guru Paduka Stotram, Shree Ganga Stotram

Sevak: Bulbul Pandit

Shri Rama: Grades 7 and 8

Text Book: Symbolism in Hindusium
Importance of symbols in life is explained and how so many deities are the symbols of the one Lord, who pervades all and how these symbols teach us to live out life of harmony, fulfillment, and happiness.
Shlokas: Guru Paduka Stotram, Vaidika Aarti

Sevak: Meera Mahenthiran

Chinmaya: Grades 9-12

Text Book: Gita For Me

Bhagavad Gita discussion at the level of high school children. The essence of Bhagavad Gita is provided through interactive discussion of the teachings and how they can be applied to achieve both a successful and a peaceful life. A number of classroom activities are conducted to help the children reflect on their choices in everyday situations they face today in high school, and challenges they anticipate in college life away from their families.

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: Shri Dhiren Khatri, Ashwin Prabhu