Bala Vihar Handbook Purpose of Bala Vihar: To help children learn Values with fun, To delight like the moon and shine like the Sun. Gurudev s Vision of Bala Vihar: Bala Vihar is my Temple. Children are my God. Teaching is my Worship. Chinmaya Mission Columbus No. 5302, Liberty Rd N Powell OH 43065 614-917-0160 www.chinmayamissioncolumbus.org Email: Columbus@chinmayamission.org 1
Table of Contents No Description Page # 1 Welcome to Chinmaya Mission 3 2 Balavihar Letter to Parents 3 3 Local Mission Activities 5 4 Worldwide Mission Activities 6 5 Code of Conduct and Discipline Policies 7 6 Good Manners 8 7 Guru Shishya Parampara Swami Tapovanam 9 Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda 9 Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda 10 Mukya Swamiji Swaroopananda 10 Swami Sharananda 11 8 Gurudev s Quotes 12 9 Values for each month 13 10 The Chinmaya Mission The Spiritual Energy Center 14 11 Balavihar Syllabus 15 12 Adult Study Groups 16 13 CMC Contact List Balavihar Sevaks 18 CMC Board Members 19 CMC Executive Committee 20 14 CMC Assembly Planner 21-24 15 Stotrams Opening Prayers 25 Guru-sisya parampara Stotram 26-27 Daily Prayers 28-31 Sri Chinmaya Arati 32 Birth Day & Anniversary Song 33 16 Chinmaya Mission Pledge 34 Hari Om! 2
A very warm welcome to Chinmaya Mission Columbus! Over the years, with Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda s blessings, our center has been growing and reaching out to increasing numbers of people. All our activities have one focus: to reveal to people of all ages and from all walks of life, the timeless wisdom of Vedanta, which is the core of Hindu philosophy. Chinmaya Mission s stated Mission is: To provide to individuals, from any background, the wisdom of Vedanta and the practical means for spiritual growth and happiness, enabling them to become positive contributors to society. Our motto is: To give the maximum happiness to the maximum number of people for the maximum amount of time. To fulfill the vision of Gurudev, Chinmaya Mission Columbus offers a number of activities, programs and services for children and adults. Its center is known as Chinmaya Archana. Balavihar Letter to Parents Children are a major focus at Chinmaya Mission. Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda, commenting on the general purpose of Chinmaya Bala Vihar and Yuva Kendra (Chyk), has stated that it is, To inculcate in our children and youth, by demonstration, the higher values and virtues of life which result in good character and which will prepare them to live their life as a whole, successfully and happily. Pujya Guruji also said stating about the specific purpose of Bala Vihar is "To help children learn Values with fun, to delight like the moon And shine like the sun ". The Balavihar program is intended to help children and youth to grow up with a strong understanding of Hindu spiritual and cultural values. The main objective of these weekly sessions is to: 1. Bring about an all-round development of the personality of children during their formative years. 2. Enable them to achieve success and balance as they grow up and face challenges of life. Junior Bala Vihar is for children of pre-school to 7th grade, and Senior Bala Vihar is for children of 8th to 12th grade. In each program, children are divided into different groups based on the grades they are attending in school. Bala Vihar classes for various age groups are conducted by trained sevakas and sevikas in a loving atmosphere. These voluntary dedicated workers impart to children, the glory of our rich culture, aiming at character formation and reverence for our ancient heritage. The high ideals and values from our great scriptures are taught in the form of stories, games, quizzes, crafts, bhajans, hymns, shlokas, skits etc. 3
For Study Group adult members; Meditation session, Discourses on Vedanta / Bhagavad Gita and group discussions are held simultaneously with the Bala Vihar and Yuva Kendra classes. Special lecture series and spiritual camps are organized at various times for serious seekers of happiness. Discourses on various scriptures are conducted on week days in the mission. Parents are requested to make use of this invaluable opportunity to educate and prepare themselves and to help and guide the children at home and at the time of need. Please plan on attending our adult study groups while the children are in their BV classes. Please see the schedule for more details. It is important that all the children attend the classes regularly and be very punctual with the time schedule, to obtain maximum benefit from these programs. Junior and Senior Bala Vihar classes meet every Sunday for session 1 from 10:00AM to 11:30AM and Session 2 from 12:30 2:00PM. Let the children reach mission campus at least ten minutes before the session starts. Please be ready to pick child/children by 11:30AM and 2:00 PM respectively. It is essential that children complete their assignments and come prepared for the classes. Children must come with their Sunday school folder, assigned books, a notebook, and pen or pencil. Let the child carry the study material in a given bag. Please label everything with the child s name. In the best interest of the children, the parents are requested not to remain in the children s classes. You may contact the child s teacher or BV Coordinator: Smt.Bindu Menta, if you have any questions or need additional information. The Board of Trustees requests all the parents to submit written suggestions to further improve children educational activities at the Ashram. May Pujya Gurudev and Pujya Guruji s blessings be always on us. Shri Puran Lahoti, President Smt.Bindu Menta, BV Coordinator For additional information about our programs and activities, please visit our website at www.chinmayamissioncolumbus.org Hari Om! 4
Local Mission Activities Bala Vihar The goal of Balavihar 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. Our BV Motto is Keep Smiling. Adult Study Groups Its goal is to practice mananam or reflection thereby gaining clear insight of scriptural fundamentals, and to cultivate the art of communicating this scriptural knowledge to others and learning practical means of living a happy life. Geeta Chanting Competition Its goal is to help children, youth and adults memorize and chant a selected chapter or set of verses from the Bhagavad Geeta. Language Classes The classes familiarize students with the alphabet and numbers through reading, writing and speaking, and introduce them to common words and phrases that will enable the understanding of simple conversation. Festivals and Special Events o Several Hindu festivals such as Diwali, Mahashivarathri, Ramanavami, Gurudev's Jayanti and Guru Poornima are celebrated at Chinmaya Mission. The significance of each festival is explained to the Balavihar students by the teachers. o We also have other special fun-filled activities such as the Annual Picnic, Presidents Day Camp,, Field Trips, and Lock-Ins that are organized throughout the year to boost the enthusiasm and interest of the children. Jnana Yajnas and Discourses CMC regularly invites Acharyas and Swamijis from various centers across the US almost once every two months to help further our understanding of scriptures. Chinmaya Yuva Kendra, or CHYK as it is popularly known is the global youth wing of Chinmaya Mission. Community Outreach o Chinmaya Mission is also involved in community outreach activities on a regular and as-need basis. The goal is to encourage the individual growth of students and their parents by getting involved and giving back to the community; giving more than what we take, as we pledge every week. o Activities such as community service in Worthington Food Pantry, Adopt-a-Highway", "Red Cross - Blood Mobile" and "THE BENEFIT BANK program to name a few. o CORD Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development: CORD is Chinmaya Mission's wing for social service projects. CORD India, Sri Lanka, and USA offer a variety of services. CORD India focuses on rural areas and CORD Sri Lanka is serving its recent war-stricken areas and victims. The work of CORD has been globally acclaimed for providing orphanages, hospitals, medical clinics, micro banking enterprises, abuse support groups, and vocational training programs, to name a few. Visit the CORD USA site to get details and learn how you can help. CMC conducts a yearly fund raising program for supporting this cause. o Ronald McDonald Meal Volunteers We bring a taste of home for RMHC families is something provided so our families have one less thing to worry about while their child is in the hospital. 5
Worldwide Mission Activities Chinmaya Mission was established in India in 1953 by devotees of the world-renowned Vedanta teacher, His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda. Under his guidance, these devotees formed the nucleus of a spiritual renaissance movement that now encompasses a wide range of spiritual, educational, and charitable activities, ennobling the lives of thousands in India and outside its borders. Administered by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust in Mumbai, India, the Mission is now headed by His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda. There are over 300 centers worldwide. The Mission s various activities and projects include Jnana Yajnas (Vedanta lecture series, seminars, workshops) Bala Vihar (Vedanta forum for children and youth) Yuva Kendra (Vedanta forum for university students and young professionals) Study Group (Vedanta forum for adults) Devi Group (Vedanta study and discussion forum for women) Spiritual Retreats and Camps Intensive Vedanta Courses (training for Chinmaya Mission s order of monks, acharyas, and sevaks) Publications Regional Centers Temples and Shrines Schools and Colleges Medical Services and Training Rural Village Development Projects Pitamaha Sadans (senior citizen homes) Management Courses and Services Research in Sanskrit and Indology 6
Code of Conduct and Discipline Policies Punctuality: Children should be in the class 10 minutes before class starts. Sunday s Session 1 starts at 10:00 AM and Session 2 at 12.30 PM. If late, please wait outside the classroom or assembly until door opens. Children to stay for the entire duration for different educational activities- 1.5hrs. Items not allowed during the session at BalaVihar: Cell phones, I- pods, game boys or electronic games, Jewelry- not allowed in the classrooms /shrine. No candy/gum chewing in classes/ shrine. Food and drinks are only in the downstairs, not in the classrooms upstairs. Absences: Students to inform the teachers ahead of any absence. With 3 consecutive unexplained absences, the teacher will contact the family and try and get an answer. Dress code: All children, adults, teachers should remember that Chinmaya Mission is a place of Worship and should dress appropriately. Guidelines: Highly recommended outfits: salwar suits for girls and pajama-kurta for boys Other comfortable outfits may be worn as long as they are decently covering the bodies Tops and bottoms must meet at the waist Pants should be high enough on waist so that shorts are not protruding All shirts must have sleeves at least up to the shoulders. Tops should not be low cut. Clothing should not display profanity or offensive slogans / symbols Respect for the mission, shrine, and our bodies is a part of our teaching.**if attire is inappropriate, the teachers may bring it up to the attention of the administration. ** The teacher will lovingly enforce the dress code. Cleanliness: No littering in the mission campus. Be very careful when you walk on mission parking lot. Look for oncoming vehicles whole crossing the road. Don t play on the asphalt. Lost and Found: Write the name, phone number on the bag. In case the bag is misplaced, look into Lost and Found same day or the following Sunday. Mission will not be responsible for the safety of personal belongings. Shoes: To be put on the racks in the designated area. If the racks are full, place your shoes neatly in a line. 7
Good Manners 1. Thoughts are very precious. Thoughts maintained inside express as Action outside. Action repeated makes a Habit. Habits form a Character. Character decides the Destiny. So from a young age develop good thoughts and noble character. 2. Noble character will make a person very successful in life. Everybody loves a person with noble qualities. 3. All good manners should start at home. Respect your parents and follow their advice. Be kind and good to your brothers and sisters. 4. Earn a good name at your Sunday school and be a good role model for others. Be regular in attendance, diligent and well behaved. Respect your teachers and love your companions. 5. Everyday do some physical exercise. Yogasana, games and sports are very good for body and mind. Be honest, sincere and co-operative while playing. 6. Strive to be helpful to everyone at all times. Always speak the truth. 7. See, talk and follow the good qualities you see in others. If you find any bad qualities Observe them silently and make sure you do not inculcate them. 8. When you meet anyone for the first time in the day greet him or her with Hari OM. 8
Guru Shishya Parampara Swami Tapovanam Pujya Swami Tapovan Maharaj was the very embodiment of the ideals of sannyasa, endowed with supreme renunciation, deep wisdom, saintliness, austerity, and compassion, a true virakta mahatma. Swamiji was born in 1886, in the village of Mudappalur in Palghat district to Balamba and Achutan Nair. His parents named him Subramanyan, but they lovingly called him Chippu Kutty. After the untimely death of his father, Swamiji left his home at the age of 28 to heed the call of the divine, eventually taking up residence in a one-room thatched hut in Uttarkashi, which came to be known as Tapovan Kutir. It was here that Gurudev sat at the feet of the great master for a total of seven years absorbing Vedantic knowledge. Swamiji attained mahasamadhi on the 16th of January 1957 on the full moon day; in the Brahmamuhurta at 4:30 a.m. "He came from nowhere, existed everywhere, and ultimately went to be everywhere." Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda Swami Chinmayananda was born on May 8, 1916 as Balakrishna Menon in Ernakulam, Kerala. Chattambi Swamigal a saint known for his yogic powers predicted a great spiritual future for the boy. A major turning point of his life was his meeting with Swami Sivananda. On February 25th, 1949, along with five other students, Balakrishna was initiated into sannyasa. Swami Sivananda gave him the name "Chinmayananda Saraswati," Chinmayananda meaning "filled with the bliss of pure Consciousness. Swami Sivananda then sent him to Uttarkashi to study under Swami Tapovan Maharaj. Seven years later, brimming with Vedantic knowledge, with a heart overflowing with love for his countrymen, Swami Chinmayananda was ready to execute what he called the "Gangotri Plan" to spread the message of Vedanta to the masses. By the time he attained mahasamadhi in August 1993, Gurudev, as he is known affectionately by his followers, had conducted 576 jnana yajnas and scores of family oriented spiritual family camps, logging thousands of miles as he traveled across the globe. "If I rest, I rust," he quipped when asked to slow down. Gurudev is credited with the renaissance of spiritual and cultural values in India and with awakening the rest of the world to the ageless wisdom of Advaita Vedanta as expounded by Adi Shankaracharya. His legacy remains in the form of books, audio and video tapes, schools, and social service projects, Vedanta teachers whom he taught and inspired, and Chinmaya Mission centers around the world serving the spiritual and cultural needs of local communities. He has authored more than 250 books and written commentaries on various scriptural texts. Quotes: 1. Learn to be happy alone. If we do not enjoy our own company, why inflict it on others?" 2. "Don t put the key to your happiness in someone else's pocket." 3. IF I REST, I RUST. 9
Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayananda Swami Tejomayananda, the present spiritual head of Chinmaya Mission javascript:; worldwide is fluent in English, Hindi, Marathi and Sanskrit. He has written commentaries on many scriptural texts, translated Swami Chinmayananda's commentaries into Hindi, and authored a number of original works in Sanskrit. Swamiji excels in expounding upon a wide spectrum of Hindu scriptures, from Ramayana to the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. As Gurudev did before him, Guruji, as he is known affectionately, moves around the world at a bewildering pace conducting jnana yajnas. Sudhakar Kaitwade (as he was previously called) was born in Madhya Pradesh on 30th June 1950. As a student he took a keen interest in music and drama. The spiritual call came to him in 1970 when he heard a Gita discourse given by Swami Chinmayananda. He was inspired to join the Vedanta Course at Sandeepany Sadhanalaya in Mumbai. After graduation in 1975, he served in the field for a few years as Brahmachari Vivek Chaitanya and was initiated into sannyasa by Pujya Gurudev in 1983. Swamiji became the head of the Chinmaya Mission upon Swami Chinmayananda's mahasamadhi in August 1993. He assumed his new role with ease and humility, and is working tirelessly to fulfill the vision of his guru. As he puts it, "I am not in Swamiji's shoes, I am at his feet." His Holiness Swami Swaroopananda In an era rife with skepticism and confusion about matters spiritual, Swami Swaroopananda is a rare voice that blends authenticity with accessibility; theory with self- practice; logic with heart. Formerly the Regional Head of Chinmaya Mission Australia, United Kingdom, Middle East, Africa and Far East, and presently Chairman of the Chinmaya Vishwavidyapeeth Trust (University for Sanskrit and Indic Traditions) and Director of the Chinmaya International Residential School in Coimbatore, South India, Swami Swaroopananda has now been bestowed by Swami Tejomayananda the privilege to also serve as the Head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide. Swamiji has authored several commentaries on such important spiritual classics as Ik Onkar, Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra and Sankat Mochan, besides numerous books on contemporary lifestyle subjects such as Simplicity and Meditation, Storm to Perform, Avatar, Managing the Manager and Journey into Health. Swamiji is equally adept at conducting 'holistic management' seminars for senior corporate executives. Among the well-known institutes he has been invited to speak at are The Ford, London Business School and Harvard University, to name a few. In fact, a proprietary self-development course he conceived and initially conducted, 'Make It Happen', has been adapted and integrated into the human resource training programs of various corporate organizations in India and beyond. 10
Swami Sharanananda Swami Sharanananda hails from Jagannath Dham (Puri) in Orissa. Being inspired by Pujya Gurudev H.H. Swami Chinmayanandji, he joined the two year brahmachari training course in Sandeepany Sadhanalaya, Mumbai, in the year 1986. He was trained by H.H. Swami Tejomayanandaji, the present spiritual head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide. He was given Brahmachari Diksha in 1988 and was known as Br. Sharana Chaitanya. He has served different Chinmaya Mission centers in Orissa such as Anugul, Rourkela, and Berhampur and Calcutta in West Bengal. He has been the resident Acharya of Chinmaya Mission Chicago since March 1993. On July 9, 1995 he was initiated into Sanyasa Diksha by H.H. Swami Tejomayanandaji and became Swami Sharanananda. He gives discourses on Bhagavad Geeta and Upanishads, participates in adult study group discussion forums and youth classes. Swamiji takes guided meditation sessions and loves to teach yogasanas to the children. He participates in different spiritual activities during Chinmaya Mission family camps in USA. Swamiji likes to be with children. He places great importance on paying attention to minor details and value based living. 11
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Values For Each Month Month Values Festivals Sept Satsanga/ Viveka(Right Thinking) Substituting negative thoughts with noble Thoughts Navaratri Vijaya Dashami Oct Satyam Ahimsa Sense Control Victory over ego Light of Knowledge Gandhi Jayanti Deepavali Nov Gratitude Victory over devilish qualities Thanksgiving Kartika Purnima Geeta Jayanti Dec Giving/ Surrender and Act Christmas Jan Newness Darkness to Light New Year Makara Sankranti Feb Dispassion MahaShivaratri March Unity in Diversity Obedience Righteousness Compassion Gratitude Holi Ramanavami April May June July August Humility Devotion Titiksha(Endurance) Forgiveness Caring and sharing Oneness of Truth Self-Discipline Guru seva Love for Humanity Freedom Introverted ness Freedom Friendship Hanuman Jayanti Mother's Day Gurudev's Jayanti Shankar Jayanti Father's Day Pujya Guruji's Birth Day Guru Purnima Maha Samadhi Raksha Bhandan Independence Day Krishna Janmasthami Ganesha Chaturthi 13
Chinmaya Mission, The Spiritual Energy Center - By Swami Sharanananda In the process of leading a comfortable life we spend a lot of physical and mental energy. Physical energy will be replenished by giving proper amounts of rest, exercise, food and discipline to the body. But to keep the mind inspired and energetic, the above extraneous methods are inadequate. Adjustments have to be done at the mental level. Chinmaya Mission is a place to learn and practice the subtle vernier adjustments of keeping the mind healthy. In Columbus we have a small but vibrant center. It is possible because of Pujya Gurudev and Pujya Guruji s blessings and Lord s Grace. A spiritual center is not made of bricks and cement. It is made of sacrifice and service, cemented by Self less love. A building is made by brick and mortar but to have a spiritual place, we are to create a Divine atmosphere by our thinking and behavior, which will not only influence our mind positively but will attract others too. To achieve this goal following points are to be kept in mind: 1. Chinmaya Mission is God s place. I am coming here to improve myself, not others. My job is not to search for who has a problem and how to change them. 2. I am the Sevaka or Sevika of Pujya Gurudev and Pujya Guruji. I am here to serve others and cannot demand service from others. Any work is precious. Whatever responsibility I have taken I will do it sincerely and with humility. 3. Respect everybody as Pujya Gurudev s devotee. We should feel privileged to see anybody entering our mission centers. Receive them with a smile and Hari Om. 4. Be grateful to everybody for their contribution in the growth of the Mission. Never be arrogant or make others feel inferior or guilty. 5. Listen more and talk less. Listen to others concerns and reply them politely. Never be Mr. Right. We will avoid lot of mistakes. Become more patient. 6. Give credit to others. One can achieve anything if one does not mind who gets the credit. Never expect and crave for others appreciation. 7. Keep the premises clean. Cleanliness is next to Godliness. 8. Use the Mission premises for japa, puja, study, reflection and meditation. Give to Mission anything that is needed, but don t use the Mission for material benefits or any other selfish purposes. 9. Trust in others. Be helpful rather than critical. 10. Use the word we more than i. Always avoid sentences like: Don t waste my time, I have other things to do. The ten points when practiced will make our Mission centers divinely charged, and all of us and our children will be the beneficiaries. 14
Balavihar Syllabus Class Name Grade Topic Description Texts to be Purchased Bala Krishna Pre K Intro to Hindu Gods/Slokas/Stories Bala Rama K & 1 Bala Ramayana Luv Kush 2 & 3 Prahalad 4 & 5 Dhruva 6 & 7 Sri Hanuman, The Super Superman Krishna Krishna Everywhere 24 Teachers PO Box Mr God Key to Success The curriculum for the Pre-Kindergarten comprises of intro to Hindu gods, stories, slokams, coloring, and hands-on activities. Narrates the story of Rama, inspire children to be like Rama by imbibing the qualities that they learn from Rama and other characters. Chant and learn, Verses from Nama Ramayan Learn from Hanumanji the value like courage, strength, fearlessness, alertness, eloquence, etc., as they are the vitamins that make our mental backbone straight and strong. Krishna Krishna Everywhere: Encourage children to learn about sharing and selfdiscipline through the stories of Lord Krishna. They learn to introspect and record their observations regularly. 24 Teachers: To succeed, one needs a coach, and once the value of the coach is established, we automatically learn from everyone and everywhere. Thus, children will learn to recognize and develop reverence for teachers throughout nature. PO Box Mr God: Invite children to find the Omnipresent God and His address. Then they learn that each one of us in His address and we can find Him within us, if we learn to live a life of noble virtues. Key to Success: Challenge children to learn to achieve success in the world by living a life rich in values. Emphasize how a disciplined mind enjoys happiness and peace. My Prayers w/ CD Bala Ramayana Hanuman Chalisa Bala Bagavatam 24 Teachers Key to Success Ekalavya 8 & 9 Yato Dharma Tato Jayah Be victorious in life by following Dharma, is the main theme. The text dives deep into what is Dharma, how to live by Dharma, along with the story of Mahabharata. The goal of life and how we are the architect of our own future is explained through the Law of Karma. Mahabharat by Raja Gopalachari Yato Dharma Tato Jayah Markendaya 10 & 12 Teen Ideas and Ideals Fun filled forum for like-minded teens to meet and learn from each other, grow spiritually, build strong friendships, to explore, discuss and help better prepare them for the pressure-filled college life of today. Planned activities include innovative workshops on stress management, facing fears, and teamwork Guidance through Bhagavad Gita 15
Weekly Adult Study Group(s) Topic Day/Time Facilitators Description Upadesa Sara Every Sunday 10:30-11:30 AM Bhagvad Gita Chapter 6 Every Sunday 10:30-11:30 AM Venkat Menta (menta.venkat@gmail.com) Puran Lahoti (puran.lahoti@gmail.com) Milind Pradhan (milindkpradhan@yahoo.com) "Beyond this illusion, I seek the Truth, in seeking I surrender..." Vedanta is a profound and serious subject and to explain it in simple terms is rather a tricky task. However, Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi has succeeded in presenting this serious subject in an incredibly simple, attractive and beautiful way in the Upadesa Sara. Knowledge of one's own nature is called Self-Knowledge, gaining which man attains Liberation and experience Completeness, and without which even if he strives day and night he cannot rid himself of sorrows. Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi was such a man of knowledge. He, originally, composed the Upadesa Sara in Tamil at the request of the Tamil poet, Sri Murugnara. The sixth chapter of Bhagavad Gita Aatma Samyam Yoga or The Yoga of Meditation extols virtues of the yogi who constantly abides in the knowledge of the Self. Yogi is one who has renounced fruits of action and not the actions themselves. Practice of Meditation aids the mind of such a person to constantly engage with the Self. Detailed guidance is given as to the location, posture and method for successfully practicing meditation. Bhaja Govindam Every Sunday 1:00-2:00 PM Venkat Menta (menta.venkat@gmail.com) Composed by the great saint Sri Adi Shankaracharya, Bhaja Govindam is one of the most lucid yet insightful works of Vedanta. The Bhaja Govindam belongs to the class of stotras. However, as the verses contain deep Vedantic thought it is often included as a prakarana, introductory text. Although small, it is a prominent composition of Shankara s that teaches the fundamentals of Vedanta. Its style is simple and its melody makes it appealing to people of all ages. Each one of its 31 verses is a pearl of wisdom that is relevant to our lives. 16
SELF- UNFOLDMENT (As Needed) Every Sunday 1:00-2:00 PM TBD We all are already happy and whole, except that we do not know it. Once some of our wrong thought patterns are undone, we can experience greater happiness than we ever even dreamed of. Self-Unfoldment is a compilation of the writings and transcribed talks of Swami Chinmayananda, one of the foremost teachers of Vedanta of our times. As he unfolds the teaching, he reveals to us the path to our own inner unfoldment. 17
BalaVihar Sevaks/Sevikas Class Name Session Grade Sevak/Sevika Name Phone # Teachers Email ID Balavihar Teachers Bala Krishna PM Pre K Meghana Menta (614) 767-5782 menta.meghana@gmail.com Bala Rama AM K & 1 Manju Lahoti (614) 781-1326 lahotimpl@gmail.com Suganya Arunkumar (614) 416-6715 sugan1275@gmail.com PM Manju Lahoti (614) 781-1326 lahotimpl@gmail.com Luv Kush AM 2 & 3 Shanti Rao Latha Rao (614) 459-2847 (614)825-0002 shanthianand_72@yahoo.com star7869@aol.com PM Niranjani Venkataraman Arthi Perumalsamy (201) 328-7288 (614)440-4269 raman.niru@gmail.com arthisaran@gmail.com Prahalad AM 4 & 5 Satya Sunderasan (614)783-9670 sathus6@yahoo.com PM Bindu Menta Kavitha Bangalore (614)767-5782 (614)717-5111 menta.bindu@gmail.com Kavitha_girish@yahoo.com Dhruva AM 6 & 7 Sunitha Modak Neelam Mohanthy (614) 766-2682 (614)596-6111 sunitamodak@yahoo.com neelam_mohanty@hotmail.com PM Bindu Menta (614)767-5782 menta.bindu@gmail.com Ekalavya AM 8 & 9 Madhu Venkataraman Rashmi Gupta (740) 657-8699 (917) 912-7409 madhu43016@yahoo.com rashminyc2003@yahoo.co Markendya AM 10 & 12 Madhura Pradhan Bindu Menta (614)760-0932 (614)767-5782 pradhan.2@osu.edu menta.bindu@gmail.com Adult Study Group N/A Venkat Menta Milind Pradhan (614) 767-5782 (614) 760-0932 menta.venkat@gmail.com milindkpradhan@yahoo.com Gita Chanting All Kavya Krishnan (614)588-0690 kavyakrishna04@gmail.com 18
Chinmaya Mission Executive Committee President Venkat Menta (614)767-5782 menta.venkat@gmail.com Abhishekham Dilip Rajan (614) 288-9296 dilip072007@gmail.com Balavihar Bindu Menta (614)767-5782 menta.bindu@gmail.com Book Store & Amar Pallavi Maryala (734)340-4556 consciousavi@gmail.com Chitra Katha Club Communications Prasanna Masina (614)7465849 prasanna.masina@gmail.com Community Outreach Girish Modak (614)441-6192 Milind Pradhan (614) 760-0932 Decorations Geethanjali Mishra (740)803-2026 geetamishra@yahoo.com modakgirish@hotmail.com milindkpradhan@yahoo.com Events & Festivals Madhu Venkatachalam (740)657-8699 madhu43016@yahoo.com Facilities Showari Bekal (561)358-4656 showri.bekal@gmail.com Food Pooni Venkatachalam (740)803-3247 ponni43016@gmail.com Webmaster Radha Venkataraman (408)622-8336 vradharani@yahoo.com 19
Chinmaya Mission Columbus Board Members Chairman Swami Swaroopananda Advisory Acharya Swami Sharanananda (630)654-3370 swamibadri@gmail.com Past President & Board Member Manu Bhatt (740)917-9227 manubhatt09@gmail.com President Puran Lahoti (614)325-8868 puran.lahoti@gmail.com Vice President Saran Palaniswamy (614)218-3553 saranpalanisamy@hotmail.com Secretary Girish Modak (614)441-6192 modakgirish@hotmail.com Treasure Bala Rajaguru (614)787-4058 rbalamuru@yahoo.com Board Member Bindu Menta (614)767-5782 menta.bindu@gmail.com 20
CMC Balavihar Assembly Planner - Sept - Dec 2017. SESSIONS 1 & 2 Month Regular Activity Special Activity Notes Closing Prayers Sunday Aug 20th Balavihar Opening Day Balavihar Opening Day Balavihar Opening Day Balavihar Opening Day Sunday Aug 27th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram Janmadinam Song Sunday Sept 10th Sunday Sept 17th Sunday Sept 24th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram Video Satsang. Gurudev's Video will be shown in the Assembly Story Time Significance of Navaratri Assembly Video Coordinators Bala or Puran will be ready with Video. Sunday Oct 1st Sunday Oct 8th Sunday Oct 15th Sunday Oct 22nd Sunday Oct 29th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram Janmadinam Song Video Satsang. Gurudev's Video will be shown in the Assembly Story Time Significance of Deepavali Special Guest Assembly Video Coordinators Bala or Puran will be ready with Video. Sunday Nov 5th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram Janmadinam Song 21
CMC Balavihar Assembly Planner - Sept - Dec 2017. SESSIONS 1 & 2 Month Regular Activity Special Activity Notes Closing Prayers Sunday Nov 12th Sunday Nov 19th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram Video Satsang. Gurudev's Video will be shown in the Assembly Story Time Assembly Video Coordinators Bala or Puran will be ready with Video. Sunday Nov 26th Thanksgiving Break Thanksgiving Break Thanksgiving Break Thanksgiving Break Sunday Dec 3rd Sunday Dec 10th Sunday Dec 17th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Guru Shisya Parampara Stotram Janmadinam Song & Gita Dhyanam Chanting Video Satsang. Gurudev's Video will be shown in the Assembly Story Time Tapovan Maharaj Jayanthi. Focus on Bhagavad Gita Jayanthi. Assembly Video Coordinators Bala or Puran will be ready with Video. Sunday Dec 24th-31st Winter Break Winter Break Winter Break Winter Break 22
CMC Balavihar Assembly Planner - Jan - May 2018. SESSIONS 1 & 2 Month Regular Activity Special Activity Notes Closing Prayers Sunday Jan 7th Sunday Jan 14th Sunday Jan 21st Sunday Jan 28th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers Janmadinam Song Significance of Makara Sankaranti Video Satsang. Gurudev's Video will be shown in the Assembly Story Time Sunday Feb 4th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers Janmadinam Song Sunday Feb 11th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers Significance of Shivaratri (Gurudev or Acharya's video on Shivaratri) Assembly Video Coordinators Bala or Puran will be ready with Video. Sunday Feb 18th Presidents' Day Camp Presidents' Day Camp Presidents' Day Camp Presidents' Day Camp Sunday Feb 25th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers Story Time Sunday Mar 4th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers Janmadinam Song & Holi Sunday Mar 11th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers Video Satsang. Gurudev's Video will be shown in the Assembly Assembly Video Coordinators Bala or Puran will be ready with Video. 23
CMC Balavihar Assembly Planner - Jan - May 2018. SESSIONS 1 & 2 Month Regular Activity Special Activity Notes Closing Prayers Sunday Mar 18th Sunday Mar 25th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers Story Time Sri Rama Navami Celebration Celebrate Rama Navami like a Child's birthday Sunday Apr 1st 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers Janmadinam Song Sunday Apr 8th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers Video Satsang. Gurudev's Video will be shown in the Assembly Assembly Video Coordinators Bala or Puran will be ready with Video. Sunday Apr 15th BALAFEST BALAFEST BALAFEST BALAFEST Sunday Apr 22nd 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers Story Time Sunday Apr 29th 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers Special Guest Sunday May 6th Sunday May 13th Gurudev's Janma Jayanthi 1. Opening Prayers ( Invocation - Ganesha, Saraswathi & Guru) 2.Daily Prayers Video Satsang. Gurudev's Video will be shown in the Assembly Mother's day Celebration Gurudev's Birthday Celebration Gurudev's Birthday Celebration Sunday May 20th BALOTSAV BALOTSAV BALOTSAV BALOTSAV 24
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Chinmaya Mission Columbus Sri Chinmaya Arati 32
Chinmaya Mission Columbus Birthday Song Anniversary Song 33
Chinmaya Mission Pledge Chinmaya Mission Columbus We stand as one family Bound to each other with love and respect. We serve as an army Courageous and disciplined Ever ready to fight against all low tendencies And false values, within and without us. We live honestly The noble life of sacrifice and service Producing more than what we consume And giving more than what we take. We seek the Lord s grace To keep us on the path of virtue, courage and wisdom. May Thy grace and blessings flow through us To the world around us. We believe that the service of our country Is the service of the Lord of Lords And devotion to the people Is the devotion to the Supreme Self. We know our responsibilities Give us the ability and courage to fulfill them. Om Tat Sat 34