Chinmaya Mission^® Washington Regional Center

Bala Vihar at Chinmayam

Curriculum & Information

(“B” Subjects will be taught in Year 2007-2008, Chinmayam will follow "A" for 2007-2008; “A” Subjects will be taught in Year 2008-2009)

Curriculum is being revised to include the theme "India My Love". Please note that the Bala Vihar Curriculum is being revised by Chinmaya Mission West. The topics for this year have been adjusted to the new curriculum. Next year’s topics may be different from what is noted above

Madhuram (Pre-K)

Drawing, coloring, crafts, and games are part of the medium for learning for these young children. They also learn Shlokas and sing Bhajans.

Satyam (K-1^st)

Chinmaya ABCs: Children are introduced to the positive values in life through the English Alphabet as a tool. For example: A for Ambition, B for Brotherhood etc. Each value is taught through a story or song.

Bala Ramayana: Through this epic story of Ramayana written especially for children, they learn to appreciate courage, enthusiasm, and wisdom.

 Shivam (2-3rd)

Bala Bhagavatam: Stories from Bhagavatam are taught to children to reinforce Hindu values and philosophy.

Nine Type of Bhakti: Students learn the deep rooted significance behind the various shapes and forms of Hindu gods and rituals.

Hanumanji: The book illustrates Hanumanji’s qualities such as devotion to duty, Buddhi, strength, Yasha(fame), courage, fearlessness, alertness and eloquence.

Sundaram (4-5^th)

Characters in Ramayana: Written in simple English, the book makes an interesting reading for children of this age group.  Instead of narrating the Ramayana story in a chronological sequence, the book analyses each character in the epic-story, followed by a discussion on the lessons we can learn from these characters, which challenges the analytical thinking of the young minds.

Saints of India: Many chosen ones came and lived among others, to show the way to God.    They lived their life with the spirit that was hidden behind the words of all sacred scriptures of the world.    They were able to give up everything for the discovery of God in their own heart.    In these pages, necessary details of their lives, and the paths they chose to attain Saintliness is depicted, inspiring all readers. Their paths were many but the goal was the same.

Shivanandam (6-7th)

Vibheeshana Geeta: This text is based on discourses of Lord Rama to Vibheeshana in Ramayana. In Vibheeshana Geeta, Sri Rama outlines the necessary tools for human beings to complete the voyage of life safely and to attain spiritual progress and mental purification. The entire Vibheeshana Geeta emphasizes the importance of faith, values and devotion. Youth will be able to appreciate and understand that there are bound to be ups and downs in life, but devotion can help take one through it easily.

Symbolism in Hinduism: Hinduism is often labeled as a religion of 330 million gods.  This misunderstanding arises when people fail to grasp the symbolism of the Hindu pantheon.  Hindus worship the nameless and formless Supreme Reality by various names and forms.  These different aspects of one reality are symbolized by the many gods and goddesses of Hinduism.  Each is but a symbol that points to something beyond, and as none exhausts God's actual nature, the entire array is needed to complete the picture of God's aspects and manifestations. Symbolism plays a greater role in the religion and art of India, than in those of other nations.

Tapovanam (8-9th)

Hindu Culture - An Introduction: This is a comprehensive and complete analysis of the Hindu culture and its salient feature, its varied facets and its all-encompassing fullness. Skillful definitions, gifted quotes and striking illustrations carry the reader on a pilgrimage of the holy land that India is and the holy culture that it has. This book will help the Indian Youth to learn and appreciate Indian culture and our heritage.

Mahabharata Selections: Sage Vyasa understood the mysteries of the universe and its past, present and future and he wanted to convey it in a story form which is the Mahabharat. He conceived the great epic which is not only a fascinating story but also conveys the essence of Vedanta, science of warfare, social/culture systems etc. Mahabharatha Selections points out the virtues, frailties and challenges faced by it's characters. It helps readers contemplate on the deeper questions and values of life, guiding them to choose the higher way of thinking and living.

Ageless Guru: The Inspirational Life of Swami Chinmayananda

Chinmayam (10-12^th)

The Holy Gita: by Swami Chinmayananda ji.

(August 2007)