Balavihar
Youth Group Curriculum
Introduction
The curriculum is developed in accordance with the Mission Statement.
Mission Statement:
To provide 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.
Explanation of terms:
Wisdom of Vedanta: Vedanta teaches that our essential nature is divine. We are unaware of this divinity, because of ‘limited identifications’ such as
those with body, material objects, relationships and self-image.
Practical Means: Curriculum should include not only didactic lectures but also practical training in time honored spiritual practices such as Meditation, Yoga asanas, Prana ayaama, Japa, Pooja Vidhi etc.,
Objective:
It is believed that, with such an instruction, the inner divinity in us shines forth and expresses itself in qualities such as Joy, Inner peace,
Compassion and Creativity. Such students automatically become positive contributors to society.
Target
audience:
Children in grades 8 through 12. Preferably those who have been through Balavihar
training.
Class format:
Reflective and
contemplative: Prayer, Meditation
Physical: Surya Namaskaars /aasanas,
Analytical and Inferential: Interactive discussions,
Group Participation: Creative Projects and Community Service.
Class time: 60 minutes.
Prayers: Sahanaavavatu, Shaantipaath, and Guru Stotram. (We may be teaching some more prayers this year such as Guru Paduka Stotram)
Meditation: 2 to 5 minutes
Discussions:
Introduction to Hindu Religion, Theology and Philosophy
Understanding the Hindu Principles through the life and writings of great leaders
Following are some of the texts recommended:
 |
Self Unfoldment |
|
Gandhi the Man |
|
Vedanta A Simple Introduction |
Creative Projects: Skits, Games, Poems, Posters etc,
Community Service: Voluntary service as individuals or as groups. Habitat for Humanity, Lazarus House, etc. (Coordinator: Jaishree Deshpande)