Chinmaya Mission Chicago - Yamunotri

30877 N Fairfield Rd, Grayslake, IL 60030

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2

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Description Page #
1 About Chinmaya Mission & Bala Vihar 3
2 His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda 4
3 His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda 5
4 Our Acharya: Swami Sharanananda 6
5 Code of Conduct & Discipline Policies 7
6 Bala Vihar Syllabus 8
7 Adult Study Groups 9
8 Values for each Month 10
9 Additional Classes offered at CM Yamunotri 11
10 Contact Information for Teachers 12
11
Contact Information for other Sevaks
& Coordinators 13
12 Stuti Vandana I List and Guidelines 14
13 Stuti Vandana I Coaching Schedule 15
14 Minakshi Pancharatnam 16
15 Sriramayana Vandanam 18
16 Sri Sitaramayoh Dhyanam Vandanam ca 19
17 Siva Manasa Puja 20
18 Gurvashtakam 22
19 Dashavatara Stotram 24
20 Bhagavad Gita Chapter VIII 27
21 Bhagavad Gita Chanting Guidelines 35
22 Bhagavad Gita Chanting Competition Rules 39























3

Chinmaya Mission
Chinmaya Mission was founded in 1953 by devotees of Swami Chinmayananda in India. They
formed the nucleus of a movement of spiritual renaissance that now encompasses a wide
range of spiritual, educational and charitable activities, ennobling the lives of thousands in In-
dia and outside its shores. The Mission is administered by Central Chinmaya Mission Trust,
Mumbai, headed by Swami Tejomayananda.

Following the teacher-taught tradition (guru-sisya parampara) since time immemorial, Chin-
maya Mission makes available the ageless wisdom of Vedanta, the knowledge of the One Real-
ity, and provides the tools to realize that wisdom in one's own life. To give maximum happi-
ness to the maximum number for the maximum time is the tenet that drives members to up-
lift humanity beyond selfish and sectarian attitudes and activities. Each person's gain is mani-
fold: personal growth, heightened efficiency, contentment, and living in peace and harmony.
There are over 250 Chinmaya Mission centers in India, and almost 50 outside of India.

Bala Vihar is where the children from kindergarten to high school are inculcated with our cul-
ture and values which would help in their life, by trained teachers. They follow a Chinmaya
prescribed scheme of studies on Bhagwad Gita and other texts, and also take up socially useful
activities.



Bala Vihar

In Bala Vihar, the rich cultural heritage of India, including its teachings on moral values, is
taught to children and youth at different levels, using the medium of stories, drama, arts and
crafts, and discussion. Children are also taught popular Bhajans (Hindu hymns) and Slokas
(Spiritual Verses). Chinmaya Mission centers have become models for teaching Indias rich
spiritual heritage and the fundamentals of Vedanta to the next generation. The Bala Vihars are
organized into grades which match the grade of the child in school. Each of the grades caters
to the age group of the child. The grades range from Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12.

"The purpose of Bala Vihar is to impart values to the children and art of right thinking among
the youth."
4


His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda
His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda, founder of Chinmaya Mission, taught spirituality as the
art of living. Through jnana yoga (the Vedantic path of spiritual knowledge), he emphasized
the balance of head and heart, pointing out selfless work, study, and meditation as the cor-
nerstones of spiritual practice.

Not satisfied by worldly aspirations or his degrees in literature and law, Balakrishna Menon
pursued spiritual studies for nine years in the Himalayas, under the guidance of Swami
Sivananda (Divine Life Society) and the tutelage of Swami Tapovanam. He eventually came to
share this Vedantic knowledge with the masses, in the form of the dynamic teacher known as
Swami Chinmayananda.

Swamiji is renowned worldwide as a spiritual master and one of the foremost teachers of Shri-
mad Bhagavad Gita. He is credited with the renaissance of spirituality and cultural values in
India, and with the spreading of the ageless wisdom of Advaita Vedanta, as expounded by Adi
Shankaracharya, throughout the world.
Swami Chinmayananda attained mahasamadhi in August 1993. His legacy remains in the form
of written, audio, and video publications; social service projects; Vedanta teachers whom he
taught and inspired; and Chinmaya Mission centers worldwide, serving the spiritual and cul-
tural needs of local communities.
Additional biographical information can be found in Journey of a Master, Ageless Guru, Swami
Chinmayananda: A Life of Inspiration and Service, and At Every Breath, A Teaching.
5


His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda
His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda, the present spiritual head of Chinmaya Mission world-
wide, is fulfilling the vision that Swami Chinmayananda charted. As he puts it, I am not in
Swamijis shoes; I am at His feet.
Swami Tejomayananda has served as acharya (dean) of the Sandeepany institutes of Vedanta
(gurukulas of Chinmaya Mission) in India, and as acharya in Mission centers in India and the
US. He has written commentaries on scriptural texts, translated Swami Chinmayanandas
commentaries into Hindi, and authored a number of books. A key contribution is Hindu Cul-
ture: An Introduction, which has been acclaimed for its clear description of the basics of Hin-
duism and adopted as a reference text in some American high schools.
Swamiji excels in expounding upon a wide spectrum of Hindu scriptures, from Ramayana, to
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, to the Upanishads. His easy manner, combined with his in-depth
analyses and devotional renderings of Vedantic texts, have drawn many newcomers into the
spiritual fold.

6


Our Acharya: Pujya Swami Sharanananda
Swami Sharanananda hails from Puri in Orissa. Being inspired by Pujya Gurudev H.H. Swami
Chinmayanandji, he joined the two year brahmachari training course in Sandeepany Sadha-
nalaya, Mumbai, in the year 1986. He was trained by H.H. Swami Tejomayanandaji. He was
given Brahmachari Diksha in 1988 and became Br. Sharana Chaitanya. He has served Chin-
maya Mission centers in Anugul, Rourkela and Calcutta. He has been the resident Acharya at
Chinmaya Mission Chicago since March 1993.
On July 9, 1995 he was initiated into Sannyasa Diksha by H.H. Swami Tejomayanandaji and
became Swami Sharanananda. He conducts yogasana and other scriptural classes during
Chinmaya Mission family camps in America and Canada. Swamiji likes to be with children.
He places great importance on value based living.
Email: swamiji@chinmaya-yamunotri.org
7

Code of Conduct and Discipline Policies

The goal of Chinmaya Mission is to foster intellectual and spiritual growth in a safe environment. In
order to keep our children safe and to inculcate discipline for all Bala Vihar children and adults, the fol-
lowing rules and regulations have been established and should be adhered to.

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
Clothing should not display profanity or offensive slogans / symbols
No hats allowed
Items not allowed during the two-hour Bala Vihar session at Badri/Yamunotri
No cell phones in classrooms or shrine: if a child must carry one, it should be turned off for the du-
ration of the session. It may be used outside the class and shrine time.
No game boys or other electronic games should be brought to the classrooms
No candy or chewing gum during the session.
Absences
If a child will be absent, parents must inform the teacher ahead of time
With 3 consecutive unexplained absences, the teacher will contact the family to check on child.
Punctuality
BE ON TIME. ARRIVE AT LEAST 10 MINUTES PRIOR TO START SO THAT SHOES AND COATS CAN
BE PUT IN THEIR PROPER PLACE. CLASSES STARTS AT 2:30 PM.
If a child is late, he/she is expected to wait outside the classroom until the teacher opens the
door, which will be after opening prayers.
PLEASE DO NOT DISTURB CLASS ONCE IT HAS BEGUN
All Children ARE REQUIRED stay for the entire time including the concluding session from 4:00-
4:45 PM.
Shoes
ALL SHOES MUST BE PLACED NEATLY ON THE SHOE RACKS, NOT ON THE FLOOR.
Cleanliness
As mission members it is our responsibility to keep the classrooms and surrounding property neat
and clean
No littering inside or outside the building
All garbage must be thrown in the appropriate garbage bins.
No food or drinks allowed on the upstairs level.
Lost and Found
Please label all belongings clearly. Although all attempts are made to keep lost and found for a
reasonable time period, items may not be returned if lost.
Parents
Parents are strongly encouraged to attend the adult study groups. Please do not hang around
the hallways during the classes and concluding prayers. Parents should not be sitting in the
classrooms with their kids without prior permission from teachers.

THE CONCLUDING PRAYERS ARE A VITAL PART OF THE BALA VIHAR CLASS. ALL CHILDREN AND
ADULTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND THE CONCLUDING PRAYERS FROM 4:00-4:45 PM.
8


All classes begin with chanting of Invocation Prayers, Guru Stotram and daily prayers. Bhagavad Gita
Chapter VIII is in the binder and prayers are in Hridi Bhavayami book. All text books have to be pur-
chased. Every Student should have a copy of Hridi Bhavayami, which can be purchased from the book
store.
Class Texts
Pre-KG (Prahlada)
Ganesha Stotram (Sankatanashana - Stuti Vandana) My Prayers
Bhagavad Gita Ch.VIII (Chanting) Tarangini Vol. 1 &2
Stories based on Values, Chinmaya Alphabets Tell Me A Story Part 1
Arts, Crafts & Games
Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Tejomayananda

KG (Dhruva)
Ganesha Stotram (Ganesha Pancharatnam) My Prayers
Bhagavad Gita Ch.VIII (Chanting) Tarangini Vol. 1 &2
Stories based on Values, Chinmaya Alphabets Tell Me A Story Part 1
Arts, Crafts & Games
Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Tejomayananda
Grade 1 (Nachiketa)
Sharada Stotram (Stuti Vandana) My Prayers
Bhagavad Gita Ch. VIII (Chanting) Bala Ramayana
Stories based on values and texts Tarangini Vol. 3, 4, 5, 6
Arts, Crafts & Games Tell Me A Story Part 2
Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Tejomayananda

Grade 2 (Gyaneshwara)
Meenakshi Pancharatnam My Prayers
Bhagavad Gita Ch. VIII (Chanting) Bala Ramayana
Stories based on values and texts Tarangini Vol. 3, 4, 5, 6
Arts, Crafts & Games Tell Me A Story Part 2

Grades 3 & 4 (Aaruni)
Madhurastakam (Stuti Vandana) My Prayers
Bhagavad Gita Ch.VIII (Chanting) Bala Bhagavatam
Skits, Tests & Quizzes Tarangini Vol. 7
Pride Goeth Before a Fall
Art of God Symbolism
Great Saints: Swami Vivekananda and Shree Ramakrishna

Bala Vihar Syllabus 2008-2009
Teachers: Shilpa Ramprasad, Veena Bhalala, Anuja Rao
Teachers: Archana Anant, Haritha Kajjam
Teachers: Raji Prasad, Sushma Yadalam, Chandra Ramesh
Great Saints: Swami Chinmayananda and Swami Tejomayananda
Teachers: Jothi Arun, Anitha Bellary
Teachers: Lakshmi Bhagavatula; Padmaja Khanna
9


Class Texts
Grades 5 & 6 (Shree Rama)
Ramayan Vandanam, Sitarama Dhyanam My Prayers
Bhagavad Gita Ch. VIII (Chanting) Parables
Extempore Speeches, Skits & Quizzes I Love You Letters
Stories and lessons based on texts Tarangini Vol. 8
Values - Gita Ch. XII (sl.13-19)
Great Saints: Swami Sivananda and Swami Chidananda

Grades 7 & 8 (Shree Krishna)
Siva Manasa Puja (Stuti Vandana) My Prayers
Bhagavad Gita Ch. VIII (Chanting) Art Of Living
Extempore Speeches, Skits & Quizzes Hinduism - Sanatana Dharma
Tarangini Vol. 9, 10
Values - Gita Ch. XIII (sl. 7-11)
Great Saints: Swami Tapovan Maharaj and Meerabai

Grades 9 & 10 (Chinmaya)
Geeta Dhyanam (Stuti Vandana) My Prayers
Bhagavad Gita Ch. VIII (Chanting) Self-Unfoldment
Extempore Speeches & Skits Hindu Culture
Written Assignments
Discussion & Debates on selected topics
Lessons based on Values and Texts
Great Saints: Bhagavan Adi Shankaracharya, Maa Anandamayi

Grades 11 & 12 (Tapovan)
Taittriya Upanishad (Stuti Vandana) My Prayers
Bhagavad Gita Ch. VIII (Chanting) On Wings and Wheels
Extempore Speeches & Skits The Art Of Man Making
Written Assignments
Discussion & Debates on selected current topics
Lessons based on Values and Texts
Great Saints: Bhagavan Vedavyasa, Sharadamaa
Adult Study Groups

Teachers: Rajul Bhalala, Sinduja Kosgi, Lakshmi Kadiyala
Teachers: Shankar Anant, Indu Sriram
Teachers: Shubi Mansukhani, Ashok Kajjam
Study Group Text
Vyasa - Sevaks: Premal Joshipura. Viney Kaushal Atma Bodha
Vasishtha - Sevaks: Sriram Chitti, Ganapati Shankar Tattva Bodha
Vishwamitra - Sevaks: Kartik Ramprasad, Vivek Naik Kindle Life - Advanced
Valmiki Sevaks: N.L. Sriram, Lakshmi Gollapudi Kindle Life Beginners
10

Values for each Month 2008-2009
Month Value Festival
September Satsanga/Viveka/Removal of
negative thoughts/cultivation
of positive
Ganesha Chaturthi/ Navaratri
October Satyam/Ahimsa/Sense Con-
trol/ Victory over ego/ Light
of Knowledge
Gandhi Jayanti/ Vijaya
Dasami/ Deepavali
November Gratitude/ Victory over devil-
ish qualities
Thanksgiving/Kartik Poornima
December Giving/Surrender and Act Christmas/Geeta Jayanti
January Newness/Darkness to Light New Year/Makar Sankranti
February Dispassion Maha Shivaratri
March Unity in diversity/ Obedience/
Righteousness/Compassion/
Gratitude
Holi/ Ramanavami
April Humility/Devotion Hanuman Jayanti
May Titiksha/ Forgiveness/ One-
ness of Truth
Mothers Day/Gurudev
Jayanti/ Sankara Jayanti
June Self discipline/ Guruseva Fathers Day, Swami Tejoma-
yanandas birthday
July Love for humanity Guru Poornima
August Introvertedness/ Freedom/
Friendship
Mahasamadhi day/ Independ-
ence day/Raksha Bandhan
*Navaratri begins on Monday, September 29, 2008
Dussehra is on Thursday, October 9, 2008

*Deepavali is on Tuesday, October 28, 2008
11

Additional Classes Offered at Chinmaya Mission Yamunotri


Gita Chanting Coaching Saturdays 2:00-2:30 p.m.
Roopa Gaonkar 847-478-1716 ragoankar@yahoo.com


Stuti Vandana 1 & 2 Coaching - alternate Fridays 7:00-8:00 p.m
Sinduja Kosgi 847-821-0223 sindujakosgi@yahoo.com
Chandra Ramesh 847-566-2266 catchchandu@yahoo.com
Geeta Prabhu 847-839-0614 g-prabhu@comcast.net


Hindi- Saturdays 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Ashish Kathuria 847-816-0218 chinmayahindi@yahoo.com


Telugu - Saturdays 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Ravi Bhagavatula 847-816-1971 rbhagavatula54@yahoo.com


Chinmaya Swaranjali Adult vocal music group
Saturdays 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Pramila Bhatia 847-680-4735 pramilabhatia3@gmail.com


Carnatic Vocal Music- Youth classes
Sundays 9:00-10:00 a.m.
Jayashree Padmanabhan 847-682-2287


Yoga-Adults Saturdays 4:45-5:45 p.m.
Komal Joshi 847-770-5062 komalbona@rediffmail.com
12


Teacher/Sevak/Sevikas Class (Grades) Phone # Email Address
Shilpa Ramprasad Prahlada (PreK) 847-549-6538 shilparamprasad@yahoo.com
Veena Bhalala Prahlada (PreK) 847-302-2383 veeble015@aol.com
Anuja Rao Prahlada (PreK) 847-327-9571 anujarao@hotmail.coma
Archana Anant Dhruva (KG) 847-549-0501 asanant@comcast.net
Haritha Kajjam Dhruva (KG) 847-855-1768 hkajjam@hotmail.com
Raji Prasad Nachiketa (1) 847-681-0644 rprasad2@gmail.com
Sushma Yadalam Nachiketa (1) 847-279-1662 Sushma.yadalam@gmail.com
Chandra Ramesh Nachiketa (1) 847-566-2266 catchchandu@yahoo.com
Jothi Arun Gyaneshwara (2) 847-263-8626 jothiarul@hotmail.com
Anitha Bellary Gyaneshwara (2) 847-548-9083 anitha_sapuru@yahoo.com
Lakshmi Bhagavatula Aaruni (3-4) 847-816-1971 divyanitya@comcast.net
Padmaja Khanna Aaruni (3-4) 847-383-5167 padmajakhanna@gmail.com
Lakshmi Kadiyala Shree Rama (5-6) 847-793-0190 lakshmi.chicago@gmail.com
Rajul Bhalala Shree Rama (5-6) 847-302-2383 nbhalala@aol.com
Sinduja Kosgi Shree Rama (5-6) 847-821-0223 sindujakosgi@yahoo.com
Indu Sriram Shree Krishna (7-8) 847-478-8471 indu.sriram@sbcglobal.net
Shankar Anant Shree Krishna (7-8) 847-549-0501 asanant@comcast.net
Shubi Mansukhani Chinmaya (9-10) 847-680-8555 shubim@technolcorp.com
Ashok Kajjam Chinmaya (9-10) 847-855-1768 akajjam@hotmail.com
Ashok Bhatia Tapovan (11-12) 847-680-4735 ashok.v.bhatia@gmail.com
Krithika Mahesh Tapovan (11-12) 847-816-7401 krithika_m@hotmail.com
Premal Joshipura Vyasa 847-362-6073 pmjem@sbcglobal.net
Viney Kaushal Vyasa 847-367-9697 vkmvfour@gmail.com
Ganapati Shankar Vashishta 847-634-9052 gshankar19@comcast.net
Sriram Chitti Vashishta 847-855-0524 srirama_chitti@yahoo.com
Kartik Ramprasad Vishwamitra 847-549-6538 kartik_ram@sbcglobal.net
Vivek Naik Vishwamitra 847-215-4787 vivek_naik_us@yahoo.com
N.L. Sriram Valmiki 847-478-8471 nlsriram@sbcglobal.net
Lakshmi Gollapudi Valmiki 847-265-0253 lokig1@yahoo.com
Chinmaya Yamunotri
Contact Information for Teachers, Sevaks, Sevikas, Coordinators
13

Please send your mailing address, phone # and email address changes to mail@chinmaya-
yamunotri.org. It is critical that we have the correct contact information, so we can send you
with latest updates regarding our activities in a timely manner.
Activity Sevak/Sevikas Phone # Email Address
Acharya Swami Sharananandaji

630-654-3370 Swamiji@chinmaya-yamunotri.org
Address/
Phone/Email
Changes
Ashok Kajjam 847-855-1768 mail@chinmaya-yamunotri.org
Books Venkatesham Gadey 847-459-1662 vgadey@yahoo.com
Celebratory
Events
Shubi Mansukhani
Rajul Bhalala
847-680-8555
847-302-2383
shubim@technolcorp.com
nbhalala@aol.com
Chinmaya Rides Jyothi Peruri 847-295-8567 sankaraperuri@hotmail.com
Donations/
Pledges/Fund
Raising
Ashok Bhatia
Rajul Bhalala
Premal Joshipura
Viney Kaushal
847-680-4735
847-302-2383
847-362-6073
847-367-9697
ashok.v.bhatia@gmail.com
nbhalala@aol.com
pmjem@sbcglobal.net
vkmvfour@gmail.com
Geeta Chanting Rajul Bhalala
Roopa Gaonkar
847-302-2383
847-478-1716
nbhalala@aol.com
ragoankar@yahoo.com
Monthly
Bhajans
Kartik Ramprasad 847-549-6538 kartik_ram@sbcglobal.net
Registration

Ashok Kajjam
Ujjwal Mehta
847-855-1768
847-367-7924
mail@chinmaya-yamunotri.org
ujjwalmehta@att.net
Saturday
Transportation
for Acharyas
Venkatesham Gadey
Raja Yadalam
847-459-1662
847-279-1662
vgadey@yahoo.com
Raj_sql@hotmail.com
Stuti Vandana Sinduja Kosgi
Chandra Ramesh
847-970-6894
847-566-2266
sindujakoshi@yahoo.com
catchchandu@yahoo.com
Weekly Prasad Shobna Navayath
Lakshmi Gollapudi
847-937-1472
847-265-0253
navayath_s@hotmail.com
lokig1@yahoo.com
Yoga Classes Komal Joshi 847-770-5062 komalbona@rediffmail.com
Hindi Classes Ashish Kathuria 847-816-0218 chinmayahindi@yahoo.com
Kitchen
Maintenance
Lakshmi Gollapudi 847-265-0253 lokig1@yahoo.com
Telegu Classes Ravi Bhagavatula 847-816-1971 rbhagavatula54@yahoo.com
Swaranjali
Music for Adults
Pramila Bhatia 847-680-4735 pramilabhatia3@gmail.com
Daily Aarti
Coordinator
Shankar Ganapathi 847-634-9052 gshankar19@comcast.net
Contact Information for Coordinators
14

STUTI VANDANA

Stuti Vandana - corresponding pages in the Hridi Bhavayami book. The CD
is also available at the Book Store for $5.00.

Shanti Mantra: pg. 4.
Daily Prayers: pg 5.
Sri Guru Stotram: pg. 13
Sankatanashana Ganesha Stotram: pg.30
Sharada Stotram: pg. 36.
Lingashtakam: pg. 58.
Narayana Suktam: pg. 120
Sri Rama Stotram: pg. 55.
Achyutashtakam: pg.50.
Nirvana Shatkam: pg 67
Gita Dhyanam: pg. 71.
Bhagavad Gita Ch.12: 99
Bhagavad Gita ch.15: 104
Tattiriya Upanishad: pg.`122
Concluding Prayers: pg.141
Vedic Aarati: pg. 154
Chinmaya Mission Pledge: pg. 145
Chinmaya Mission Pratignya (Pledge in Sanskrit): pg. 146.

Guidelines for getting a Stuti Vandana Medal:
There are a total of 16 medals for Stuti Vandana. One medal will be given for
each Stuti listed. Once the Stutis are memorized, the children can chant to the as-
signed sevak / sevika at 2:00 pm on regular Saturday sessions, in the Nachiketa
classroom. Please see the following schedule of Stuti Chanting coaching
classes. The Stutis should be chanted with Clarity, Correct Pronunciation and
should be complete as given in the Hridi Bhavayami book. Children will be
asked to repeat the Stutis to be eligible for getting a medal if they get more than 1
prompt and 2 pronunciation mistakes. Children are advised to follow the tune for
the Stutis from the Stuti Vandana CD.
15

Stuti Vandana Program
Sept 2008 May 2009
(Alternate Fridays, 7:00-8:00 pm. At Yamunotri)
DATE Stuti Vandana-1
(7-7:30)
Stuti Vandana-2
(7:30-8:00)
Sept.12, 2008
Sankatanashana Ganesha Stotram

Shri Gurupaduka Stotram

Sept 26, 2008
Sharada Stotram

Shri Chinmaya Ashtakam
Nov. 7, 2008
Achyutashtakam

Shri Tapovan Shatkam
Nov. 21, 2008
Sri Rama Stotram

Gratitude
Dec. 5, 2008
Lingashtakam

Shri Ganesha Pancharatnam
Dec. 19, 2008
Gita Dhyanam

Shri Ganga Stotram
Jan. 9, 2009
Nirvanashatkam

Matrustavanam
Jan. 23, 2009
Gita Ch.12

Madhurashtakam
Feb. 6, 2009
Gita Ch.12 (contd)

Shri Guruvashtakam
Feb. 20, 2009
Gita Ch.15

Gita Ch. 8
March 6, 2009
Chapter 15 (Contd)

Dashavatara Stotram
March 20, 2009
Narayana Suktam

Shri Hanuman Chalisa
April 3, 2009
Narayana Suktam (Contd)

Janmadin & Vivahadin Blessings
April 17, 2009
Taittiriya Upanishad

Abhinandanam & Gruha Pravesh
May 8, 2009
Chinmaya Pratignya (Sanskrit)

Shri Chinmaya Aarati
May 22, 2009
Vedic Aarati

Shri Chinmaya Aarati (Contd).
*Testing will be done on Saturdays from 2:00-2:30
in the Shree Rama and Shree Krishna Classrooms
*For Any schedule changes please contact:
Chandra Ramesh at catchchandu@yahoo.com 847-566-2266

*The Medals will be given on the FOURTH Saturday of each month

A Special Plaque will be awarded to the student who completes all 16 stutis.
Stuti Vandana 1 must be complete before beginning Stuti Vandana 2.
16


17


18

19


20


21


22



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+ii-i- ii +|i-ii
-i-i :i-i i|i i
S]zd}vdo mK xs]i v }
i v }tvd}g]\ sp]\ roi t} |
m]n]e] l]g]\ grori r}p]e
t]t i }\ t]t i }\ t]t i }\ t]t i }m/ | 3 |
Even though a person is well-versed in all the parts of the Vedas and in the scriptural
Knowledge, even though he can write good verses and prose, if his mind is not absorbed in
lotus feet of Guru, of what avail is the rest of the possessions?
ii- :--i- :i-
i---i-r-i-i
-i-i :i-i i|i i
i v }dexS mny sv]dexS D]ny
s]dcrvS m] n] cny |
m]n]e] l]g]\ grori r}p]e
t]t i }\ t]t i }\ t]t i }\ t]t i }m/ | 4 |
Even though one is well respected in foreign countries considered as blessed one in ones
own country, and is unequalled in ones good behaviors, and character, if his mind is not ab-
sorbed in lotus feet of Guru, what is the use of all other possessions?
i--i:--i--i--
i-ii-iii-ii-- -ii
-i-i :i-i i|i i
]mm]Nzl Bp]Bpl]vndE:
s]d sv }t]\ y]sy] pdri v }ndm |
m]n]e] l]g]\ grori r}p]e t]t i
}\ t]t i }\ t]t i }\ t]t i }m/ | 5 |
Even though a persons lotus-feet are ever worshipped by the great kings of kings on earth,
if his mind is not absorbed in lotus feet of Guru, what is the use of all other possessions?
23


i:r-i-ii- --ii--i
ii) -ii+i-i--ii
-i-i :i-i i|i i
-i-i+-i-i+-i-i+-i-i+-ii-i
y]x m g]t]\ i d} dn]ptpt/
j]g]st s]$v]\ re y]tpsdt/ |
m]n]e] l]g]\ grori r}p]e
t]t i }\ t]t i }\ t]t i }\ t]t i }m/ | 6 |
Even if I attain glory all over, even though all the things of the world are under me, if his
mind is not absorbed in lotus feet of Guru, what is the use of all other possessions?
-i-rr-irr-iiir
-i+---cr-|iii-ii-i-ii
-i-i :i-i i|i i
-i-i+-i-i+-i-i+-i-i+-ii:i
n] Bg n] yg n] v vj}rj
n] ntmK nv] i v }S i c}]m/ |
m]n]e] l]g]\ grori r}p]e
t]t i }\ t]t i }\ t]t i }\ t]t i }m/ | 7 |
Even if a persons mind is not attached towards any Yoga, or wealth like horses, not ab-
sorbed in the beautiful face of his beloved, but if his mind is not absorbed in lotus feet of
Guru, what is the use of all his other renunciations?
-iii-i+
-i- -i-ri-i ---i-ii
-i-i :i-i i|i i
-i-i+-i-i+-i-i+-i-i+-iici
arNy n] v sv]sy] ghe n] $y
n] dehe m]n v]$t]* t m tv]n]$Gy * |
m]n]e] l]g]\ grori r}p]e
t]t i }\ t]t i }\ t]t i }\ t]t i }m/ | 8 |
Even if my mind is not anxious of the peace in forest or anxious of my own home, or agi-
tated with any particular activity, or anxious regarding my own body; yet, if mind is not ab-
sorbed in lotus feet of Guru, what is the use of all other possessions?
-i ii--i-i-ai-ii-i+
i-i-ii -+i-i-i-i-i
-i-i :i-i i|i i
-i-i+-i-i+-i-i+-i-i+-iii
an]$Gyi N } rtnn} mn } s]my]
s]ml}i }t m}n ym}nS |
m]n]e] l]g]\ grori r}p]e
t]t i }\ t]t i }\ t]t i }\ t]t i }m/ | 9 |
Even if I find in my possession precious stones or pearls, and well decorated and dressed
lovable bride, yet if my mind is not absorbed in lotus feet of Guru, what is the use of all
other possessions?
|e+i -i- i
ii-i- ii-ii niiii
-i-)i~- i i-ini u
| a 4-i-rii-i i-iici
grorSq y p]QetpNy]dehI
y]i t}$B* p]t}$b]crI c] ghI |
l]BVC}t$T]* \ p]d\ b s]\\
groruvky m]n y]sy] l]g]m/ | 10 |
Whoever is the person, whether with meritorious birth, a mendicant, a king, a self controlled
one or a householder, if the mind is absorbed in the lotus feet of Guru, gets the Brahman-
hood, which is the most desirable state.
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Bhagavad Gita Chanting Guidelines


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Bhagavad Gita Chanting Competition
Judges Scoring Rules
(For related questions, please contact Swami Sharananandaji)

Completeness of Chanting : (total of 15 points for Chapter VII, Slokas 1 - 15)

The verses are to be chanted in correct order and fully.

(b) One point for each fully and completely chanted verse.

(c) Prompting: One prompting will be allowed with no deduction of a point.
No second prompting is allowed.

Missed Verse: One point to be deducted for each missed verse, i.e.,
- any verse missed partially or completely,
- inserting the missed verse anywhere out of sequence
mixing lines of different verses

The introduction (i.e. atha pacamo ) and the ending (i.e. iti srimad bhagavad )
do not count towards completeness and must not affect the scoring.

If the participant corrects his/her own mistake and proceeds to chant, there should not
be any deduction.
However, note that this may affect the subjective score for Confidence and/or Ease of
Chanting.

Clarity of Chanting: Total of 10 points.

Diction - crisp
Tone continuous and smooth
Flow in Anushtup Chhanda, (i.e. breaking each line after the 8
th
letter)
Example; samnyasam karmanam krsna break punaryogam ca samsasi


Confidence and Ease of Chanting : Total of 10 Points

a. Poise composure
Presentation - verses chanted in correct order, without interruptions, fumbling, or
need for prompting.


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Pronunciations:

(a) a visarga

- should be pronounced fully only when applicable
(typically at the break of a line or at the end of a line),
example; samkhyayogau prthagbalah, or pravadanti na panditah

- is not to be chanted fully in the middle of the line
example: samnyasah karmayogasca

(b) deergha should be chanted twice as long as the hrasva.
example: suNIscitam (short) versus manaSA (long)

sandhi vichheda to be done properly

halant should be chanted properly

The following letters are to be chanted with clear distinction from each other
- i.e. ka versus kha, ga vs gha (ghore), ta, tha (e.g. nishtha), da, dha (e.g. budhhir), etc.
- all S,Sh and S with slant over and Sh with dot under to be clearly pronounced.
- avagrahas are not to be chanted. ( s letter in Sanskrit)

Distinction should be made in n sounds, e.g. karmaNI versus vakyeNA

A participant making the same type of mistake repeatedly shall be penalized only once.