Registration Information -

Chinmaya Mission Portland

Chinmaya Mission Portland (CMP) classes follow the Beaverton school district academic calendar year from September till June.  The current schedule of classes is posted on our web site. All classes are held on Sundays at the Mittleman Jewish Community Center (MJCC) located at 6651 SW Capitol Highway, Portland, OR 97219.

This material includes the philosophy of the CMP program, and the etiquette we expect the children and adults to follow once enrolled. Please read the information carefully before you sign the registration form. 

CMP is an all volunteer run organization.  As a member of the Chinmaya Mission Family we invite you to be actively involved in one or more of the many activities/duties of running and growing the organization. If you are interested in volunteering, please contact one of the committee members.

Philosophy of the Bala Vihar/Yuva Kendra program

CMP conducts Bala Vihar classes for children as part of the comprehensive program of self-development of the individual, the family and the community. In reality, CMP is only a facilitator; the real growth of the family and the community happens due to the efforts of its members. The classes are structured on the teachings of ancient Indian Scriptures as interpreted by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda, the founder of Chinmaya Mission.

As Swami Chinmayananda once said: "Children are not vessels to be filled, but lamps to be lit."

In an atmosphere of love, children in Bala Vihar are imparted ethical and cultural values through the Itihasa and Pauranic stories, chanting of slokas, and other fun-filled activities such as arts & crafts, devotional music, yoga and games.

The motto of the Chinmaya Yuva Kendra is “Harnessing youth potential through dynamic spirituality”.

Through the study of the scriptures, young people are made aware of their potential. As they gain this awareness, their potential is directed towards creative channels. They are encouraged to organize and implement cultural, social and spiritual programs. This helps unfold their individual capacities and brings out superior abilities latent in them - abilities that they previously had not even realized existed within themselves.

The comprehensive syllabus is set centrally by experienced Acharyas of Chinmaya Mission.  This includes age-appropriate lessons, discussions and chanting of verses from Hindu scriptures (in Sanskrit and other languages), as well as participation in Pujas, organized functions, community projects, field trips and cultural activities.

Adult Vedanta/ Bhagavad Gita classes

Vedanta is the core of Hindu philosophy. In fact, it is a Universal Science of Life - a science which is relevant to all people everywhere, whatever their faith may be. The Bhagavad Gita (the essence of Vedanta) is a manual for right living through active resistance to everyday temptations, and a heightened vision of ourselves and the world around us, thereby leading us to be positive contributors to society through Conscious Right Living.

Sunday Bala Vihar and Adult Sessions

Bala Vihar/Yuva Kendra Teachers 

• Study session:  10:50 AM- 11:45 AM
• Child activity  11:00 AM – 11:45 AM  in Main Auditorium (only for children of BV Teachers/trainees)

Supplemental Programs

• Vedic chanting
• Bhagavad Gita video talks by Pujya Gurudev
• Community Seva projects and  Field trips
• Family Spiritual Camps and Youth Camps conducted by Chinmaya Mission centers world wide
• Jnana Yajnas conducted by visiting Acharyas

Magazines included with Family membership 

• Chinmaya Mission West News
• Balavihar or Chinmaya Udghosh or Tapovan Prasad  (choose one per family)

Payment Choices

CMP offers variety two choices for making your payments:

1.       By Cash or Check payable to Chinmaya Mission Portland (preferred)

2.       On-line credit card payment through Paypal.

Inclement Weather

In the event of inclement weather when we have to make changes or cancel, information will be posted on the website www.chinmayamission.org/portland and volunteers may either send e-mails or call you to inform about the change.

Fire

In the event of fire, please follow the MJCC fire exit plan posted in the building. Please exit in a timely manner and remain calm as you exit the building.

Your Role and Responsibilities

To ensure the smooth running of the CMP programs and create a harmonious environment for learning, given below are a few things that you and your family can do. We need everybody’s cooperation to make this a pleasant experience for all.

1.      Parental Involvement

In order for the children to benefit fully from the program, it is necessary for the Sunday classes to be supported and enhanced by complementary activities at home. Parents are expected to spend a minimum of one hour per week working with the child. Twenty minutes each day would be ideal and would make a tremendous positive impact on the whole family.

• Parents must ensure the child is seated in the assembly by 9:15 AM and pick-up the child at 10:50 AM.
• Parents must either call or e-mail their child’s Bala Vihar teacher of child’s absence before the class.
• Parents must read the “Student Expectations” below and provide the necessary oversight to ensure the child is following it sincerely.
• At least one parent/guardian must attend adult study classes at the location during the Sunday sessions.
• Parents should strive to become involved with what their child is learning by engaging in conversation with their child after class and discuss how to live the values at home.
• All classes and CMP events are organized and conducted by a dedicated group of Sevaks and Sevikas. In order to share the efforts needed, and to further personal growth through active participation, every member of the Chinmaya family is encouraged to contribute their time and talent by signing up for suitable volunteering opportunities.
• Parents who like to volunteer for the Bala Vihar program are encouraged to contact the Bala Vihar coordinator.

2.      Student Expectations

·         Arrive in the assembly by 9:15 AM and be seated in the space assigned to your grade to participate in the Bhajans that begin at 9:20 AM

·         Neatly groom your hair and hair must be tied away from the face

·         Bring the proper materials to class and be in their class for the specified time. Most material will be provided to students, but some books may have to be purchased separately

·         Be regular as Bala Vihar Teachers maintain an attendance record of the students

·         Do your assigned Homework – it is meant to supplement the lessons taught

·         Be respectful to fellow students, teachers and other adults.

·         Ensure you leave the assembly area and the class room very clean

·         Do NOT touch or use any MJCC supplies from the class rooms

·         Do NOT chew gum, or bring foods, and drinks during assembly or in the class rooms

·         Exhibit proper behavior during all CMP events from the time you enter the building till you leave. No interruption in class, no running, no rude behavior, no bad language and other horseplay.

·         Turn OFF your Cell phones and texting is NOT permitted during assembly and class.

3.      Dress Code

·         Everyone is expected to dress in comfortable, modest clothing (shirts, pants, knee length shorts or skirts). We encourage you to wear appropriate Indian clothing (saree, salwar khameez or kurta, pyjama) for all sessions and functions of CMP

·         Boys: no ripped t-shirts, visible boxers or clothing that may contain profanity

·         Girls: no midriff bearing tops, no tank tops, clothing that may contain profanity or extremely short shorts.

4.      Facility Use

·         Chinmaya Mission Portland rents the MJCC facilities for use for the times indicated above. Except for these designated places, CMP members must refrain from wandering around or using other parts of the facility.  CMP is not liable for anything outside the confines of the area we rent.

• Parents and students must wear the Chinmaya Mission Portland badge for identification purposes

·         Beyond using the MJCC lobby for entry/exit and the designated rooms all other areas are out of bounds.

·         The MJCC café seating area is only for the customers who have purchased food/drink for consumption on-site.

·         For those parents who are not participating in adult study group, you can either sit in the back of the auditorium till the Bala Vihar class is over or leave the facility and come back at 10:45 AM to pick-up. If you are going to leave the facility, please ensure you have one adult responsible for your children in case of emergency.

·         Parents participating in the yoga class are expected to make their own arrangements for care of their children during class as there are no CMP volunteers to baby-sit.

YES! I read the rules and I am ready to sign up!