Parenting Culture

Youth Culture

Seeking Culture

Vanaprastha Culture

Community Registrations

Events

CommUnity Satsanga (November)

Please note Zoom information will be available on this registration page when a session is about to start.

If parenting is normally hard, parenting during a pandemic is painfully hard! With the whole family at home, increased responsibilities, and a lack of external structure, it is easy for our emotions to escalate, distractions to cause distress, communication to complicate matters, and application of value-based teachings to feel impossible…

As a son, brother, husband, and father, Vivekji can closely relate to such challenges. Having studied the science of Happiness in a monastery for two years under the guidance of a Master, Vivekji has learned and experienced the purpose of such challenge and is eager to share his insights on Cheerful Parenting with you.

Each day of the series builds on the next, unpacking a different topic that shapes our relationships today:

Whether you are parents wrangling toddlers, someone's favorite grandpa, or a beloved aunty, this series will be relevant for all ages, from all backgrounds.

When there is change, there will be challenges. If we know the purpose of change, all is testing. If we know it’s testing, we can respond.

The Happiness Series IV | Cheerful Parenting

 | Fighting Fear Part 2 - Application of Vibhishana Gita

 | Saturday December 19, 2020 from 11.00a – 12.30p

 -- ALL family and friends are invited by our host Priya Akileshwaran

 -- satsangatve nissangatvam (commUnity leads to independence)

, please have two sheets of paper and a pen per person of the family. This will be an activity that each of you can do individually.

Fighting Fear - Part 2:  Application of Vibhishana Gita

Communicating with Compassion

What is Divya Shakti? What is our Potential?

Guided by Vivekji, our monthly satsangs are an opportunity to evoke Divya Shakti in our inner and outer environment. Laughing and reflecting together, we’ve studied the Vedanta underlying the Jagadeesha Arati, popular movies, and most recently, Devi Chalisa. Join us the second Friday of each month!

I've attended our satsang before. Do I need to register?

Yes! There's a new Zoom code and password for our monthly satsangs and registration is required to access. Names in full and Cameras on.

 before the monthly satsang. The direct Zoom link to join is at the bottom of the reminder email (where it says "Click to Join"). It will also be available on this page before the satsang begins.

Devi Culture 2021-22

Building Community on Vedanta

 Why is a child’s first bite so meaningful? What is the purpose of the thread ceremony?

More important than ritualism is understanding. By understanding the purpose behind our practices, we will evolve from superficial doing to spiritual living. 🪔

Join Vivekji and delve into the depth and significance of our Samskaras.

🌷 Nurturing — Simantonnayana & Jatakarma

🌻 Introducing — Namakarana & Nishkramana

🌿 Connecting — Annaprashana & Karnavedha

This will be a unique and interactive virtual opportunity that you won’t want to miss! 

Register today and spread the word to family and friends!

Please note that the Zoom code will be shared closer to the Knowledge Series via a reminder email. Alternatively, once you have registered, the Zoom link to join will be available on this very page right before the workshop commences.

Why Do We...? 

Evolve Ontario 2.0

When the Lord incarnates in our minds, this is our real birthday. To prepare our body, breath, mind, intellect, and ego, our CommUnity has collectively engaged in the 

On Bhagavan Rama's Jayanti, we complete our Challenge. Join us for a dynamic celebration as we invoke His inspiration to live His Love. Open to all!

This celebration will be held on our CommUnity Code. If you require access to this Zoom information, it will be shared via a reminder email on Luma closer to the live event.

Maharama Jayanti

During the period of kali, all moves fast! The body is restless, the mind is often negative and the intellect seeks happiness externally. In efforts to evolve from being extroverted (dependently joyous) to being introverted (

 joyous), 50 seekers will meet virtually from April 30 — May 2 to be in 

Gratitude for your interest in this unique opportunity. Please 

 email Vivekji regarding your application. (In fact, this may detract from your application!) Once Vivekji has evaluated applications in the coming weeks, you will be notified directly. 

SILENCE Retreat

Unconditional Love. Two words which attempt to capture a feeling of Infinite expression. Such is the bhava (attitude) nurtured by the Mothers in our Lives towards us, for us.

On Sunday, May 9th let us express our gratitude by offering love through a special Puja Guided by Vivekji

Zoom information will be shared via a reminder email on Luma closer to the live event.

Matr Bhava Puja

A weekly hour of Sharing - Laughing - Being with Shri Vivekji and CommUnity! Open to ALL!

Satsang & Smile

This Pitr Picnic, we have a map, a mission... and a treasure hunt! Join us on June 20 for an epic adventure to discover the inner wealth of all our Fathers. 🗺 🔍 ⛵️

Whether it's your father, grandfather, father-like figure, or even your mother you're celebrating, Vivekji will be facilitating a most dynamic expression of gratitude for all! ❤️

Pitr Picnic 2021

 joyous), 40 seekers will meet virtually from July 23 — July 25 to be in 

Seva is both the means to and expression of our joy.

…to be committed, irrespective of likes and dislikes 🤝

…to be dedicated, regardless of compliments and criticisms 🙏

…to be convinced, despite doubts, of the purpose behind our work ❤️

It is through this art of giving ourselves for others that we come most in tune with who we really are. 🕉️

For all those who are looking to develop their capacity and ability to serve, join Chinmaya Albany-Cleveland-Niagara for our annual Seva training, guided by Vivekji.

Annual Seva Training 2021 

Our Upanishad-s, Bhagavatam, etc. are all founded on samvada (dialogue). Aspiring to maintain/encourage this self-development tradition, we continue with our 

. Any/all individuals (irrespective of age) as well as any/all centres (irrespective of affiliation) have an opportunity to informally discuss philosophical questions and administrative questions. Such dialogue is especially important with so many Courses flowing. 

Join us on our Chinmaya Niagara Facebook Page as Vivekji goes LIVE each month. 

This is a great opportunity to invite new friends/family and let them ask just any question to Shri Vivekji.

We recommend registering for each session so that no opportunity is lost!

CommUnity Call

We’ve spent the last 1.5 years communing virtually, come join us IN PERSON as we celebrate a “Day with Krishna” to mark the end of Summer and new Fall beginnings!

Vivekji will guide us through the key points of the Bhagavad Gita (Chapters 1-3), to serve as a refresher as we continue our BG journey in Meaningful Mornings. If Meaningful Mornings is new to you, you can learn more 

Day with Krishna - CSK Day Retreat

Vijaya or Vishesha Jayati is an extraordinary victory. It is letting go of the ego by holding on to vinaya (humility). In preparation for this inward battle, our CommUnity has collectively focused on serving a higher purpose and surrendering smallness. 🪔

Join us for an interactive Celebration as our CommUnity celebrates the completion of The Yoga Challenge, Running from the Mind, Elevate HERstory, and Chinmaya University Crowdfunding.

I'll be in ViBha from 11.00-11.30a ET. Do I need to register?

​Yes! We will use the CommUnity code and password for our ViBha Class and Celebration on Sun, Oct 17 and registration will provide you with this log-in information. 

 before the Celebration. The direct Zoom link to join is at the bottom of the reminder email (where it says "Click to Join"). It will also be available on this page before the Celebration begins.

Joyous Navaratri and Vijaya Dashami to All! 

Vijaya Celebration

 joyous), 50 seekers will meet virtually from Jan 28 — Jan 30 to be in 

Join us for The Happiness Series V, where we will explore the ins and outs of 

From November 29th — December 2nd, 8:30pm to 10:00pm ET,

Vivekji will take us on a journey of transformation from 

calmness-quietness-stillness to Happiness

This unique and interactive workshop will take place virtually, so that anyone of any age can join. 

The Happiness Series V

Journey to a happy retirement starts much earlier than we think. When we think of quickly switching to a retirement mindset, we aren't able to successfully alter our habitual lifestyle, our thinking. It takes time to change the pattern of our thoughts, and actions. The Vanaprastha initiative is an effort to make people start thinking ahead, change their lifestyle towards purification of mind - chitta shuddhi, prepare and train in withdrawing from worldliness and dedicate their actions towards the highest.

Dynamics - planning for being a vanaprastha

Hosted in ZOOM [ET] - Names in full and Cameras on

Vanaprastha Samvada Workshop

Join us for a Vanaprastha Samvada weekly class. The Vanaprastha initiative is an effort to make people start thinking ahead, change their lifestyle towards purification of mind - chitta shuddhi, prepare and train in withdrawing from worldliness and dedicate their actions towards the highest.

Vanaprastha Samvada Weekly Classes

During the period of kali, all moves fast! 

Our internet speeds, our lifestyles, and (most potently) our minds.

stressful and forgetful of our joyous nature. The body is restless, the mind is often negative and the intellect seeks happiness externally.Slowing down is the catalyst to nourishing the opposite: to live intentionally and to Be, joyously.

Under Vivekji’s guidance, in efforts to evolve from being extroverted (dependently joyous) to being introverted (

 joyous), seekers meet monthly to cultivate 

https://www.chinmayaniagara.com/communities/silence-culture/

Silence Culture

Our Shastras reveal that the names and forms of Our Environment are an expression of Our Infinity

all dakshina is directed to the Environment Defense Fund: 

Our Shastra on Our Environment

Imagine this: A space where you could cut out the small talk and get straight to the deep stuff. Where you could wrestle with some of your big questions without judgment. Where mental health or sexuality wasn't taboo. Where you can talk about navigating spirituality alongside the other important intersections of your life.

We're building this space and we want you (yes, 

"Digging Deeper" is a weekly space from CHYK Culture, for young adults, 17 - 28, and guided by Shankarji and Vivekji. Have any questions? Email us at 

Digging Deeper: CHYK Culture

 Why are a child’s first letters meaningful? What is the spiritual purpose of marriage?

​More important than ritualism is understanding. By understanding the purpose behind our practices, we will evolve from superficial doing to spiritual living. 🪔

​Join Vivekji and delve into the depth and significance of our Samskaras:

​This will be a unique and interactive virtual opportunity that you won’t want to miss! 

Why Do We...?

Chinmaya Mission Niagara Falls proudly presents the continuation of our quarterly Vanaprastha Samvada Workshops. 

The journey to a happy retirement starts much earlier than we think. When we think of quickly switching to a retirement mindset, we aren't able to successfully alter our habitual lifestyle, our thinking. It takes time to change the pattern of our thoughts, and actions. The Vanaprastha initiative is an effort to make people start thinking ahead, change their lifestyle towards purification of mind - chitta shuddhi, prepare and train in withdrawing from worldliness and dedicate their actions towards the highest.

Please extend this invitation to Friends and Families. 

Hosted in ZOOM [ET] - Names in full with Cameras and smiles on

 joyous),  seekers will meet virtually from April 29 - May 1 to be in 

[Hosted virtually via ZOOM (ET) - Names in full and Cameras on]

 joyous),  50 seekers will meet virtually from August 5 - August 7 to be in 

A weekly community of Parents for Children and facilitated by Shri Vivekji!

Together, we will gather to find inspiration🌅, share reflections🗣, and discuss questions🙋🏽.

Together, we will gather as part of a unique community to help navigate the challenges of life as a parent.

​Imagine this: A virtual space where you could cut out the small talk and get straight to the deep stuff. Where you could wrestle with some of your big questions without judgment. Where mental health or sexuality wasn't taboo. Where you can talk about navigating spirituality alongside the other important intersections of your life. We're building this space and want you (yes, you!) to be a part of it.

Join us for Seeking Culture (formerly known as CHYK Culture) as we continue exploring 20 virtues from the Bhagavad Gita on contemporary living.

Seeking Culture is a weekly space for young adults, 17 - 28, and guided by Shankarji and Vivekji. Have any questions? Email us at 

About Youth Culture (formerly Power Hour)

Navigating the stresses of the new school year -- extracurriculars, standardized tests, and maybe even college apps?! -- might seem like a lot. But within each of these experiences is an opportunity. Over the fall and spring semesters, we’ll dig deeper into this opportunity, exploring the factors that will help us move the world with more confidence and clarity. For rising ninth graders to rising college freshmen.

Shankarji was born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA. He was a senior pursuing an undergraduate degree in Economics, just trying to figure out his way through life when he was first introduced to the simple, yet most profound teaching of Vedanta. Shankarji was told that there exists a permanent state of independent joy accessible to all. This one idea took hold of his mind and completely reshaped his priorities. 

If such a state is truly possible to reach, what other pursuit could possibly take precedent? In an effort to abide in this state of independent joy, he sought to gain clarity in understanding this Supreme Knowledge by studying in the Vedanta course under a guru. He recently completed the course under the guidance of Swami Prakashananda in November of 2018 and is now residing and serving in the Pittsburgh area.

Youth Culture (with Shankarji)

A unique opportunity to learn about our Courses and CommUnities and Collaborations

Open Home

 joyous),  50 seekers will meet virtually from Nov 3 - Nov 6 to be in 

In life, we all walk different paths and yet, we seek the same goal: HAPPINESS ✨

Realizing this, our CommUnity has prioritized this universal need through our Happiness Series workshops for 5 years. 💡

This year, our Workshops will focus on THE PERSONALITY POWERS (Ashta Siddhi), highlighting virtue development as a gateway to peace. Each evening, we will unpack two virtues that help us nurture everlasting Joy. 🧘🏽‍♀️

📣 Register, spread the word, and come smile with us! Open to ALL!

The Happiness Series VI

 joyous),  50 seekers will meet virtually from Jan 13 - Jan 15 to be in 

Chinmaya Mission Niagara Falls proudly presents the a Parenting Culture Workshop.

Please extend this invitation to parents, to-be-parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, teachers, and any care-givers.  

Letting go of Stubbornness Workshop

 joyous),  50 seekers will meet virtually from Apr 14 - Apr 16 to be in 

Somewhere on our Earth…a young whale needs plastic-free water to survive, a growing child needs chemical-free nutrients to live, and a maturing tree needs pollution-free air to stand...

Though seemingly different in name-form, Nature’s Forces-Beings are One, all depending on this One Home for One Future. 🌎

Join Shri Vivek Gupta for a dynamic 4-day workshop on learning and living the vision of our Upanishads as expressed in Nature: Unity ♾️

Guiding Nature

18 days of communing with your INFINITE NATURE guided by Shri Vivek Gupta!

LIVE with ZOOM names displayed cameras on

Requested donation of $108 to Trees for the Future by Chinmaya Jayanti (May 8) 

The Highest Vocation

Join us for a Community Feedback Celebration!

We invite all community members to come together for a special event where your voice matters. This is your chance to share your thoughts, ideas, and opinions on what's been working wonderfully and what can be improved.

At the event, we have reflect on various offerings that are part of Chinmaya Niagara:

- Communities (weekly/monthly)  where you can connect with like-minded individuals and discuss topics relevant to the community

- Challenges that encourage us. to apply what we learn

- And many more offerings - events, resources,...

Remember, feedback is a gift. Your valuable insights help us shape our community in meaningful ways. Your perspective matters, and we genuinely want to hear what you have to say. Together, we can create an even stronger, more vibrant community that benefits everyone.

Don't miss this fantastic opportunity to be a part of our Community Feedback Celebration. Mark your calendars and join us for an event filled with learning, connection, and the power of your voice.

CommUnity Hall (Feedback Forum)

August 12: Designing Collaboration: Learn about the qualities and practices to cultivate harmonious and fulfilling relationships both socially and personally. 

Self Development Workshops

 is a non-profit organization that serves to provide individuals, from any background, the wisdom of Self development, and the practical means for spiritual growth. We are part of Chinmaya Mission, an international non-profit organization working to transform individuals through the knowledge of Vedanta.

In collaboration with United Consciousness and the Civil 20 India conference of the G20 Summit, Chinmaya Mission Cleveland-Niagara is organizing 

 -- a celebration of our and our partners’ efforts and impact, as well as to rededicate ourselves to serving Our Mother and living 

Prthvi Utsava 2023

As a tribute to each and every one of you and your supportive families we are inviting all of you and your immediate families to a Volunteers Appreciation Hangout! (VAH!). We will offer thanks together.

Volunteers Appreciate Hangout! (VAH!)

 joyous), 25 seekers will meet physically (for the first time in 4 years!) and virtually from Sep 28 - Oct 1 to be in 

Hosted physically in Chinmaya Gayatri (Cleveland-Ohio)

Hosted virtually via ZOOM (ET) - Names in full and Cameras on

Intra-Faith Forum

Running from the Mind

During the period of kali, all moves fast! The body is restless, the mind is often negative and the intellect seeks happiness externally. In efforts to evolve from being extroverted (dependently joyous) to being introverted (independently joyous), 25 seekers will meet physically (for the first time in 4 years!) and virtually from Sep 28 - Oct 1 to be in SILENCE for 72 hours.

Gratitude for your interest in this unique opportunity. Please do not email Vivekji regarding your application. (In fact, this may detract from your application!) Once Vivekji has evaluated applications in the coming weeks, you will be notified directly.

Annual Seva Training

Navigating the stresses of the new school year -- extracurriculars, standardized tests, and maybe even college apps?! -- might seem like a lot. But within each of these experiences is an opportunity. Over the fall and spring semesters, we’ll dig deeper into this opportunity, exploring the factors that will help us move the world with more confidence and clarity. For high school students, grades 9 to 12.

Join our weekly space guided by Shankarji and Sumanji!

Youth Culture with Shankarji and Sumanji

Join our weekly Vanaprastha Culture seekers as they study Ashtavakra Gita led by Shri Vijayji. 

Ashtavakra Gita is an enlightening dialogue between Sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka on the nature of Self, reality and human bondage. Each week, we will study a chapter that shows us how changeless, formless and spotless the Self is.

Vanaprastha Culture with Shri Vijayji

Guided by Vivekji, our monthly satsangas are an opportunity to evoke Divya Shakti in our inner and outer environment. Laughing and reflecting together, we’ve studied the Vedanta underlying the Jagadeesha Arati, popular movies, Devi Chalisa, Why do we...?! and most recently, Getting Out of the Box (from the Mananam Series). Join us the second Sunday of each month!

Join us this year for discourse-discussion-dialogue guided by Shri Vivek and Shrimati Shashikala, focussing on the Rishikas.

I've attended our satsanga before. Do I need to register?

Yes! There's a new Zoom code and password for our monthly satsangas and registration is required to access. Names in full and Cameras on.

 before the monthly satsanga. The direct Zoom link to join is at the bottom of the reminder email (where it says "Click to Join"). It will also be available on this page before the satsanga begins.

Devi Sanga

ivy-mode

Forest

Join us for Seeking Culture (formerly known as CHYK Culture) as we explore the powerful and practical insights of Vibhishana Gita.

Seeking Culture is a weekly space for ALL young adults, 17 - 28, and guided by Shankarji and Vivekji. Drop in weekly or whenever you can!

Monthly Wellness Workshops feature expert voices from our CommUnity. These workshops are a part of our Chinmaya Mentorship Program, a semi-structured mentorship opportunity for evolving adults to connect with and support youth and young adults.

Forthcoming speakers will be added as they are confirmed:

Wellness Workshops and the Chinmaya Mentorship Sanga are projects of Chinmaya Setu Kari (CSK), a community of evolving adults (29 – 45) exploring big questions of life and living through service and study.

Wellness Workshops

is a national service effort, grounded in principles of Vedanta, with the vision of serving individually and collectively to improve the health of our Mother Earth. 🌎 🌱

 which provides a resource for community organizations and centers to align their practices to be more environmentally caring. 

Our monthly sessions are facilitated by the Prthvi Seva Guide team to provide a platform  to share their processes and progress on implementation of the Guide. 