Through the instruction of Jainism and Science of Living, JVBNA Gyanshala strives to impart to its students, life skills for physical, mental and emotional health, a stress free and peaceful life, and spiritual bliss. It also strives to inculcate life values in children that help them grow into responsible adults – adults, who respect and care for their fellow living beings and the environment, who respect other religious beliefs and have empathy for those who are less fortunate.
With the blessings of H.H. Acharyashri Mahapragya and under the guidance of Samanijis, JVB NJ Gyanshala for children opened its doors in the fall of 2004 and has been running successfully since then. It is open to all children ages of 4 years and up, who want to learn Jainism, Science of Living (Prayer, Yoga, and Meditation) and Hindi. Samanijis, volunteer teachers and guests teach classes.
JVB NJ Gyanshala follows a structured 3-year rolling curriculum and a systematic approach aligned with its goals. Curriculum covers topics such as Jain Philosophy, Jain History, Jain Mantras & Shlokas, Jain Prayers & Rituals, Jain Festivals & Pilgrimages, Preksha Yoga & Meditation and Hindi Language.
Children are divided into four Jainism groups based on their school grade levels, where they spend time until they are ready for the next group. The groups are as follows:
- Sanskar Group – Grades Pre K-4
- Gyan Group – Grades K, 1 & 2
- Darshan Group – Grades 3, 4 & 5
- Charitra Group – Grades 6 & up
Hindi groups are different from Jainism groups and are based on the individual abilities of students.
Study materials are provided to all students. To strengthen their understanding of the study material, students are quizzed periodically and are assigned homework. They also participate in various class projects. Certificate of completion is awarded to all students who complete all tests and projects and meet attendance requirements.
In addition, students are provided with opportunities to showcase their talents and their understanding of Jain concepts and values through participation in various activities during JVBNA functions.
JVBNA NJ Gyanshala 2016-2017 Session
Gyanshala will commence this year on Sunday, October 2, 2016 and will run until Sunday, May 14, 2017. Gyanshala Exams are planned for Sunday, May 21, 2017. All the dates may be subjected to change. Classes will be held Sunday afternoons from 3:30pm-6:00pm at the Jain Temple, 111 Cedar Grove Lane, Somerset, NJ 08873. Each two and half hour class will include four mandatory sub- sections – Prayer Assembly, Jainism, Science of Living (Prayer, Yoga & Meditation, and Practice for memory enhancement and better concentration, Bhajans) and Hindi Language. Classes will be taught by Samanijis, volunteer teachers and guest Speakers.
A detailed calendar and curriculum will be made available in Oct 2016.
Children who complete 4 years of age on Oct 30, 2016 may apply for enrollment. After enrollment, all students will be placed in one of four groups based on their school grade level –
- Sanskar group (Grade PK-4)
- Gyan group (Grades K-2)
- Darshan group (Grades 3-5)
- Charitra group (Grades 6 & up)
Please print and fill out the Gyanshala Registration Form and enclose the annual registration fee of $150 in the form of a check payable to JVBNA and mail it to the JVBNA center at 151 Middlesex Avenue, Iselin, NJ 08830. Please write your child’s name and ‘Gyanshala’ on your check. All returning students also need to fill out the registration form and pay the registration fees.
Please register by September 25, 2016 to avoid late fees. Registrations received in October will be assessed a late fee of $50. Also, after September 25, enrollment cannot be guaranteed. The annual registration fee covers registration and tuition for the entire year. All new students will also receive Gyanshala t-shirts and sling bag. In addition, new students, and returning students entering new levels, will receive new Jainism books and diaries. Students will be required to purchase Hindi Language Book when the books arrive from India. All returning students, if they desire, may purchase new t-shirts for $15 each , new Jainism books for $15 each and new Gyanshala bag for $10.
For more information or if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Prachi Shah (Gyanshala coordinator ) – gyanshala@jvbnj.org or Samanijis at the JVBNA NJ center.
