October 5, 2014

Hari OM!

Beginning Prayers

• Om Saha Navavathu
• Agajaanana Padmaarkam

Stotram:

GuruStotram – After practising Sloka 1 & 2, we learnt Sloka # 3.

Gurur-Brahmaa Gurur-Vissnnur-Gururdevo Maheshvarah |

Gurure[-I]va Param Brahma Tasmai Shrii-Gurave Namah ||1||

 

Meaning:

1.1: The Guru is Brahma, the Guru is Vishnu, the Guru Deva is Maheswara (Shiva),

1.2: The Guru is Verily the Para-Brahman (Supreme Brahman); Salutations to that Guru.

Navarathri:

We started the class talking about Navarathri celebrations, including Saraswathi Pooja, and Vijaya Dasami. Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga for nine days, in order to gather the strength and power to kill Ravana. He wanted to release Sita from the clutches of powerful demon king Ravana, who had abducted her. Those nine nights became to be known as Navratri and the tenth day, on which Lord Rama killed Ravana, came to be called Vijayadashmi or Dusshera, signifying Rama's (good) triumph over Ravana (evil).

Value of the Month:
This year, we have started to observe 'Value of the month'. This month's value is - Sathyam/ Sense Control / Victory over bad qualities / Light of knowledge. We talked about how it is so relevant to Sathyam class, and also the theme for the class, which is Ramayana, and how Rama exemplifies all these qualities.

Story:

We recapped the story from last class. We continued the story of how the news of birth of Rama, Lakshmana, Bharatha and Shatrughuna made all the Ayodhya-Vaasis (people of Ayodhya) happy. There was dancing, singing, and merry-making. The king celebrated by distributing presents, cows, horses etc.  As the brothers grew, they showed great remarkable qualities. Rama showed a steady devotion to duty and truth. Rama was the best archer, and he outshone his brothers in every sphere.  All the parents wanted their children to be like Rama. When Dasaratha was basking in the glory of his sons, Vishwamitra, the great sage visited his court.  Feeling very happy, and blessed to be visited by the great sage,  King Dasaratha told him that he would do whatever he wants him to do, and give him anything that he asks for. Vishwamitra rejoiced on hearing this, and explained the purpose of his visit which was to get Rama to protect the Yagna, from Rakshasaas especially Mareecha and Subhahu.  Dasaratha was completely shocked by this request, but after Sage Vashista convinced him, he was OK to sending Rama and Lakshmana.  

Rama and Lakshmana went with Vishwamitra to help him fight the demons. We talked about how Rama and Lakshmana were very excited about this adventure, and how Sage Vishwamitra convinced a hesitant Rama to kill Tataka.  Vishwamitra praises Rama and teaches him the use of divine weapons.

Rama and Lakshmana along with Vishwamitra crossed the River Ganges on a raft and finally reached Vishwamitra's ashram 'Siddhasrama'. The next day Vishwamitra started his Yajna and for 5 days and nights everything went smoothly. On the 6th day Marica and Subahu appear in the sky ready to disrupt the Yajna: Rama uses the 'Manavastra' to tie Marica in a bundle and hurl him near the sea; he then uses the 'Agneyastra' to kill Subahu. Vishwamitra complete his yajna without any problems.

We concluded this week's lesson by talking about how Vishwamitra decides to take Rama and Lakshmana to Mithila to attend a yajna conducted by King Janaka.

Quiz:

We did a mini-quiz on the story so far. There was enthusiastic participation, and it was heartening to know that children are paying attention.

Yoga:

We also did some simple yoga exercises  such as Trikonasana (Triangle Pose), Vriksasana (Tree Pose), Badhakonasana (Butterfly Pose) and some gentle stretches.

Games:

We played ‘4 Corners’ based on the Ramayana Characters, that children loved, and participated actively.

Conclusion:

We concluded the class with Shanti Mantra.

Reminders:

Some kids are still learning the Prayer Slokas, and Guru Stotram taught so far. Please have them practice at home regularly.

Next week, we will be celebrating Ram-Sita Wedding. Please feel free to dress your kids in festive Indian Clothes.

As always, please send along the following items in your child’s bag:

Class Text Books/Workbook:

·         My Prayer Book

·         Ramayana Characters Children’s Workbook

·         Bala Ramayana Junior Balavihar

Supplies:

·         Crayons

·         Sharpened Pencils

·         Erasers

·         Notebook

·         Glue

·         Age appropriate child proof scissors

·         A folder to keep their pictures/artwork

and a nut free Snack/Drink

Next class in on 12th October 2014.