December 7, 2014

Hari OM!

Beginning Prayers

·         Om Saha Navavathu

·         Agajaanana Padmaarkam

·         Yaakundendu

Stotram:

GuruStotram – Practiced Sloka 1 through 8, and learnt Sloka # 9.

Aneka-Janma-Sampraapta-Karme[a-I]ndhana-Vidaahine |

Aatma-N.jaana-Agni-Daanena Tasmai Shrii-Gurave Namah ||9||

 

Meaning:

9.1: (Salutations to the Guru) Who Burns away the Fuel of Karma (results of works impressed on the mind) Accumulated over Many Births,

9.2: By Giving (Kindling) the Fire of Self-Knowledge; Salutations to that Guru.

Fun time:

While we would like to think that the entire Balavihar class is fun time, we actually did something extra fun, not tried before in the class, in order to get all the pent up energy out, so we could get the attention needed on the story. Yes, in response to majority request, and in advance consideration of good behavior, kids hit the dance floor for a few minutes.

Story Time:

It has become customary to start the story time with a quiz on the past story events. We continued from where Bharatha along with family and Ayodhya-vasis left Ayodhya to see Rama to bring him back. After convincing Guha and Sage Bharadwaaj of his good intentions, Bharatha and company finally reached Rama’s abode in Chitrakoota. After enquiring about Bharatha’s and other family members’ welfare, Rama learnt of the death of King Dasharatha, and could not take it in. An extremely sad Rama and Lakshmana did customary final offerings to the departed soul in the nearby Mandakini river.  Nobody could persuade Rama to return to Ayodhya to rule the kingdom, as he wanted to keep his word to his father, King Dasharatha. At Sage Vashista’s suggestion, Bharatha finally agreed to return to Ayodhya as Rama’s representative, and got Rama’s Padukas (Sandals) to be kept on the throne while Bharatha lived in a hut nearby.

Since Chitrakoota kept bringing up Bharatha’s and other loved ones’ memories, and it was easier for Ayodhya-vasis to visit them often, Rama decided to move away, into deeper forest. After getting Sage Atri and Anusuya’s blessings, and enjoying their hospitality, they moved further into the forest to Sage Sharabhanga’s Ashram. On the way, Rama and Lakshmana encountered Rakshasa Viraadha, who threatened to kill them, and take Sita as his wife. They shot arrows at him and hurt him badly, but could not kill him due to a boon against death. He was actually a Gandharva who was cursed to be born as a Rakshasa. Severely hurt, Viraadha asked Rama to bury him so that he could turn back into a Gandharva. Rama, Lakshmana and Sita proceeded with their journey, and met Sage Sharabhanga, and then Sage Suteekshna, who asked them to stay in that part of the forest. That concludes Ayodhya Kanda, and we will progress to Aranya Kanda next class.
 

Conclusion:

We ended the class with Shanthi Mantra.

Comments:

• Please let the kids try the exercises at the back of the Second chapter (and also the first chapter, if they had finished yet) in the Junior Balavihar Bala Ramayana book.
• Children are making great progress with Guru Stotram. Please make them practice Guru Stotram and also ‘Yaakundendu’ at home.
• Some kids are still missing ‘My Prayer Book’, and ‘Bala Ramayana’ Junior Balavihar books, and also a folder to keep materials in. Please remember to send those in.
• Please remember to send along the following items in your child’s bag along with the folder and books:
• Crayons
• Sharpened Pencils
• Erasers
• Notebook
• Glue
• Age appropriate child proof scissors

and a nut free Snack/Drink to have during the break

Next class is on December 14, 2014.