December 21, 2014

Hari OM!

Beginning Prayers

·         Om Saha Navavathu

·         Agajaanana Padmaarkam

·         Yaakundendu

Stotram:

We chanted all the Stotrams (1-10) learnt so far today. Everybody took turns to come to the front of the class to chant one verse each. For their good show, they got to enjoy a few minutes of free style 'happy' dancing at the end of the class.

Story Time:

Pre-Story Quiz time was a lot of fun with great participation. It was evident that the kids are paying attention.

We continued the story from Surpanakha getting her ears and nose cut off by Lakshmana. She ran to Janasthana, where her brothers Khara and Dooshana lived. With blood gushing out from cut nose and ears, she screamed to her brothers ‘How can you both sit so calmly ? Do something about it’. Khara and Dooshana asked her to stay calm, and explain what had happened. Surpanaka explained everything except her desire to marry Rama. The brothers sent 14 of their best generals to kill Rama and Lakshmana, but they were easily destroyed by Rama. Khara, and Dooshana then realized how strong Rama was, and decided to fight Rama themselves. They, along with Trisaras, the three headed Rakshasaa, led an army of 14,000 soldiers. Rama reduced all this army to a lifeless heap of flesh in no time. Akampana, who was the only Rakshasa that escaped, went to Ravana, and asked for his protection. After listening to the story, Ravana decided that he had to take down Rama cleverly. He went to seek Mareecha’s help in this regard. Mareecha, having escaped Rama’s arrow earlier, advised Ravana against any move to fight Rama. Heeding to this advice, Ravana went back to his palace. But the next morning, Surpanakha convinced Ravana otherwise, tempting him with descriptions of Sita’s beauty. Ravana visited Mareecha again, and asked him to use his magical powers, and convert himself to a beautiful golden deer to attract Sita. Mareecha, after trying his best to advise Ravana, gave up at last, and did what he was asked to do. Sita fell in love with the deer, and wanted to have it as her pet. But the deer ran into the forest and Sita could not keep up. She asked Rama and Lakshmana to get it for her. Lakshmana suspected that this could be a Rakshasaa trying to take revenge on them, while Sita was convincing to get the deer. Rama thought that if this was indeed a Rakshasa, he could easily kill him, just like how he killed all the Rakshasas. He asked Lakshmana to guard Sita, and went in search of the deer.

Seva Project:
As planned, in the spirit of the value of the month, ‘Giving’, the kids packed cutlery sets for 'Samaritan Homeless Interim Program' in Somerville. Kids also wrote short holiday messages as a li’l surprise note, that they put inside the Cutlery set bags.  Wish we had taken some pictures of the messages they wrote. The messages were short, warm and creative.  Thanks to all the volunteers (Parents of Lasya, Rishi, Achyut, and Shloka) for sending the supplies and for their time helping the kids to make the Seva Project successful. Special thanks to Rishi’s mom for delivering the cutlery sets to the Program’s facility in Somerville.

Conclusion:

We ended the class with Shanthi Mantra.

Comments:

As mentioned already, we have finished Bala Kanda, and Ayodhya Kanda, and have started the Aranya Kanda. We had done some exercises at the back of the chapters. Please have the kids try and finish the exercises at the back of the Second chapter in the Junior Balavihar Bala Ramayana book.

Children are making great progress with Guru Stotram. Please make them practice Guru Stotram (1-10) and also ‘Yaakundendu’ at home. We are planning to chant Guru Stotram at the Bhiksha towards the end of academic year.

Coloring is a fun activity that kids can do anytime. During this holiday break, let the kids take it a step further, and try drawing a scene after reading a specific chapter or paragraph from the Bala Ramayana book, based on the descriptions given in the chapter/paragraph. This could be a great family exercise, with each family member creating their own interpretation of the scene, and compare how each has interpreted. Please bring the art created to the class to share with the class.

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:
1.      Crayons
2.      Sharpened Pencils
3.      Erasers
4..      Notebook
5.      Glue
6.      Age appropriate child proof scissors

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

Wishing you all happy holidays, and a happy, prosperous, peaceful, prayerful, and blissful new year!

Next class is on January 4, 2015.

December 14, 2014

Hari OM!

Beginning Prayers

·         Om Saha Navavathu

·         Agajaanana Padmaarkam 

·         Yaakundendu 

Stotram:

GuruStotram – Practiced Sloka 1 through 9, and learnt Sloka # 10. 

Shoshanam bhavsindhoshcha gyapanam saarsampadah. 
Guroh-padodakam samyak tasmai Shri Gurave Namah.

Meaning:

Even by the very sipping of the charanamruta (the water with which the feet of guru are washed), we get blessed by the eternal wealth (of liberating knowledge), and which dries up the endless ocean of seeking & the subsequent sorrows. My Salutations to the lotus-feet of that glorious Gurudev.

Quiz:

Since Quiz has been a great way to reinforce the past story, it was continued this class too. That led to re-telling of several stories from previous classes. 

Story time:

We contined with the story.  Rama, Lakshmana and Sita spend about 10 years in the forest peacefully roaming between different ashrams and protecting them from the rakshasas.  Finally as they near the end of their exile,  Sri Rama wants to meet the great Sage Agasthya.  Rama tells Lakshmana and Sita about the greatness of Sage Agasthya where he makes the mighty VIndhya mountain bend forever and how he kills the two Rakshasas Vatapi and Ilvala.

  When they meet the sage, he suggests they settle down at Panchavati and they do.  Surpanakha (Ravana's sister) comes by and wants to marry Rama.  In the end when she tries to hurt Sita, Lakshmana cuts her nose and ears and she goes running to her brothers Khara and Dusana who rule over that part of the forest.  

Activity:

We made a holiday ornament in class today.  

We also played a game called  "Rama says…" .

Conclusion:

We ended the class with Shanthi Mantra.

Comments:

Please have the kids try the exercises at the back of the first chapter in the Junior Balavihar Bala Ramayana book. This will help them to refresh their memory. Children are making good progress with Guru Stotram. Please make them practice at home. Some kids are still missing ‘My Prayer Book’, and ‘Bala Ramayana’ Junior Balavihar books. Please remember to send those in.

Reminders:

Please remember to send along the following items in your child’s bag along with the folder and books:

Supplies:

• Crayons
• Sharpened 
• Erasers
• Notebook
• Glue
• Age appropriate child proof scissors

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

Next class is on December  21, 2014. 

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.

November 16, 2014

Hari OM!

Beginning Prayers

·         Om Saha Navavathu

·         Agajaanana Padmaarkam 

·         Yaakundendu 

Stotram:

GuruStotram – Practiced Sloka 1 through 7, and learnt Sloka # 8.

Gyanshakti-samaroodhah tattwamala vibhooshitah.
Bhukti-mukti -pradata cha tasmai Shri Gurave Namah.




Meaning:
        




My Salutations to that glorious Gurudev, who is established in


Knowledge and Power, who is adorned with the garland-of -Knowledge andwho grants both worldly prosperity and spiritual liberation.

Quiz:

Since Quiz has been a great way to reinforce the past story, it was continued this class too. That led to re-telling of several stories from previous classes. Boys and Girls Teams tied at the end of the quiz. 

Story time:

Ayodhya is in mourning. Sage Vasistha sends for Bharata who is on vacation. Bharata who has been restless lately returns to Ayodhya and is confused to see the sad faces on his way to his mother's palace. There his mother tells him about the death of the old king and how she had planned and succeeded in making Bharata the king of Ayodhya. Bharata is shocked. The story continued with Kaikeyi telling Bharata how happy she was to secure the kingdom for him and how she banished Rama to the forest. Bharata and Shatrugna on hearing this are really shocked and angry and yell and scream at Kaikeyi. Shatrugna, who is usually quiet, also drags Manthara on the floor. Bharata performs the last rites for his father and then tells the court that he will go and bring Rama back and make him the king. Ayodhya is very happy and follow Bharata into the forest to bring back Sri Rama. Guha and Sage Bharadwaja meet Bharata and give their blessing and help to bring back Rama.

Activity:

We colored the pictures at end of Ayodhya Kanda in the Bala Ramayana (pink) book. 

Conclusion:

We ended the class with Shanthi Mantra.

Comments:

Please have the kids try the exercises at the back of the first chapter in the Junior Balavihar Bala Ramayana book. This will help them to refresh their memory. Children are making good progress with Guru Stotram. Please make them practice at home. Some kids are still missing ‘My Prayer Book’, and ‘Bala Ramayana’ Junior Balavihar books. Please remember to send those in.

Reminders:

Please remember to send along the following items in your child’s bag along with the folder and books:

Supplies:

• Crayons
• Sharpened 
• Erasers
• Notebook
• Glue
• Age appropriate child proof scissors

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

Next class is on December  7, 2014. 

November 2, 2014

Hari OM!

Beginning Prayers

·         Om Saha Navavathu

·         Agajaanana Padmaarkam

·         Yaakundendu

Stotram:

GuruStotram – Practiced Sloka 1 through 6, and learnt Sloka # 7.

Caitanyah Shaashvatah Shaanto Vyoma-Atiito-Niran.janah |

Binduu-Naada-Kala-[A]atiitas-Tasmai Shrii-Gurave Namah ||7||

Meaning:

7.1: (Salutations to the Guru) Who is the Eternally Tranquil Consciousness, Spotless and Pure, and Beyond the Ether,

7.2: Who is Beyond the Bindu, Nada and Kala; Salutations to that Guru.

Quiz:

Since Quiz has been a great way to reinforce the past story, it was continued this class too. That led to re-telling of several stories from previous classes. Boys and Girls Teams tied at the end of the quiz.

Story time:

We picked up from the Rama’s good-byes at Ayodhya palace, and saw how Ayodhya-vasis did not want to let go of their dear prince to the forest, and how Rama left in the early morning o that the people of Ayodhya won’t follow them anymore. They met Guha, who became a dear friend of Rama, who helped Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita cross the river Ganges.

Activity:

We glued the Rama, Sita, Lakshmana picture that we colored a few classes ago, on the front of the folder. Some kids were not present at that class, and some others did not bring the folder last class. I have sent pictures with the kids. Please have them color, and glue the picture on the front of the folder at home.

Conclusion:

We ended the class with Shanthi Mantra.

Comments:

Please have the kids try the exercises at the back of the first chapter in the Junior Balavihar Bala Ramayana book. This will help them to refresh their memory. Children are making good progress with Guru Stotram. Please make them practice at home. Some kids are still missing ‘My Prayer Book’, and ‘Bala Ramayana’ Junior Balavihar books. Please remember to send those in.

Reminders:

Please remember to send along the following items in your child’s bag along with the folder and books:

Supplies:

• Crayons
• Sharpened
• Erasers
• Notebook
• Glue
• Age appropriate child proof scissors

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

Next class is on November 16, 2014. It is also ‘Back-to-Balavihar’ day. We will be going through the curriculum, and answering your questions. We will also have a class potluck lunch. Please sign up in the link below:

http://www.luckypotluck.com/potluck/Nov162014BackToBalavihar

October 26, 2014

Hari OM!

Beginning Prayers

·         Om Saha Navavathu

·         Agajaanana Padmaarkam

·         Yaakundendu

Stotram:

GuruStotram – Practiced Sloka 1 2, 3, 4 & 5, and learnt Sloka # 6.

Sarvaśrutiśiroratna virajitapadāmbuja 

vedāntambujasūryo yaḥ tasmai śrīgurave namaḥ [6]

Salutations to that Guru, who is like the Sun (which enables the blossoming of) the lotus of Vedanta, and at whose lotus feet abide the crown jewels of all the Veda.

Quiz:

Before continuing with the story, we did the Crossword Puzzle from the 'Bala Ramayana Junior Balavihar',  recalling some characters and events in Balakanda Story so far. Children took turns answering the questions, and also writing the answers on the blackboard.

Story time:

We started the next Kanda in Ramayana – Ayodhya Kanda.

We talked about how happy Ayodhya was with Sri Rama and Princess Sita's arrival. Thus passed 12 years. Soon, King Dasharatha was thinking about retiring to the forest after handing over the kingdom to Sri Rama. As his coronation was being planned, Manthara-the hunchback maid of Keikeyi sowed the poisonous seed in Keikeyi's mind that only Bharatha should be made King. So, Keikeyi asks Dasharatha to give her the 2 boons (promised earlier) - 1. Bharatha should be made king. 2. Rama should be sent to the forest for 14 years. This devastates King Dasharatha, but in order to be true to his dharma he sends for Rama and gives him the orders to go to the forest. Rama takes these orders as calmly as he did when he was told he would be coronated. Lakshmana and Sita convince Rama that they will accompany him in his exile to the forest. They depart to the forest, amidst a very sad Ayodhya.  

The King Dasharatha is grief stricken. That night he confesses to Kaushalya the story of Sravana. " A young prince Dasharatha had learnt the art of shooting at his target without seeing it. One day while he was out hunting he heard the sound of an elephant drinking water and immediately shot his arrow only to find he had hit a young boy filling water in a pitcher. His name is Sravana and he says that he was taking the water to his blind parents. Prince Dasharatha asks Sravana's forgiveness as he had shot at Sravana by mistake. Sravana asks Dasharatha to got to his parents and dies. On seeing Sravana's blind parents Dasharatha explains his mistake and tells them of their son's death and seeks their forgiveness. The parents tell Dasharatha that even though he committed the sin unknowingly he will still have to bear the consequences. He too will suffer separation from his beloved son." Thus narrating the story to Kaushalya King Dasharatha breathes his last with Rama's name on his lips. Ayodhya is in mourning.

Conclusion:

We ended the class with Shanthi Mantra.

Comments:

Children are making progress with Sloka and Guru Stotram. Please make them practice on a frequent, if not, a daily basis, so that they can keep up with the rest of the class. Also, some kids are missing ‘My Prayer Book’, and ‘Bala Ramayana Junior Balavihar' books. Please remember to send those in.

Reminders:
Please remember to send along the following items in your child’s bag along with the books:

Supplies:

1.       Crayons
2.       Sharpened Pencils
3.       Erasers
4.       Notebook
5.       Glue
6.       Age appropriate child proof scissors
7.       A folder to keep their pictures/artwork

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

Next class is on November 2, 2014.