February 1, 2015

Hari OM!

Beginning Prayers

·         Om Saha Navavathu

·         Agajaanana Padmaarkam 

·         Yaakundendu 

Stotram:

We chanted all the Stotrams (1-12) learnt so far today. Everybody took turns to come to the front of the class to chant one verse each. 

We learnt the 13 verse :

Gurur-adir-anadish-cha Guruh-param-daivatam. 
Guroh-parataram nasti tasmai Shri Gurave Namah. 

Meaning:

The Guru is the beginning of the Universe, yet he himself is without a beginning, the Guru is the highest deity, and there is none higher than the Guru. My reverential salutations at the lotus-feet of such a Gurudev.

Yoga:

 We did some Yoga in class and the kids did all their favorite poses.

Story Time:

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

The princes continue their journey in search of Sugriva.  Meeting Sabari has strengthened their minds. As they are walking through the forests, Sugriva sees 2 humans coming and he suspects that they might be spies from his brother Bali So, he sends his minister Hanuman to find out more about them. Hanuman approaches them and introduces himself and finds out more them.  He is immediately attracted to their simplicity and becomes great friends with them. He carries them on his shoulder to meet Sugriva.  Ram and Lakshmana tell Sugriva their story and asks Sugriva's help to reach Lanka. Sugriva promises to help Rama and Lakshmana if they help him win the kingdom back from his brother Bali.  Sugriva tells Rama about a misunderstanding between him and his brother that caused a rift between them which is why Sugriva is hiding in the Rsyamukha mountains.  He tells Rama about how Bali killed Dundubhi and then Mayavi who is Dundubhi's brother comes to challenge him and how the fight lead to the cave and Sugriva mistook that Bali was killed in the fight and closed the cave. Bali got mad at Sugriva and banished him from the kingdom. Sugriva and Rama promise friendship to each other. 

Activity:
We made an Indian Flag in the class to celebrate Indian Republic Day.

Conclusion:

We ended the class with Shanthi Mantra.

Comments:

As mentioned already, we have finished Bala Kanda, and Ayodhya Kanda, and Aranya Kanda and have started the Kishkinda 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 (1-13) 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. 

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

Next class is on February 8, 2015.