February 26, 2012

Beginning Prayers

• Om Saha Navavathu
• Vakratunda Mahakaya
• Saraswathi Namastubhyam
• Ramaya Ramabhadraya
• Buddhir Balam Yashodhairyam

Bhajans:

We learnt the new Rama Bhajan this week. We will be singing this in the Assembly on March 18th, 2012

• Rajathi Rajaya

Stotram:

• Lingashtakam:

   We reviewed the first four verses. We learnt the fifth verse this week.

Geeta Chanting:

• We chanted the first 5 verses of Chapter XII. We learnt the 6th & 7th verses this week.

Story:

We continued the story this week.  Hanuman gets ready to take the jump to cross the ocean and reach Lanka.  He gets in the position to jump and with arms widespread plunges forward.  Maruti meets with multiple obstacles on the way.  First a mighty mountain named Mainaka obstructs him. She offers her hospitality on the request of the Ocean-King.  Hanuman affectionately replies that he will take up her offer another time as he wants to focus on the task at hand.  Mainaka bows deeply and lets him proceed. Sometime later a monster named Surasa emerges from the ocean and ask Hanuman to enter his mounth.  Hanuman tries to avoid him but Surasa is determined that Hanuman enter his mouth.  Hanuman increases his body to a size bigger than the monster's mouth; the monster, the Naga maiden increases her body, Hanuman then shrinks himself to a speck and quickly darts in and out of Surasa's mouth.  Laughingly he says that he has fulfilled Surasa's wishes, Surasa gives his blessing to Hanuman to complete his mission successfully.  Later he is obstructed by a raksasi, Hanuman enters her mouth and rips her body and comes out.  Finally he reaches Lanka. The clever Hanuman decided to wait until dark to enter the city and shrinks himself to the size of a small money.  t dart as he tries to enter the city walls he is stopped by a raksasi who tries to hit him.  Hanuman returns the blow and the raksasi falls down.  The raksasi, the Goddess Guardian of Lanka remembers the prophecy that when a monkey's blow would make her fall, the end of the raksasa race would not be far away.  She realizes that very soon Ravana will ave to account for his sins.  She lets Hanuman enter the city.


Hanuman notices that Lanka is a luxurious, pleasant city, the buildings had perfect architecture, the streets were festive, there were number of temples and palaces with gold cupolas, people were either singing vedic hymns or praising their king, there were lots of music, laughter and dance.  he goes around the city looking for Sita but does not find her.  He enters Ravana's palace and see the women living in a rich atmosphere, Ravana himself is sleeping a regal posture.  he realizes that he would not find Sita there.  As he comes out of the palace he sees a Asoka vana and feels in his heart that Sita would be there. He finds Sita surrounded by ugly, mean raksasis who are forcing her to marry Ravana.  Ravana himself enter the Asoka vana shortly and threatens Sita that if she does not change her mind in two months and marry him he will kill her.  Sita warns Ravana that what he is doing is 'adharma' and that greed will be the downfall of the King and his Kingdom. Ravana angrily returns to the palace. The raksasis fall asleep and Hanuman starts singing the glory of Lord Rama and sings the story of Rama and Sita until that point.  Sita is very happy to hear about Rama but is cautious with Hanuman as she thinks that he might be Ravana in disguise. Hanuman gives Sita Rama's ring and Sita is joyful to set eyes on the ring that she recognizes as Rama's She enquires after Rama and Lakshmana to Hanuman. Hanuman offers to carry Sita on his shoulders out of Lanka but she declines saying that Rama should be the one to fight for her honor and rescue her.  She gives Hanuman a jewel to give as a token to Rama. She asks Hanuman to go back and bring Rama and Lakshmana and blesses him.  With Sita's affection and courageous works Hanuman leaves the Ashoka vana. 

Activity:

None. 

Games:

None.

Likhita Japa:

Conclusion:

We concluded with arti and pledge

Comments:

We started the Samaskriti practice this week and will continue in the next class.  We will be adjusting our class structure to accomodate the practice as we are trying to get most of the practice done during class hours.  Please make sure to bring your child to class for the next few weeks so that we can have meaningful practice sessions with full attendance.

Thanks to all the parents who attend the Biksha and brought sumptuous food.  It was a great afternoon and the students enjoyed the lively exchange with Swamiji. 

FEBRUARY 12, 2012

Beginning Prayers

• Om Saha Navavathu
• Vakratunda Mahakaya
• Saraswathi Namastubhyam
• Ramaya Ramabhadraya
• Buddhir Balam Yashodhairyam

Bhajans:

We learnt a new Shiva Bhajan this week. 

• Siva Shambo Shambo

Stotram:

• GuruStotram (My Prayers, Page 9) - We did slokas 1, 2, 3, 5 and 14
• Lingashtakam:

   We reviewed the first three verses. We learnt the fourth verse this week.

Geeta Chanting:

• We chanted the first 5 verses of Chapter XII. We learnt the 6th verse this week.

Story:

We reviewed the story covered in the last two class by conducting a quiz.  The children participated very enthusiastically.  They were divided into Teams A and B and the result was a tie. 

We continued the story this week.  All the vanaras gathered for the search and Sugriva divided them into four groups.  They were each sent in different directions and were given one month time to search for Sita and bring back news about her.  The group under Satabali went north, the group under Vinata went east, the group under Susena went west and the group under Hanuman, Jambavan, Nila and Angada went south.  Rama felt that Hanuman would be the one to bring news of Sita so he gives Hanuman his signet rings and tells him to give it to Sita when he sees her.  Thus Rama establishes his trust in Hanuman and their bond is formed forever. The vanaras who had gone north, east and west return within a month with no news.  Now all hopes lay on the group that went south.  The vanaras proceeding south come across a cave that smells of lotus flowers, have trees made of gold with emeralds for leaves and rubies for flowers. In the caves lives a tapasvini names Svayamprabha, on hearing Rama's story from Hanuman she transports them out of the cave through her powers.  The vanaras open their eyes and see the blue ocean in front of them.  They are scared of the water and are wondering aloud if they should return.  Hanuman reminds them that they should fulfill their mission and intensify their search.  Unknown to them they are being watched by a vulture who on hearing the name Jatayu calls out to them.  The vanaras who were reminiscing about how Sita was abducted by Ravana and how Jatayu tries to save her finds the vulture and brings him some water. We learn that the vulture is Sampati, Jatayu's brother whose wings got burned by the sun while he was trying to protect Jatayu.  Sampati with his keen eyesight looks across the ocean and tells them that he sees Sita sitting amidst horrible raksasas in a garden in the city of Lanka.  

Now that they knew where Sita was the vanaras have to decide as to whom amongst them will cross the ocean and meet Sita.  All of them discuss how many yojanas they can jump.  Then the wise Jambavan looks at Hanuman and tells him that there is no doubt that only Hanuman is up to the task of crossing the ocean.  He reminds Hanuman that his shoulders are as powerful as Garuda's wings and urges him to use his divine strength.  On hearing this Hanuman feels his hidden strength come out and he grows and grows into an enormous mountain. He is inspired with a tremendous zeal to fulfill Rama's mission.  He tells the vanaras that in order to take the jump he has to press his foot hard on the earth and to do that he had to climb a hill.  He climbs on top of the Mahendra Hill and after praying to Rama, Surya, Indra, Brahma and his father Vayu he presses his foot on the mountain.  It trembles under his foot, water gushes forth from the rocks, the tress shed leaves and and the animals get scared.  Hanuman is now ready to take his jump to cross the ocean.

Activity:

Today, the kids made a Shiva Lingam out of modeling clay. 

Games:

We played Hangman today.

Likhita Japa:
The kids wrote Rama's name 11 times in complete silence.

Conclusion:

We concluded with arti and pledge

Comments:

The kids are doing well in class.  They are participating well during the story and games. We will be starting our Samaskriti practice from the next class so please plan on attending. 

February 5, 2012

Beginning Prayers

• Om Saha Navavathu
• Vakratunda Mahakaya
• Saraswathi Namastubhyam
• Ramaya Ramabhadraya
• Buddhir Balam Yashodhairyam

Bhajans:

We reviewed the following four bhajans 

• Vigneshwara Vinayaka

• Rama Lakshmana Jaanaki Jai Bolo Hanuman ki
• Om Shiva Om Shiva Paraatpara Shiva
• Hari Naam Bina (Guru Bhajan)

 

Stotram:

• GuruStotram (My Prayers, Page 9) - We did slokas 1, 2, 3, 5 and 14
• Lingashtakam:

   We reviewed the first three verses.

Geeta Chanting:

• We chanted the first 5 verses of Chapter XII.

Story:

We reviewed the story of Ramayana until the point that Rama and Lakshmana are searching for Sugriva.  As they are walking through the forests, Sugriva sees 2 humans coming and he suspects if they are 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.  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.  Rama asks Sugriva to challenge Bali to a fight and Rama promises to kill Bali.  However Bali and Sugrive look so alike that Rama is not sure which is which. In the meantime, Sugriva gets beaten up by Bali.  He comes back to Rama disappointed that he did not keep up his end of the promise.  Rama explains the similarity between them and suggests that Bali wear a garland of flowers and challenge him again.  He does and this time, Rama shoots an arrow from behind a tree that takes Bali's life.  Rama then explains to Bali that it was fair to kill him while in hiding since htat's what they do when they hunt.  Bali feels blessed to be killed by Rama and asks Sugriva to take over the kingdom and his wife and son, Angada.

The monsoons set in, and they are unable to proceed in their search for Sita.  Meanwhile, Sugriva is rejoicing in the kingdom and forgets about his promise.  Hanuman goes to Sugriva and reminds him and he asks that all vanaras assemble within a day to start searching for Sita.  Lakshmana too comes looking for Sugriva to find out the status of the search. 

Activity:

Today, the kids colored a picture of Hanuman introducing himself to Rama and Lakshmana

Games:

We played Four Corners today

Likhita Japa:
The kids wrote Rama's name 11 times in complete silence.

Conclusion:

We concluded with arti and pledge

Comments:

The kids are doing well in class.  They are participating well during the story and games. 

 

January 29, 2012

Hari OM!  Happy New Year!

Beginning Prayers

• Om Saha Navavathu
• Vakratunda Mahakaya
• Saraswathi Namastubhyam
• Ramaya Ramabhadraya
• Buddhir Balam Yashodhairyam

Bhajans:

We reviewed the following four bhajans 

• Vigneshwara Vinayaka

• Rama Lakshmana Jaanaki Jai Bolo Hanuman ki
• Om Shiva Om Shiva Paraatpara Shiva
• Hari Naam Bina (Guru Bhajan)

We have started learning the Guru Bhajan and we will continue this in the next class. 

Stotram:

• GuruStotram (My Prayers, Page 9) - We did slokas 1, 2, 3, 5 and 14
• Lingashtakam:

   We reviewed the first and second slokhas and learnt the third sloka.

  
  

Geeta Chanting:

• We learnt the first 3 verses of Chapter XII.

Story:

We conducted a quiz to recap the last two classes. The children participated enthusiastically and the boys won with 3 points. 

We continued the story this week.  Rama and Lakshmana continue to go through the forests toward Lanka. Suddenly they encounter a hideous looking creature with no head and legs. The monster grabs Rama and Lakshmana and his powerful arms encircle them.  The monster has a mouth in his stomach  and an ugly red eye in his chest.  His name his Kabandha. Realizing that the strength is in his arms, Rama and Lakshmana cut off his arms.  Kabandha screams in pain and recollects that he is a celestial being cursed by a risi.  He had to wait for Rama to liberate him.  He thanks Rama and tells him to seek the help of the Vanara King Sugriva who lives on the banks of River Pampa.  As they reach the banks of River Pampa the come across Sabari's asrama.  Sabari a disciple of Sage Matanga spends her life doing tapas.  Her guru tell her that will be rewarded for her tapas by meeting the God himself. Sabari hears of the arrival of Rama and Lakshmana and realizing that Rama is the Supreme being washes his feet with her tears.  She then lovingly offers fruits to Lord Rama, fruits she has tasted to make sure that they were sweet and juicy.  Lakshmana is angry that the old lady is giving eaten fruits to Rama but Rama smiles and serenely eats the fruits enjoying himself.  Sabari feels that her time has come and becomes one with God. The princes continue their journey in search of Sugriva.  Meeting Sabari has strengthened their minds. 

Activity:

Today, the kids made a bow and arrow using straws as arrows.

Games:

We did not have time for a game today.

Likhita Japa:
The kids wrote Rama's name 11 times in complete silence.

Conclusion:

We attended the assembly in the cafetaria.

Comments:

The kids are still working on learning the Gurustotram.  Parents, please work with the kids on the Gurustotram. They also have to practice Lingashtakam - Slokas 1, 2 and 3.

We started teaching verse 1, 2 & 3 of Chapter 12 for Geetha Chanting.  There are extra Geeta Chanting classes on Fridays in Basking Ridge and on Wednesdays in Bridgewater.  Please try to bring your kids for these sessions so they learn to chant the Geeta.  Please encourage your children to participate in the Geeta Chanting competion.

Parents, please encourage your children to participate in WOW-Sanskrit word of the week.

Please get back to Radha Iyer regarding Samskriti participation.  We have to assign roles and start practicing in the next two weeks.  

Reminders:

Please try to send the following items in your childs bag:

1. Crayons
2. Pencil
3. Notebook
4. Glue
5. Snack/Drink
6. A folder to keep their pictures/artwork.
7. Scissors
8. 1st grade Balavihar books - Bala Ramayan, Ramayana characters and a copy of 'My Prayers'; assembly handbook.

Bow and Arrow

Materials:
 Hanger
 Long rubber band
 Straw
 Color paper for decoration (optional)

Directions:

1.  Clip off the end of a hanger to look like this

2.  Wrap up the hanger with color paper as shown below:

3.  Use a long rubber band and tie it around the hanger and through the hooks as well.

4.  Use a straw for an arrow to use with the bow.



You can use the tighter end of the rubber band to actually fire the arrow.

January 22, 2012

Hari OM!  Happy New Year!

Beginning Prayers

• Om Saha Navavathu
• Vakratunda Mahakaya
• Saraswathi Namastubhyam
• Ramaya Ramabhadraya
• Buddhir Balam Yashodhairyam

Bhajans:

We reviewed the following three bhajans 

• Vigneshwara Vinayaka

• Rama Lakshmana Jaanaki Jai Bolo Hanuman ki
• Om Shiva Om Shiva Paraatpara Shiva
• Hari Naam Bina (Guru Bhajan)

We have started learning the Guru Bhajan and we will continue this in the next class. 

Stotram:

• GuruStotram (My Prayers, Page 9) - We did slokas 1, 2, 3, 5 and 14
• Lingashtakam:

   We did the first and second slokhas.

  
  

Geeta Chanting:

• We learn the first 3 verses of Chapter XII.

Story:

We recapped the story from the last class.

We continued the story this week.  Marica tried to make Ravana see reason by telling him that what he plans to do is against Dharma and as a King he should not do 'Adharma'. Ravana refuses to listen to reason and Marica has no choice but to obey his king. Meanwhile Spring has blossomed in Pancavati and sita is picking flowers from the garden when she sees a pretty golden deer with delicate silver spots trying to lure her into play.  She aks Rama to get the deer for her but Lakshmana cautions saying that it might be the trick of the Rakshasas. Rama thinks that if it is indeed a Rakshas he will kill it but if not he will bering the deer to sita.  He orders Lakshmana to guard Sita and goes after the deer. After chasing it for some time Ram kills the deer only to see it take the shape of Marica and call out to Lakshmana and sita in Rama's voice.  Sita persuades ad threatens Lakshmana to go to Rama's help and while Lakshmana is away Ravana comes in the guise of a Sadhu and takes Sita away.  Sita screams for help and begs Ravana to let her go. Jatayu hears Sita's cries and asks Ravana to let Sita go.  When Ravana refuses Jatayu puts up a brave fight but Ravana cuts his wings with his sword.  He takes Sita to Lanka.  Meanwhile Rama and Lakshmana realize that Sita is missing and go in search of her.  They come across Jatayu and learns that Ravana has kidnapped Sita.  Jatayu dies and Rama does the last rites for Jatayu.  The go south towards Lanka in search of Sita.  At Lanka Sita refuses to marry Ravana and says that her husband will come for her and kill Ravana.  Ravana imprisons Sita at the 'Asokavana' and asks Raskshasas to surround her and trouble her hoping she will change her mind and marry him. 

Activity:

Today, the kids colored a picture of Sita asking Rama to get her the golden deer. 

Games:

We did not have time for a game today.

Likhita Japa:

Conclusion:

We concluded by doing the Aarthi and Pledge in the classroom.

Comments:

The kids are still working on learning the Gurustotram.  Parents, please work with the kids on the Gurustotram. They also have to practice Lingashtakam - Slokas 1 and 2.

We started teaching verse 1, 2 & 3 of Chapter 12 for Geetha Chanting.  There are extra Geeta Chanting classes on Fridays in Basking Ridge and on Wednesdays in Bridgewater.  Please try to bring your kids for these sessions so they learn to chant the Geeta.  Please encourage your children to participate in the Geeta Chanting competion.

Parents, please encourage your children to participate in WOW-Sanskrit word of the week.

Please get back to Radha Iyer regarding Samskriti participation.  We have to assign roles and start practicing in the next two weeks.  

Reminders:

Please try to send the following items in your childs bag:

1. Crayons
2. Pencil
3. Notebook
4. Glue
5. Snack/Drink
6. A folder to keep their pictures/artwork.
7. Scissors
8. 1st grade Balavihar books - Bala Ramayan, Ramayana characters and a copy of 'My Prayers'; assembly handbook.

December 18, 2011

Hari OM!

Beginning Prayers

• Om Saha Navavathu
• Vakratunda Mahakaya
• Saraswathi Namastubhyam
• Ramaya Ramabhadraya
• Buddhir Balam Yashodhairyam

Bhajans:

We reviewed the following three bhajans 

• Vigneshwara Vinayaka

• Rama Lakshmana Jaanaki Jai Bolo Hanuman ki
• Om Shiva Om Shiva Paraatpara Shiva

Stotram:

• GuruStotram (My Prayers, Page 9) - We did slokas 1, 2, 3, 5 and 14
• Lingashtakam:

• We started teaching Lingashtakam this week.  This is part of the first grade curriculum. We did the first slokha.

Geeta Chanting:

• We did the first verse of Chapter XII.

Story:

We recapped the story from the last class and conducted a quiz.

We contined with the story.  Rama, Lakshmana and Sita spend about 10 years in teh 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.  When they meet him, 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 adn she goes running to her brothers who rule over that part of the forest.  They come to fight Sri Rama but Rama kills them all.  Finally, Akampana (the only rakshasa who survives) goes back to Ravana and tells him to kidnap Sita so Rama can die missing her.  It would be impossible to kill him, he tells Ravana.  Ravana agrees and tries to convince Marica to help him accomplish this.  Marica convinces Ravana that he is already the ruler of the 3 worlds, why would he want to try to fight Rama.  Ravana agrees but when he sees Surpanakha, his sister, he is unable to make peace.  So he goes back to Marica and orders him to disguise himself as a golden deer to entice Sita out of her hut.
Activity:

Today, the kids drew and colored a picture of Sri Rama, Lakshmana and Sita living in Panchavati. .

Games:

4 Corners:  We played this game with a twist - the kids wnated to play it the American way and we did.  Surprisingly most kids liked the 'Indian' way of this game.

Likhita Japa:
We wrote the name of Sri Rama 11 times in silence.

Conclusion:

We concluded by doing the Aarthi and Pledge in the classroom.

Comments:

The kids are still working on learning the Gurustotram.  Parents, please work with the kids on the Gurustotram. We will continue to learn Lingashatakam.

We started teaching verse 1 of Chapter 12 for Geetha Chanting.  There are extra Geeta Chanting classes on Fridays in Basking Ridge and possibly  in a new location soon.  Please try to bring your kids for these sessions so they learn to chant the Geeta.  Please encourage your children to participate in the Geeta Chanting competion.

Parents, please encourage your children to participate in WOW-Sanskrit word of the week. 

Reminders:

Please try to send the following items in your childs bag:

1. Crayons
2. Pencil
3. Notebook
4. Glue
5. Snack/Drink
6. A folder to keep their pictures/artwork.
7. Scissors
8. 1st grade Balavihar books - Bala Ramayan, Ramayana characters and a copy of 'My Prayers'; assembly handbook.