Hari Om Parents!
Hope you all had a good weekend. Following are some of the key things covered in the 9/21 balavihar session.
· After the initial prayers, we chanted the dhyana shloka "Bhudhir Balam" several times during the memory time ( Every child was given a copy of the Dhyana Shloka along with the meaning. Please encourage your child to memorize atleast the first line of it)
· We did a quick review on what was covered in the last class by revising the topic of invisible backbone and the importance of having a healthy invisible backbone
· We then introduced the topic of the day by explaining the meaning of the dhyana shloka. The 8 virtues described here serve as vitamins to build a healthy and strong 'Invisible;' backbone.
· We then started talking in detail about 'Budhi' ( Intellect/intelligence), the first virtue described in the shlokam. We went over couple of stories that helped kids understand how one can use intellect to get out of trouble or handle a tough situation.
o Budhi is a special gift from God to humans that can help them discriminate between good and bad
o By narrating one of the famous Akbar and Birbal stories, we discussed how Birbal got himself out of trouble using his budhi/intelligence
o we also recollected couple of Hanuman stories where Hanuman ji saved himself from the Demon Susara and how he saved Lakshmana's life by getting the whole mountain for the Sanjeevii medicine.
o We played a little modified version of "Simon Says" game as "Hanuman Vaditha". The game tested everyone's alertness and also encouraged to use their buddhi when asked to do something tricky.
o We quieted down after the game by doing silent Hanuman prayers and wished for intellect that is as sharp as his.
· We then talked about 'Japa Mala' – What is it, its' importance, How to use it and why we use it
o Japa mala is a string of beads used for japa (consists of 108 beads) that brings u closer to God by purifying us and removing our fears
o Japa trains the mind to a single line of thinking and helps keep the mind focused and achieve concentration
· In the next couple of classes, all the kids will be provided a japa mala with 27 beads and they will use it in every class for 'Rama' nama japa during quiet time
During next session, right before Aarthi, there will be balavihar house inauguration. 2nd graders belong to 'Bajrangi Bolts' house and the house color is yellow. So, please have you kids wear something Yellow to show their House spirit.
P.S: We are trying to create a whatsapp group for the class to be able to keep in touch with you all. Can you all please provide your mobile numbers that we can add to the group.
Regards,
Mythili and Madhuri
