Hari OM.
Our class size went up to 15!
After introductions of the new students, we did a recap of the previous classes.We looked back at Yato Dharmah Tato Jayaha and reminded ourselves of bad actions committed by body and speech.
We then discussed bad actions committed by mind- it was easy for all us to see that anything the body or speech does is in seed form in the mind. Ill feeling, thinking of stealing others wealth, not having faith in the law of Karma.
It was interesting to know how many of us vaguely understand that I as the doer of karma alone will face the outcome, but I want outcome right away before the memory of the karma/action fades away so I can quickly learn.Our understanding of time is limited! The comment from a student was-
It is not fair that I have to wait until next birth(I don't know that there are many lives)to reap fruit of my actions.
For those of you want something to read on this topic is -
Brian Weiss's Many Masters.Many Lives.
So watching what the mind does is a very useful practice.Homework was watching the mind constantly for a day( or week, whichever the students are able to) and record its doings. Maybe we could even share in next class, if the students feel ready.
We had a rather interesting exploration of why we chant OM before the start of class. A student said it creates good vibrations, another said Om is the True Self. Both correct-Om -also known as Pranava, the cosmic sound, has been spoken of in our scriptures as that which includes all aspects of being- A- for waking state,U- for dream state.M - for deep sleep.It also encompasses all sounds A-for all sound made with open mouth,U -for all sound made with partly closed,M- for all sound made with the mouth closed.Listen to what NASA has recorded.
|
|
|
Sounds of the Sun
NASA heliophysicist Alex Young explains how this simple sound connects us with the Sun and all the other stars i...
|
|
|
We started learning Bhagavad Geeta chanting. We will start from verse 41 of Chapter 18. Please encourage students to listen, learn and practice.
As it was our grade's turn to lead Aarti and pledge, we practiced once in class. Unless absolutely necessary, please avoid leaving before aarti in the temple. Not only does that set a bad example for the little children who look up to the older didis and bhaiyas, but also it deprives us from finding the joy and peace that comes from such temple practices.
We will be starting with Mahabharata next and examining episodes with a view to understanding Cause,Effect and lessons from them.
Pranaams,
Uma and Sangita
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
