Hari Om!
Dear Parents,
Following is the update of last Friday's class:
After Opening prayers, we did the bhajan learned in the last class ( Veera Hanumana, Athibalavaana) and also did the Rama nama japa. During memory time, we chanted the dhayana Shloka 'Bhudhir balam'.
Then we entered into the topic of the day : The next two vitues of Hanumanji 'Dhairyam' and 'Nirbhayatvam'
Dhairyam (Courage): Courage is is to do the right things despite of difficulties and obstacles
- We discussed with kids what Courage means to them trying to explain the meaning of it, why it is necessary and how courage helps them face challenged with patience and poise.
- We went over the story of Maharshi Valmiki ( How he turned from Ratnakar, the thief to Valmiki, the great Saint) and how he demonstrated the courage to change
- We also discussed the story of 'Rosa Park's ( a lot of kids know her story ) and how she is recognized for her tremendous act of bravery. her courageous act was the catalyst that started the Civil rights Movement
- We then had a quick exploration activity: "Am I courageous? " where we discussed some bad habits that kids may have such as biting Nails, putting hand sin the mouth, not saying 'Please' and 'Thank you' and reviewed that courage is necessary to change even small and trivial things in our lives
- We had all the kids answer what they are most afraid of - we had variety of answers - some funny, silly ones as well :).
- We discussed with the kids that we are either afraid of the unknown or we are afraid when we don't live by our duties. When we are afraid, we imagine and we project. We are unable to think straight and function normally
- When we live honestly, keep God in our heart like Hanumanji, we become fearless.
- To emphasize how one can become fearless by living honestly and having faith in God, we reviewed three stories - :Teh wandering saint of the Himalayas, "My Daddy will Save Me' and 'The foolish, Timid Rabbit.
We had Gita chanting broadcast. We learnt verses 45-46 shlokams of the 18th chapter from Swamiji. We will review all 1- 46 Shlokams again in the next class. But please have the kids practice these at home. ( The handbook has the 18th chapter).
We then had the quiet time and closing prayers before all of us headed to the Aarti.
P.S No balavihar next week. Our next session will be on October 19th.
Regards,
Mythili and Madhuri
