Hari Om!
Dear Parents,
Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Feb 8, 2019.
Opening prayers:
Om Sahana Vavatu
Vakratunda Mahakaaya
Saraswathi Namastubhyam
Guru Brahma Gurur VishnuH
Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)
Meditation: Shell dropping game
Quote for the day:
"One ideal transforms a listless soul into a towering leader."
Bhagavad Gita: Chapeter 18 verses 63 - 64 (available in the handbook)
Discussion: Dharma Chariot: wheels and flag
Wheels: Valour/Courage, Fortitude/Patience
Flags: Truthfulness and Great Character
Ending Shloka: Om Purnamadah
Aarati and Pledge : Temple - Lead by Grade 7
Next Balavihar class: 2/22/19
Announcement: No Balavihar on Friday, 2/15/19. Chinmaya Kalarangam is on Feb 16th. Please click on the link for further details: https://temple.chinmayavrindavan.com/index.php/cultural-events-upcomming/821-chinmaya-kalaarangam-v
Summary: We would like to start by thanking all the parents for bringing your children on time as per our request. We started our class with a meditation section this week. The children always love the shell dropping meditation game. Please do ask them about their experience. We are very happy that most of them got the number right! Following meditation we did a quick recap of last class. This week we discussed about the wheels of the Dharma chariot which stand for Valor, Courage, Fortitude, Patience. We discussed a few stories that highlights these qualities.
There is a clear distinction between Courage and Foolishness. Taking a silly dare would be foolish. Courage in action depends upon the goal we want to achieve by doing the action. If we do it for a higher purpose such as for the good of the society or conquering our own inner fears, then it is courage. Courage will come with the faith that God is always with/in us and we are never alone in facing fear. Fortitude and Patience transformed Ratnakara into the great Valmiki Rishi. His story is an example for Gurudev's quote of the day. Gardening requires a lot of patience but when we see our plants grow well we find immense satisfaction.
Truthfulness and Great Character forms the flags of the Dharma Chariot.
Satyameva Jayate - a quote from Mundaka Upanishad is inscribed in the Indian National Emblem. It means that Truth alone triumphs. This was followed by Mahatma Gandhi throughout his life.
The importance of great character and our association with people of great virtue (Satsanga) was discussed through a few stories and some shared personal anecdotes.
We will continue to learn about various parts of the Dharma chariot in the upcoming classes.
Pranam,
Shanthi and Anandhi
