Hari Om!
Dear Parents,
Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Mar 1, 2019.
Opening prayers:
Om Sahana Vavatu
Vakratunda Mahakaaya
Saraswathi Namastubhyam
Guru Brahma Gurur VishnuH
Meditation: Shell dropping game
Song : Shriraama Chandra
Lesson Covered : Chapter 9 an d 10 of 'Key to Success'
Horses: Strength (Bala), Discrimination(Bibeka), Control of Senses (Dama) , Caring for others (Parahita)
Reins: Forgiveness (Kshama), Compassion (Kripa) , Equanimity (Samatha)
Monthly Program - Skit to present character analysis from Ramayana
Ending Shloka: Om Purnamadah
Next Balavihar class: 3/8/19
Summary:
We started the lesson with a quick quiz to recap the earlier chapters.
We continued with Strength (Bala), Discrimination(Bibeka), Control of Senses (Dama) , Caring for others (Parahita) representing the horses of the Dharma chariot . When asked what strength was all thought of physical strength and some mental strength. We explained that real strength was the strength to resist desire and attachment. Discrimination is the ability to distinguish right from wrong and do the right and fair thing in a situation. Even not disturbing others in the class needed discrimination. Control of senses is not to resist completely but to know what is appropriate when and to be disciplined when needed. One needs to accelerate the car to drive but need to apply brakes when needed, To substantiate, told the story of the monkey who tried to fast before Nama japa but failed since he could not control his temptation to eat. Caring for others should be inherent in us and is the highest priority. Put others first. Kids questioned if we are not told to take care of ourselves in the flight!! Convinced them that that is where we have to use our discrimination :) based on the situation!
We did meditation and then continued with the next lesson.
To explain forgiveness as one of the reins, used the story of Ekanaatha Maharaja and the story of Sally and her brother. Forgiveness is not just 'not holding a grudge' but not taking offense at all. That is the highest form of forgiveness. By forgiving , we make it easy for whoever feels guilty as well as do good to ourselves.The other qualities representing the reins are compassion which means to share others sorrow and equanimity which is to see all beings as yourself and equals.We can soar high like the eagle by rising above the storm.
Children were excited at the proposal of doing character analysis as the monthly program. They will enact 2-3 scenes from Ramayana to bring out 2-3 major course changing characters of Ramayana.
We also started learning a bhajan Shreeramachandra.
We had closing prayers in the classroom itself due to pravachan in the main hall.
Pranam,
Shanthi
