Hari Om! Parents,
Grade 1 Class this week was a very short one as we wrapped up early to watch 9th Grade Performance. We would also like to remind you to please arrive promptly, so the class can begin on time. After Om chanting and Sahana vavatu, we chanted Sri Rama, Rama, Rameti and Nilambuja Shyamala Komalangam shlokas. We then sang the "Khate bhi Rama Kaho" bhajan with actions. After attendance the children chanted all the Daily Prayers and did a good job.
We are now in the Sundara Kanda of the Ramayana story. After leaving Sita, Hanuman changed his form into a huge vaanara. He began trampling flowerbeds, uprooting trees and soon completely destroyed Ashoka Vatika. The rakshasis were terrified and ran to Ravana with the news. Ravana sent his rakshasa army lead by Jambumali and Aksha to capture Hanuman, but they were both defeated in the battle. Next Ravana sent his favourite son, Indrajit, who was born Meghnaad and was named thus after defeating Indra. He was a brave warrior and he used the Brahmastra on Hanuman. Hanuman surrendered knowing that because of Brahmaji's boon no weapon would harm him.The astra bound Hanuman like chains and he was dragged off to Ravana's court. Ravana's anger increased when he saw that Hanuman was just a vaanara. Brave Hanuman introduced himself as Lord Rama's messenger and chief minister of King Sugreeva. He asked Ravana to return Sita back and avoid war. He wanted Ravana to choose peace and save the people of Lanka. Ravana was so angry on hearing this that he ordered Hanuman to be killed. However, Vibeeshana, Ravana's brother objected to this, saying it was against law to kill a messenger. Next Ravana ordered Hanuman's tail to be set on fire to teach him a lesson. As the rakshasas bound Hanuman's tail with oil-dipped rags, the tail grew in size. The rakshasa were so exhausted and finally managed to set the tail on fire. The fire did not harm Hanuman who had the blessings of Sitaji, Vayu and Agni devas. With a shrug Hanuman escaped from the rakshasas and started burning Lanka one building at a time. After he had terrorized everyone, Hanuman dipped his fiery tail in the ocean. Shouting "Jai Shri Ram" Hanuman took a mighty leap and flew back towards the vaanara army. They welcomed him with cheers and decided to immediately report to Lord Rama.
The class learned Bhagavad Gita Verses 67, 68 and 69 from our Swamiji. Please keep up with the daily practice.
Here are the links: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1x0CXCFhftcnT9tqJypnD1ZRhR0bB_iho/view?usp=drivesdk
Jai Shri Ram!
- Rashmi and Uma