Hari OM! Parents,
We started our class with the beginning prayers followed by the revision of the prayers we chanted last time
Karaagre Vasate Lakshmi…
Saraswathi Namastubhyam…
Shubham Karoti…
Karacharnam Kritam Vak….
We then went on our curriculum:
Continuing learning about the Mahavakyas, ‘Aham Brahma Asmi’
We did a story form the Chandogya Upanishad,
The story goes that Indra (king of the devas) and Virochana ( king of the asuras) went to Brahmaji to learn Brahma Vidya. Brahmaji happily agreed to teach as he felt this would bring peace between them.
However only Indra after repeated contemplation, received the true knowledge, where as Virochana was satisfied with the knowledge of body being the true self.
Discussed that our body, mind and intellect are our instruments to reach the lord.
Meditation and contemplation helps us to move closer to the Lord.
Told a story about how the baby birds crack their shells and soar into the sky, so also we too, says the scriptures, crack out from our attachments and soar into the realm of the Lord
We also talked about the ritual of ‘Samavartana’ which means returning home
Before the student leaves the gurukula, the teacher gives a commencement address to the students. It is a summary of what they have been taught in the ashram
We also talked how we practice it in our ashram and how our Pujya Swamiji advises our Balavihar students before they set out for college
Talked a little about the convocation address where the student is reminded of some of the following statements from our scriptures:
Speak the truth
Do your duties and follow dharma
Study of the scriptures
Support the gururkula/ashram
See mother, father, teachers as God
Show reverence to the learned
Give charity etc…
We showed 2 video clips of Gurudev and discussed them:
1. The 1St video was on:
How to set your goal in life. Set a high goal for yourself and strive to reach it, and enjoy the work I do. Dont worry about the results of your actions
Also, set the goal in an area you are passionate and enthusiastic about, so that you will never feel tired striving for it
The children had a lot of questions, regarding their volunteering service they take up in high school
Discussed this topic and concluded that yes in high school we have to volunteer for resume building but let there be passion for it and continue working for the benefit of the society later in life
2. The 2nd video was on meditation : disciplining the mind
Discussed the importance of meditation.
How we can make our mind single pointed. May be difficult in the beginning but don’t give up
Keep practicing!
Announcements:
Slokathon and Oratorical Competitions coming up soon
Please register!
Pranams
Nirmala and Purnima
