Hari Om Parents!
Here's a summary of the last Friday's class (9/20). Several kids showed up on time, thank you! We request everyone to continue to drop the kids on time for the class.
Here's the link to join the class WhatsApp group.
Topics covered in the class: Introduction to Hanuman Dhyana Shloka ( Budhir balam), review of the first virtue from Dhyana Shloka "Budhi" and chanting of 1st two shlokas of Hanuman Chalisa. Please help kids memorize the Dhyana Shloka by next class.
Kids were introduced the Hanuman Dhyana Shloka –"Bhudhir balam Yasho dhairyam. ( Page 152 in the Prayer book)" and briefly touched on all the virtues/qualities the kids can attain by praying to Hanuman. We will delve into each of these qualities in more detail in the upcoming classes.
· We reviewed the concept of an 'Invisible backbone' and how important it is to have a strong invisible backbone. By relating to the physical backbone and how it helps vertebrates stand straight, we helped kids understand that an invisible backbone helps us stand for what we believe in and do only what is right. The 8 virtues described in the Dhyana shloka serve as vitamins to build a healthy and strong 'Invisible;' backbone.
· Through an interesting story 'Empty Pot' , the kids learned how a strong invisible backbone helped an honest young boy to win the king 's heart and eventually become the king himself.
· Finally, through a practical illustration using a thread and ruler, kids themselves declared that a ruler has a strong backbone that let it stay as is without wavering away. We ended the topic by reinforcing the fact " With a strong invisible backbone like a ruler, one can rule the world"
· We then started talking in detail about 'Budhi' ( Intellect/intelligence), the first virtue described in the shlokam. . We went over couple of stories that helped kids understand how one can use intellect to get out of trouble or handle a tough situation.
o Budhi is a special gift from God to humans that can help them discriminate between good and bad
o By narrating one of the famous Akbar and Birbal stories, we discussed how Birbal got himself out of trouble using his budhi/intelligence
o we also recollected couple of Hanuman stories where Hanuman ji saved himself from the Demon Susara and how he saved Lakshmana's life by getting the whole mountain for the Sanjeevii medicine.
· We wrapped up the discussion by comprehending what we learned from the stories and how we use our 'budhi' to differentiate between right and wrong taking some d2d examples such as homework, brusing in the night etc. This helped the kids relate the concept well to their daily routine.
We will be covering the 1st chapter of the Bhagavad-Gita this year. In the last class, Kids were shown a video that focused on pronunciation of common Sanskrit sounds. We practiced the pronunciation for few minutes. Here's the link to the Youtube video that helps kids work on pronunciation. Please use this video to work with kids at home as well.
On the occasion of Navaratri's, we will performing Saraswathi puja in this coming Friday's class. All the kids will participate in the puja by assembling in the main prayer hall at 8:00 pm. So, we will have a short class.
Regards,
Mythili and Madhuri
