Sept 22, 2019
Following is summary of Balavihar session on Sep 22, 2019 - Grade 9 (Sunday PM)
We started with Om chanting and invocation prayers. A new vedic sloka was introduced today - "Om bhadram Karnebhih…". This will be recited and practiced in upcoming classes. A photocopy of the shloka, english transliteration and english translation has been given to the attendees.
We will be doing another set of verses from Rudram - "Namaste Astu Bhagavan…." and Siva Manas puja in upcoming classes.
We started discussing the upcoming festivities of Nav Raatri. Activities done at home in families were discussed Garbha and Golu's. The creation of mother goddess from the combination of powerful forces of Brahma, Vishnu and Maheswara. Then the goddess kills Mahishasura.[1] This symbolises the destruction of evil forces from the world.
We also talked about 2 great festivals that come in the nights - Nav Raatri and Siva Raatri. [2]
The 9 nights, in sets of 3 nights, are dedicated to Goddess Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati respectively. They represent Power, Prosperity and Wisdom. So, these nights are one of the most auspicious nights in hindu culture.
Selected Questions:
[1] - If there is a way to destroy the evil from the world then why kill an asura. Does that not amount to murder? Teacher explained different views on what scriptures represent. There have been instances where avataars come to restore balance.
The teachers also talked about the translation of sanskrit words directly into english carry an incorrect connotation.
[2] If someone is older than us by just a few months, do we still have to respect them?
Class was introduced to a new teacher - Partha Turaga. Partha has been associated with Chinmaya Brindavan for about 4 years now through Adult classes under Manikandan Ji.. Apart from an obvious interest in Indian culture & philosophy, he likes movies, math & sciency fun stuff.
We are looking to connect to the children and the best way to provide value to them. We have created a whatsapp group for better communication for this class. Students and Parents please join through - https://chat.whatsapp.com/IffD7cSRC4q0ETcAGFBRU6.
Regards,
Maneesha.
Maneesha.
