Hari Om Parents!
Please find the summary of the last Friday's class (9/27).
Ps: Here's the link to join the class WhatsApp group . If you haven't already joined, please do so.
Topics covered in the last class: Introduction to the Japa mala, how and why it is used, Review of the second virtue from Dhyana Shloka " Budhir Balam" and chanting of 1st two shlokas of Hanuman Chalisa.
After the initial prayers, we did the 'Rama nama japa' and also chanted the dhyana shloka "Bhudhir balam Yasho dhairyam" several times during the memory time ( Page 152 in the Prayer book). Please encourage your child to memorize this Dhayana shloka soon.
· We did a quick review on what was covered in the last class by revising the topic of invisible backbone and the importance of having a healthy invisible backbone. We also talked about Budhi and how we should use this special gift if God in our daily lives.
· We then talked about 'Japa Mala' – What is it, its' importance, How to use it and why we use it
o Japa mala is a string of beads used for Japa (consists of 108 beads) that brings us closer to God by purifying us and removing our fears
o Japa trains the mind to a single line of thinking and helps keep the mind focused and achieve concentration
· In the next couple of classes, all the kids will be provided a Japa mala with 27 beads and they will use it in every class for 'Rama' nama japa during the quiet time.
The next topic we discussed was about the second vitrtue from the Dhayana Shloka: 'Balam' ( Strength)
· There are two different type of Strengths - Physical & Mental Strength
o Mental strength is the power we use to do noble actions resulting in a noble character.
o Physical strength is obtained by eating , exercising and resting well.
· One becomes mentally strong by cultivating beautiful qualities such as helping, wanting to share and praying. We shared some examples to demonstrate the importance of mental strength –one good example that resonated with everyone was 'Ravana' and the rakshasas who were physical very strong were easily defeated as they lacked mental strength.
· Story telling: Kids learned two stories related to mental strength
o How Bhima who was blinded by the arrogance of his own strength could not move an old Monkey's tail ( Hanumanji in disguise). He temporarily became mentally weak.
o How Gandhiji refused to copy in an exam although his teacher signaled him to cheat. We emphasized Gandhiji's mental strength and how he always lived by the virtues
We ended the class early to allow all the Balavihar students perform Samuhika Saraswathi puja. Lead by our temple priest, all the kids participated in the divine event.
Here's the link to the Youtube playlist that will have the 1st Chapter presentation of Bhagavad-Gita. New videos will be uploaded as we cover the shlokams every week.
Regards,
Mythili and Madhuri
