Hari Om! Parents,
Wishing all Grade 1 families a blessed and happy Diwali!
We started the class with deep breathing, Om chanting and opening prayers. Next we chanted Sri Rama Rama Rameti and Ramaaya Ramabadraya shlokas followed by daily prayers. After Karaagre vasate, Samudra Vasane devi shlokas the class learnt a new "Gangecha Yamune chaiyva" prayer ( My Prayers book pg.11) We discussed how there are important and holy rivers in India and we chant their names while taking our bath. The children need regular practice with these shlokas so they can memorise them faster. Please encourage them to chant everyday. Grade 1 is memorizing Verses 1-16 of the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 1 this year. We review 2 shlokas every class with our Swamiji and children must practice those at home. Here is the link for your reference: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVaQ1AsTFVEK4MvW4zOX3dd7ct-7nFwWC
The Ramayana story is progressing from Bala Kanda to Ayodhya Kanda. Storytime started with a quick review and the children remembered names of most of the characters in the story so far! The newly weds arrive back in Ayodhya and are given a special welcome by everyone. King Dasharatha called his ministers and announced that he wanted to crown Prince Rama the heir to his throne. They all agreed it was the best decision and Sage Vasishta proposed the coronation to take place the very next day. Lord Rama was given the good news, which he received calmly with equanimity. The entire Ayodhya began preparations for the coronation. Queen Kaikeyi had a hunchback maid named Manthara. The evil woman, on hearing the news of Rama's coronation, immediately started poisoning the queen's mind. Kaikeyi, who initially received the news with happiness, soon became jealous of Kausalya and Rama. Manthara advised Kaikeyi to ask King Dasharatha for the boons that he had promised in the past. When the king came to Kaikeyi's palace, he found her crying and in distress. Dasharatha pacified her by saying he will do anything to make her happy again. Immediatlely, Kaikeyi reminded the king of his boons,and asked Bharata to be crowned the king. Next she asked Rama to be exiled to the Dandaka forest for 14 years. The helpless King Dasharatha, bound by his word, reluctantly agreed. Lord Rama was summoned and received the news just as calmy as before. He promised Queen Kaikeyi that he would help his father keep his word and leave to the forest immediately. King Dasharatha hearing this falls down with a broken heart. Lord Rama bows down to take their blessings and prepares to leave Ayodhya.
The children did the coloring activity and have completed Lesson 8 in the Coloring Book. They also got stickers for their "Selfies with Lord Rama" drawings. All Balavihar classes assembled outside for a fun Diwali fireworks celebration!
Here are a few important dates for you to mark your calenders:
*November 1st is Class Picture Day, please send your child in an Indian dress.
*November 15th is Chinmaya Surabhi, get your tickets soon!
*November 16th is Grade 1 Annadanam Seva for the OZNAM shelter. The sign up sheet will be shared on our class WhatsApp group.
Jai Shri Ram!
- Rashmi and Uma
