Hari Om!
Wishing you all a very happy Diwali!
We started our class talking about Diwali and how we celebrate it. We talked about two stories of why we celebrate this festival of lights – The story of Lord Rama returning to Ayodhya after 14 years in exile which happened in Treta yuga and the story of Lord Krishna killing daemon Narakasura in Dwapara yuga. In this context we learnt about the 4 yugas and the relation between yugas in terms of years. Dwapara Yuga is twice as much as Kali Yuga(432,000 years), Treta is thrice and Satya is four times. Kids calculated enthusiastically!!
Kids learnt a story about King Parikshit and Kali. Kali being cruel and mean was chopping the legs of a bull( personification of Dharma). Parikshit stops Kali and banishes him from the Kingdom. Kali asks for forgiveness and seeks places to reside. Parikshit allows kali to be where people drink( alcohol), smoke, gamble, are cruel & where people seek wealth that doesn't belong to them. The class learnt that the four legs of the bull are symbols of Austerity, Purity, Kindness & Truthfulness; the qualities of people. It would be great if you can discuss with you child about how qualities like Austerity, Purity, Kindness & Truthfulness changed from Satya Yuga to Kali yuga( in terms of %). After a strong discussion, the class opined that if we adhere 100% to Austerity, Purity, Kindness & Truthfulness both in action and thoughts we can bring Satya yuga in Kali yuga.
Kids enjoyed both naama Japa & Likhita Japa. This helps them concentrate & develop good thoughts.
Kids re-learnt sloka 6 & 7 in Guru stotram and practiced chanting until 7th sloka.
Swamiji's Geeta chanting video started this week. This video has 2 Slokas per week. Please check the link and help kids practice these slokas.
Nov 3rd is Picture day!! Please dress kids in Indian attire. The photos will be part of Surabhi magazine/handbook.
Surabhi, our annual fundraiser, is on November 15th. Please find more details at http://www.chinmayavrindavan.org/surabhi/
Looking forward to seeing the kids in Indian attire next week!
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions.
Thank you
śrī kṛṣṇārpaṇamastu
Venu Avva
Vasavi Mukkamala
