Hari Om! Parents,
Thank you to those of you who donated towards Seva Diwali! There is one more opportunity for Annadanam on November 16th, please sign up using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044fa4a72aa1fa7-balavihar1
Our class began with deep, relaxing breathing and Om chanting. After opening prayers,Sri Rama Rama Rameti, Ramaya Ramabhadraya the class learnt "Nilambuja Shyamala Komalangam" shloka. Next we chanted the Daily Prayers and the children learnt "Saraswati Namastubhyam" prayer. We discussed how we need Goddess Saraswati to bless us before going to school, so we can learn good things. The children learnt to chant 2 verses of Baghavad Gita, chapter 1,with our Swamiji. They have all promised to practice everyday, please remind them to do so. We took a small break for the class picture, and after returning played a game called "Rama Naama can be fun"!
Story time began with a quick recap of the Ramayana story. Lord Rama has accepted Queen Kaikeyi's demands and promised to keep his father's word. Lakshmana is furious, but Rama calms him down. Lakshmana decides to go with Lord Rama to the forest. Next Lord Rama bids farewell to Queen Kausalya and Queen Sumitra. When Sita hears the news she immediately decides to accompany Lord Rama. He tries to convince her to stay back by telling her of all the hardships of living in a forest. Sita does not change her mind and Lord Rama reluctantly agrees to take her along. We discussed how Lord Rama reacted to both good and bad news in a calm manner, and did not get angry or sad. We also spoke about the loyalty of Sita and Lakshmana. A chariot is prepared and the three of them leave Ayodhya. Soon they come to the River Ganga. There they meet a boatsman named Guha, who is a great devotee of Lord Rama. After resting for the night, Guha takes them across the river. Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana walk into the Dandaka forest to begin their fourteen years of exile. The class did the coloring activity up to Lesson 10. We ended class with "Khate bhi Rama kaho" action bhajan.
Jai Shri Ram!
- Rashmi and Uma
