Here is what we covered on Sunday Nov 17th, 2019
As always, we started the class with OM chanting and Sahanavavatu. We talked about different kinds of meditation – mantra based, prana and visualization (using nilambuj shyamal komalangam dhyana shloka). We talked about how a thought that is lighter than a feather can weigh heavier than a mountain. How Rama Nama is manoram – pleasing/delightful to the troubled mind.
With the My Prayers book in hand – students recited Sri Rama Dhyana shloka (My Prayers - Green book Page No: 129-1,2) that we had covered in previous classes. Next, we then started with the first part of Nama-Ramayanam bhajan that covers the entire Ramayana in 108 verses. We will continue with rest of the bhajan over the upcoming classes.
Next, Ragav quizzed the students on the Ramyanam topics we have covered so far in the class. Students are separated into three groups, and write down the answers as a group after discussing it amongst themselves. After the quiz - he covered Rama returning back with Sita, and performed his duties as Crown Prince. Everyone was very happy and we covered the qualities and personality of Rama that made revered. King Dasharatha was preparing for the make Rama the King, everyone including was going to live happily ever after, but ….
We talked about some of the arguments Manthra made to Kaikeyi to convince her to ask for boons to send Rama to forest and crown Bharata as the king. We talked about how evil people can corrupt good people, and about being conscious of such evil influences.
At 10:30 AM Gita Chanting video Chapter 1 verses 5-6 recorded by Swamiji. This recording is available online at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C_PQAN9StE&list=PLVaQ1AsTFVEK4MvW4zOX3dd7ct-7nFwWC&index=3&t=8s
And the we left to the main hall for aarti & pledge. Going forward we will leave the bags in the class and go to assembly just with the handbook.
