Hari Om! Parents,
Class began with deep breathing and Om chanting, followed by the opening prayers and three Sri Rama shlokas. Next the class chanted the first three and the last verse of Guru Stotram (Balavihar Handbook pg. 24) and also the seven daily prayers. The children have now learnt all the Daily Prayers (My Prayers Book pg.11). Your child must practice all the shlokas regularly. We have also been learning two verses from Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita in every class from our Swamiji. This is the link for your reference: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVaQ1AsTFVEK4MvW4zOX3dd7ct-7nFwWC
After a quick recap, our Ramayana story continued with Aranya Kanda. It is springtime in Panchavati, the forest is lush and beautiful. Sita is collecting flowers for a garland when she sees a golden deer with silver spots. She is immediately fascinated and wants it for a pet. Sita pleads with Lord Rama to catch the golden deer. Lakshmana is suspicious and warns them that it could be a rakshasa in disguise. Lord Rama decides to go after the deer and asks Lakshmana to guard Sita well. The golden deer leads Lord Rama deeper and deeper into the forest. Finally, loosing his patience, Lord Rama shoots the deer. Much to his surprise the deer changes back into Mareecha and falls down. In a voice exactly like Lord Rama he cries out for help and perishes. Back in Panchavati, Sita and Lakshmana hear Lord Rama's cry for help. Sita is scared and pleads with Lakshmana to go and help Lord Rama. Lakshmana is reluctant to leave, but seeing Sita's misery he goes in search of his brother. Ravana disguises himself as a begging hermit, and approaches the ashram. When Sita brings him bhiksha, he grabs her and drags her into his aerial chariot. Jataayu hears Sita's cry for help and challenges Ravana. The brave warrior eagle attacks Ravana and his chariot. However, the old bird is no match and Ravana cuts off both his wings. Jatayu falls to the ground and Ravana flies away with Sita. When they reach Lanka, Sita is taken to Ashoka Vana where she is guarded by fierce rakshasis. Ravana tells Sita that she has one year's time to marry him or he would kill her. We discussed how Jataayu was a friend in need. We paused the story and played the "Zip, Zap" game with Ramayana characters. The children did the coloring activity in their books. We all sang the "Atma Nivasi Ram" bhajan and dispersed for aarti.
Jai Sri Ram!
- Rashmi and Uma
