Hari Om! Parents,
The class began with deep breathing and Om chanting, followed by opening prayers and the three Sri Rama shlokas. The class chanted all of the daily prayers (My Prayers Book pg.11). We chanted the first three and last verse of the Guru Stotram next. We also continued learning two more verses from Chapter 1 of the Bhagavad Gita from our Swamiji. This is the link for your reference: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVaQ1AsTFVEK4MvW4zOX3dd7ct-7nFwWC. More details about Gita Chanting Yagna is in the Balavihar Handbook.
The children shared a quick recap of the Ramayana story. Following the advice of Kabandha, Lord Rama and Lakshmana follow the river Pampa and reach the ashram of Sage Matanga. They are welcomed by an old tapasvini, Shabari, who was Rishi Matanga's disciple. Shabari has been patiently waiting several years for the arrival of Lord Rama. Everyday she would clean the ashram and collect berries for Lord Rama. Shabari would taste the fruit and only pick the sweetest ones. Upon Lord Rama's arrival, Shabari offers him these bitten fruit. Lakshmana refuses to eat them, but Lord Rama enjoys them. We spoke about how Bhagawan only sees the love and devotion in Shabari's action. Refreshed after their rest, Lord Rama and Lakshmana left Shabari and continued towards Rishyamukha Hill. This concludes the Aranya Kanda and next the Kishkindha Kanda begins. As the brothers approach Rishyamukha Hill they are seen by Sugreeva and his faithful followers. Growing suspicious that they were spies, Sugreeva sends his wise minister Hanuman to find out their purpose. Hanuman disguises himself as a brahmin and approaches the brothers. He offers his pranams to them and asks them what they were doing in the forest. Lord Rama introduces himself and explains the sad circumstances that had them looking for King Sugreeva. Upon hearing Lord Rama's name, Hanuman immediately regains his vaanara form. Delighted at seeing Bhagawan, Hanuman gave them all the information about himself. Lord Rama noticed that inspite of being a vaanara, Hanuman had an eloquence and bearing of a wise man. Hanuman placed the brothers on both his shoulders and brought them before King Sugreeva. On learning that they were the royal sons of King Dasharata, Sugreeva warmly welcomed them. This was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.
The class watched a short YouTube video about "The Story of Hanuman". We also spoke about all the powers he was blessed with as a child. Due to his disrespectful behavior towards a rishi, Hanuman was cursed to forget his powers. We have to wait until he is reminded by an important person at a crucial moment later in the story. Here is the video link for those children who missed the class: https://youtu.be/w7PkJUGUkjM. The children also did the coloring activity in their Ramayana coloring book. There is a section at the back of the coloring book for likhita japa that your child can do at home. Class was dismissed early to watch the Grade 7 stage performance.
Jai Sri Ram!
- Rashmi and Uma
