Hari OM Parents,
Update from prior weeks is now posted in Parent's Portal: https://cmnjparentportal19-20.blogspot.com/, Here is what we covered on Sunday Feb 16th, 2020.
We started the class with OM chanting and Sahanavavatu. We then chanted Sri Rama Dhyana shloka (My Prayers - Green book Page No: 135) until Aranya Kanda that we have covered so far in the class. Then we did a review of topics covered in the previous week, including:
- A B C of success
- Hard Work
- Smart Work (Knowledge & Understanding)
- Sense of Humor & Prasad Buddhi
- B M I - Body, Mind & Intellect
- Law of Karma & Vasanas
Then we talked about qualities Rama & Ravana represent, and how those qualities can be found even within us! We continued with Vibhishana Gita and covered what Rama explains Chariot's Wheels & Flag represent:
- The Wheels
- Sauraja - Valor, Courage
- Dhiraja - Fortitude, Patience
- The Flag
- Satya - Truthfulness
- Sila - Good Character
We also covered many stories to reinforce the concepts, including:
- Cherokee Indian Youth Rite of Passage (Sauraja)
- Robber Ratnakar who became Valmiki (Dhiraja)
Next week we will continue with more stories on Satya & Sila.
Ragav then went through the questions that students were asked to prepare for the class. Many students enthusiastically presented the notes that they had prepared! We then started on Kishkinda Kanda and introduced Hanuman, Sugreeva, Vali, Tara, etc.
At 10:30 AM we listened to Gita Chanting by Swamiji. We then we went to main temple for Aarti & Pledge.
Tomorrow is Spirit Day! In keeping with our theme of 'Daanam/Giving' this year all children will be doing cool crafts which will then be donated. Please come and check out what they make. Students do not need to bring Balavihar bags. Language class bags can be left in the car until needed. Our house Bajrangi's Bolts color is Yellow, Please have the children dressed in house color. Additionally, we need parent volunteers to assist with the many games / puzzles we have have planned for the day.
Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. Regards,
Shrinivas
