Here is what we covered as of Sunday Feb 2nd, 2019.
We started the class with OM chanting and Sahanavavatu. We then chanted Sri Rama Dhyana shloka (My Prayers - Green book Page No: 129-1,2) that we had covered in previous classes.
Starting in Jan 2020 we are studying: Vibhishana Gita (Keys to Success). The curriculum teaches children how to achieve success in the world by living a life that is rich in values. Emphasis is on the mind and how a disciplined mind achieves happiness and peace.
Previously, Ravana's brother Vibhishana having taken refuge in Rama - is worried about Rama's success in battle as Rama does not have chariot, armor and other ornaments of war. Rama shares with Vibhishana the secrets of success. He distinguished between "inner" vs "outer" preparation required for success.
At the last class, we talked about happiness as a subjective experience and how it can differ from one person to another. We asked the students to come prepared to class on the following questions: "What makes you happy?", "What would you consider as success?".
Today, the students came to the class and many of them shared with the class what made them happy, and what they consider as success in their life. However, some students were a shy to share with the whole class. We encourage parents to discuss these two questions with your child as these are important questions to consider for life success.
We then continued discussion on "Secrets of the success". We started with hard work, knowledge and self-care (sharpen the saw). Discussed stories of about fruit seller & wood cutter to emphasis the point. However, we did not have time to finish the topic as a lot of time was spend in class discussions. In the next class, we will continue discussing instruments of success: Five Senses, Body, Mind, and Intellect. And the right attitude for dealing with failures.
Next, Ragav quizzed the students on the Ramyanam topics we have covered so far in the class. Students are separated into three groups, and answered as a group after discussing it amongst themselves. After the quiz – Ragav continued with the story of Ravana kidnapping Sita. We talked how Maricha advised Ravana not to pursue Sita. Initially, Ravana agrees – however he is prodded by Surpanaka to go back. Class is keeping tab on number of times Ravana was given good advice that he ignored! Looking forward to the count going up as the story continues …
Students were asking why Sita did not throw the alms out to Ravana without crossing the Lakshmana Rekha 😊 We also discussed how original Valmiki version did not have this element but were added in the later versions: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmana_rekha.
At 10:30 AM we listened to Gita Chanting by Swamiji. And then we went to main temple for Aarti & pledge.
