Hari Om Parents,
Following was discussed in the Balavihar class on Feb 2 :
1. After initial prayers we chanted all verses of Bhagavad Gita Dhyana sloka.
2. Swamiji has completed 25 verses of Bhagavad Gita chanting – please have your children practice at home.
3. We also practiced first two shlokas of Tapovan Shatakam.
4. Continuing the class .. so our ultimate goal is liberation or moksha. For this our scriptures give the roadmap. While driving we used to use AAA maps etc to guide us in the past; but our children are used to GPS systems to guide – but if the GPS is not programmed properly even it will lead us the wrong way. For our journey in life our scriptures are our GPS system; they are time tested and proven to be accurate by many Masters who have followed these teachings to reach the final goal of 'moksha.'
5. Three principles upon which Hindu culture is built is:
a. Brahmacarya – control of sense organs
b. Ahimsa – non-injury
c. Satyam – courage of conviction
6. When these 3 principles are followed - at individual, society or national level – those societies prosper; people living in them are happier. These principles can broadly form our 'roadmap' to reach our ultimate goal. More importantly when one follows these principles it only ensures spiritual success but material success is also guaranteed.
7. These three disciplines are for our three instruments:
a. For body – brahmacarya
b. For mind – ahimsa
c. For intellect – satyam
8. Desires causes thoughts, thoughts leads to actions, actions become habits, habits become character and character determines our destiny.
9. In order to follow these disciplines we need to change our habits. HABITS are very difficult to change – if you work on it A BIT remains; more work BIT remains; more work IT still remains…
10. Not to despair - we humans are endowed with amazing mental strength. Mind is very strong instrument and if used appropriately can help us overcome our weaknesses and detrimental habits. So no more delay – 'Now' is the time to act and change for the better.
11. We need to conserve our energies and not let them get dissipated through sense organs. This attitude of intelligent contact with world outside is called brahmacarya.
12. It does not mean total self-denial, but means living in self-control. Overindulgence is a big problem especially here in the western world – too much TV, too much 'good' food, too many comforts … results are there for everyone to see. No wonder obesity is one of the major health issues facing US.
13. Students when they control themselves apply to their school work or other activities .., with confidence in themselves success will surely follow them – several examples were discussed to drive home this point.
14. When we practice intelligent self-control we conserve our energies which can then be applied in more productive fields – we discussed how athletes, scientists, artists… - all achieve great things with lot of hard work and dedication and none of these is possible without self-control.
15. We had good discussion about the fact that happiness lies within us and not in the world/objects outside – when this fact very clear in our understanding, self-control becomes easier. Objects and persons can give passing and fleeting pleasures but not permanent happiness.
16. Individual's life is divided into four stages by our scriptures, this intelligent way of living facilitated all round material and spiritual growth of individual and society.
a. Brahmacarya – student's life (0-25 years)
b. Grihastha – householder's life (26 – 50 years)
c. Vanaprastha – retired and contemplative life (51 – 75 years)
d. Sannyasa – monastic life (76 – 100 years)
17. Yaksha Prasnas:
a. What does a person who speaks only sweet words get? – is dear to all.
b. What is gained by one who thinks before acting? – gains more success.
c. What is gained by one who makes many friends? – lives happily.
d. What is gained by one who lives by dharma? – gains better life (sadgati).
Finally Aarathi was done by Grade 8 students this week - they did a great job, a shout out to Avani who lead them in the chanting.
Pranam,
Mekhala Girish
Devender Akula
(8th Grade Balavihar teachers)
