Hari OM Parents,
These blog posts will be available at: https://cmnjparentportal19-20.blogspot.com/search/label/Gr%207%20-%20Sunday%20AM
We had our first online class on Sunday March 22nd, 2020 using zoom conference. We are glad so many of our students were able to join.
We started with the streaming of Nama Ramayanam (My Prayers - Green book Page No: 135) in the zoom meeting while we waited for students to join. After this 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) like had in previous classes.
We continued with Vibhishana Gita (Keys to Success) by reviewing the topics covered in the previous week: An odyssey of mind that uses the analogy of Chariot. Sri Rama used it to enlighten Vibhishana about inner preparation for the battle. We reviewed topics covered previously:
- Wheels representing Sauraja (Valor, Courage) & Dhiraja (Fortitude, Patience). Like the accelerator & brakes in a vehicle – one must use both prudently.
- Flag representing Satya (Truthfulness) & Sila (Good Character). We talked about Love & Trust. While Love is given, Trust is earned by our words & actions.
Next, we covered the horses representing Bala (Strength), Bibeka (Discrimination), Dama (Control of Senses) & Parahita (Caring for others).
- Bala is not Physical strength, but also Moral Strength & Strength that comes with flexibility. Even though Ravana was physically strong – he used Maricha to lure away Rama & Lakshmana before he carried away Sita. He lacked the moral character & strength. Water can cut deep canyons in mighty rocks, flexible plants survive hurricane force winds, while mighty trees fall. These are examples of flexible strength.
- Viveka represents the discrimination and clarity of thinking that tells us the difference between right & wrong, truth & falsehood, duty & leisure, etc.
We discussed couple of situations as group to see how discrimination can be used to determine a good way to deal with a tough situation. Couple of scenarios we discussed:
a) A friend in online class that is NOT contributing to a group project.
b) A neighbor daring you to CHEAT "Social Distancing" restrictions.
Students were good about some of the creative solutions. One said he would "bribe" his friend to contribute. Another said "put the fear of God" on the neighbor. We also talked about getting others friends / parents / teachers to make the friend understand consequences. Listening to the kids – I was reminded of Sama, Dana, Bheda, Danda upayas found in our ithihasa!
On Dama & Parahita:
- Dama is control, not suppression of senses. How the horses that draws the carriage need blinders to ensure that they are not distracted and looking ahead – we need to remove many of the distraction in order to focus on our duty. We talked about a story of a monkey that tried to fast by keeping the food close, but ended up eating everything! Sometimes we need to abstain from attractions in order to focus on our tasks.
- Parahita is caring for others. We talked about how "social distancing" is in itself done to protect other – primarily the elderly and those vulnerable due to their health issues.
Next, Ragav asked the "super challenging question" which is: what was Rama's justification for killing Vali? Do you agree with the justification? It led to many lively discussions. Some said Rama should have befriended Vali who would have immediately brought Sita back! Ragav had previously explained some of the justification Rama gave Vali after he shot Vali in the back (i.e. Rama as King of dynasty has to enforce dharma, Vali acted in inappropriate way, etc.).
We then proceeded to discuss Sundara Kanda - the story of Hanuman and his search for Sita. We started with the story of strong baby Hanuman reaching for the Sun mistaking it for a fruit. Seeing this Indra strikes him with the bolt. Hanuman's father Vayu (air) is very upset by this that he withdrew from earth. In order to calm him – Hanuman was restored and given several boons by Gods and Devas making his a powerful vanara.
After the story we listened to Gita Chapter 1 – verses 1 to 10 Chanting by Swamiji & the Aarti.
Hope to see everyone on Sunday March 29th 2020. Kindly remind the students about the following online class etiquette:
- Please sit in a quiet room with a clean background
- Light should fall on your face so that the teacher can see you clearly
- Speak clearly and slowly. Use a headset if possible
- Maintain classroom decorum - limit bathroom breaks and no eating in front of the computer
- Have Daily Prayers & Handbook handy
- Do not play with the computer or phone while in class.
- Keep chat conversation to topics discussed in class
