Harih Om Parents,
Following was discussed in the Balavihar class on Feb 9th, 2020. It was a slightly abbreviated class as we were called in to the main hall to watch the wonderful play performed by Grade 5 children based on the Mahabharata.
- Initial prayers.
- Swamiji has completed 28 verses of Bhagavad Gita chanting – please have your children practice at home.
- We also practiced first three slokas of Tapovan Shatakam.
- Brahmacharya, Ahimsa and Satyam are the three cornerstones upon which the foundation of Hinduism is built. Whenever these values are followed there will be peace and serenity within the individual, family and society. We have three instruments: Body, mind and intellect. The discipline of Brahmacharya is for the body, the discipline of Ahimsa for the mind and the discipline of Satyam for the Intellect.
- The discipline of Brahmacharya is for the body. An athlete training for the Olympics has to go through a strict regimen prescribed by his/her coach: healthy diet, adequate sleep, refraining from drinking smoking etc. An excesses lead to a weak body and hence a weak mind. And these excesses will prevent the athlete from having the absolute focus and concentration required for the level of excellence demanded in an Olympic sport. Similarly, our Rishis advise us to conserve our energy and not fritter it away on external temptations and situations. Brahmacharya is achieved by controlling our sense organs. When we live such that we are continually seeking gratification of sense organs, these demands will eventually consume us! Brahmacharya is the method of living with self control with regards to all our sense organs. But this does not mean that we should not enjoy what the world has to offer. Enjoy what the world has with restraint!
- Why Self-Control? – When human beings live with self-control it is a blessing to them and to society. When we lack self-control, we bring destruction and disaster to nature, to society, to family and to oneself. We can see that when nature is not in control (e.g. floods, forest fires etc.) it leaves considerable destruction in its path. If we are stuck in the attitude that that "my desires alone matter" we compromise in our values, morality, responsibilities and obligations. Self-control is even more important in modern times since we are constantly bombarded with so many enticements from all around – TV, radio, smart phones, social media – it is a wonder that we are able to live sanely! Desires never get satisfied. The more we indulge in our impulses, the more the longing for more material goods. Since the desired objects are limited, and desires are so many, not all desires will be fulfilled, leaving us frustrated and bitter. To make matters worse when we over indulge, we will feel fatigued. Instead of a sense of calmness and peace we will feel dissatisfied and sorrowful. We gave an example to the children that if playing video game is an activity they like and desire, they would notice that after several hours of playing instead of feeling rejuvenated one feels tired. Similarly, if we overindulge by eating our favorite foods all the time (chocolate cake, pizza, ice cream etc.) or we keep watching re-runs of our favorite serial on television for the best part of the day, instead of feeling happy, rejuvenated and calm, we can all admit we will feel tired and fatigued.
- Develop Self-Control: - Self Control is a learned behavior. Learning self-control is worth it. Longitudinal study done by scientists in young children has shown that children who display self-control at young age were far more successful and stable in their lives – emotionally, economically and intellectually. Everyone loves freedom, but freedom without disciple leads to chaos. One who submits to discipline is a disciple/student. Just as the process of getting a driver's license is a long process: attending Driver Ed. Classes, getting a decent score in the written exam, practicing driving with parents, making it through a Driver license exam etc. and finally getting the actual Driver's license. Just as getting a Driver's license is earned, similarly driving every day one has to be disciplined because it is not a right but a privilege. Or else, it will lead only to accidents and disasters. With freedom comes responsibility and one has to undergo adequate training in order to be disciplined.
Mark Twain said "Do something everyday that you don't want to do." This is golden rule for acquiring the habit of doing our duties without pain." Disciplining ourselves to do what is right in spite of our likes and dislikes will train us to follow our Dharma and do our duties without complaining. A simple thing like putting a school bag in its proper place instead of throwing it on the floor should be practiced. We have asked the students to keep a log for next week where they have practiced self-control and report to the class next week for discussion. - Result of self-control: The immediate result of having self control is that as a student you will be able to finish the tasks in a timely fashion, instead of falling behind. Because our mental energies are conserved we can channel them into more productive fields. At physical level one can lead healthy life and at a mental level we can experience some degree of calm and happiness. When self-control is combined with faith and devotion/dedication it does wonders for us. From a material standpoint, faith in ourselves and dedication towards our chosen goal will definitely lead to success and victory any chosen field. These are the two wings we need to soar higher in our pursuits. In trying to achieve our ultimate goal (moksha) faith and devotion is essential. Faith in ourself, in our scriptures and in our Guru; and devotion to God or Guru is a must.
- Yaksha Prashnas: Who is a Purusha? And Who is the wealthiest?
When a person does so many "punya karma" (good actions), his/her fame spreads from earth to the heavens and such person is defined as a Purusha. A person who does good actions, will have many persons who wish him/her well and so the fame of such a person will spread far and wide. Such a person alone is fit to be called a purusha or human being. A person who is not affected by pleasure or pain, happiness or sorrow, past or present is the wealthiest person.
Thank you!
Devender Akula and Mekhala Girish ( 8th Grade , Sunday A.M. Balavihar teachers)
