Hari Om!
Dear Parents,
Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, May 8, 2020.
Opening prayers:
Om Sahana Vavatu
Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH
Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH
Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH
Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)
Next eBalavihar class: 5/15/20
May 8th, being the 104th birth anniversary of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda ji, we had dedicated the class to discuss about the significance of a Guru in our lives. And later, followed the Facebook live telecast of Guru Paduka Pooja at the temple. At the end of it there was also a presentation of a video montage of Chinmaya families chanting the 108 names of Pujya Gurudev and, beautiful Arthi sung by Balavihar students.
Summary: We spoke about the Life History and teachings of Pujya Gurudev. About how he always had revolutionary ideas, how he was an atheist, a freedom fighter and through reasoning and realization, studied spirituality from his Gurus and became enlightened. Not only did he get enlightened but also shared his knowledge with all seekers in the most easily understandable way. He had a great vision and started the Chinmaya Mission for posterity and using English as one language of instruction across all centers continue to make it a really unique and satisfying experience.
We explained the meaning of our starting prayer 'Sahanavavatu...' .and what a significant role it plays in the learning process for both the guru and the shish. This prayer is called the 'Shanthi Paath' which means 'peace invocation' and is taken from the Yajurved. This prayer is made by both the teacher and the students. We told the word by word and how it describes the importance of the Guru and how we pray to the Almighty to keep the relationship between the Guru and the student strong and full of mutual respect.
Sahanavavatu - May God protect both of us (teacher and student) together
Sahanaubhunaktu - May God nourish us both together, nourish the student's eagerness to learn, the devotion to the Guru and the teacher's enthusiasm to teach. May we be blessed with the noble values to teach and learn. May we enjoy the result of the learning thus obtained.
Sahaveeryam Karavaavahai - May we both put forth our best effort; the teacher to have the compassion and enthusiasm to teach ; the student have the eagerness to learn. Just as dry wood would catch the fire , student should grasp the fire of knowledge and burn their ignorance.
tejaswinavadheetamastu- The knowledge we thus gain should be brilliant, that is resplendent in these 3 aspects
Reception - Absorb what is being taught
Retention - Be able to retain the knowledge
Recollection - Recollect it when needed. The knowledge gained should not be 'Pustakasthaa vidyaam' (knowledge in a book). A student should not need to refer to a book or google. It should eb readily available to apply.
maavidvidhaavahai- May we not dislike each other. May we not feel prejudiced or biased.
Shanthi Shanthi Shanthi - Peace Peace Peace. Its repeated three times to eliminate the three kinds of distractions or obstacles.
1. Aadi bhautik - obstacles from the Physical things around us
2. aadi dhaivik - obstacles from what is not seen.
3. adhyaatmik - obstacles coming from our own self, body, mind , say lack of faith.
Here we pray that 'May there be not such obstacles. And even if there are, may our minds be calm'
Such calmness can be there only if the student has faith - faith in God, teacher and one's own self.Let there be peace around us.
We will meet again in the next class! Until then please stay safe and be well!
Pranaam,
Shanthi and Anandhi
