Parent Portal 2019-20: Gr 1

Showing posts with label Gr 1 - Sunday AM. Show all posts

Jun 7, 2020 - Gr 1 (Sunday AM)

Hari Om Parents,

The following is what we did during today's finale class.

Shlokas:

To change things up for our last class, we had the kids lead the shlokas that they had picked to record. Wow were they excited for that!

1. "Om Saha navavatu" (page 8 in My Prayers book) - Shriya

2. "Vakrathunda Mahakaya" (page 27 in My Prayers book) - Kartik

3. "Karegre vasate" (page 11 in My prayers book) - Aanvi R., Anvi & Rewa

4. "Akanda-mandalakaram" (page 61 in My Prayers book) - Sidd

5. "Ajnana-timirandhasya" (page 61 in My Prayers book) - Pranav

6. "Gururbrahma" (page 61 in My Prayers book) - Arpita & Shreyan

7. "Thvameva Maathacha" (page 62 in My Prayers book) - Aashni & Pranav

8. "Samudra vasane devi" (page 11 in My Prayers book) - Kaushik

9. "Saraswathi namasthubyam" (page 12 in My Prayers book) - Anuj, Snithik, Smitha & Kavya

10. "Subham karothi kalyanam" (page 12 in My Prayers book) - Vedya

11. "Karacharana krithamva" (page 12 in My Prayers book) - Vedika

12. "Bhramaarpanam bhrama havih" (page12 in My Prayers book) - Pranav

13. "Srirama Rama Ramethi" (page 129 in My Prayers book) - All together

14. "Manojavam Maaruta" (page 152 in My Prayers book) - Chinmaiyi

Activities:

Please have the kids make it a habit to chant the above shlokas every morning, (lighting the lamps / evening) after their bath/shower. This will help them learn, memorize as well as develop a lifelong habit of morning prayer and daily prayer.
We sang our Rama bhajan "Jaya Jaya Tulasi" (page 141 in My Prayers book) together today. The bhajan sounded great.
Thank you all again for sending in your child's or your children's recordings and photos!
We played the Concentration Game. After the chanting of 3 "Om's kids keep their eyes closed. They count the number of stones being dropped into a box during the quiet time. Later they give the count of the stones dropped. The game quiets the mind and improves concentration. I muted everyone so that the kids wouldn't have any potential distractions from each other. Several students got the count correct! The rest of them were very close. They all were visibly thrilled!
Please have the kids continue writing their Likitha Japa. Maybe have a notebook or a stack of papers in your pooja room, so the kids can write after their morning/evening prayers.
We all had a conversation about the Slideshow & Movie that they received. They were all happy to see their progress and to see them together chanting shlokas and singing the bhajan.
If you have not done so already, please take approximately 16 minutes to spend with your child to watch what we put together as a 1st grade remembrance video. It comprises of 4 segments

A photo slideshow that culminates in our dress up, altar set up and prasad pictures which is approximately 9min 23sec
Our 3 part recordings of My Prayers, Tulsi bhajan and Sri Rama Rama Ramethi is about 7min 10sec

Here is the Google Drive Link of our 1st grade Sunday A.M. remembrance video https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cNzwqHvwKzfQ7GQ5BEDr0_eipx1MYZLb/view?ts=5edbcd07
Please do share the above link with family and friends. We know that the kids were really excited about getting on stage, unfortunately that wasn't possible so we made you this modified year end celebration.
As our class continued today, we had each child share their favorite part of the BalaRamayana. It was so fun and exciting how the kids were able to choose different incidents and explain that part of the story. We were really happy that kids remembered those parts!
Today, instead of writing Likita Japa on paper, we all shared the whiteboard and worte Rama, Jai Sri Ram, Sri Rama Jeyam...in our preferred color or style so it felt like we were together!

Towards the end of class, we had the kids share their drawings/artwork/creative crafts or anything they wanted to share with the class. The kids were excited to do so. We are so proud to have had such a talented group of kids in our class this year.

It was a bittersweet moment when the kids started to say that they would miss us. But the fact of the matter is that they have successfully completed 1st Grade Bala Ramayana and have graduated today. Congratulations to the Class of 2020. We wish the kids the very best as they move on to Superman Hanuman in September. We hope that we will be bumping into all of you when things settle down and we are back at our Vrindavan ashram for Balavihar. Thank you for sharing your kids with us on Sundays. Have a wonderful Summer!

Please go to the link below to check out the pictures from this week's class

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOSwh_aQgtnmw47uNFPLybwYI-Y753e9SxrW57FdEI_U0mkXzEIUJojDKa6ecT81A?key=bmlZWlNPTnZieDF4Wk9BZjQ1eTQ3S05KTm51VHlR

Each week's update is maintained on Google docs, if for any reason you are unable to attend class on a certain Sunday, you are requested to check for weekly updates so that your child does not miss out. Below is the link

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zeus7FhUTvnCfUB7BxhnTYFr4lHq5R7mMh5HVwL_8_Q/edit?usp=sharing

Regards,

Keerthi Kobla and Dipti Chauhan

May 31, 2020 - Gr 1 (Sunday AM)

Hari Om Parents,

The following is what we did during today's class.

Shlokas:

1. "Om Saha navavatu" (page 8 in My Prayers book)

2. "Vakrathunda Mahakaya" (page 27 in My Prayers book)

3. "Karegre vasate" (page 11 in My prayers book)

4. "Akanda-mandalakaram" (page 61 in My Prayers book)

5. "Ajnana-timirandhasya" (page 61 in My Prayers book)

6. "Gururbrahma" (page 61 in My Prayers book)

7. "Thvameva Maathacha" (page 62 in My Prayers book)

8. "Samudra vasane devi" (page 11 in My Prayers book)

9. "Saraswathi namasthubyam" (page 12 in My Prayers book)

10. "Subham karothi kalyanam" (page 12 in My Prayers book)

11. "Karacharana krithamva" (page 12 in My Prayers book)

12. "Bhramaarpanam bhrama havih" (page12 in My Prayers book)

13. "Srirama Rama Ramethi" (page 129 in My Prayers book)

14. "Manojavam Maaruta" (page 152 in My Prayers book)

Activities:

Please have the kids make it a habit to chant the above shlokas every morning, (lighting the lamps / evening) after their bath/shower. This will help them learn, memorize as well as develop a lifelong habit of morning prayer and daily prayer.
We sang our Rama bhajan "Jaya Jaya Tulasi" (page 141 in My Prayers book) together today after we finished our Pattabhishekam part of our story. Most of the kids have gotten familiar with the bhajan and it's sounding great. Thank you all for sending in your child's or your children's recordings.
We played the Concentration Game. After the chanting of 3 "Om's kids keep their eyes closed. They count the number of stones being dropped into a box during the quiet time. Later they give the count of the stones dropped. The game quiets the mind and improves concentration. I muted everyone so that the kids wouldn't have any potential distractions from each other. Several students got the count correct! The rest of them were very close. They all were visibly thrilled!
We had our very successful "YEAR END CELEBRATION!" All the kids dressed up as either the character that they were assigned to prior to us beginning our distance learning or they had the choice of picking any character from the Balaramayana. Their smiling faces and excitement as they showed up for class said it ALL!
As a part of our year end celebration, families were asked to set up a small altar with a picture of Ram Parivaar or Ram Pattabhishekam. The kids were told to make or help their parents make a simple prasad as an offering at the end of our story and virtual pooja. Apart from the fact that we were unable to physically be together, we all were still able to receive Lord Rama's blessings as we felt the presence of Lord Hanuman as we completed the tail end of our story together.
Once our short and simple pooja was complete, we all had prasad and shared our prasad virtually :)
We colored our LAST page in our Balaramayana coloring book towards the end of class. If you have some extra time at home, please have the kids complete their coloring pages. Please reiterate that the kids are recalling the story as they are coloring.
Please have the kids continue writing their Likitha Japa. You can send photos of them in to earn house points.

We began our story with a brief recap of where we were last week. It was really wonderful to watch the kids all very enthusiastically answering the questions! Their keen concentration to hear the end of the story was surprising and obviously noticeable! Our setting this class began in Lanka, where Rama has defeated Ravana, Vibhishana has been crowned as the new king of Lanka and finally after such a long duration of separation, Rama and Sita have been reunited! Rama's fourteen year exile to the forest is nearing its end. With four days left, Rama, Lakshmana, Sita, Hanuman, Sugriva and Vibhishana mount the Pushpaka Vimana and begin their journey up North. As their journey continued they could see flashbacks both good and bad as they flew over the Dhandaka forest. The whole class enthusiastically participated in recapping their favorite occurrences. It was delightful to watch how the kids were able to take a walk down memory lane. The passengers of the Pushpaka Vimana eventually reached Sage Bharadwaja's ashram and messengers were sent to inform Guha and Bharatha of their arrival.

Ayodhaya could not be more happy! At this point, Bharatha and Rama meet, and the outpouring of brotherly love was unmatched. Everyone was crying tears of joy. The four brothers seeked the blessings of their beloved Guru Vasishata who had been eagerly awaiting their arrival. The queens could not contain their happiness. Kausalya, Sumithra and Kaikeyi embraced, kissed and blessed their four princes. Bharatha immediately requests Rama to take back what was rightfully His from the beginning, namely His crown, His people, His kingdom and His throne. Everyone could see Rama's slippers sitting on the throne, as Bharatha took care of all of the responsibilities but never once thought of taking the throne for himself. Bharatha truly wanted to be relieved of his duties. It was heartwarming to watch the kids keenly listen to the story with their eyes wide open:)

Rama and Sita were ushered to their chambers to be dressed and prepped for the long awaited coronation ceremony. They had special Pattabhishekam attire ready for them. Sita was decked out in jewelry and was glowing beautifully like a queen after all the hardship she had encountered.

Rama and Sita were seated on the throne, Lakshmana stood a few paces away from Rama. Bharatha and Shatrughna stood holding the royal white umbrella behind Rama. Sugriva and Vibhishana were in charge of the fans that they held and gently waved, making sure that the Royal couple were comfortable. Vediac mantras were being chanted by priests. They were all blessed with holy water and flower petals. Fragrant incense sticks were burnt and the people of Ayodhya were overjoyed. Guru Vasishta had the honors of crowning RAMA as KING. Everyone's long awaited dream had finally become a reality. There were signs of joy everywhere. There was a cool breeze and the sweet smell of fragrant flowers drifted through the air. The talented musicians were playing joyful tunes. Sita was pleased by everything that was going on and was particularly grateful to Hanuman who was kneeling at Rama's feet. She took a pearl necklace and placed it around Hanuman's neck. Hanuman gracefully accepted it but clasped onto Lord Rama and Sita's feet making a humble request. He wanted forever love of Rama's feet and wanted his mind to never waver from them. He also asked that he may forever live on to hear the story of Lord Rama wherever and whenever it is sung with whole hearted love and devotion. Lord Rama smiled and blessed Hanuman. Everything was set right. All was well in the world. Rama and Sita live on in our hearts and the ever present Hanuman was watching over us as we completed our story of Balaramayana!

Please go to the link below to check out the pictures from this week's class

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOSwh_aQgtnmw47uNFPLybwYI-Y753e9SxrW57FdEI_U0mkXzEIUJojDKa6ecT81A?key=bmlZWlNPTnZieDF4Wk9BZjQ1eTQ3S05KTm51VHlR

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zeus7FhUTvnCfUB7BxhnTYFr4lHq5R7mMh5HVwL_8_Q/edit?usp=sharing

Regards,

Keerthi Kobla and Dipti Chauhan

May 17, 2020 - Gr 1 (Sunday AM)

Hari Om Parents,

The following is what we did during today's class.

Shlokas:

1. "Om Saha navavatu" (page 8 in My Prayers book)

2. "Vakrathunda Mahakaya" (page 27 in My Prayers book)

3. "Karegre vasate" (page 11 in My prayers book)

4. "Akanda-mandalakaram" (page 61 in My Prayers book)

5. "Ajnana-timirandhasya" (page 61 in My Prayers book)

6. "Gururbrahma" (page 61 in My Prayers book)

7. "Thvameva Maathacha" (page 62 in My Prayers book)

8. "Samudra vasane devi" (page 11 in My Prayers book)

9. "Saraswathi namasthubyam" (page 12 in My Prayers book)

10. "Subham karothi kalyanam" (page 12 in My Prayers book)

11. "Karacharana krithamva" (page 12 in My Prayers book)

12. "Bhramaarpanam bhrama havih" (page12 in My Prayers book)

13. "Srirama Rama Ramethi" (page 129 in My Prayers book)

14. "Manojavam Maaruta" (page 152 in My Prayers book)

Activities:

We have introduced the Dainikaprarthanah (means Daily Prayers) and 4 slokas from the Gurustoram. Please have the kids make it a habit to chant the above shlokas every morning, (lighting the lamps / evening) after their bath/shower. This will help them learn, memorize as well as develop a lifelong habit of morning prayer and daily prayer.
We sang our Rama bhajan "Jaya Jaya Tulasi" (page 141 in My Prayers book) together today. Most of the kids have gotten familiar with the bhajan and it's sounding great.
We played the Concentration Game. After the chanting of 3 "Om's kids keep their eyes closed. They count the number of stones being dropped into a box during the quiet time. Later they give the count of the stones dropped. The game quiets the mind and improves concentration. I muted everyone so that the kids wouldn't have any potential distractions from each other. Several students got the count correct! The rest of them were very close. They all were visibly thrilled!
We did some coloring towards the end of class. If you have some extra time at home, please have the kids complete their coloring pages in their Bala Ramayana coloring books. Please stop on Lesson 37. Please reiterate that the kids are recalling the story as they are coloring.
Please have the kids continue writing their Likitha Japa. You can send photos of them in to earn house points.
We had a mini discussion regarding how many instances can we recall from our story where someone had to agree to follow instructions given to them even though they were hesitant to do what was asked of them. The kids did an amazing job! They came up with Dasharatha, Bharatha, Lakshmana (Golden Deer), Maaricha (Golden Deer), Kumbakarna (when asked to fight Rama), Hanuman (when Sita tells him not to harm the rakshasis who were guarding Her), Lakshmana (when Sita asks him to kindle a fire for Her).
The kids are all very excited about getting set for our year end celebration!

We began our story with a brief recap of where we were last week. It was really awesome to watch the kids who were all very enthusiastic about giving answers! With Ravana defeated, Rama entrusted Hanuman to deliver the news of their victory to Sita. Hanuman approached the Ashoka vana, glancing around at the rakshasis that were guarding Sita. As soon as he saw Sita, he immediately bowed before Her and got Her blessings. On hearing the news of their victory, Sita was flushed with a sense of immense happiness. She shed some tears of joy and immediately wanted to be in the presence of Rama. Hanuman told Her that she was to be decked up and to arrive to see Rama looking like a queen. She agreed to do so.

In the meanwhile, Hanuman wanted to take down all the rakshasis that were keeping guard of Sita. They began to tremble with fear. Sita immediately intervened by saying that it was not their fault that they were guarding Her. They were just following their king's orders. Sita did not want them hurt and requested mercy. That showed how noble She was. Hanuman humbly agreed.

Sita bathed and dressed up. She had signs of immense suffering in her eyes but she looked like she had matured gracefully from a young princess to a queen. She was carried to the battlefield in a palanquin. As She slowly got out, She had tears in Her eyes as She envisioned her "Aryaputra" for the first time in a year. Everyone was anxious to see the person that they had risked their lives to rescue. To everyone's shock, Rama made no attempt to approach Sita to embrace or console her. He stood there still, cold and unmoved by Her presence! Hei justifies Himself by saying that He has fulfilled His duty of a Kshatriya, by taking Ravana down. He says that Sita is now free to go wherever She may please. He then says that She has been away from Him for way too long and that was not right. Lakshmana is truly appalled by what he was witnessing. The rest of them who were there in their presence and the Lords witnessing from above were all awestruck. Sita was furious beyond words. She immediately called Him out for His un-kshatriya-like reaction. She said if He thinks that He's the proud son of Dasharatha, She reminded Him that She's the daughter of the wise Janaka. Sita felt so insulted that she demanded Lakshmana to collect wood to kindle a fire.

Lakshmana still could not believe his ears! He takes one more look at Rama's emotionless and stern face, then heads out to fulfill Sita's demand. He prepares and kindles the fire, Sita paced around Rama three times and She still sticks with Her claim that She only had Rama on Her mind during the entire duration of their separation. She prays to Lord Agni and enters the fire. Everyone watched with their jaws hanging and feared for what would happen next! Sita remained cool and untouched by the flames. Lord Agni emerged from the fire and put Sita's hand in Rama's and testified to Her purity. Rama lovingly accepted Her. Brahma and the other devas showered their blessings as everyone on the battlefield witnessed Lord Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi hand in hand in front of them. We paused our story here.

Please go to the link below to check out the pictures from this week's class

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOSwh_aQgtnmw47uNFPLybwYI-Y753e9SxrW57FdEI_U0mkXzEIUJojDKa6ecT81A?key=bmlZWlNPTnZieDF4Wk9BZjQ1eTQ3S05KTm51VHlR

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zeus7FhUTvnCfUB7BxhnTYFr4lHq5R7mMh5HVwL_8_Q/edit?usp=sharing

Regards,

Keerthi Kobla and Dipti Chauhan

May 10, 2020 - Gr 1 (Sunday AM)

Hari Om Parents,
The following is what we did during today's class.
Shlokas:
1. "Om Saha navavatu" (page 8 in My Prayers book)
2. "Vakrathunda Mahakaya" (page 27 in My Prayers book)
3. "Karegre vasate" (page 11 in My prayers book)
4. "Akanda-mandalakaram" (page 61 in My Prayers book)
5. "Ajnana-timirandhasya" (page 61 in My Prayers book)
6. "Gururbrahma" (page 61 in My Prayers book)
7. "Thvameva Maathacha" (page 62 in My Prayers book)
8. "Samudra vasane devi" (page 11 in My Prayers book)
9. "Saraswathi namasthubyam" (page 12 in My Prayers book)
10. "Subham karothi kalyanam" (page 12 in My Prayers book)
11. "Karacharana krithamva" (page 12 in My Prayers book)
12. "Bhramaarpanam bhrama havih" (page12 in My Prayers book)
13. "Srirama Rama Ramethi" (page 129 in My Prayers book)
14. "Manojavam Maaruta" (page 152 in My Prayers book)

Activities:
1. We have introduced the Dainikaprarthanah (means Daily Prayers) and 4 slokas from the Gurustoram. Please have the kids make it a habit to chant the above shlokas every morning, (lighting the lamps / evening) after their bath/shower. This will help them learn, memorize as well as develop a lifelong habit of morning prayer and daily prayer.
2. We sang our Rama bhajan "Jaya Jaya Tulasi" (page 141 in My Prayers book) together today. Most of the kids have gotten familiar with the bhajan and it's sounding great.
3. We played the Concentration Game. After the chanting of 3 "Om's kids keep their eyes closed. They count the number of stones being dropped into a box during the quiet time. Later they give the count of the stones dropped. The game quiets the mind and improves concentration. I muted everyone so that the kids wouldn't have any potential distractions from each other. Several students got the count correct! The rest of them were very close. They all were visibly thrilled!
4. We did some coloring towards the end of class. If you have some extra time at home, please have the kids complete their coloring pages in their Bala Ramayana coloring books. Please stop on Lesson 36. Please reiterate that the kids are recalling the story as they are coloring.
5. Please have the kids continue writing their Likitha Japa. You can send photos of them in to earn house points.
6. We had a brief meeting with the parents after class to discuss our Year End Celebration.

We began today's story with a brief recap. Most of the kids were ready to jump in and answer questions. Lanka was in a very bad place with signs of war everywhere. Our setting started in Ravana's palace, where he was totally dejected, feeling shame, revenge and grief. He was slowly coming to a realization that he may have done something wrong. The stubborn nature of Ravana, even at this point prevents him from surrendering to Rama. He had made up his mind to go down fighting. He had a new divine chariot made for him, he loaded it up with all of his weapons. He dressed up in his best silk attire and adorned himself with jewellery made of gold and precious stones. All his ten heads were shining brilliantly. He knew in his end was near, but yet he put on a brave face and rode out towards the battlefield. The people of Lanka watched their king pass through the city and they were saddened as they too knew that it would be their last glimpse of their proud warrior.

Ravana terrorized the vanaras as he sped through the battlefield with his ten heads blazing. His intent was to fight Rama and anyone else in his way was taken down with immense power. In a similar fashion, Rama's arrows were tracking and taking down the rakshasas in every direction. Ravana's rage doubled when he encountered Vibhishana. Lakshmana tried to block Ravana only to be taken down. Hanuman immediately moved him off the battlefield and used the herbs that he had from the mountain to revive him. Then the duo who were equally matched faced each other. The waters stood still, the wind stopped and the sun became dark as signs of ill omens for Ravana. The devas and gandharvas watched, holding their breath and not even blinking.

Rama shot one divine astra after the other, injuring Ravana but was unable to take him down. Every time he shot an arrow and took off one of his heads, another one grew back! Ravana laughed hideously every time it happened! Rama was bewildered. Indra sensed Rama's distress and decided to send down a divine chariot along with Maatali, a charioteer. Both Rama and Ravana were wounded. Ravana could sense that his final hours were approaching. Maatali prompted Rama to use his divine astra that he had received from Sage Agastya. Rama aimed the divine arrow at Ravana's chest and released it. It flew like a hissing serpent and pierced Ravana's chest. That humongous and radiant figure came down with a thunderous bang that shook the earth and heavens. The vanaras celebrated and the remaining rakshasa's scattered away. The devas showered flowers from above. The sun began to shine, the trees swayed in the breeze, birds chirped and Mother Nature was happy. Lakshmana, Sugriva, Hanuman, Jambavan, Angadha and Vibhishana looked at Rama with a sense of love, joy and admiration!

Vibhishana looked at his brother's motionless body with sadness and pity. But he refused to perform his final rites. Rama was by his side to counsel him by saying, "Your Brother is My Brother Too"! He said that Ravana died a brave warrior, on hearing those words, Vibhishana agreed. Lanka was in a disastrous state. Vibhishana was crowned King. Mandodari was heartbroken and she had supported her dear husband's every move, though she had tried multiple times to change his mind, she decided to enter Ravana's funeral pyre. We paused our story here.

Please go to the link below to check out the pictures from this week's class

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOSwh_aQgtnmw47uNFPLybwYI-Y753e9SxrW57FdEI_U0mkXzEIUJojDKa6ecT81A?key=bmlZWlNPTnZieDF4Wk9BZjQ1eTQ3S05KTm51VHlR

Each week's update is maintained on Google docs, if for any reason you are unable to attend class on a certain Sunday, you are requested to check for weekly updates so that your child does not miss out. Below is the link
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zeus7FhUTvnCfUB7BxhnTYFr4lHq5R7mMh5HVwL_8_Q/edit?usp=sharing

Regards,
Keerthi Kobla and Dipti Chauhan

May 3, 2020 - Gr 1 (Sunday AM)

Hari Om Parents,

The following is what we did during today's class.

Shlokas:

1. "Om Saha navavatu" (page 8 in My Prayers book)

2. "Vakrathunda Mahakaya" (page 27 in My Prayers book)

3. "Karegre vasate" (page 11 in My prayers book)

4. "Akanda-mandalakaram" (page 61 in My Prayers book)

5. "Ajnana-timirandhasya" (page 61 in My Prayers book)

6. "Gururbrahma" (page 61 in My Prayers book)

7. "Thvameva Maathacha" (page 62 in My Prayers book)

8. "Samudra vasane devi" (page 11 in My Prayers book)

9. "Saraswathi namasthubyam" (page 12 in My Prayers book)

10. "Subham karothi kalyanam" (page 12 in My Prayers book)

11. "Karacharana krithamva" (page 12 in My Prayers book)

12. "Bhramaarpanam bhrama havih" (page12 in My Prayers book)

13. "Srirama Rama Ramethi" (page 129 in My Prayers book)

14. "Manojavam Maaruta" (page 152 in My Prayers book)

Activities:

We have introduced most of the Dainikaprarthanah (means Daily Prayers) and 4 slokas from the Gurustoram. Please have the kids make it a habit to chant the above shlokas every morning, (lighting the lamps / evening) after their bath/shower. This will help them learn, memorize as well as develop a lifelong habit of morning prayer and daily prayer.
We sang our Rama bhajan "Jaya Jaya Tulasi" (page 141 in My Prayers book) together today. Most of the kids have gotten familiar with the bhajan and its sounding great.
We played the Concentration Game. After the chanting of 3 "Om's kids keep their eyes closed. They count the number of stones being dropped into a box during the quiet time. Later they give the count of the stones dropped. The game quiets the mind and improves concentration. I muted everyone so that the kids wouldn't have any potential distractions from each other. Almost ALL of the students got the count correct! The rest of them were very close. They all were visibly thrilled!
We did some coloring towards the end of class. If you have some extra time at home, please have the kids complete their coloring pages in their Bala Ramayana coloring books. Please stop on Lesson 35. Please reiterate that the kids are recalling the story as they are coloring.
Please have the kids continue writing their Likitha Japa. You can send photos of them in to earn house points.

We began today's story with a brief recap. Most of the kids were ready to jump in and answer questions. Our setting started in Ravana's palace, where he was totally dejected. Indrajit approached his father for his blessings to head out to the battlefield. He had his uncle Kumbhakarna and his beloved brothers on his mind as he set out. He took down the vanaras that charged at him with no effort. He then immediately shot poisonous darts at Rama and Lakshmana. They immediately fell into a coma like unconsciousness. That was the unfortunate case of the rest of Sugriva's army as well. Seeing the success of the fallen enemies, Indrajit went to share his news of success with his father. Ravana was thrilled and praised his beloved son and called him the savior of Lanka.

On the battlefield, as everything seemed silent, Jambavan was able to slowly move and with all of his strength he called for Hanuman, asking if he was alive. Hanuman immediately came to his side. Jambavan then whispered specific directions to revive Rama and Lakshmana. He told Maruti to fly to the Himalayas, to locate the Kailasha and Rishaba mounts. He then described four herbs that could be found in between the two mounts. Hanuman departed instantly and located the hill but was unable to distinguish between all the herbs so he decided to take the whole mountain! He swiftly returned to Lanka. Rama, Lakshmana and the vanaras were revived. Rama immediately made a plan to sneak into the city during the night and to set everything on fire. All the rakshasas began to scream and run helter skelter in fear.

Ravana was able to hear the cries of his rakshasas and cheering of the vanaras. The infuriated king called upon Kumbha and Nikumbha, the sons of Kumbhakarna, to head out and take the enemies down. They strutted out and faced Sugriva and Hanuman. Even though they put up a good fight they were no match for the vanara king and Hanuman. As the news of their defeat reached Ravana's ears, he again called upon his beloved son Indrajit. The vanaras tossed trees and boulders at Indrajit, annoying him immensely. He lost his temper and reverted to what he knew best...black magic! He created a Maya Sita, put her in a chariot and killed her for everyone to see. He got an instant reaction. Rama was inconsolable as he dropped his bows and arrows. Lakshamana couldn't speak and the vanara army was speechless. Sorry was everywhere.

Vibhishana went to Rama and tried to console him by saying that there is no way that his nephew could have killed Sita. This is most likely an act of black magic as Indrajit was very well versed in that craft. He also said that Indrajit is probably trying to buy time as he may be performing an asuric sacrifice. His advice was to send Lakshmana to stop Indrajit immediately as if that sacrifice is completed, no one, not even Rama would be able to defeat him. Lakshmana, Hanuman and a group of vanaras set out to fight Indrajit. Lakshmana broke Indrajit's chariot, making him come down to fight on foot. The battle was intense. Lakshmana took out his powerful Indra astra, with that Indrajit's head was chopped off. It fell onto the battlefield with such a loud thud that Ravana knew instantly what the outcome was.

Highly infuriated and deeply saddened, Ravana was unable to control himself. He did not know what he was going to tell Mandodari. In a heated rage, Ravana stomped out of his palace towards the Ashokavana. He claimed that the Maya Sita was the reason why his Indrajit is dead, so he was going to kill the real Sita! One of Ravana's ministers blocked his way and FINALLY questioned his ethics! On hearing reason, Ravana sheathed his drawn sword and prepared himself to face Rama. We paused our story here.

Please go to the link below to check out the pictures from this week's class

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOSwh_aQgtnmw47uNFPLybwYI-Y753e9SxrW57FdEI_U0mkXzEIUJojDKa6ecT81A?key=bmlZWlNPTnZieDF4Wk9BZjQ1eTQ3S05KTm51VHlR

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zeus7FhUTvnCfUB7BxhnTYFr4lHq5R7mMh5HVwL_8_Q/edit?usp=sharing

Regards,

Keerthi Kobla and Dipti Chauhan

Apr 26, 2020 - Gr 1 (Sunday AM)

Hari Om Parents,

The following is what we did during today's class.

Shlokas:

1. "Om Saha navavatu" (page 8 in My Prayers book)

2. "Vakrathunda Mahakaya" (page 27 in My Prayers book)

3. "Karegre vasate" (page 11 in My prayers book)

4. "Akanda-mandalakaram" (page 61 in My Prayers book)

5. "Ajnana-timirandhasya" (page 61 in My Prayers book)

6. "Gururbrahma" (page 61 in My Prayers book)

7. "Thvameva Maathacha" (page 62 in My Prayers book)

8. "Samudra vasane devi" (page 11 in My Prayers book)

9. "Saraswathi namasthubyam" (page 12 in My Prayers book)

10. "Subham karothi kalyanam" (page 12 in My Prayers book)

11. "Karacharana krithamva" (page 12 in My Prayers book)

12. "Bhramaarpanam bhrama havih" (page12 in My Prayers book)

13. "Srirama Rama Ramethi" (page 129 in My Prayers book)

14. "Manojavam Maaruta" (page 152 in My Prayers book)

Due to some technical difficulties, our class was unfortunately cut a bit short. We rolled right into our story after a brief recap of where we were prior to Spring break. The kids were able to remember our story so far. Our setting was in Lanka on the battlefield.

Ravana decided to send his fierce warrior Dhumraaksha to defeat Hanuman on the western side. Unfortunately for the rakshasas, Hanuman was no match for them. With one swing of a humongous tree towards Dhumraaksha's head, he was slain. The extremely agitated rakshasa king then sent the huge and terrible looking Vajradamstra to the southern side to take on Angadha. Both generals and their armies fought with all their might but Angadha had the upper hand and defeated Vajradamstra. Ravana was furious and was getting increasingly afraid of the situation, but had no intention of giving up. He was very stubborn that he would never bow before Rama. Prahasta, his commander-in-chief too, had advised Ravana to return Sita to Rama. At this point, Akampana, who was unshakable, had also been defeated by Hanuman. With no other choice, Prahasta went to war against Nila and he too was no match for the vanaras! It was a gruesome scene, with death and disaster everywhere.

The enraged Ravana got himself prepared to head out for war. He looked majestic, radiant and terrifying with his 10 heads glowing, he led what was left of his rakshasa army out for war. Vibhishana, pointed out his brother to Rama as he rode in his chariot in their direction. Rama was awestruck by Ravana's presence and he viewed him with admiration, but had to quickly pocket that image as he was the cause of all of this destruction and life loss. Ravana strode in and swatted the fierce vanaras like they were mere flies. Nila was taken down in a single shot, Hanuman put up a brave fight then Lakshmana was wounded and fell unconscious. Hanuman swiftly escorted him off the battlefield.

Rama and Ravana are face to face for the first time. Rama wasted no time, he aimed his first arrow at Ravana's crown, took that out. Then his next arrow took out his chariot and his last arrow took out all of his weapons. Ravana stood there in astonishment stripped of all his powers and nearly destroyed. Rama looked at him kindly and requested his enemy to go home, take rest and return the next day! Rama had so much admiration for the fierce but evil warrior that stood before him.

Ravana had never tasted defeat before. He was totally dejected. But he knew that he had a secret weapon that he had not used so far...his brother Kumbhakarna! He decided to wake the sleeping giant who had been cursed to 6 months of sleep and 6 months of being awake during which he primarily consumed tons of food. Trying to wake up his brother during his sleep cycle was no easy feat. There were drummers, trumpet blowers and many more making as much noise as possible to wake him up. They even tried sending elephants to trample on top of him to make him budge. Then they tempted him with the aroma of his preferred foods. After a prolonged effort to awaken Kumbhakarna, he finally wakes up. He gets dressed and rolls into his brother's assembly hall and his movements can be felt throughout Lanka. Ravana explained the grave situation that they were in and had NO support from his brother! Kumbhakarna called his brother out for his despicable act of kidnapping another man's wife! He also blamed all the people around him for praising Ravana and giving him false hope. But, he agreed to fight for his brother's honor and headed out decked in gems and the finest garments.

The vanaras were terrified by the sound of Kumbhakarna approaching. He looked like a giant mountain roaring towards the battlefield. He grabbed and consumed a multitude of vanaras. He smooshed several of them merely by accident too. Angadha, Sugriva and Nila were tossed around and knocked unconscious. The rakshasas were thrilled to see the vanara king down. Eventually Sugriva gained consciousness and attacked Kumbhakarna, using his long sharp nails to injure him enough to cause discomfort. Hanuman too played his role in slowing the tyrant down. When Lakshmana came forward, he avoided him and wanted to fight Rama...feeling that his end was close, deciding that he wanted to face Rama for that. Rama then pulled out his most powerful astaras, aimed and took Kumbhakarna down part by part. Finally his huge head fell and made an immensely loud thud that reached Ravana's ears, throwing a devastating blow at Ravana. He fainted in disbelief. He lamented about not listening to reason and to his brother Vibhishana as well. Ravana's sons came to console him and they bravely set out to fight for their father's honor and to avenge the death of their uncle. Unfortunately they met the same end as their predecessors. Ravana for a brief moment questioned his decision of kidnapping Sita and he tried to make sense of who Rama, a mere human being really was. He had a momentary vision of Rama actually being Lord Vishnu Himself! But, Ravana was determined to go down fighting. We paused our story here.

As we discussed the parts of the story's happenings, we continued to write our Likitha Japa. The kids were happy to show the different ways that they wrote "Rama" today. We discussed the art work project of picking a line from our Chinmaya Mission Pledge and making a drawing of it. The kids seemed excited about it! I would love to see their creations next week. Please do reach out to us if you have any questions.

Please go to the link below to check out the pictures from this week's class

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipOSwh_aQgtnmw47uNFPLybwYI-Y753e9SxrW57FdEI_U0mkXzEIUJojDKa6ecT81A?key=bmlZWlNPTnZieDF4Wk9BZjQ1eTQ3S05KTm51VHlR

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Zeus7FhUTvnCfUB7BxhnTYFr4lHq5R7mMh5HVwL_8_Q/edit?usp=sharing

Regards,

Keerthi Kobla and Dipti Chauhan