Jun 5, 2020 - Grade 4 (Friday)

HariOm Parents,

We had a great Friday with all your children. It was the BEST day for our class. All the children prayers were answered when we got a chance to do our monthly program to a group of

We were all dressed in beautiful costumes. Thank you to all the parents who dressed the children up so wonderfully and that too in such a short notice and the untiring effort of Viji aunty in working and preparing the children. All excited we started our class Om 3 times and then starting class with our Opening Prayers(Om Sahanavavatu).

1.      Chanting My Prayers: Since all the kids who attended 3^rd grade were already taught the My Daily Prayers we chanted it. For the benefit of the newcomers, the Daily prayers are in My Prayers Pg,11 of green book. The children had screen time as we called out one child to lead one shloka

a.       Karagrevasathe Lakshmi

b.       Gangecha yamunechaiva

c.       Saraswati namstubyam

d.       Brahmarpanam

e.       Subhamkaroti kalyanam

f.        Karacharana kratamvaak

g.       Kayenavacha manasaindriyeyva

2. Practise of the play and recording the play : As per plan we did our final rehearsal of the virtual zoom session of the play.

3. Movie night : We all watched together the Krishna story for nearly 30 minutes but soon we had to join the combined zoom session to attend the monthly program.

4. Monthly program : We then logged into monthly program as we watched the Grade 1 play Bala Ramayana followed by our recording. 

Please make sure to enjoy the magazines which are now available online for the children http://ebalavihar.chinmayamission.com/

Please do register for the online summer camp. This is a 2 month program June 15 to August 15 where the children are guided by Acharya/Swamiji's and Brahmacharins. Timing is 11 AM to 1 PM EST. Every day starts with yoga followed by Satsang where the topic of the year is "Mahabharata" followed by other activities depending on the day. For details please click on the link https://cmdfw.z2systems.com/np/clients/cmdfw/event.jsp?event=1528&

Pranaam,

Meena and Viji

May 29, 2020 - Grade 4 (Friday)

HariOm Parents,

We had a great Friday yesterday with all your children. The week after movie night and long weekend. So, it was classroom setting after long. This is very good to see how virtual class become the new normal. Just like our Balavihar sessions children know to start the day with Likhita Japa.Please remember the following needs to be kept handy as they sit down for the class.

We then proceeded to our routine. We said Om 3 times and then starting class with our Opening Prayers(Om Sahanavavatu).

1.      Chanting My Prayers: Since all the kids who attended 3^rd grade were already taught the My Daily Prayers we chanted it. For the benefit of the newcomers, the Daily prayers are in My Prayers Pg,11 of green book. The children had screen time as we called out one child to lead one shloka

a.       Karagrevasathe Lakshmi

b.       Gangecha yamunechaiva

c.       Saraswati namstubyam

d.       Brahmarpanam

e.       Subhamkaroti kalyanam

f.        Karacharana kratamvaak

g.       Kayenavacha manasaindriyeyva

 

 

2. Govinda Damodara Stotram :  We had our children chant 6 verses. Then 7^th and 8^th verse were taught. Now we have completed the full Govinda Damodara Stotram. Please ask your children to practice at home so that they know the shloka well.

 

3.Story Time : End of Kamsa: Krishna and Balarama visited all the places of interest in Mathura and finally arrived at the hall where the huge and heavy bow, studded with previous gems, was being exhibited. The bow was heavily guarded by fierce armed men. But before they knew what was going on, Krishna seized the bow and drew its string until it snapped into two pieces. The thunderous breaking sound reverberated in the hall and shook the earth making everyone tremble from head to toe. Not only this, but the terrific thunder clap reached as far as Kamsas interior compartments and shook him from head to toe with immense fear.

Kamsa had a very bad restless sleep. His head swirled with the day's shocking events : the destruction of the bow, the death of his stalwart guards and soldiers and his own servants and citizens. He was trembling with fear from head to toe and he was plagued by nightmares of death, torture and dishonor. Kamsas nerves were on the edge and he knew no rest or peace.

At last the sun rose and it was the day everyone was waiting for. The massive arena and amphitheatere ws luxuriously decorated with flowers and garlands. Spectators had started lining up from earlu morning to make sure to get good seats. The galleries were filled with princes and chiefs and ministers and traders. The wrestlers Canura, Mustika, Kutam Sala and Tosala world renowned for their strength, prowess and skill were itching for the matches to begin.

Krishna and Balarama as they came into the ampitheater there was an elephant and a manhout. Krishna asked the manhout to move the elephant from the gate instead the manhout set the elephant to trample the boys under its feet. Krishna however slipped between the legs of the elephant  and caught the elephants trunk. It fell down with a mightly thud. Krishna ripped out the elephants tusks and with one blow killed both the animal and its manhout.

Soaked in perspiration and armed with the bloody tusks, the warrior brothers looked like lions as they marched majestically. Every one including the wrestlers and Kamsa were scared. At last the signals was given for the games to begin. To all the spectators surprise all the wrestlers were killed by Krishna and Balarama. The trumpets sounded for the victors and the crowd stood on its feet cheering joyously. Kamsa's rage knew no bounds. He ordered the trumpets to be silenced and shouted. Drive the boys out of Mathura..Take away the possessions of the gopas. Seize Nanda and put him in chains. Kill the wicked Vasudeva and my father Ugrasena, Kill them. Do it now.

Before Kamsa could finish giving his orders, Krishna started walking toward the throne and in long leaps and strides jumped onto the raised platform and immediately drew his sword. But Krishna was fearless and he caught hold of Kamsa by the hair swung him around and threw him down into the arena dead. It was just that quick.

But in spite of his disgraceful end, Kamsa was rewarded in his last moment with a blissful vision of the Lord Himself in entire divine splendor. He obtained oneness with the Lord because he never spent a single moment without thinking about Krishna. Even though he thought of the Lord only with hate, anger, and fear, his focus on the Lord was single pointed and constant. Kamsas eight brothers immediately drew swords to kill Krishna and Balarama but soon were overpowered by Krishna and Balarama and killed.

Krishna and Balarama then hastened to join. They released Ugrasena the family elder and the king now of Mathura. The brothers then bowed to the king and asked for release of their parents. Then Krishna and Balarama met their parents Vasudeva and Devaki and all the years of pain melted away for that time as they joined in happiness.

Krishna kept his promise to Trivakra(once hunch backed girl now beautiful lady). Then with Balarama and Uddhava, he visited Akrura's home who received them all with great devotion.

Krishna and Balarama met Nanda and respectfully addressed him saying "Dear Father you and Mother Yasoda shall ever be our parents, because it was you who raised us. We request you now to go to Vrindavana to console all the gopas and gopis.

Tale 2: Gurukula Days

Vasudeva now felt that it was time for Krishna and Balarama to be initiated into the brahmacharya ashrama invested with the sacred thread and go to Gurukula to learn the scriptures from a Guru. After the upanayana ceremony the boys were taken to their teacher, risi Sandipani. During the entire period of their studies the boys were required to stay in the ashrama and follow strict discipline. Under the guidance of the rishi they both mastered Vedas and Vedangas, phonetics, grammar, astronomy, logic and the different systems of philosophy and economic sciences in 64 days. Here Krishna met his favorite friend Sudama and he was his very close friend.

When they reached the Guru to ask for Gurudakshina. The Guru who knew the divine nature of the brothers said they needed nothing. The brothers insisted that they wanted to offer something as per tradition. Risi Sandipany consulted his wife and said we need no material fees. We are blessed to have seen you and spend time with you. Since you are insisting on offering Guru Dakshina our son was drowned in the sea at Prabhasa. We request you to get him back to us.

The sea brought forth many gifts for Krishna and Balarama but denied having swallowed the Gurus son. At this point the brothers went to Yama and demanded the restoration of life to the Gurus son. Guru and Guruma were very happy and blessed them having received the most precious Guru Dakshina. They blessed them "May your glory shine wherever you go. May you purify the whole world."

Krishna and Balarama then returned to Mathura. They never went back to Vrindavana. So, Krishna asked Uddhava to carry the message of love for him. Uddhava was pleased to do lords bidding. His visit is one of the most beautiful, mystical and memorable episodes in Srimad Bhagwatam.

 

4. Sudama story : We watched together on video (as children requested)Sudama story. They enjoyed as they still wanted fun like movie night.

 

We finished the day with Shanti mantra and Pledge.

 

Next week June 5^th is the last day of Balavihar this year.

 

Important Information

1.      Balvihar Field Day : Please check the link which was sent to you through whatsapp. Please record videos of your children. End day for field day is June 7^th. So, please come up with suggested activities or create your own and post it in private face book group.https://docs.google.com/document/d/1V7OWuN0uVxqL8-pEodvgdW95TuSDmgWoFgZTzFtSEV0/edit

2.      Online Summer camp :  Please register for online summer camp . Here is the link which will give you all the details. It is for 2 months. June 15^th to August 15^th and is for 2 hrs 11 AM to 1 PM EST. It is unique opportunity as the camp is conducted by Swamis and Brahmacharis. Theme is Mahabharata. To know details please click https://files.constantcontact.com/92a172db501/a08c0bbe-e03a-4878-824e-10258bc2a412.pdf

 

Pranaam,

Meena and Viji

May 1, 2020 - Grade 4 (Friday)

HariOm Parents,

We had a great Friday yesterday with all your children. This is very good to see how virtual class become the new normal. Just like our Balavihar sessions children know to start the day with Likhita Japa.Please remember the following needs to be kept handy as they sit down for the class.

We then proceeded to our routine. We said Om 3 times and then starting class with our Opening Prayers(Om Sahanavavatu).

1.      Chanting My Prayers: Since all the kids who attended 3^rd grade were already taught the My Daily Prayers we chanted it. For the benefit of the newcomers, the Daily prayers are in My Prayers Pg,11 of green book. The children had screen time as we called out one child to lead one shloka

a.       Karagrevasathe Lakshmi

b.       Gangecha yamunechaiva

c.       Saraswati namstubyam

d.       Brahmarpanam

e.       Subhamkaroti kalyanam

f.        Karacharana kratamvaak

g.       Kayenavacha manasaindriyeyva

2. Govinda Damodara Stotram :  We had our children chant 6 verses. We are sending as attachment the stotram for children who do not have the print out. Please print it and have it ready so we can continue learning the next verses.

3.Story Time :  Akrura stops the chariot by the river Mandakini He then starts chanting the Gayatri Mantra. Krishna and Balarama were talking to one another. Balarama and Krishna were together sitting on the chariot. As Akrura, plunged into the water he saw the 1000 headed serpant which came dancing. Akrura, then gets the vision of the Lord on top of the thousand headed serpant. Akrura, sees the vision of the Lord as he would be in Vaikunta. So, the Lord shows him the vision of his in Vaikunta. He is laying on Adisesha with Lakshmi with him and all the divine consorts next to him..

Akrura, folded his hands and prostrates before the vision. As he gets up that he does not have the vision. Then Akrura, goes back to the chariot. Krishna, then asks him what did you see. Why do you look so mesmerized? Akrura, then says I have now seen everything I want to see and what you have shown me.

O Lord of Lords the sole king of the Universe and Akrura bows down and asks Krishna and Balarama to come and visit his house. Then Krishna replies says that now we have come to Mathura to do some tasks we will be there once we are done with our work.

Krishna and Balarama as they visit the Mathura city they are fascinated. They saw the city was beautiful with nice looking mansions, granaries overflowing with grain. It was place of plenty and riches. Both Krishna and Balarama were very happy to see this.

When the brothers walked by Krishna and Balarama everyone in Mathura were very happy to see the boys. As they walked along they saw washermans shop. The washerman had not changed from his last birth. He made fun of Krishna and Balarama and asked how can you ask for such fine clothes. Now, Krishna just tapped his head and his head separated from his body and he attained Moksha.

Then they came across a weaver who dressed them with the best clothes he had. Then Krishna blessed him. Krishna then meets Sudama a gardener and he blesses him. Then he meets a girl carrying sandalwood paste and some oil who just passed by. She had a beautiful face but she had a hunch back. Then Krishna looks at her and asks him for her name. Then she says she prepares Sandalwood paste and oil for Kamsa everyday. Krishna when he asked for it. She gives Krishna and Balarama some of her sandalwood paste and oil. Then Krishna with his two fingers her chin and her hunchback disappears. As she is very happy she invites Krishna to her home and Krishna says he would come when his work is over

Krishna and Balarama visited all the places of interest till they arrived the sacrificial hall of the bow. The jweles were also kept in the exhibition. The bow was heavily guarded by fierce looking armed men. Krishna, then sees the bow and lifts the bow and snaps the bow. Immdtly the armed men came to attack at Krishna. Then both Krishna and Balarama take each one part of the bow and stops the soldiers with the half of the bow. Now, Krishna and Balarama reach the camp outside the city where Nanda and people of Mathura have camped. So, Krishna neutralizes the first layer of offense.

4. Home work : As the children were asked to identify the krishna's characterstic they loved and also say how they worked on it they came up with their own versions. It was interesting to see how the children were helping out at home and felt that was something kind and helpful.

Child 1: Krishna is motivating. I motivated my mom by doing yoga everyday and my mom does yoga everyday. I motivated my sister by singing and dancing classes. So, she made her sister sing with her. Since I do Bollywood dance she motivated dad to dance.

Child 2: Krishna is helpful. I wash my plate and my brothers plate and wiped down the dinner table.

Child 3 : Krishna is kind. She did vacuum and helped around the house.

Child 4 : Krishna is kind. He helps his mom around the house. Putting things back in the refrigerator after lunch/dinner.

We then concluded the class with our closing prayers aarati and pledge. We did not have the time to do Bhagawat Gita Chanting. Many children wanted to chant. We will soon have them chant in class. Parents please record your childs chanting and send it across for house points.  

Wish all the children Good Luck to all of those participating in the Gita Chanting. 

Till we meet next class which is on May 8th which is also Gurudev Jayanti please ask them to practice Likhita Japa.
Pranaam,
Meena and Viji

Apr 24, 2020 - Grade 4 (Friday)

HariOm Parents,

We had a great Friday yesterday with all your children. It was amazing to see how they were all prepared to join the class to have some fun. They are fully in tune with the zoom sessions. This is very good to see. Just remember the following needs to be kept handy as they sit down for the class.

Additional Guidelines for Zoom class to be followed (from what we observed yesterday)

1.      Keep your balavihar bag ready with you as you login (My prayers, Govinda Damodara stotram printout, Balavihar handbook, Likhita japa notebook, pencil and sharpner)

2.      No screen sharing or chatting. Only children are allowed to mute and unmute so they can speak.

3.      No sitting on bed or leaning in bed while doing balavihar class

4.      No eating please during the class.

We started the class with quite a few children started doing Likhita Japa at home. We will continue collecting the sheets filled with Likhita Japa so our team Krishnas cowboys points once we are done with this eclasses. Please ask the children to continue writing likhita japa. It is the time we show our children to do prayers and stay positive.

We then proceeded to our routine. We said Om 3 times and then starting class with our Opening Prayers(Om Sahanavavatu).

1.      Chanting My Prayers: Since all the kids who attended 3^rd grade were already taught the My Daily Prayers we chanted it. For the benefit of the newcomers, the Daily prayers are in My Prayers Pg,11 of green book. The children had screen time as we called out one child to lead one shloka

a.       Karagrevasathe Lakshmi

b.       Gangecha yamunechaiva

c.       Saraswati namstubyam

d.       Brahmarpanam

e.       Subhamkaroti kalyanam

f.        Karacharana kratamvaak

g.       Kayenavacha manasaindriyeyva

2. Govinda Damodara Stotram :  We had our children chant 5 verses. We are sending as attachment the stotram for children who do not have the print out. Please print it and have it ready so we can continue learning the next verses.

3. My 24 Teachers

Riddle

Though I roar Day and Night. I am cool and I am vast. Who am I ?

Ocean

What is the lesson that the ocean teaches. It teaches you to how to do what you need to do but you do not accept any returns. It teaches you to do what you are supposed to do and without loosing your balance. The ocean keeps getting waves one after the other but it soon die it does not loose its job.It goes on and on.It does not care if you enjoy it or not it just ebbs and flows.

Things happen sometimes according to your wishes and sometimes it does not work out but its OK. This is a learning for all of us

Story : One day Ekanath who is a big Krishna Bhakta. One day Ekanath's teacher asked him to go to river and take a bath and get a pot of water. But on the way back nobody should touch you or the pot. So, Ekanathji goes to river takes a shower and gets a pot of water. On the way back one man calls him and gets curious to check what is in the pot and touches him. So, Ekanathji goes back to the river and takes a dip and gets a pot of water. On the way back one of the villagers touches thinking that might be the reason he must have gone back. So, kids keep going back and forth several times to gather a pot of water. Then he just does not loose patience and keeps doing.

So, we need to be like the ocean we need to be the same during success and failure.

4. Krsna Story :

Akrura goes to Vrndavana

Akrura was very pleased that he was going to Vrndavana. He was overjoyed at the thought that he would see the lotus feet of the Lord.  He felt sure that despite the message he was carrying he was very sure that the Lord would realise how much he loves the Lord. He keeps thinking in his mind how he would met him

Before he knew it, Akrura was in Vrndavana. His body trembled at the awesomeness of being in the same grounds were the Lord played, walked, ran and jumped. He reached Nandababas home just as the sun was setting.

Kamsa sent three asuras to kill Krsna before Akrura reached Vrndavana. Krsna vanquished the three asuras before Akrura reached Vrndavana.

Krsna and Balarama were beautifully dressed in the evening.In great excitement Akrura jumped down his chariot and he was overjoyed. The tears rolled freely down his cheeks as he fell at Krsnas feet and prostrated before Him. His voice choked with emotion sho he could not even introduce himself.

Both Krsna and Balarama embraced him and welcomed him affectionately. They both took him home washed his feet massaged his feet and fed him a delicious meal.

Then, Nanda and Akrura exchanged greetings. While they were talking Akrura told them how Narada had revealed to Kamsa and revealed to him the secret of Krsna's birth. Akrura also told them the real reason why he had been sent to Vrndavana, sparing no details. At this Krishna and Balarama laughed.

Nanda at once ordered the preparation of carriage and presents for the trip to Mathura. Chariots carrying Nanda, some elders, and some gopas (who refused to let Krsna and Balarama go without them)followed Akrura. Behind them came carts loaded with girts of milk, curd and butter for Mathura;s king.

The gopis who were left behind in Vrndavana were very sad. Their hearts were heavy with grief. They continued to do what they need to do but their mind was always fixated on Krsna. So, even though they were separated from the Lord they were still devoted to him and fixated on him.

6. Bhagawat Gita : We did verse 15 and 16 of Bhagawat Gita.

We then concluded the class with our closing prayers

Wish all the children Good Luck to all of those participating in the Gita Chanting. 

We will practise Gita  next week during class and record verses soon. All your help is required and is much appreciated. This will give the children who did not participate a chance to practise. Also, this will gain points for Krishnas cowboys. Please play the video and continue to learn Gita.

Pranaam,
Meena and Viji

Apr 17, 2020 - Grade 4 (Friday)

HariOm Parents,

We had a great Friday yesterday with all your children. It was amazing to see how they were all prepared to join the class to have some fun. Yes, it is kind of difficult for them to focus from home but they are getting a very good feel about it. So, I am sure they will enjoy it more as we progress.

Additional Guidelines for Zoom class to be followed (from what we observed yesterday)

1.      Keep your balavihar bag ready with you as you login (My prayers, Govinda Damodara stotram printout, Balavihar handbook, Likhita japa notebook, pencil and sharpner)

2.      No screen sharing or chatting. Only children are allowed to mute and unmute so they can speak.

3.      No sitting on bed or leaning in bed while doing balavihar class

4.      No eating please during the class.

We started the class with quite a few children started doing Likhita Japa at home. We will continue collecting the sheets filled with Likhita Japa so our team Krishnas cowboys points once we are done with this eclasses. Please ask the children to continue writing likhita japa. It is the time we show our children to do prayers and stay positive.

We then proceeded to our routine. We said Om 3 times and then starting class with our Opening Prayers(Om Sahanavavatu).

1.      Chanting My Prayers: Since all the kids who attended 3^rd grade were already taught the My Daily Prayers we chanted it. For the benefit of the newcomers, the Daily prayers are in My Prayers Pg,11 of green book. The children had screen time as we called out one child to lead one shloka

a.       Karagrevasathe Lakshmi

b.       Gangecha yamunechaiva

c.       Saraswati namstubyam

d.       Brahmarpanam

e.       Subhamkaroti kalyanam

f.        Karacharana kratamvaak

g.       Kayenavacha manasaindriyeyva

2. Govinda Damodara Stotram :  We had our children chant 2 verses. We are sending as attachment the stotram for children who do not have the print out. Please print it and have it ready so we can continue learning the next verses.

We had 2 JCHYK's visiting our classroom this Friday. Our JCHYK teachers were Stuthi Kuroodi(High school senior) and Divya Sharma(High school sophomore). Both the girls were great. They made the class fun by who enthusiastically continued with our lesson by starting with Story telling. The story was Krishna story when Krishna and Balarama wrestling tournament at 

1. Stories : Sage Narada goes to Kamsa and reveals to him that Krishna is the real son of Vasudeva and Devaki. He tells Kamsa that how Vasudeva fearing him kept them with his friend Nanda. Krshna and Balarama were the ones who killed all his secret asuras. Hearing this Kamsa started trembling with anger.

He immediately wanted to kill Vasudeva but Narada stopped him. However, Kamsa chained both Devaki and Vasudeva and put them in the dungeons. Kamsa now got his ministers and told newly found truth to his ministers. He announced he would be inviting both Krsna and Balarama to a wrestling match. Place the elephant Kuvalayapida at the entrance. This was his strategy to kill both Krsna and Balarama even before they entered the match. 

He then arranged for Dhanuryajna to worship Lord Siva(bow) for their victory. He also asked his men to make preparation to keep the elephants and wrestlers ready. Now he asked Akrura, to go to Vrndavana and bring Krsna and Balarama to show them Mathura. He asked him to entice them by describing the beauty of Mathura. He also planned after killing them he would kill Vasudeva, his father Ugrasena and all others who are his enemies.

To this Akrura replied that it is natural for Kamsa to delay his death. To work with balanced mind is very important. To keep a balanced mind is important in both success and failure. Many times lofty plans frustrate us because of unforeseen obstacles causing us as much grief as their success would have caused us joy. However, he got ready to go to Vrndavana.

Now our JCHYKS talked about importance of balancing body and mind. They explaining how balancing of mind meant to have the same mood within if we get success or failure. To keep cool mind we should not get disturbed and keep on working and Gods blessing would be within us.

They explained how after working hard for exams some questions might be things they never learnt in classes. How it is important to ignore that and keep cool mind. They also talked about how sometimes getting something as a gift might not happen due to a situation or circumstance and how it was important to keep a cool mind.

2. Activity : Balancing of body : Yoga - This was so much fun for all of our children. Various yoga postures were chosen and the kids enjoyed balancing their bodies and JCHYK Divya showed them various postures. 

Everyone was laughing and having fun. The kids were adjusting cameras trying to show how well they were doing and sometimes stopping and helping other friends when one could do it well.  

3. Answering Questions : Now our children wanted to ask the Didis a set of questions. They asked them about their favorite subjects, what they like about Balavihar, what they plan to study in future, what is it that they like doing now that they are all home.

They were also very pleased that now they knew some older didis who they can meet in Balavihar and talk to.

Our children then thanked  both Divya and Stuthi for making it fun time in class as they went back to their class for Aarti and Pledge. We then concluded the class with our closing prayers and Pledge.

Important Announcement

Our Bhagawat Gita Regionals is being held on line on May 2nd.  Hope all the kids are practising the verses regularly. Please tell the kids as you ask them to practise. The points you will collect goes to house points. All our kids are excited to get the house points up. So, this will bring focus.

We will practise Gita this week and next week during class and record verses as well. All your help is required and is much appreciated.

Pranaam,
Meena and Viji

Mar 27, 2020 - Grade 4 Friday

HariOm Parents,

We had a great Friday yesterday with all your children. It was amazing to see how they were all prepared to join the class to have some fun. Yes, it is kind of difficult for them to focus from home but they are getting a very good feel about it. So, I am sure they will enjoy it more as we progress.

Additional Guidelines for Zoom class to be followed (from what we observed yesterday)

1.      Keep your balavihar bag ready with you as you login (My prayers, Govinda Damodara stotram printout, Balavihar handbook, Likhita japa notebook, pencil and sharpner)

2.      No screen sharing or chatting. Only children are allowed to mute and unmute so they can speak.

3.      No sitting on bed or leaning in bed while doing balavihar class

4.      No eating please during the class.

We started the class with quite a few children started doing Likhita Japa at home. We will continue collecting the sheets filled with Likhita Japa so our team Krishnas cowboys points once we are done with this eclasses. Please ask the children to continue writing likhita japa. It is the time we show our children to do prayers and stay positive.

We then proceeded to our routine. We said Om 3 times and then starting class with our Opening Prayers(Om Sahanavavatu).

1.      Chanting My Prayers: Since all the kids who attended 3^rd grade were already taught the My Daily Prayers we chanted it. For the benefit of the newcomers, the Daily prayers are in My Prayers Pg,11 of green book. The children had screen time as we called out one child to lead one shloka

a.       Karagrevasathe Lakshmi

b.       Gangecha yamunechaiva

c.       Saraswati namstubyam

d.       Brahmarpanam

e.       Subhamkaroti kalyanam

f.        Karacharana kratamvaak

g.       Kayenavacha manasaindriyeyva

2. Krishnashtakam : We then had our children say Krishnashtakam  Children again did one verse at a time and the completed the whole class participated.

3. Govinda Damodara Stotram :

4. Bhagawat Gita : We did not do Bhagawat Gita Practise today. We have done verse 1 to verse 14. I am sure all the children practiced verse 1 to 10. Please continue good work and memorise this week verse 11 to verse 14. Next week we will call out children by name and ask them to chant verse 1 to 14.

5. Story Time

Riddle : Believe it or not I used to be a mailman long time ago. My kind is found all over the globe, but we tend to like Trafalgar Square in London the most. Who am I ?

As we asked the question children took some time from post office to airplane to bird to pigeon.

Pigeon Story :

Once, there lived a pigeon on a tree with his mate. They were very happy. They had few baby pigeons. One day the pigeon couple had gone to look for food. A hunter came and trapped the baby pigeons. When the parents returned, they saw the children in pain. The mother pigeon could not bear the signht and jumped into the trap. The father started thinking, what is the use of living when my family is no more! He also jumped into the trap. Thus the whole family was killed.

Dattatreya said " O King, I learned from this pigeon couple that when are overly attached to things and beings, you lose control of your life. Troubles do come in life, but face them with courage and try to find proper solution.

b. Krishna Story : Indra – Yajna Bhangam

The rainy season was drawing near and there were grand preparations underway for a yajna. Krsna curiously asked his father, What is this all for baba? In whose honor is the yajna being performed? What are the benefits of doing this yajna?

Nandababa said "Indra is the god of clouds and rain. Rain gives life to all beings. Therefore we are worshipping Indra to thank him and ask him to remain kind to us. This is the tradition handed down from our forefathers.

Krsna replied to his father why are you thanking Indra? Each persons birth, death and fotune are preordained based on one's own past karma. Where does Indra come in.

Our cows are our wealth and means of livelibood. Why don't we worship them ? Why don't we worship the brahmins who are our wealth of knowledge? Why don't we worship mount Govardhana for giving us its green grass and rich pastures? This would make more sense.

Nandababa and elders were not happy with the idea and wanted to continue the age old tradition. But when Krsna argued they unanimously decided that the cws, brahmins and mount Govardhana would be worshipped each year and not Indra.

When Indra learned of this, he felt insulted and became terribly jealous and angry. He made up his mind to seek revenge and punish the villagers for their insolence and arrogance. He summoned clouds, lightining and winds that were generally reserved for disasters, and instructed them all to wreak havoc on Vrndavana and completely destroy the land and its residents.

Thunder and lightining stormed the earth like never before. Torrential rain and hail lashed ruthlessly upon the helpless people, animals and trees of Vrndavana. Water flooded into every house and hut and cowshed. Everyone was in pitiable distress.

The whole village ran to Krsna asking Him to save them from Indra's fury. He lifted Govardana with one handed and placed it on his pinky finger. Everyone clamoured under the mountain and took shelter.

Krsna's gopa friends were so sweet that they thought Krsna would not be able to hold the mountain for long. So his gopa friends supported it with sticks under the mountain trying to give Krsna some relief. Krsna pretended he needed all the support that he could get.

For seven days and nights this went on. Krsna had decided to teach Indra a lesson. For seven days the storm neither subsided nor stopped. Indra saw how futile his effort was and so recalled his forces of destruction. The rains stopped, floods subsided and gopas and gopis went back home. The sun shone again and gave much needed warmth to the people of Vrndavana.

The village elders marveled at their blue boys superhuman feats. They remembered all His deeds since infancy and spoke to Nanda. It was then that Nanda told them that Risi Garga had told him that Krsna was Lord Narayana himself. The people of Vrndavana accepted this but soon Krsna made them forget this. He made sure everybody looked at him and loved Him as their mischievous boy.

Soon, Indra arrived in Vrndavana with his head hung low and begged for forgiveness. He humbly appraoached the Lord and prostrated before Him.

Krsna said "All this was done to break your pride, Indra. I take away the powers of those whom I want to favor. Now you may go and perform your duties faithfully.

What is Karma?

Karma is a Sanskrit word. It means action. When I am hungry I eat. And thereafter I feel full. Eating is an action. It is Karma phala or a result is a sense of fullness.

If I sow lemon seeds can I eat oranges from these seeds? No. It would be unnatural and impossible for lemon seeds to yield oranges-the whole order of the universe would be disturbed if we got haphazard results. Like the saying goes " As you sow , so shall you reap"

If I perform good karmas we will get good karma phalas. IF we learn to play the Cello we will be able to play Cello well not the viola.

It is also important to remember that all of us are interconnected. Our karmas will always have direct or indirect effect on the world we live.

The kind of karma that the Lord loves niskama karma.

Mother Teresa often prayed to the Lord"If you want me to draw a thick line make me a blunt pen and if you want me to draw a thin kine make me fine. Like Mother Teresa may we pray to Krsna so that He can use us for all His work. Thus day and night 24 hrs a day 7 days a week, we can serve our beloved darling. Actions performed with this attitude are niskama karmas.

4. Closing Prayers : We did aarti and pledge

Things To DO 

1.      Please practice Bhagawat Gita (Verse 1 to 14) and register for the Gita Yagna

2.      Also please register for Shlokathon and ask them to practice(any one of the following) - we have sent the link over whatsapp...

a.      Opening Prayers

OR

b.      Hanuman Chalisa

OR

c.      Govinda Damodara Stotram.

3. List out the qualities of Krsna. Write about 4 qualities you love in Krsna and write about them.

a.      Describe the Quality

b.      Describe in which story of Krsna you found the Lord exhibiting this quality

c.       What action in your life do you show this quality

Please stay healthy and we will see Next Class is on April 2^nd and Sholokathon on April 4^th by Zoom

Pranaam,

Meena and Viji