May 29, 2020 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Hari Om!

 Dear Parents,  

Hope everyone is safe and enjoying the warm weather. Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, May 29, 2020.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

 

Lesson: Review: Dharma Chariot: Parts

Next eBalavihar class: 6/5/20

Announcements: Our last class for this academic year is on June 5, 2020 which is movie night.

Summary: This week's class was a review of everything we have learnt so far, the values and virtues from Ramayana and particularly from the Dharma chariot. We started by watching a short video on the symbolism of Ramayana as explained by Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda ji. Here is the link for your reference: https://youtu.be/FVHhab4x1G0

 We, then recalled al the values we learnt individually through all the previous classes such as Truthfulness, courage, Strength, Non-violence, self-discipline, to name a few. When we pick any one of these values for ourselves and decide to follow that in our lives, we will naturally start following all the other virtues slowly enabling us to live a life of virtue as shown by Lord Rama! For example, if we chose courage, that we will always strive to be courageous in life, we will try to choose the right path always when faced with a dilemma, as often times we require courage to do the right thing! This will help us be truthful, self disciplined, have devotion to Bhagavan and our Gurus who enlighten us. This is proof that all of these values are inter-related! This is a good way to practice a Dharmik lifestyle. We had a detailed discussion about this choosing different values and saw how they connected with the others. After this we divided the children into 3 teams and had a quiz on all that we have learnt this year. The kids participated well and did a remarkable job of remembering everything we learnt. We ended with the closing prayers. Next class, we will be watching a movie together. Parents and siblings are welcome to join us. 

 Shanthi and I would like to take this opportunity to express our sincere gratitude to each and everyone one of you for giving us the opportunity to work, teach and learn with your children this year! We have absolutely enjoyed having them in our class. This is a very intelligent group of kids with independent thinking! We hope that we have been able to positively impact them by Gurudev's Grace! We can't wait to see them grow into upstanding citizens of the world! We wish them the best of luck for their future! 

Pranaam,

Shanthi and Anandhi

May 15, 2020 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Hari Om!

 Dear Parents,  

Hope everyone is safe and enjoying the warm weather. Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, May 15, 2020.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

 

Lesson: Vibheeshana Gita : 

Dharma Chariot: 

Arrows: quiet mind (Sama),

  (Yama): Ahimsa

               Satyam

               Brahmacharya

               Asteya

               Aparigraha

(Niyama): Austerity

                Study of Scriptures 

                Purity of Mind

                Contentment

                Worship of God

Armor: Devotion to Guru

Next eBalavihar class: 5/29/20

Announcements: There is no Balavihar next Friday (May 22, 2020) due to Memorial Day weekend. We will meet online on May 29th. June 5, 2020 is movie night.

Summary: It was a busy class this week as we had a lot to discuss. We started with a quick recap of Dharma chariot. The next part is arrows.  we discussed in detail about the importance of a quiet mind in achieving clarity of thought. Our example was about filling 2 glasses, one with a mixture of coke and salt and the other plain pure water. When we drop a coin each in each of the glasses, the coin is visible only in the one that had just clear water. The clear water symbolizes a quiet mind and the coin symbolizes a gain in life. So too, we can clearly analyze our thoughts and actions with a quiet mind or Sama. 

The five noble values of life, known as Yama, are:

Ahimsa - Non-violence: When we think of violence, we generally think only about physical or verbal abuse. Negative thoughts are also considered violent as repeated thoughts lead to action in the future and the spread of negativity. So it is very important to practice non-violence in thoughts, words and deeds.

Satyam - Truthfulness: As Mark Twain once said, "If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything." The truth is always constant but a lie keeps changing its path. We have to spend unnecessary energy in fabricating stories when we speak the truth. It is always easier to tell the truth than lie. 

Brahmacarya - Self Control: Self Control is Self-discipline. Most of the famous achievers have reached their position due to their rigorous discipline and self control. We observe this in our kids who are into various performing arts and sports. When they are passionate about it to excel in it, they are willing to go through the rigor that it entails.

Asteya - Non-Stealing: Stealing, as we understand is stealing physical and intellectual property of a person. Most of us, who are innocent in this respect are guilty of a different kind of stealing. The resources and energy that we steal from Mother Nature brings about lasting damages unseen. Nothing can be a better example than the present Pandemic situation that the world is finding itself in today. we discussed briefly the part of the pledge we chant everyday, 'giving more than what we take'. We should try to give more of ourselves to others and to Mother Nature as well. 

Aparigraha - Not Hoarding: Greed is a bottomless pit. There more we try to satisfy it the deeper it gets. Keeping others in mind, we should avoid hoarding.

Niyama or Daily Discipline: Contentment leads to a feeling of gratitude. Prayer should be an offering of our gratitude to the Lord. Such prayer, like the study of our scriptures is the only way to purify the mind. Gurudev was once asked if Prayer was like begging God. Gurudev responded that if Prayer was doe asking for things from God then it is definitely equal to begging. Prayer, in his words, is a means to invoke the divinity within us. Everyday we have the ritual of brushing our teeth and showering, etc to keep our bodies clean. Prayer is an everyday ritual for cleaning and tidying our mind. Mind too requires everyday cleansing. Our scriptures have prescribed prayers for every action we do. such as waking up, studying, eating, stepping on Mother Earth and at the end of the day requesting forgiveness for any of our actions that may have caused harm knowingly or unknowingly. 

Armor is an important part of the Dharma chariot. In the battlefield, the armor protects the warrior from arrows/weapons shot at them. Similarly, in the Dharma Chariot, our armor is our devotion to our Guru. Guru plays a very important role in our lives. Guru is the one that removes the darkness of our ignorance and enlighten us with knowledge. Our Guru helps break the shackles of our own likes and dislikes that bind by imparting the knowledge of the values given in our scriptures and thus enabling us the freedom we desire always. We are eternally grateful to our great Gurus like Adi Sankara, our Pujya Gurudev, Swami Chinmayananda and our Pujya Swamiji and all the great saints and sages of our great country, Bharat. The Gurustotram beautifully describes the importance of Guru  in our lives!

We ended the class with ending Shloka and Pledge. We are almost at the end of our learning in 7th grade. In the upcoming class we will be reviewing everything we have learnt this year. On June 5th,(the last Balavihar class of this academic year) we will be watching a movie on zoom. Parents are welcome to join. Until then, please stay safe and well.

Pranaam,

Shanthi and Anandhi

May 8, 2020 - Grade 7 (Friday)

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

May 1 2020 - Grade 7 (Friday)



Hari Om!

 Dear Parents,  

Hope everyone is safe and following the recommendations of safety and social distancing. Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, May 1, 2020.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day: 

Mind at rest is the Temple of Joy. So long as it is gurgling with its desires, passions and attachments in its stormy surface, the signature of joy gets ruffled out.

Lesson: Vibheeshana Gita : Dharma Chariot: Bow - Self Knowledge

                                                                        Quiver - Pure and Steady mind

Next eBalavihar class: 5/8/20

Announcements: Friday, May 8th marks the 104th birth anniversary of Pujya Gurudev Swami Chinmayananda ji! There will be Facebook live telecast of Guru Paduka Pooja at the temple. We will be watching it as a class at 8:00 pm. Parents, please join your children at 8:00 pm to participate virtually.

Summary: we started by discussing about the importance of having a calm mind which is not distracted. With such a mind, our productivity improves and we feel happy too. Today's parts of Dharma chariot were bow that stands for self knowledge and quiver which stands for a pure and steady mind. One of the main enemies we face is ignorance. Self knowledge is our weapon against this enemy and our Guru plays a major role in alleviating our ignorance. Self knowledge is the realization that we are one with all the beings in the universe. We asked the class about if they had the power like God, what is the one thing that they will change. Among many interesting answers we got from the children, some said they will cure hunger, the sufferings due to the virus, etc. It was heartening to know that they are thinking beyond themselves and along the lines of the common good for all! We have a lot to learn from our children each day! When we see God in everything and everyone, we know that we have attained self knowledge. When our ego is humbled, we learn to see everyone as equal. 

  Our mind is never free of thoughts. Thoughts flow like water in a river. The quality of the waterflow describes the quality of the river. Similarly, the quality of our thoughts determine the quality of our minds. Every action we perform starts with a thought. Good thoughts lead to good actions and yield good results. We did a short exercise where the students closed their eyes for a minute and let their thoughts flow. At the end of the time we asked them what was the first thought they had. The exercise was to reinforce the fact that if we steady our mind we are able to clearly observe our thoughts. This in turn will help us purify our mind. A pure and steady mind, symbolizing a quiver in the Dharma chariot, paves the way for the right thoughts and actions and helps us lead a successful life. We watched a short video related to this, an excerpt from the animated series Avatar, the last air bender. Here is the link to the video for your reference:

https://youtu.be/YHC03Z8vPiE

 We will meet again in the next class! Until then please stay safe and be well!

Pranaam,

Shanthi and Anandhi

Apr 17 2020 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Hari Om!

 Dear Parents,  

Hope everyone is safe and following the recommendations of safety and social distancing. Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Apr 17, 2020.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day: No one gets bound by one's possessions, it is the mental slavery to our possessions that shackles us.

Lesson: Vibheeshana Gita : 

Dharma Chariot: Charioteer - Devotion to God ; Shield and Sword - Passion and detachment

Next eBalavihar class: 4/24/20

Announcements: The House Team is still accepting Likhita Japa entries until May 31st. You can send the pictures with your child's name, house (Bajrangi Bolts), grade, session, date and count for each page (at least 4 pages at a time) to cnjbalaviharhouses@gmail.com

Summary:  We started the class with the opening shlokas led by one of the students. We then went on to discuss the charioteer of the Dharma chariot. The charioteer symbolizes devotion to God. Devotion to God is not only very important but it helps us realize that we don't carry the burden of worries. We should always do our best but never forget that God is the one that leads us to our destiny. Krishna was the charioteer for Arjuna, one of the greatest warriors of Mahabharata but he had utmost devotion and faith in Krishna, the lord himself. Hence his confusions about fighting his own relatives were cleared by the Lord Himself leading him to victory! God takes care of all beings and their welfare. Even the tiniest of beings like an ant in a busy train station platform is able to successfully cross the tracks and reach the other side safely! This is because of the infinite grace of God. Especially in our current situation, faith in God and prayers play a major part in getting us through the tough days! 

  We had a special guest in our class this week. One of our JCHYKs (Junior Chinmaya Yuva Kendra) Grade 10-12 group visited our class. He spoke about the shield and sword. The children were asked to list 5 things that they think that they absolutely cannot live without. The condition was that they shouldn't list essential things like food, shelter etc and parents. It had to be something other than that. Most kids listed Netflix or their video games or social media. He then spoke about how none of the things listed are unavoidable and it's all in the mind. We have to give up our attachment to lower and attach ourselves to the higher in order to progress, just like when we climb the rungs of the ladder, we have to let go of the lower rung in order to put our leg on the higher rung in order to climb higher up the ladder. We should also try to use our passions like sports, music, swimming, etc for a higher purpose. Our guest gave his own example. He is passionate about playing cricket and each year they play a match in August for fundraising for Breast Cancer research and treatment. It was a very interactive session and the children responded well to the JCHYK. Overall, it was very interactive and fun! We decided that each of us will take up a habit or thing that we think we cannot do without and pick a day and try to give it up for a few hours. we will keep a log on how we felt about give it up and discuss next week. We then finished with ine of the studnts leading the pledge. We will continue to discuss more parts of the Dharma chariot in the upcoming classes. Please stay safe everyone. 

Pranam,

Anandhi and Shanthi

Apr 3, 2020 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Hari Om!

 Dear Parents,  

Hope everyone is safe and following the recommendations of safety and social distancing. Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Apr 17, 2020.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day: https://youtu.be/y96l8zdLhus 

Lesson: Vibheeshana Gita : 

Dharma Chariot: Horses - Strength, Discrimination, Self Control, caring for others

Reins - Forgiveness, Compassion, Equanimity

Next eBalavihar class: 4/17/20

Announcements: There is no Balavihar next Friday. We will meet next on April 17, 2020

Summary: We started the class by watching a wonderful message from Pujya Swami Swaroopanandaji, the head of Chinmaya Mission Worldwide on coping with the current situation and our connection as humans with nature. The link is given above. Please do watch it. We discussed briefly about the importance of doing our part to help the situation and the need to be more mindful of nature and our surroundings. We then moved on to our discussion of the parts of the Dharma chariot.  Today we spoke about the horses and the reins. The four horses represent strength, discrimination, self control and caring for others. Strength does not mean being rigid and inflexible but to know when to be firm and when to be flexible. We should always strive o follow the path of Dharma. Discrimination or discretion should be used for this. We gave the children a few scenarios and a few choices and asked them what they would choose to do and explain why. We told them that there are no right and wrong answers! We are so happy that in each scenario, they made the right choices. They were able explain why too! Caring for others means to put the needs of others first. It is very relevant to our lives especially now! The reins of the horses symbolize forgiveness, compassion, equanimity. True forgiveness is when we actually forget that the other person has hurt our feelings. We should have the attitude of a mother who would forgive her little baby even though the baby may pull her hair or kick her. Love is very essential for forgiveness. Through our act of forgiveness we are the ones that stand to gain. When we practice forgiveness with love, naturally we become a compassionate person. The third rein, equanimity, can be achieved when we are able to calm our mind and accept. Now, more than ever, we should practice this quality, taking the lead from Lord Rama! Within a few hours, he went from being a crown prince to an exiled person having to live an austere life! In both situations, He exhibited equanimity. His life was a lesson on virtuous living for all humans. We will continue to discuss more parts of the Dharma chariot in the upcoming classes. Please stay safe everyone.

Pranam,

Anandhi and Shanthi

Mar 27, 2020 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Hari Om!

 Dear Parents,  

Hope everyone is safe and following the recommendations of safety and social distancing. Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Mar 27, 2020.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day: Courage is not the absence of fear but the mastery of it.

Lesson: Vibheeshana Gita : Dharma Chariot: Wheels - Courage, Valor, Fortitude and Patience

                                                                           Flags - Truthfulness and Good Character

Next eBalavihar class: 4/3/20

Announcements: As Zoom is tightening its security due to Privacy issues, there will be some changes to accessing the class link. Please watch out for updates regarding that in the WA group. 

Summary: We started with the Opening shlokas and discussed the quote of the day. We discussed the difference between Courage and recklessness/foolishness. In today's scenario, recklessness or foolishness is when we ignore the restrictions of social distancing and go about meeting people and crowding, whereas, the health care workers and front line workers being up and about helping and taking care of people denotes courage.  In the Dharma chariot as explained by Rama to Vibheeshana, courage, valor, fortitude and patience are the four wheels. We discussed various stories depicting courage and valor, notably that of the transformation of Ratnakara, a professional robber to Sage Valmiki who gave us the Ramayana! We then discussed the importance of patience. The classic story of the golden egg is a very good example. Gardening is also a good example of patience. When we plant a seed or a small sapling, we have to tend to it patiently everyday until it starts sprouting and growing into a beautiful fruit bearing tree. We have to not give up easily and keep at it everyday patiently and we will definitely reap the fruits! Now, the flags of the Dharma Chariot represent Truthfulness and Good Character. The famous story of the boy that cried wolf that we all know is one of the best example of the importance of being truthful! We should never compromise on our integrity and credibility. Good character is developed by repeatedly choosing to do the right/good thing consistently. Being in the company of good people is called Satsang. The greatness of Satsang was described in a story about the divine sage Narada. He asked Lord Vishnu about the power of Satsang. Lord Vishnu told him to ask a new born baby parrot in a forest. When sage Narada did, the baby parrot fell dead. He was then asked to go ask a baby calf and the same thing happened. He then was asked to go to a baby foal in the royal stables with his question. Yet again, the same thing happened. Finally, Lord Vishnu told Sage Narada to go ask the new born prince in the king's palace. Reluctantly the sage went, a little worried about what will happen to the prince. The baby prince then told Sage Narada that he was indeed the parrot, the calf and the foal and the brief interaction with the great Narada had elevated him from a mere parrot in the forest to the son of the king! That is the power of Satsang. True to the famous saying, " Show me your friends and I will tell you who you are!", it is very important to keep the company of good people with values and virtues, be it peers or adults in our lives! Finally, if we want to build a strong wall, we have to make sure every brick is equally strong. Similarly in order to build a good character, every action and choice we make should be consistently good! We had one of the students lead the pledge and we ended with closing prayers. We will meet again on 4/3/20. Until then, let us pray to Bhagavan to get us through these trying times soon! Please stay safe everyone.

Pranam,

Anandhi and Shanthi

Mar 20, 2020 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Dear Parents,

It has been a really long time since we met. Hope everyone is safe and following the recommendations of safety and social distancing. We had our first eBalavihar session over Zoom and it went quite well! We are very proud of the children for maintaining decorum and participating well! 

 Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Mar 20, 2020.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day:To be patient means to suffer something that hinders or hurts us, and still retain our self-composure. How many difficulties, with their consequent unpleasantness and discord, could be smoothed over and almost entirely eliminated by patience. Patience always elevates and strengthens our character. We need it not only with others but also with ourselves.

Lesson: Life is a boomerang; Vibheeshana Gita (intro)

Bhagavat Gita: Ch. 1, Verses 29, 30

Next eBalavihar class: 3/27/20

Announcements: 2020 CNJ Regionals of CMTC Geeta Chanting Yajna that was scheduled to be held in Chinmaya Vrindavan on March 28, 2020 has been postponed. The schedule of the registered participants, and the format of the event will be announced in April. Please visit http://www.chinmayavrindavan.org/geeta-chanting/ for event updates. 

Summary: Our very first virtual class was quite good! The children logged in on time! They were dressed appropriately and managed to find a quite place without distractions! They remained muted and raised their hands when they wanted to speak/share their thoughts. Thank you dear parents for facilitating this for the children! We started with opening prayers and discussed the quote of the day. It was a bit lengthy but we thought it is the need of the hour! To patiently endure the current situation without feeling negative or complaining is very important for us to get through this. They understood the quote and agreed. Some of them shared personal anecdotes where being patient helped them and not being caused them trouble. We then moved on to the lessons of the day. Life is a boomerang. We get results according to our actions. When we sow an apple seed, we do not get oranges. As the saying goes, as we sow, so shall we reap. So we should always be mindful of our actions and our thoughts. A boomerang returns to the person who threw it. Our actions can be compared to the boomerang. We made some paper boomerangs and the children tested them out. A couple of them were successful in getting their boomerangs back! They enjoyed the craft. We then started our discussions on Vibheeshana Gita. When Vibheeshana was worried that Rama and his humble army would not be a match for the powerful army of the mighty Ravana, he expressed it to Lord Rama. Lord Rama did not get angry or insulted by the genuine worry of Vibheeshana! Endless ocean of compassion that he is, he understood that Vibheeshana's concerns came from his utmost devotion and love for Rama. He then went to explain to Vibheeshana about his Dharma chariot with all its different parts (values) which is much greater than Ravana's material gains. In the upcoming classes we will be learning each part in greater detail. For this class, we did an overview of what each part of the Dharma chariot represents. We finished the class with the ending shlokas. We will meet virtually again next Friday at 7:00 pm. It will be through the same link we used this time. We will send you the details again. Let us pray to Bhagavan to get us through these trying times soon! Please stay safe everyone.

Pranam,

Anandhi and Shanthi

Feb 14, 2020 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Dear Parents,

 Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Feb 7, 2020.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day:We choose our joys and sorrows long before they choose us.

Ramayana Story: Yuddha Kaand

Lesson: What is mind made up of?!(contd.)

Bhagavat Gita: Ch. 1, Verses 26, 27, 28

Aarati and Pledge : Temple - Lead by Grade 6

Next Balavihar class: 2/28/20

Announcements: Please note that there is no Balavihar on Friday, Feb 21st due to Shivaratri celebrations at the temple. We will have Balavihar on 3/13/2020 instead. 

We will have Spirit day on Friday, 2/28/20. There will be a lot of fun games and activities for the children that day. 

Registration to participate in the Geeta Chanting Competition is now open. 

http://www.chinmayavrindavan.org/Geeta-chanting/

Summary: We said the opening Shlokas and started our discussion of the quote of the day. The quote essentially means that we have to seek the Happiness within (our true nature). We can choose the way we want to react to situations and once we make up our mind, we will have control over the situation rather than them having control over us. This is easier said than done but with practice it will come! It is never too late to start. We also had a brief discussion about keeping our head above peer pressure and not take silly and dangerous dares. By repeatedly choosing to do the right thing, we can train ourselves to make the right decisions. 

 We then discussed the Ramayana story, Yuddha Kaand. Ravana was given multiple chances to correct his unjust actions but his ego was so strong that he did not heed to repeated good advice even by his well wishers. He was a great scholar and an expert at administration and letter of the law but his ego and lust blinded him and was the main reason for his downfall. We stopped the story at the part where Lakshmana is revived by herbs from the Sanjeevani mountain.

 We then continued our discussion on the mind. The children were really interested in the topic. The mind is split into two: Objective Mind and Subjective Mind. Objective Mind is outward facing and interacts with the outside world of objects through the sense organs and Subjective Mind is inward facing and interacts with Bhagavan (ॐ ) When there is harmony between the two we are at peace. However, our indulgence resulting from constant interaction with the world creates a space between the Subjective and Objective mind in the form of Vasanas (our past impressions and tendencies). Our actions are governed by our Vasanas and thus causes disturbance to our harmony. We should strive to reduce this gap by consistently focusing on the Self (Bhagavan). We will continue our discussions further. Please do ask the children to share their views on the discussion. It is interesting to see their minds process this way of thinking! It was then time for Geeta chanting and then we went to watch the Fifth grade presentation followed by Arati led by Grade 6. We look forward to seeing the children on Feb 28th! Please have them wear yellow which is our house color.

Pranam,

Anandhi and Shanthi

Feb 7, 2020 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Hari Om!

Dear Parents,

 Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Feb 7, 2020.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day: Actions are the louder expressions of thought. The quality of thought is ordered by the nature of our inner belief and faith.

Ramayana Story: Vibheeshana Sharanagati

Lesson: What is mind made up of?!

Bhagavat Gita: Ch. 1, Verses 24, 25

Aarati and Pledge : Temple - Lead by Grade 7

Next Balavihar class: 2/14/20

Summary: It was a busy class this week. We started with the discussion of the quote of the day after the opening shlokas. It was an interesting one. We automatically tend towards making choices based on what we think is good for us. So it is important to work on our thoughts and belief. Our repeated choices and thoughts form the impressions on our mind.  Until the children go off to college, they will have a responsible adult guiding their choices in life. In order for them to make the right choices as adults, they should start practicing the right thinking now. Our mind can be compared to a soft mound of dough. When we repeatedly make a line with a pencil in the same place, it forms a deep crevice in that spot. If we pour water over the dough, the water naturally starts flowing into the crevice. Our repeated thoughts form the impressions in our mind and if the thinking is right, we make the right impressions and therefore the right actions. In Ramayana, we discussed about Vibheeshana's advice to Ravana to not act in Adharmic way and return Sita back to Rama. Ravana did not like Vibheeshana's advice and insulted him. No longer wanting to be on the side of Injustice, Vibheeshana went and surrendered to Rama. Meanwhile, the Vaanaras helped to build a bridge with sand and boulders to Lanka. The heavy boulders floated on the ocean and didn't sink as they had Rama Nama written on them. They crossed the ocean and reached Lanka. We will continue the story and discussion of the mind in the upcoming classes. We chanted Bhagavat Gita verses 24, 25. During the last few minutes, we practiced the Arati songs as it was our turn to lead the Arati at the temple. 

Pranaam,

Shanthi & Anandhi

Jan 31, 2020 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Hari Om!

Dear Parents,

 Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Jan 31, 2020.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day: You are successful and creative only when you see an opportunity in every difficulty

Ramayana Story: Sundara Kandam - Hanuman meets Sita

Lesson: Formula for success

Bhagavat Gita: Ch. 1, Verses 21, 22, 23

Aarati and Pledge : Temple - Lead by Grade 8

Next Balavihar class: 2/7/20

Summary: We started with the opening Shlokas and then discussed the quote of the day. The students shared their views on the quote and also gave a personal anecdote when they were able to turn their difficulty into opportunity and persevere on without quitting, be it sports, academics, or other extra curricular activities. It is really heartening to see that they have a positive attitude towards all that matters. We encouraged them to continue being positive and putting their best effort in all their endeavors. We then moved on to the Ramayana story. The episode when Hanuman crosses all the hurdles and is successful in his mission to find and give Sita Rama's message is rightly named Sundara Kandam since it is considered the most beautiful part of Ramayana. It is one that gives hope and positivity. From the time Rama was exiled until this point, it has been one difficulty after another for Rama and Sita. Once Hanuman delivers the message that Rama is on his way to rescue Sita, she is filled with renewed energy and hope. Hanuman also gave a final strong message to Ravana, giving him the last opportunity to correct his grave mistake. Ravana insulted him and had his tail set on fire. Hanuman set the entire capital city of Lanka on fire before flying back to Rama with Sita's Choodamani as a symbol of his successful mission. The eloquence of Hanuman is understood when he first told Rama that he saw Sita before going into the details of his visit. It is a skill we should learn in effective communication. Eloquence does not necessarily mean being descriptive and using flowery language. It also means that we are able to give a concise message where necessary. 

 We then moved on to discuss our lesson of the day where we learnt a formula for success: Hard Work+Knowledge+capacity to laugh = Success. To elaborate a little more on this, hard work refers to working diligently towards our goals irrespective of distractions or obstacles. Knowledge refers to 2 things, self knowledge, which means the knowledge of our true nature (happiness) and the know-how of the task at hand. Capacity to laugh: this was the part that the kids were intrigued about. Many of them thought that it means that we should know to have fun and enjoy ourselves too. In this formula, the capacity to laugh means that we should be able to laugh at our failures rather than get discouraged by them. We spoke about Thomas Alwa Edison's famous remark about his 2000 failed attempts before he invented the light bulb, that he found 2000 ways that won't work! It was a very interesting discussion and a life skill to learn in order to be successful. We will continue more such discussions in the upcoming classes. We chanted Bhagavat Gita verses 21 -23 and then went to the temple hall for Arati and Pledge. Next week, it will be our class' turn to lead the Arati and Pledge. 

Pranaam,

Shanthi & Anandhi

Jan 24, 2020 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Hari Om!

Dear Parents,

 Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Jan 24, 2020.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day: More than what is behind you and what is ahead of you is what is in you. Seek it, be centered in it , act and live.

Ramayana Story: Sugriva sends his Vanaras to look for Sita

Lesson: The Master key to success

Bhagavat Gita: Ch. 1, Verses 19, 20, 21

Aarati and Pledge : Temple - Lead by Grade 9

Next Balavihar class: 1/31/20

Summary: It was great to see the children after a long break. We started with the opening Shlokas. We then discussed the quote of the day by Pujya Gurudev. We started our discussion by asking everyone what they wanted to be remembered for. when they grow up, the one value that defines their personality. They all had really good answers. They wanted to be known for being respectful, honest, kind, intelligent, inspirational, disciplined etc. We discussed about the need to keep working on the values we chose and eventually, we will be known for that virtue. When we realize our true potential and work on it, success will definitely follow. We discussed the story. Sugriva had almost forgotten his promise to Rama that he would help finding Sita. He was reminded by Hanuman of his duty and he sent four teams in four directions. The teams that went East West and North came back without any success. The direction that Ravana took SIta as indicated by Jatayu to Rama was South.  Hence the team that went South had great warriors like Jambavan, Angada, Nala, Neela and of course Hanuman. They met Sampati, the brother of Jatayu. Sampati was able to see very far. He told the team that Ravana had taken Sita to Lanka. After a lot of discussion it was decided that Hanuman was the only one powerful enough to fly to Lanka and get back. He sat on a rock and meditated a few minutes upon Lord Rama and set out to Lanka to find Sita and give her Rama's message. 

 We also started our book, Key to Success. We discussed about what is the master key to success. The master key of a building opens all the doors in the building. Similarly if we recognize the master key we hold, self-knowledge and the potential within us we will be able to open the door to success. we also learnt that happiness does not lie in the objects but within us. We will continue discussions in the upcoming classes. We then chanted Bhagavat Gita Chapter 1, verses 19,20,21. we then went to the temple hall for Arati and pledge led by Grade 9.

Pranaam,

Shanthi & Anandhi

Dec 20,2019 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Hari Om!

Dear Parents,

 Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Dec 20, 2019.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day:Comfort- comes in as a guest, lingers to become host and stays to enslave us!

Icebreaker: What is your guilty pleasure?

Ramayana Story: Rama kills Vaali and coronation of Sugriva

Bhagavat Gita: Ch. 1, Verses 14,15,16

Aarati and Pledge : Temple - Lead by Grade 4

Next Balavihar class: 1/3/20

 Announcement: Please mark your calendars for our class stage presentation on Jan 10th, 2020

Summary: We had a great class to finish the decade today! There was a surprise guest, Ananya Ramachandran one of our CHYKs. Ananya graduated from Balavihar in 2017. She is a junior in college and actively participates in Balavihar activities whenever she can. After the opening prayers, we started with the icebreaker question. The children were asked what their guilty pleasure is, something they enjoy doing but not necessarily good for them. We had a lot of interesting answers ranging from video games, junk food to getting their siblings in trouble! This was a great opening to discuss our quote of the day. We start doing certain things because it brings us happiness an we get comfortably used to them and suddenly there comes a time when we realize that we can't do without them! The children understood the quote well and had many interesting analogies to describe it. One of them said that Social media is a good example for this quote. We get into social media because it is convenient to communicate,etc., but gradually we get sucked into it ultimately making it difficult for us to be without it. This is true even for us adults many times! we then discussed the need to get out of our comfort zones, analyze and try to kick some habits which make us feel dependent on them. 

 We then discussed the story of Vaali. Vaali was the brother of Sugriva, who took his kingdom and his wife in an Adharmik way. He was very arrogant and proud of his strength and prowess. Sugriv sought Rama's help to kill Vaali and restore the kingdom back to him. Vaali had the unfair advantage of gaining half the strength of the enemy when face to face with them. So Rama had to kill him from behind a tree. Sugriva was reinsted as king of Kishkinda. He promised to help Rama find Sita after the monsoon season.

 Following Gita chanting, we prepared for our upcoming program on Jan 10th. We then went to the temple hall for Arati and pledge. The next class will be on Jan 3rd, 2020. Happy Holidays and a very happy new year to you and your family!

Pranaam,

Shanthi & Anandhi

Dec 13, 2019 - Grade 7(Friday)

Hari Om!

Dear Parents,

 Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Dec 13, 2019.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day: Desires are never quenched by enjoyment. It rather inflames them, as clarified butter does fire.

Discussion: 

Character Comparison: Jatayu and Shoorpanakha

Bhagavat Gita: Ch. 1, Verses 11,12,13

Aarati and Pledge : Temple - Lead by Grade 7

Next Balavihar class: 12/20/19

 Announcement: Please mark your calendars for our class stage presentation on Jan 10th, 2020

Summary: It was an action packed class this week. We started with the opening shlokas and then discussed the quote of the day. The children quickly grasped the meaning of the quote and we had a brief discussion about desires/wants vs goals. It's not bad to work hard to achieve your goals for a higher cause but desires can only lead to more desires. Desire cannot be controlled/suppressed. The more we try to do that, the stronger they become! It is best to analyze the desires and negate them and always have a higher goal in perspective. We discussed the story of Kabandha and how his greed and desires led to a cursed life until Bhagavan Rama relieved him of his curse and restored him to his original Gandharva form. This gave us a good segue to continue with our Ramayana story. Hanuman met Rama and immediately gave up his disguise and assumed his original form. The words spoken by Hanuman impressed and pleased Rama and an immediate bond was formed between them. We stopped with Hanuman leading Rama and Lakshmana to Sugriva who, he said would help them find Sita. We then had a discussion about our class presentation and prepared for it. The children are quite enthusiastic about it and it is heart warming to see them take ownership of their responsibilities! We then chanted Bhagavat Gita verses and then went to the prayer hall to watch the 9th grade stage presentation. We ended by leading the Arati and Pledge at the hall. We look forward to the next class. The kids are in for a pleasant surprise next week. 

Pranaam,

Shanthi & Anandhi

Dec 13, 2019 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Hari Om!

Dear Parents,

 Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Dec 13, 2019.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day: Desires are never quenched by enjoyment. It rather inflames them, as clarified butter does fire.

Discussion: 

Character Comparison: Jatayu and Shoorpanakha

Bhagavat Gita: Ch. 1, Verses 11,12,13

Aarati and Pledge : Temple - Lead by Grade 7

Next Balavihar class: 12/20/19

 Announcement: Please mark your calendars for our class stage presentation on Jan 10th, 2020

Summary: It was an action packed class this week. We started with the opening shlokas and then discussed the quote of the day. The children quickly grasped the meaning of the quote and we had a brief discussion about desires/wants vs goals. It's not bad to work hard to achieve your goals for a higher cause but desires can only lead to more desires. Desire cannot be controlled/suppressed. The more we try to do that, the stronger they become! It is best to analyze the desires and negate them and always have a higher goal in perspective. We discussed the story of Kabandha and how his greed and desires led to a cursed life until Bhagavan Rama relieved him of his curse and restored him to his original Gandharva form. This gave us a good segue to continue with our Ramayana story. Hanuman met Rama and immediately gave up his disguise and assumed his original form. The words spoken by Hanuman impressed and pleased Rama and an immediate bond was formed between them. We stopped with Hanuman leading Rama and Lakshmana to Sugriva who, he said would help them find Sita. We then had a discussion about our class presentation and prepared for it. The children are quite enthusiastic about it and it is heart warming to see them take ownership of their responsibilities! We then chanted Bhagavat Gita verses and then went to the prayer hall to watch the 9th grade stage presentation. We ended by leading the Arati and Pledge at the hall. We look forward to the next class. The kids are in for a pleasant surprise next week. 

Pranaam,

Shanthi & Anandhi

--

Anandhi

Nov 22, 2019 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Dear Parents,

 Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Nov 22nd, 2019.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day: Asatoma Sat Gamayah

                             Tamasoma Jyotir Gamayah

                              Mrityorma Amrutam Gamayah

Discussion: Ramayana Story (up to Soorpanaka's coming

Next Balavihar class: 12/6/19

Summary: 

Our quote of the day was "There is nothing, at any time, in any circumstance, to worry, "Why this to me?!".

Students shared their interpretation of the quote and also examples from their experience. Some interpreted it as always thinking about the bad happening to oneself. One of them told when she got a cold, she was feeling very bad it happened to her but there are people suffering from worse diseases. Another person said good or bad happening is all one's own choices.

We had Rajan ji join our  class for some time for this class and he gave the example of the famous Tennis player , Arthur Robert Ashe Jr. who had contracted HIV from a blood transfusion he received during a heart surgery. When in hospital, the player was reflecting, while it was the height of misfortune to be the one who was picked to go through this, he was also the one to  be picked from millions through several levels of picking that he became the top player.

We often complain 'Why me'? when bad happens to us but not when good happens to us.

And we need to accept everything with a 'prasada buddhi' just like how we accept prasadam from a temple without any complaints. And live with an equanimous like Rama. According to Hindu beliefs, what we go through in our life are the results of our karma in a previous birth.

We also told the story of the King and Minister going on a hunting trip wherein the minister keeps saying 'It happened for good' for everything. Ask them what the story is ? :)

7th grade annual class performance

We covered the story of Ramayana, Rama Sita Lakshmana visiting different Rishis, forests  until Soorpanaka's visit in disguise, her deceit and getting her nose cut.

January 10th is our annual program day. Gave three choices to pick - skit, bhaja, gameshoe.

Unanimous choice was gameshow and they picked 'Kahoot'. We will have a preliminary written quiz for the different classes. From that will pick 4 teams for the game.

Homework:

Have asked the kids to prepare one Ramayana related question each with 4 answer choices (one right choice). We will use the questions for the preliminary as well as the actual game.

We did not have class on 11/29 due to Thanksgiving holiday break.

Pranam,

Balvihar Sevikas

Nov 1, 2019 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Dear Parents,

 Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Nov 1st, 2019.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day: Asatoma Sat Gamayah

                             Tamasoma Jyotir Gamayah

                              Mrityorma Amrutam Gamayah

Discussion: Ramayana Story (up to Rama-Sita Lakshmana going to forest

Photoshoot: We had the class photo taken

Next Balavihar class: 11/22/19

Summary: 

Our quote of the day was "Mind can make a hell of heaven and. heaven out of hell.

Students shared their interpretation of the quote and also examples from their experience. One of them told when she got bad grades, she could keep thinking negatively that it could affect everything else or cheer up and see how to get better.  Another kid told mind can change the perspective of the things. When she had to move from on school to another, she could think she is losing her friends or be excited about making new friends. 

We covered the story of Rmayana until Ram , Sita and Lakshmana went to the forest and connected the characters to the quote.

Kaikeyi was initially so happy when she knew about Rama going to be coronated as the King of Ayodhya.  But after the influence of Matara, the same situation which seemed like  heaven turned into hell for her.

Rama on the other hand, being equanimous always, he turned even the very tough situation of having to give up everything and live an ascetic life in the forest into a heaven. He happily agreed to his father's wish and took it as an  blessing to learn more from the forest living experience and  meet great Saints . 

We did not have class on 11/8 and 11/15.

Pranam,

Balvihar Sevikas

Oct 25, 2019 - Grade 7 (Friday)

Hari Om!

Dear Parents,

 Please find below the summary of our class on Friday, Oct 25, 2019.

Opening prayers:

 Om Sahana Vavatu                            

Om Sri Ganeshaya NamaH

Om Sri Saraswatyai NamaH

Om Sri Sadgurubhyo NamaH

 Neelambuja Shyamala Komalaangam (Rama Shloka)

Quote of the day: Asatoma Sat Gamayah

                             Tamasoma Jyotir Gamayah

                              Mrityorma Amrutam Gamayah

Discussion: Ramayana Story (up to Rama-Sita Kalyanam)

Bhagavat Gita: Ch. 1, Verses 3,4

Next Balavihar class: 11/1/19

 Announcement:  

We are planning to celebrate Govardhan Puja/Annakut/ Chappan Bhog in the Ashram on Monday evening Oct 28..please sign up to bring an item if possible: 

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oEMfIJW2IiYslknU4APFPBmlnlmCdIPCLmGYdRg2pwA

All items should be brought to the Ashram by 5:30 pm. Please stay for the Pooja and Prasad.

The class pictures will be taken for the annual magazine. Please have the children dress in Indian clothes.

Summary: Happy Deepavali to all of you and your families! The atmosphere for today's class was festive. We started the class by discussing briefly about Deepavali traditions in our respective houses. We also discussed a bit about the symbolism and significance of Deepavali in different parts of India. In the North, it is celebrated in the evenings as the day that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana returned from their 14 year exile after destroying the evil Ravana and in the South it is celebrated in the mornings as the day that Lord Krishna destroyed the evil Narakasura. Regardless of the reasons for celebrating Deepavali, the common concept is the celebration of the victory of Good over evil. Ravana and Narakasura are symbolic of our ignorance and Ego which many times blind us into making wrong choices but surrendering to the Lord within us helps us win over these low tendencies and false values! Such a victory should indeed be celebrated with glory! 

   Our quote of the day is from our ending Shlokas during Aarati. The children were well aware of the quote but we explored the basic meaning of the verses: Lead us from Untruth to Truth

             Lead us from Darkness to Light

             Lead us from Mortality to Immortality 

 Lead us from Untruth to Truth: The one Truth is that we are all one and in the same Paramatma who is in us. This is an abstract statement for them to understand at their age but we wanted to introduce it to them so that they can slowly contemplate about them as they grow older. For now, our class has understood that we should be empathetic and always treat others like we would like to be treated, with kindness because we are all the same. 

 Lead us from Darkness to Light: our prayer is for us to get rid of our ignorance and remove the darkness with the light of knowledge, the supreme knowledge that God is everyone and everything we experience including ourselves. Again, the concept has been given to them to contemplate and each day that they grow will help them get more clarity. 

Lead us from Mortality to Immortality: We spoke about people like Gurudev, Lord Rama and many other great people that are remembered long after their physical body is gone. Such great people live on by virtue of their actions. Each of us should strive to be the person to be remembered through our great deeds even after we leave the body.

The children had some interesting insights into what these concepts mean to them. Please do discuss with them to know their thoughts on this. It is amazing how they already have high thoughts at such a young age!

 We then did a quick recap and then continued with the story and stopped with Rama & Sita's wedding and the weddings of the other brothers with Sita's sisters. Then we continued the Gita chanting with Swamiji. Today we learnt verses 3, 4. We will be spending a little more time revising our chanting from next class. It will be helpful if the children practice them at home. We finished with reciting the Pledge in our classroom and then went to join the fireworks celebrations with all the other Balavihar families. Overall it was an interesting class and hopefully the children enjoyed it as much as we did. We look forward to the next Balavihar class.