April 5, 2020 - Grade 7 (Sunday AM)

Hari OM Parents,

Here is class update for April 5^th, 2020. These blog posts will be available at: https://cmnjparentportal19-20.blogspot.com/search/label/Gr%207%20-%20Sunday%20AM

We started with the streaming of Nama Ramayanam (My Prayers - Green book Page No: 135) in the zoom meeting while we waited for students to be admitted into the class. At 9:15 AM we started the class with OM chanting and Sahanavavatu. We then chanted Sri Rama Dhyana shloka (My Prayers - Green book Page No: 129-1,2) like we had in previous classes.

We continued with Vibhishana Gita (Keys to Success): An odyssey of mind that uses the analogy of Chariot. Sri Rama used it to enlighten Vibhishana about inner preparation for the battle. We reviewed topics covered last week – The Reins:

·         Forgiveness (Ksama): We covered the story of Saint Ekantha Maharaj – he forgives the person trying to anger him to that point that he asks "Whar For?" when asked to forgive! Gurudev Swami Chimamanda refers to "Forgiveness is like Sandlewood" -spreads a sweet fragrance even when it is cut or rubbed to make sandal paste. We discussed quotes:

o   "Think the first step is to understand that forgiveness does not exonerate the perpetrator. Forgiveness liberates the victim. It's a gift you give yourself."

o   "There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love."

·         Compassion (Krpa): We discussed how compassion comes with respect. When we recognize the humanity in the other person, we respect them and feel compassionate.

·         Equanimity (Samata): Quality of staying cheerful and even when dealing with both success & failure, happiness & sadness. We reviewed the story of how Eagle rides the storm by staying on a high mountain and uses the winds of glide away to safety.

Today, we continued on to Birati & Samtosa:

·         Dispassion (Birati): Passion can be towards something lower or higher. We covered the story of "Monkey Trap" - how monkey's unwillingness to let go of the fruit inside a cage is used to trap it. On the other hand, a passion for something higher can be inspire us to work hard and achieve great things. We talked about a story of a boy who worked on a piano recital as a tribute to his sick mother – with that dedication made a wonderful performance on stage impressing his teachers.  

o   We also talked about how to develop dispassion by recognizing that happiness is within us and not in the objects that we seek. There is a beginning, middle and end to any sensual happiness, and only the bliss within is eternal.

·         Contentment (Samtosa):  Mahatma Gandhi had said "There is enough in the world for our needs, but there is never enough for our greed". Puja Gurdev was contented just to try three dishes during Chappan Bhoga at Temple, even though devotees wanted him to try everything offered.  We also reviewed the story of monster Kabanda from Ramayana – the creature just wanted keep eating Rama & Lakshmana until they cut of its hands.

Next, Ragav started the class by asking questions about topic covered last week:

·         What was the prophecy which foretold the doom of Lanka?

·         Where did Hanuman find Sita?

·         Name the encounters Hanuman faced on his way to Lanka?

·         What did Hanuman do after meeting Sita? Why did she do this?

·         How was Hanuman subdued?

Students responded to these questions in the zoom chat session, many got the answers right. He then proceeded to how Hanuman was captured and was to be executed. However, Vibhishana advised against it and instead recommended that Hanuman's tail be set on fire. Hanuman's tail was then set on fire which Hanuman used to set entire Lanka on fire!

Kumbakarna is woken up and even he advises Ravana to do the right thing in returning Sita. But Ravana does not listen. Vibhishana  is accused of being a traitor by Ravana as he does not support him in plans to go on a war with Rama. So, Vibhishana leaves Lanka with some of his friends and takes refuge in Rama. Ragav asked the students to think about how they would deal with the situation if someone near and dear to them is doing something adharmic, and refuses to listen.

There is no class next week. On April 19^th couple of high school students (JCHYK) will be covering the Ramayana story. They will cover the construction of Rama's bridge to Lanka and the events leading up to it.

Please have students recite Gita verses. These are available on You Tube:

1.       Verses 1 - 10: https://youtu.be/TvDjwKhxySo  

2.       Verses 11 – 20: https://youtu.be/W3UkY3kr4AU  

3.       Verses 21 – 30: https://youtu.be/CyWycDfqNb0

We then finished the class with aarti, closing prayers and pledge. Enjoy the break next week, hope to see everyone on April 19^th. 

Feb 22, 2020 - Grade 7 (Sunday AM)

Hari OM Parents,

These blog posts will be available at: https://cmnjparentportal19-20.blogspot.com/search/label/Gr%207%20-%20Sunday%20AM

We had our first online class on Sunday March 22^nd, 2020 using zoom conference. We are glad so many of our students were able to join.

We started with the streaming of Nama Ramayanam (My Prayers - Green book Page No: 135) in the zoom meeting while we waited for students to join. After this we started the class with OM chanting and Sahanavavatu. We then chanted Sri Rama Dhyana shloka (My Prayers - Green book Page No: 129-1,2) like had in previous classes.

We continued with Vibhishana Gita (Keys to Success) by reviewing the topics covered in the previous week: An odyssey of mind that uses the analogy of Chariot. Sri Rama used it to enlighten Vibhishana about inner preparation for the battle. We reviewed topics covered previously:

-          Wheels representing Sauraja (Valor, Courage) & Dhiraja (Fortitude, Patience). Like the accelerator & brakes in a vehicle – one must use both prudently.

-          Flag representing Satya (Truthfulness) & Sila (Good Character). We talked about Love & Trust. While Love is given, Trust is earned by our words & actions.

Next, we covered the horses representing Bala (Strength), Bibeka (Discrimination), Dama (Control of Senses) & Parahita (Caring for others).

-          Bala is not Physical strength, but also Moral Strength & Strength that comes with flexibility. Even though Ravana was physically strong – he used Maricha to lure away Rama & Lakshmana before he carried away Sita. He lacked the moral character & strength. Water can cut deep canyons in mighty rocks, flexible plants survive hurricane force winds, while mighty trees fall. These are examples of flexible strength.

-          Viveka represents the discrimination and clarity of thinking that tells us the difference between right & wrong, truth & falsehood, duty & leisure, etc.

We discussed couple of situations as group to see how discrimination can be used to determine a good way to deal with a tough situation. Couple of scenarios we discussed:

a)       A friend in online class that is NOT contributing to a group project.

b)      A neighbor daring you to CHEAT "Social Distancing" restrictions.

Students were good about some of the creative solutions. One said he would "bribe" his friend to contribute. Another said "put the fear of God" on the neighbor. We also talked about getting others friends / parents / teachers to make the friend understand consequences. Listening to the kids – I was reminded of Sama, Dana, Bheda, Danda upayas found in our ithihasa!

On Dama & Parahita:

-          Dama is control, not suppression of senses. How the horses that draws the carriage need blinders to ensure that they are not distracted and looking ahead – we need to remove many of the distraction in order to focus on our duty. We talked about a story of a monkey that tried to fast by keeping the food close, but ended up eating everything! Sometimes we need to abstain from attractions in order to focus on our tasks.

-          Parahita is caring for others. We talked about how "social distancing" is in itself done to protect other – primarily the elderly and those vulnerable due to their health issues.  

Next, Ragav asked the "super challenging question" which is: what was Rama's justification for killing Vali? Do you agree with the justification? It led to many lively discussions. Some said Rama should have befriended Vali who would have immediately brought Sita back! Ragav had previously explained some of the justification Rama gave Vali after he shot Vali in the back (i.e. Rama as King of dynasty has to enforce dharma, Vali acted in inappropriate way, etc.).

We then proceeded to discuss Sundara Kanda - the story of Hanuman and his search for Sita. We started with the story of strong baby Hanuman reaching for the Sun mistaking it for a fruit. Seeing this Indra strikes him with the bolt. Hanuman's father Vayu (air) is very upset by this that he withdrew from earth. In order to calm him – Hanuman was restored and given several boons by Gods and Devas making his a powerful vanara.  

After the story we listened to Gita Chapter 1 – verses 1 to 10 Chanting by Swamiji & the Aarti.  

Hope to see everyone on Sunday March 29^th 2020. Kindly remind the students about the following online class etiquette:

• Please sit in a quiet room with a clean background
• Light should fall on your face so that the teacher can see you clearly
• Speak clearly and slowly. Use a headset if possible
• Maintain classroom decorum - limit bathroom breaks and no eating in front of the computer
• Have Daily Prayers & Handbook handy
• Do not play with the computer or phone while in class.
• Keep chat conversation to topics discussed in class

Feb 16, 2020 - Grade 7 (Sunday AM)

Hari OM Parents,

Update from prior weeks is now posted in Parent's Portal: https://cmnjparentportal19-20.blogspot.com/, Here is what we covered on Sunday Feb 16th, 2020. 

We started the class with OM chanting and Sahanavavatu. We then chanted Sri Rama Dhyana shloka (My Prayers - Green book Page No: 135) until Aranya Kanda that we have covered so far in the class. Then we did a review of topics covered in the previous week, including: 

• A B C of success
1. Hard Work
2. Smart Work (Knowledge & Understanding)
3. Sense of Humor & Prasad Buddhi
• B M I - Body, Mind & Intellect
• Law of Karma & Vasanas

Then we talked about qualities Rama & Ravana represent, and how those qualities can be found even within us! We continued with Vibhishana Gita and covered what Rama explains Chariot's Wheels & Flag represent:

• The Wheels 
• Sauraja - Valor, Courage
• Dhiraja - Fortitude, Patience
• The Flag
• Satya - Truthfulness
• Sila - Good Character

We also covered many stories to reinforce the concepts, including:

• Cherokee Indian Youth Rite of Passage (Sauraja)
• Robber Ratnakar who became Valmiki (Dhiraja)

Next week we will continue with more stories on Satya & Sila. 

Ragav then went through the questions that students were asked to prepare for the class. Many students enthusiastically presented the notes that they had prepared! We then started on Kishkinda Kanda and introduced Hanuman, Sugreeva, Vali, Tara, etc. 

At 10:30 AM we listened to Gita Chanting by Swamiji. We then we went to main temple for Aarti & Pledge.   

Tomorrow is Spirit Day! In keeping with our theme of 'Daanam/Giving' this year all children will be doing cool crafts which will then be donated. Please come and check out what they make. Students do not need to bring Balavihar bags. Language class bags can be left in the car until needed. Our house Bajrangi's Bolts color is Yellow, Please have the children dressed in house color. Additionally, we need parent volunteers to assist with the many games / puzzles we have have planned for the day. 

Looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow. Regards,

Shrinivas

Feb 9, 2020 - Grade 7 (Sunday AM)

Here is what we covered as of Sunday Feb 9th, 2019. Please note that contents of this email will be posted to our class blog at Parent's Portal:https://cmnjparentportal19-20.blogspot.com/ 

We started the class with OM chanting and Sahanavavatu. We then chanted Sri Rama Dhyana shloka (My Prayers - Green book Page No: 129-1,2) that we had covered in previous classes.

We continued with Vibhishana Gita (Keys to Success) by reviewing the topics covered in the previous week: Master Key to life (Fair & Just to All, Knowledge & Understanding, Know Thyself: Self-Knowledge), Success (A Self-fulfilling Prophecy) & Happiness (A Subjective Experience). Importance of Sharpening the Saw to ensure that the instrument is effective & efficient to achieve success.

We then discussed BMI – Body, Mind & Intellect – our internal instruments through which we process the sensory inputs we receive from the Organs of Perception and act on the world through the Organs of Action. Just as a muddy eyeglass is not going to help us see clearly, our own instruments need to be in good working order. We talked about how quiet mind is necessary through the story of a farm boy who found the missing watch by quietly listing to the sound.

Finally, on the topic of keys to success, we talked about handling results of action with a prasad buddhi and a sense of humor even if we fail. We also introduced the concept of "Vasanas" residue of prior actions and seeds for new thoughts. How the vasanas sitting between objective mind and subjective mind colors what we perceive – just as colored eye glasses would change the world we see. We also talked about laws of karma, and how vasanas are dissolved through Dhyana (Raja Yoga) and Prasad buddhi (Karma Yoga).

Next, Ragav had a quiz on Ramayana topics covered on the prior week. We then continued with Ramayana story about how Ravana tried to tempt / threaten Sita at Lanka. Rama search for Sita. Ragav has posted in WhatsApp a bunch of questions for students to come prepared for the next class:

• Who is Kabandha? What is the significance of the story?
• Who is Shabari?
• Why is Sugriva hiding? Why could he hide there successfully?
• What is Hanuman's role in Sugriva's court?
• Describe first meeting of Hanuman with Rama & Lakshmana.
• What was in Sugriva's possession that Rama was interested in.
• What did Sugriva & Rama promise each other?
• How did Rama prove his strength to Sugriva?
• What did Vali possess that would make him unbeatable in battle?
• Why did Sugriva lose the first battle with Vali? What was the plan to beat Vali in the next one?
• What advice did Vali's wife give when Sugriva returned for rematch? Why did Vali go anyway?
• What did Vali say to Rama when he was hit by Rama's arrow?
• Super Challenging Question: What justification did Rama provide to Vali regarding his killing? Do you agree with Rama's justification?

At 10:20 AM we listened to Gita Chanting by Swamiji. And then we went to main temple to watch Grade 5 play, Aarti & Pledge.  

Hope to see everyone today.

Feb 2, 2020 - Grade 7 (Sunday AM)

Here is what we covered as of Sunday Feb 2nd, 2019. 

We started the class with OM chanting and Sahanavavatu. We then chanted Sri Rama Dhyana shloka (My Prayers - Green book Page No: 129-1,2) that we had covered in previous classes. 

Starting in Jan 2020 we are studying: Vibhishana Gita (Keys to Success). The curriculum teaches children how to achieve success in the world by living a life that is rich in values. Emphasis is on the mind and how a disciplined mind achieves happiness and peace.

Previously, Ravana's brother Vibhishana having taken refuge in Rama - is worried about Rama's success in battle as Rama does not have chariot, armor and other ornaments of war. Rama shares with Vibhishana the secrets of success. He distinguished between "inner" vs "outer" preparation required for success. 

At the last class, we talked about happiness as a subjective experience and how it can differ from one person to another. We asked the students to come prepared to class on the following questions: "What makes you happy?", "What would you consider as success?".

Today, the students came to the class and many of them shared with the class what made them happy, and what they consider as success in their life. However, some students were a shy to share with the whole class. We encourage parents to discuss these two questions with your child as these are important questions to consider for life success. 

We then continued discussion on "Secrets of the success". We started with hard work, knowledge and self-care (sharpen the saw). Discussed stories of about fruit seller & wood cutter to emphasis the point. However, we did not have time to finish the topic as a lot of time was spend in class discussions. In the next class, we will continue discussing instruments of success: Five Senses, Body, Mind, and Intellect. And the right attitude for dealing with failures. 

Next, Ragav quizzed the students on the Ramyanam topics we have covered so far in the class. Students are separated into three groups, and answered as a group after discussing it amongst themselves. After the quiz – Ragav continued with the story of Ravana kidnapping Sita. We talked how Maricha advised Ravana not to pursue Sita. Initially, Ravana agrees – however he is prodded by Surpanaka to go back. Class is keeping tab on number of times Ravana was given good advice that he ignored! Looking forward to the count going up as the story continues … 

Students were asking why Sita did not throw the alms out to Ravana without crossing the Lakshmana Rekha 😊 We also discussed how original Valmiki version did not have this element but were added in the later versions: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakshmana_rekha.

At 10:30 AM we listened to Gita Chanting by Swamiji. And then we went to main temple for Aarti & pledge.  

Jan 12, 2020 Grade 7 (Sunday AM)

Ramyana Quiz on stage. Congratulations to all participants, they got almost all the questions right 🎉

Special thanks to parent volunteers for your assistance and suggestions. And Ragav for detailed explanations as Quiz Master.

Thank you for attending! Hope to see everyone again after the MLK break next weekend.

Dec 15, 2019 - Grade 7 (Sunday AM)

We started the class on the benefits of meditation and how it changes the brain for better by looking at fMRI images of meditators! We then practiced mindfulness by observing our breathing, and did OM chanting. 

After sahana vavatu, we did the Dhyana shlokas and Nama Ramayanam. We challenged the class to read it after listening to it, and the entire class raised up to the challenge and stood up to read it in the class!

Next, Ragav quizzed the students on Ramayana topics covered in the last class. We completed Ayodhya Kanda and started Aranya Kanda. Class was unusually interactive with students asking many questions such as "why didn't Bharata kill his mother Kaikeyi", "Why did people go on vanaprastham to forest", etc. We encourage students to actively participate and engage in discussions.

We also discussed story of Dasharatha mistakenly killing the son of blind parents and was cursed for it. The curse takes effect when he is separated from Rama, leading to his demise.

We then discussed options for stage presentation. While few students wanted to do a play, most wanted to do a quiz on stage. So we will do a quiz on stage on Sunday January 12th. Swamiji will be in audience. We request all students to be present and dress up in Indian dress for the event.

If you have any feedback, questions or suggestions do not hesitate to contact us.

Dec 8, 2019 - Grade 7 (Sunday AM)

The film Avengers: Infinity War was the fourth highest grossing film of all time. While a great success in English speaking markets such as the United States and Canada, the film also found great success elsewhere, breaking all time opening records in countries such as South Korea, Mexico, India and Brazil. What this example informs us is that an entertaining and spectacular tale of heroism transcends barriers imposed by differences in language and culture. People love a good story regardless of its origins. A story gaining wide appeal in this age of globalized mass communication is impressive but imagine a tale which achieved this when the fastest way to transmit information was through a man on a fast horse or boat. And yet that is what the Ramayana achieved many years ago. Each language of India has its own telling of Rama's story, countries in Southeast Asia such as Thailand and Cambodia too had their own versions as well. Even the Mughals commissioned a translation of the Ramayana!

The Balakanda predicts that the unfolding story would be beloved and endlessly retold the world over. But why was the Ramayana composed? How did Valmiki learn about the story of Rama? Why did Valmiki decide to compose the Ramayana as a series of verses? The first part of the Ramayana, the Balakanda discusses these questions.

One aspect we discussed in class was what the Ramayana had to say about leadership. Throughout the story we examine the characters of several kings in detail – Rama's father Dasharatha, Ravana, Visvamitra, and Rama himself. It should also be noted that the Ramayana takes place after Parasurama's rampage which destroyed generations of kshatriyas over and over due to the oppression they had brought upon the world. The instigator of this massacre was one Karthavirya Arjuna. In a story remarkably similar to that of then-King Visvamitra and Sage Vashishta, this Arjuna would try to steal a sacred cow from a sage (Parasurama's father). The conflict would lead to Parasurama's father's death. Both Visvamitra and Karthavirya Arjuna are described as skilled warriors and able administrators and yet they are both brought to ruination (or near ruination in Visvamitra's case) by their greed, their ego and their stubbornness; even otherwise virtuous and capable leaders are capable of adharma and oppression. Dasharatha, a similarly accomplished king, is brought low by his desire to please his wife and desire similarly clouds Ravana's judgment and brings about ruin. It is perhaps in the light of these flawed kings that Valmiki asks Sage Narada of a king who is both fierce in battle, just in rule and free of the vices described above. This is the conversation which would familiarize Valmiki with Rama's history and virtuous character and spark the events which would lead to the composition of the Ramayana. In Rama we see the model for an ideal leader and ideal person. Hopefully the emphasis of each session should be on aspects of Rama's character and how we can best emulate him. We may not be able to lift Shiva's bow and break it, but we can aspire to incorporate his best characteristics such as his empathy.

Nov 17, 2019 - Grade 7 (Sunday AM)

Here is what we covered on Sunday Nov 17th, 2019

As always, we started the class with OM chanting and Sahanavavatu. We talked about different kinds of meditation – mantra based, prana and visualization (using nilambuj shyamal komalangam dhyana shloka). We talked about how a thought that is lighter than a feather can weigh heavier than a mountain. How Rama Nama is manoram – pleasing/delightful to the troubled mind. 

With the My Prayers book in hand – students recited Sri Rama Dhyana shloka (My Prayers - Green book Page No: 129-1,2) that we had covered in previous classes. Next, we then started with the first part of Nama-Ramayanam bhajan that covers the entire Ramayana in 108 verses. We will continue with rest of the bhajan over the upcoming classes.

Next, Ragav quizzed the students on the Ramyanam topics we have covered so far in the class. Students are separated into three groups, and write down the answers as a group after discussing it amongst themselves. After the quiz - he covered Rama returning back with Sita, and performed his duties as Crown Prince. Everyone was very happy and we covered the qualities and personality of Rama that made revered. King Dasharatha was preparing for the make Rama the King, everyone including was going to live happily ever after, but ….

We talked about some of the arguments Manthra made to Kaikeyi to convince her to ask for boons to send Rama to forest and crown Bharata as the king. We talked about how evil people can corrupt good people, and about being conscious of such evil influences.  

At 10:30 AM Gita Chanting video Chapter 1 verses 5-6 recorded by Swamiji. This recording is available online at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8C_PQAN9StE&list=PLVaQ1AsTFVEK4MvW4zOX3dd7ct-7nFwWC&index=3&t=8s

And the we left to the main hall for aarti & pledge. Going forward we will leave the bags in the class and go to assembly just with the handbook.

Nov 3, 2019 - Grade 7 (Sunday AM)

Welcome to Chinamaya Vrindavan Sunday AM Balavihar Grade 7 blog.

We start the class with OM chanting and meditation, followed by Sahanavavatu. We have also covered Sri Rama Dhyana shloka (My Prayers - Green book Page No: 129-1,2). Students are expected to memorize these shlokas and understand the meaning from English translations provided in My Prayers book. I will share the audio here in this group so that the students can memorize the verses along with the tune. 

We are learning Ramayana in the class with attention to details and specific characters covered in the text. Student's attention is tested with a quiz on prior week topics at every class. As of last week, we covered Rama breaking Shiva's Dhanush (bow) to win Sita as wife! 

With Indian Supreme Court announcing verdict on Ram Janmabhoomi yesterday – this would be great opportunity for you discuss with your children what they are learning in class and how it relates to current events. 

At 10:30 AM Gita Chanting video recorded by Swamiji, Sanskrit Teachers and edited by senior Balavihar students is played in the class. We will share these recordings with you so the students can practice at home. At 10:45 AM our class led the aarthi & pledge last weekend and they did a wonderful job even without microphones!

Finally, a gentle reminder – there is NO class tomorrow Nov 10th, 2019. We hope to see them next week.

Welcome to Gr 7 - Sunday AM Session

Please look out for regular updates from the teachers soon after the session starts on Sept 15th