Hari Om Parents,
We started our class with opening prayers and 3 OMs. We reviewed Ganesha, Saraswati, Karagre… mantras.
Next chapter was P is for Prayer.
Class did great when asked how do they pray. They told us that they say their mantras, Japa, Gita chanting, and prostrate to God. We practiced Japa together. When they heard the sound in the bowl, we all chanted Om Sri Rama together.
STORY- Prahlad
Kids watched the story of bhakta Prahlad. Prahlad was the son of Hiranyakashyap and a great devotee of Lord Vishnu. His father was not pleased that he worshipped Lord Vishnu. He tried to kill Prahlad many times, but God saved him every time. The king swung at the pillar and Lord Vishnu comes as Narashimha avatar and kills him by following the boon. He is not killed in day or night, but at the threshold by Narashimha's claws.
STORY- Gajendra Moksha
Pranathi recited the story to all.
Kids watched the story of the elephant king, Gajendra. One day, he was thirsty and went to the lake to drink water. The crocodile grabs Gajendra by his foot. Gajendra struggles, but unable to get free. He prays to Lord Vishnu, who comes in his vehicle, Garuda, and kills the crocodile.
MORAL- God will always protects us when we pray sincerely to Him.
Next chapter was Q is for Quiet
We asked each child what healthy snack they like while there was loud kids on the screen chattering in the background. Kids realized that we need to be quiet to listen in school, at home, while studying, watching TV. God gave us gave 2 ears and 1 mouth so we can speak less and listen more.
We also need to be Quiet when we are praying. We feel happy when our mind is quiet.
STORY-
We showed them pictures of a spider building a beautiful web. The spider concentrated quietly even though the animals in the forest tried to get him to play with them.
STORY- Turtle and the Swan
Kids watched the story of the 2 swans who lifted the turtle with a stick to another lake that had more water. Villagers looked at the sight of the swans. The turtle opened his mouth when the villagers saw him. He made the mistake of not staying quiet. The turtle fell to the ground.
ACTIVITY-
Each child got the cut out letters- LISTEN. We had them rearrange the letters to SILENT and to come up with other words also. We reminded them that to listen, you have to be silent.
Kids learned- Tvam-eva Mata ca Pita Tvam-eva.
RECAP—
A is for Aspiration. Be like Arjuna, focused and determined.
B is for Brotherhood. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam- the world is one family.
C is for Cleanliness. Learn to keep our Mind clean. Cleanliness is Godliness.
D is for Daddy. Pitru Devo bhava.
E is for Enthusiasm. Do everything with Love.
F is for Friendship. One who helps without being asked. Be like Krishna.
G is for God. We thank God because he protects and loves us.
H is for Happiness. Happiness is an attitude.
I is for Intelligence. Think before you speak and act.
J is for Japa. Repeat God's name with devotion.
K is for Kindness. God is Kind.
L is for Love. God is Love. God loves us the most.
M is for Mother. Mothers love and nourish us.
N is for Nobility. Be noble like Gandhi ji and Mother Teresa.
O is for Obedience, which brings us harmony all around us.
R is for Right. Doing the right thing always brings us good rewards and happiness.
S is for Smile. A smile makes us all feel happy.
T is for Truth. Truth alone wins.
U is for Unity. Unity is strength.
V is for Victory. Victory is when you attain your goal.
W is for Work. We have to work hard to be rewarded.
X is for Excellence. Practice and perseverance will help us to succeed.
Y is for Yajna. Working together in Yajna spirit also pleases God.
P is for Prayer. We thank God with our Prayers.
Q is for Quiet. We feel happy when our minds are quiet.
We went to the temple hall earlier to watch the Grade 4 play.
We all chanted Gita Chapter 15 first in the temple hall.
Next class is Friday, March 20th.
Pranams,
Anuradha and Kavita
