Hari Om, Dear Parents,
I hope you and your families are doing well. Here's a brief recap of our class on September 14, 2025:
1. Opening Prayers
We began the session with our opening prayers:
Om Sahana Vavatu
Saraswati Namastubhyam
Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu...
2. Discussion: Guru-Shishya Parampara
We had a short discussion about the importance of the Guru-Shishya tradition and how knowledge has been passed down through generations.
3. Introduction to the Mahābhārata
We explored the question: What is the Mahābhārata?
This led to a deeper discussion on the two main categories of Hindu scriptures:
Śruti – "That which is heard." These are divine revelations heard by ancient ṛṣis (sages) and include the Vedas and Upaniṣads (Vedānta).
Smṛti – "That which is remembered." These are texts composed based on eternal principles, adapted for the time and context. This includes:
Dharma Smṛtis – Codes of conduct and ethics
Purāṇas – Mystical stories that convey scriptural truths
Itihāsas – Historical epics like the Mahābhārata and Rāmāyaṇa
We also introduced the Bhagavad Gītā, which is part of the Mahābhārata and considered the essence of the Upaniṣads.
4. Class Activities
Students shared the names of places in India connected to the Mahābhārata that they have visited.
Played Hangman with names of characters from the epic!
5. The Story Behind the Mahābhārata's Writing
We learned about how Veda Vyāsa narrated the Mahābhārata to Lord Ganesha.
Ganesha agreed to write it on one condition — Vyāsa must not pause while dictating. Vyāsa, in return, asked that Ganesha must fully understand each verse before writing it down.
This mutual agreement gave Vyāsa time to think while ensuring that the Mahābhārata was composed with clarity and brilliance.
We are truly grateful to both for this timeless epic.
6. Gītā Chanting Practice
We chanted Chapter 15, Shlokas 1 & 2 of the Bhagavad Gītā.
7. Conclusion
We wrapped up the session with Aarti and our class pledge in the temple hall.
Please encourage your children to review what we discussed, and continue practicing the shlokas at home. Thank you for your continued support!
I hope you and your families are doing well. Here's a brief recap of our class on September 14, 2025:
1. Opening Prayers
We began the session with our opening prayers:
Om Sahana Vavatu
Saraswati Namastubhyam
Guru Brahma, Guru Vishnu...
2. Discussion: Guru-Shishya Parampara
We had a short discussion about the importance of the Guru-Shishya tradition and how knowledge has been passed down through generations.
3. Introduction to the Mahābhārata
We explored the question: What is the Mahābhārata?
This led to a deeper discussion on the two main categories of Hindu scriptures:
Śruti – "That which is heard." These are divine revelations heard by ancient ṛṣis (sages) and include the Vedas and Upaniṣads (Vedānta).
Smṛti – "That which is remembered." These are texts composed based on eternal principles, adapted for the time and context. This includes:
Dharma Smṛtis – Codes of conduct and ethics
Purāṇas – Mystical stories that convey scriptural truths
Itihāsas – Historical epics like the Mahābhārata and Rāmāyaṇa
We also introduced the Bhagavad Gītā, which is part of the Mahābhārata and considered the essence of the Upaniṣads.
4. Class Activities
Students shared the names of places in India connected to the Mahābhārata that they have visited.
Played Hangman with names of characters from the epic!
5. The Story Behind the Mahābhārata's Writing
We learned about how Veda Vyāsa narrated the Mahābhārata to Lord Ganesha.
Ganesha agreed to write it on one condition — Vyāsa must not pause while dictating. Vyāsa, in return, asked that Ganesha must fully understand each verse before writing it down.
This mutual agreement gave Vyāsa time to think while ensuring that the Mahābhārata was composed with clarity and brilliance.
We are truly grateful to both for this timeless epic.
6. Gītā Chanting Practice
We chanted Chapter 15, Shlokas 1 & 2 of the Bhagavad Gītā.
7. Conclusion
We wrapped up the session with Aarti and our class pledge in the temple hall.
Please encourage your children to review what we discussed, and continue practicing the shlokas at home. Thank you for your continued support!
Warm Regards,
Chitra & Rupa
