Hari Om,
Today was a wonderful class, we began with chanting OM and Sahana Vavatu together. We had two new children join the class, all the kids introduced themselves with Hari Om. Continuing with the Ramayana, we started with a recap from our pervious classes. The children did a great job remembering the story so far. In today's class we covered Chapters 5 & 7.
Chapter 5:
Sage Vishvamitra takes Rama and Lakshmana, to his ashram. As they were walking though a beautiful forest Rama pointed to a hill covered with trees and asked Vishvamitra, "Is your ashram there?". "Yes, that is Siddhashrama we will be staying there tonight" replied Vishvamitra. That night, a yajna was prepared and Vishvamitra took a vow of silence. He requested Rama and Lakshmana to protect the yajna for six nights. For five nights, all was peaceful. But on the sixth day, the sky suddenly grew dark. A thunderous roar shook the air, and fierce demons flew in like storm clouds. Two of them, Marica and Subahu, tried to spoil the sacred fire. Rama stood tall, his eyes shining. He lifted his bow and sent one arrow that carried Marica far, far away into the ocean. With another arrow, he struck down Subahu. At once, the sky cleared, and the forest grew calm again. The rishis rejoiced, their hearts full of gratitude. The next morning, Vishvamitra spoke of a new journey. "Let us travel to Mithila, to see king Janaka.
Chapter 6:
Many years ago in the kingdom of Mithila a wise king named Janaka received a blessing from mother earth. Janaka was a great a ruler and a seeker of truth. He studied the scriptures, cared deeply for his people, and treated everyone with kindness. His kingdom was filled with music, laughter, and peace. One day, King Janaka decided to perform a grand yajna. According to tradition, the king had to plough the first furrow in the field by himself. So, Janaka picked up the golden plough and began his work. As he turned the soil, something extraordinary happened. From among the green shrubs and soft earth, a light shone like the sun at dawn. Lying gently upon the ground, was a baby girl, so radiant and beautiful that the king could hardly believe his eyes. King Janaka's heart swelled with love. He lifted the baby into his arms, whispering softly, "This is no ordinary child…she is a gift from Mother Earth." He named her Sita, which means "furrow," for she had appeared from the earth he had ploughed. From that day, Princess Sita grew up in the palace of Mithila. She was graceful, wise, and kind to all. Poets sang songs of her beauty, and people admired her gentle heart and her strength. She was the very picture of perfection.
Values:
We talked about Bhumidevi and the importance of respecting Mother Earth. We chanted the Samudravasane Devi prayer. Ideally this prayer should be said every morning before placing our feet on the ground:
Samudravasane Devi
Parvatastanamandale
Vishupatni Namastubhyam
Padasparsham Kshamasva me
Assignment:
We asked all the kids to think of ways they can take care of mother earth. Some examples we came up with in class were:
- Plant a tree.
- Clean up if you see litter in public places like parks and playgrounds.
- Don't waste water (e.g. don't let the tap run while brushing your teeth).
- Switch off lights in rooms that you are not using.
We will checkin next week for more ways the children have found to take care of Mother Earth.
Quiet Time:
The children spent some time writing Likhita japa and coloring in their books. The children can complete coloring for homework and do more Likhita Japa. The kids earn house points for Likhita Japa, please encourage them to write a few lines (this is a wonderful meditation practice).
Yoga:
We did Tree pose honoring Bhumidevi, Eye exercises and some general stretches - shaking out our arms and legs with rotations to energize and strengthen our limbs.
Gita Chanting- Chapter 15:
We recited the next two verses on page 25 in Handbook. Please practice with your children at home.
Reminders:
Please check for any messages in our Sun PM Grade 1 WhatApp group. Remember to send us a message if your child will be missing any classes. Our numbers:
Aastha - 551 482 5003
Vijaya - 609 503 1816
Thank you for bringing your children to Balavihar, we enjoy learning together! Our next class is on October 12th. Jai Shree Ram.
With Guru's Blessings.
Aastha & Vijaya
Class Supplies Check List:
1. Hand book
2. My Prayers book
3. Bala Ramayana coloring book
4. Crayons / Coloring pencils
5. Pencils sharpened
6. Eraser
7. Scissors
8. Glue
9. Notebook for Likhita Japa
