We began today's Balavihar session with Likhita Japa followed by our opening prayers, helping the children settle into a devotional and focused mindset. We then did a quick recap of the topics covered so far in the semester before moving into the two core subjects for the day.
1. Keys to Success – How the Mind Works
Today's primary discussion centered on understanding how the mind functions and how this influences our actions and success.
How the Mind Processes Information
We explored the pathway of perception:
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The senses receive external signals
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The objective mind processes that information
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This is filtered through our vāsanās (deep-seated impressions, likes, and dislikes)
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The subjective mind then interprets and drives our actions
We emphasized how vāsanās shape our decisions and how becoming aware of them helps us manage our thoughts and behaviors more wisely.
What Is Focus?
We discussed what it means to truly focus, and how a quiet, disciplined mind is essential for learning. Meditation was introduced as a powerful technique for calming the mind so that:
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We learn better
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We listen better
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We study with more efficiency and depth
Class Activity – Identifying Scents
To reinforce how vāsanās influence perception, we conducted a hands-on activity:
Students smelled napkins scented with:
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Onion
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Lime juice
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Coffee
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Vibhuti
Many kids guessed "pani puri" or "bhel puri," showing how their vāsanās and personal preferences immediately colored their interpretation. This activity helped them clearly see how the mind connects present experiences with stored impressions.
Stories That Reinforced the Lesson
We discussed two stories illustrating self-development and mental quietude:
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Leo Tolstoy and the curious boy – highlighting the value of grooming and improving oneself.
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The boy who found the lost watch – demonstrating how a quiet mind can perceive what a noisy environment cannot.
These stories helped tie together our understanding of focus, vāsanās, and disciplined thinking.
2. Ramayana – Ayodhya Kāṇḍa Continued
After completing the discussion on the mind, we resumed our study of the Ayodhya Kāṇḍa with a quick recap:
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King Daśaratha's plan to crown Rama
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Manthara influencing Kaikeyi
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Kaikeyi demanding the two boons
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Rama accepting exile with complete equanimity
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His calm conversations with Kaikeyi, Daśaratha, Kausalya, Lakshmana, and Sita
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Rama preparing to leave for the forest with Sita and Lakshmana
Journey to the Ganga – Meeting Guha
Our new portion of study began with:
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Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana arriving at the Ganga River
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Being warmly welcomed by Guha, the Nishadha tribe leader
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Guha offering them a feast, which Rama gently declined to honor the spirit of his forest exile
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Rama and Sita resting for the night while Guha and Lakshmana kept watch
Crossing the Ganga
The next morning:
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Guha helped the trio prepare to cross the river
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Expressing devotion, Guha insisted on washing Rama's feet before he stepped into the boat
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In doing so, he received Rama's blessings and grace
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Midway across the river, Sita offered prayers to Mother Ganga, marking a beautiful moment of devotion
We concluded this portion and will continue the Ayodhya Kāṇḍa in the next class.
Closing
We ended the session with Bhagavad Gita chanting – Chapter 15, Verses 15 & 16, followed by our closing prayers.
A special note of thanks to Hema-ji, who led the class today in Anu-ji's absence.
Our next Balavihar class is on : Dec 19th. Please note no Balavihar class this upcoming Friday (Dec 12th - Surabhi)
Pranams and Horiom
Anupama, Hema and Shankar.
