Hari Om Parents,
We started our class with OM and opening prayer. We reviewed Ganesha, Sarasvati, Karagre, Brahmarpanam prayers. Kids learned before bath prayer:
Gange ca yamune
Caiva Godavari Sarasvati
Narmade sindhu kaveri
Jalesmin sannidhim kuru
CHINMAYA PLEDGE- we are continuing to learn the meaning of the pledge.
Chapter 37
WE BELIEVE THAT THE SERVICE OF OUR COUNTRY IS THE SERVICE OF THE LORD OF LORDS
SERVICE- we reviewed from even previous lesson all of the people that serve? Kids remembered police officer, firefighter, teacher, doctor, astronaut.
How can we serve God? By being kind to everyone. We recalled the story of the million dollar smile. By being kind to a stranger, the young girl was rewarded when she met the man again.
STORY- we watched a beautiful story of the Effect of True Care
In a village, there was a farmer named Mahadu who had a cow that gave lots of milk. Mahadu sold the mild and became rich. One day the cow became ill and stopped giving milk. Mahadu left the cow in the forest but she returned back. The farmer beat the cow and drove her away from the farm. The cow was sad and left. Another farmer, Chandu, saw the cow wandering and saw that she was hurt. He tended to her and she became healthy. She had a calf and started giving milk. Chandu also sold the extra milk and became rich. Mahadu wanted the cow back but Chandu reminded him of his treatment of the cow. Both took the dilemma to the panchayat of the village with the cow. The judges said it was difficult to decide as both were the owners. The judges said let the cow decide. The cow went towards Chandu and was obvious that the cow preferred Chandu.
Moral- if you give care and love to others, it will always come back to you.
Chapter 38
DEVOTION TO THE PEOPLE IS THE DEVOTION TO THE SUPREME SELF
What is Devotion? Loving someone greater than us, such as our parents, teachers, and GOD. When we are devoted to God, we see God everywhere and in everyone.
STORY- kids heard the story of a saint who was devoted to Krishna. He would make a roti with butter and bring to the temple for Krishna every day. One day, a dog saw the roti and snatched it from him. Instead of taking the roti away from the dog, the saint ran after the dog to see if he can put butter on the roti. The dog turned into Krishna and blessed the saint.
Moral- do good things and see God everywhere around us.
GAME- we labeled each corner of the room as Ganesha, Rama, Krishna, and Shiva. We quizzed each child one at a time about one of the Gods. Some of the questions were: who’s wife is Sita, who has a flute or feather? Who’s wife is Parvati and son Ganesha? Who has an elephant trunk and has a mouse next to him?
Ritam, Viyyan, Ivaan, Pranathi, Menaskhi all got both of the quesstions correctly.
We also talked about Hanuman as the greatest devotee of God and he always keeps Rama in his heart.
We assembled in the temple hall and chanted Chapter 15 together, in preparation for May 9th.
We watched a beautiful play by Grade 5.
ANNUAL PLAY Sat JUNE 13
Please make sure each child comes to class as we will start practicing next week. We will need help with props as well. We know end of the school year gets very busy. We really appreciate your help in this.
Next class is May 1st.
Pranams,
Anuradha and Kavita
