Oct 15, 2021 - Grade 6 (Friday)
Hari Om Parents,
We trust that each and everyone of you is keeping well and staying safe!
Please find below the update from our class, last Friday.
With the Almighty, our Pujya Gurudev and our dear Swamiji's blessings, we had a wonderful class and managed to finish our planned lessons and activities. The highlight of the day's activities included, organizing a special puja, in honor of Goddess Saraswati as part of Navratri celebrations.
Class began with Opening Prayers - 3 OMs, followed by the chanting of Sahana Vavatu. Then invoked the blessings of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati and all our Gurus, by chanting..
Śri Ganeshaya Namah!
Śhri Saraswathyai Namah!
Śhri Sad-Gurubhyo Namah!
Shlokas: ( My Prayers Book)
The kids, then took turns to recite the Daily Prayers ( page#11) in the order of:
- Karagre Vasate
- Samudravasane
- Gange cha Yamune
- Saraswati Namastubhyam
- Brahmarpanam
- Shubham Karoti
- Kara-charana-krtam vak - kindly encourage the kids to memorize these and recite them at appropriate times throughout the day. Thus instilling in them, not just the learning part but to put all that they learn, into practice in their daily routine.
We proceeded to review the Devi Dhyana Shloka (page#39) and the two verses of Mahalakshmi Ashtakam (page#39) that we learnt in our previous class. Each of the kids enthusiastically recited the taught shlokas with proper pronunciation and appropriate diction. Please encourage your kids to memorize all the slokas taught in class and practice diligently.
We then discussed the significance of Navratri festival days and the Goddesses associated with these celebrations. The real meaning of the word "Navratri" translated literally to say nine nights was discussed in context to the terrible fight that ensued between Goddess Durga and Mahishasura and the subsequent victory achieved by Durga. Vijayadasami day's importance was also discussed as was advised by our Swami Chinmayanada or Gurudev as we affectionately refer to. The prayer offerings of the first three days of the festival are to Goddess Durga, the next three days to Goddess Lakshmi and the final three days, Goddess Saraswati is honored. The significance behind the order of prayers offered to the three Goddesses is explained by Gurudev in his own words. Here is the excerpt; In the first three days, Goddess Kali also called Durga, is invoked. Goddess Lakshmi is worshipped for the next three days and the following three days are dedicated to Goddess Saraswati. On Vijayadasami day, a huge bonfire is made and this marks the culmination of the festival of Navratri. This signifies not just the absolute seeking of the Goddesses' blessings but also the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The Goddess Durga's invocation in the initial festival days exemplifies the terrible power she possesses that is capable of eliminating all the negative qualities within us and set us on the path of spiritual growth. Goddess Lakshmi represents Wealth, not the material possessions but strong character inducing positive attributes that we need to impregnate ourselves with. Goddess Saraswati, who bestows boundless wisdom and knowledge, is celebrated in the last three days.
We concluded our review of the last portion of the fifth grade curriculum of the Mahabharata epic this class and will be focusing on our current curriculum from next class.
The Pandavas proceeded to the forest to begin their Vanavasa for thirteen years. All the citizens lamented this unfortunate turn of events and the sudden departure of the Kind sons of Pandu. They followed them to a long distance in-spite of Yudhishtra's request for their return back to Hastinapura. Yudhishtra was deeply troubled by his inability to provide food to the people and implored Daumya to help with this situation. Daumya instructed him to pray to the Sun God and Yudhishtra compiled. The Sun God granted him a vessel called Akshaya Paatra that will provide plenty of food until Draupadi eats for the day. Thus, the vessel dissipated their hunger for the next twelve years during their stay in the Kamyaka forest.
Back in the capital city of Hastinapura, Vidura advised Duryodhana to bring the Pandavas and offer their kingdom back, to maintain amicable relations between the cousins. Dhritharashtra lost his patience eventually and ordered Vidura to leave the Kauravas and join the Pandavas in their exile. Later, he regretted his decision, worrying that he had driven Vidura, one of the most knowledgeable and wise ministers into the arms of the Pandavas, thus strengthening the enemy camp. He dispatched Sanjaya to follow Vidura and persuade him to rejoin the Kauravas court. Sanjaya managed to complete his mission, largely due to Vidura's affection for his unhappy brother, Dhritarashtra.
A link to a Mahabharata review quiz has been posted in our grade Google Classroom. Please encourage the kids to take the quiz to sharpen their knowledge of the characters and incidents before we move on to the story portion of this year's curriculum.
To facilitate easy access to materials discussed in class, we have established a Google Classroom and the link has been shared with all of the parents on our class WhatsApp Group. Many have done so already. Kindly help your kids get access to it and the parents are welcome to join the group as well, if you would like to. Please refrain from sharing this widely with other non-participants as it is exclusively meant for our class students.
The students were sent a list of ingredients to gather and organize for the Saraswati Puja to be performed in their respective homes. At 8 PM, all our kids joined the main Zoom session to watch the puja being conducted online in our ashram and perform the puja on their own as per the priest's instructions.
The session concluded for the evening, with the recitation of the pledge by our students.
Virtual Class Etiquette for participants:
Important: Our class will start at 7 pm sharp on Fridays with opening prayers. Try to log in 5-10 min early to avoid unpleasant disruption during the prayers
- Please sit at a study desk in a quiet room with a clean background.
- A table lamp is recommended - light should fall on your face so the teachers can see your face clearly
- Use of headset strongly recommended
- All participants will be muted on entry - please raise your virtual hand if you wish to speak.
- Please have your MY Prayers book, handbook, a notebook ( no loose leaf sheets), and pen/pencil ready at hand.
- Kindly avoid bathroom breaks and eating during class hours
- Keep your desk clear of unwanted electronic devices to avoid unnecessary distractions.
Next class is on Friday, Oct 15th, at 7 pm sharp. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or queries you may have. Thank you!
At His Service
Friday Grade 6 Sevikas
Sangita Patankar & Viji Lakshmi Hari