Hari OM Dear Families,
Here is this week's update.
Week 4:
17th October 2021 / 9:15AM Opening Prayers and Stotras:
Class began with opening prayers. 3 Oms and followed by Sahanavavathu,
Om Sree Ganeśaya Namaha, Sree Saraswatyai Namaha, Sree Sat Gurubhyo Namaha.
Om Sree Ganeśaya Namaha, Sree Saraswatyai Namaha, Sree Sat Gurubhyo Namaha.
We continued to learn the Mahisasura mardini stotram, verse 3. We had two volunteer students to repeat and chant the verse.
India -The Sacred Land :
We had two students presenting about their roots in India, festivals they celebrate, the procedure, the food and culture they have that is being practiced for generations. This is a year-long project that the children will continue to add to.
We had two students presenting about their roots in India, festivals they celebrate, the procedure, the food and culture they have that is being practiced for generations. This is a year-long project that the children will continue to add to.
We also had short talks about Navarathri festivities. Some call Dussehra, some call Durga pooja - all with tiny differences but over all, the victory of the Dharma over the adharma prevails.
Gurudev's thought heard from our Swamiji was discussed. "The first three days the durga worship, where the Devi destroys the obstinate tamo-guna (the mahisasura)The second three days- the lakshmi worship- to fill in with all goodness. And, Third, the last 3 days Saraswati worship - to fill in the knowledge and wisdom"
Gurudev's thought heard from our Swamiji was discussed. "The first three days the durga worship, where the Devi destroys the obstinate tamo-guna (the mahisasura)The second three days- the lakshmi worship- to fill in with all goodness. And, Third, the last 3 days Saraswati worship - to fill in the knowledge and wisdom"
We learned our National Emblems from India, the Sacred Land topic.
1. Flag- symbolic representation of our country. Color of renunciation and sacrifice- kesar or orange. Nobility and peace is white. 24 spikes on the wheel of dharma which is blue. Prosperity showing the green. It's hand spun/woven. Manufactured only in Karanataka gramodyog sangha.
2. Emblem- Taken from Saranath pillar of Dharma. 4 lions engraved on the pillar facing 4 directions. This pillar signifies peace and righteousness. Inspiring to march along Dharma, Satyameva jayate "Truth alone triumphs" engraved.
3. Flower- Lotus. Symbol of truth, auspiciousness and beauty. Opens at dawn and closes at dusk like the mind opens and calms down at dusk after a series of work in a rightful way. In chapter 5 of the Holy Gita, Bagawan says, "A lotus plant grows in a pond, rooted in water, drawing nutrients from water, but leaves and flowers remain dry"
4. Bird- Peacock- represents colorful life.
5. Animal- Tiger- represents fearlessness and royal grace. Alert and swift while working towards our goals in life.
6. Fruit- Mango, a tropical fruit contains Vitamins A,C,D. India produces a 100 varieties of mangoes in different sizes, shapes and colors.
7. Tree- The Banyan tree. Giving shelter (like the country shelters all types of religions and castes) and under which the village gathers to settle disputes and transact affairs. It's a mark of justice. It's ozone is good for the atmosphere.
The message given by each emblem-
1. To speak the truth.
2. Lead an unattached (non materialistic) life.
3. Fearlessly roar around like a tiger following the dharma.
4. By leading a noble life making ourselves presentable and colorful.
Awards
Bharatratna- Highest civilian honor.
Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padmasree for exceptional and distinguished service of high order in the field ofArts, Science, literature, Public service etc.
Dr. Kshama Matre (Dr.Didi) is the core person of the project CORD is a padma awardee in the year 2008 for her excellent service to the women and rural development in India.
Due to a short class today owing to Saraswathy pooja, we couldn't watch the following national emblem video. Please have the kids watch for visual learning and understanding.
Gita Time
Today we learned, verses 41 and 42 from Chapter 2.
Our next class is on October 24th. We will continue the India, my sacred land project (4 students assigned)
Required Materials:
My Prayers book,
Balavihar Handbook-
https://www.chinmayavrindavan.org/balavihar/parents-corner/handbook
Please join the class WhatsApp group if you have not already-https://chat.whatsapp.com/KBt5hJbHoobIzFI1M5cIXx
Please feel free to reach out in case you have any questions.
Hari OM
Abhirami Shrinivas and Vidhya Aiyer
Abhirami Shrinivas and Vidhya Aiyer
Grade 6 Sunday AM