Hari Om! Parents,
We began with starting prayers and then chanted Lingashtakam. We
learned a new verse.In meditation, we used a technique used by Deepak
Chopra- using full name with all associations, using first name with
early childhood associations, and then using I am or Aham, dwelling in
the seat of awareness without any association, the place of Infinite
potential.
After recap of last class, of cause and effect, we explored the idea
of our ability to shape our lives through our actions.We played a
short clip of Swami Sarvapriyananda answering a question about what
other than karma can explain inequalities, evil, suffering in the
world but the lack of clarity in the question made it difficult for
the class to appreciate. We had to elaborate on it. If your children
bring it up, please let us know and we can try to address it
differently.
The story of the carpenter was shared to illustrate the point that
knowing what we create is ours to keep, we must apply best efforts.
The story goes, there was once a carpenter who was very good in his
work. After years of service he expressed his desire to retire. His
employer was a bit surprised and asked him if he can build one last
house and then retire. The carpenter started his work but did not put
in his best efforts. The employer gifted the house to the carpenter
for his long years of services.
We then discussed what the carpenter could have done differently.
Concluded that all actions should be performed to our best effort as
an offering to the Lord.
Examples of people who brave the odds and through self effort,
overcome difficulties , and even achieve greatness were discussed.
Helen Keller being one of them. We talked about Gurudev's life- how he
proved to be the author of his life and how we too can be authors of
our own lives.
We talked about Shakespeare's quote from Twelth Night, "Some people
are born great, some achieve greatnes and some have greatness thrust
upon them". Concluded that most high achievers become great due to
their own self effort.
We then brainstormed ideas for our class stage presentation which is
scheduled for Dec. Fun ways to showcase the pledge, stories connecting
to lines of the pledge are some ideas that the students said they will
come back with next week.
We concluded with Geeta chanting, Arati and pledge.
Next week our class will take part in fun activities. We would like
all children to attend.
Pranams
Uma and Nirmala