Sept 24, 2023 - Grade 7 (Sunday AM)

Hari OM Dear Families,

Here is this week's update.

Week : 3

24th Sept 2023 / 9:15AM

Class began with 3 OMs followed by

"Om Saha Navavatu" (page 8 in My Prayers book)
 Om shrI Ganeśaya Namaha,  shrI Saraswatyai Namaha,  shrI Sat Gurubhyo Namaha.
"Vakratunda Mahakaya" (page 27 in My Prayers book)

Saraswathi Namasthubhyam
"Gurur Brahma" (page 60 in My Prayers book)

 "Neelaam buja" & "SriRama Rama rameti" (page 129 My prayers book)

Lessons

Key to Success

We discussed about the previous sessions' homework, and a few shared their experience about talking with their parents. For each child there is one or other takeaway points from their household. This discussion with family makes a bond within the family and makes children to self-learn their family values, culture and traditions. Also, the path to success is understood.  Even if the work not succeeded in the first attempt, multiple tryouts is possible until we get through. We can prove the statement, "Hard work refers to working diligently towards our goals irrespective of distractions or obstacles."

Naama ramayanam- We learned from line 7 until 12th with meanings.  

Ramayanam

Once they reached Mithila, they were received with great honor by King Janaka. His minister Satananda, was the son of Sage Gautama and was very happy to hear that his mother Ahalya was restored to her human self. He also narrated the story of Sage Vishwamitra, how he performed severe penance and attained the title of Brahmarshi. King Janaka and others were enthralled to hear this. Sage Vishvamitra then asked if Rama and Lakshmana could worship the divine bow of Shiva . The divine bow set on a giant table. Rama, taking Vishwamitra's blessings, was able to lift the bow and string it, as if it were a mere toy. Delighted at this, King Janaka said that he had wanted to give his daughter Sita, who he had found many years ago as he was preparing the ground for a yagna, in marriage to the person who could lift and string the bow. With this good news, messengers were sent to Ayodhya. Once King Dasaratha reached, it was decided to marry other princesses to the princes of Ayodhya. Lakshmana married Urmila, Bharata married Mandavi and Shatrughna married Shrutakirti. After the joyous celebrations, as Rama and his entourage were en route to  Ayodhya, Sage Parasurama came up to Rama and challenged him to lift and string Vishnu's divine bow. Seeing the ease with which Rama took the bow, the Sage realized he was Vishnu himself and surrendered his desire for heavenly pleasures to the arrow that Rama strung up and shot and humbly bowed to Rama.

(end of Baala Kaandam)

Ayodhya Kaandam

Twelve years after the princes' marriage, Dasharatha felt that the time was right to crown Rama as crown prince. He brought this up in court one day and all his courtiers heartily applauded the choice of Rama. With Vasishtha's approval, the very next day was fixed for the event. Rama was called into the court, informed of the happy news and was asked to observe austerities to prepare for the coronation. Kausalya joyously gave away clothes, jewels and food in charity. The whole town was in a celebratory mood except for Manthara, Kaikeyi's maid. When she came to know of the impending coronation, she immediately went and broke the news to Kaikeyi. Kaikeyi was thrilled as she was very fond of Rama and knew he would make a great king. However, Mantara argued with her that when Rama became King, Bharata would not be able to ever rule, as the kingship would pass from Rama to his elder son and not to Bharata. This spoiled Kaikeyi's goodwill towards Rama. Determined to make Bharata king, she took Mantara's counsel and decided to ask Dasharatha for the two boons he had conferred on her in gratitude for help in the war against SambharAsura. Dasharatha, unaware of the impending calamity to befall him, joyfully came to visit Kaikeyi and tell her the good news of the coronation. He found her on the floor, with jewels and flowers scattered around. Eager to get her back in a happy frame of mind, he swears on Rama and says that he would do whatever she wishes. Kaikeyi then put forth her request to collect on her two boons - for Rama to go to the forest for 14 years and for Bharata to rule the kingdom. In that moment, the king's heart split into a thousand pieces. His love for Kaikeyi vanished and he saw her to be selfish and cruel. In spite of a thousand pleas, she did not budge. Even if Bharata were to be made king, she still wanted Rama to go to the forest as she wanted him to rule unopposed. As Dasharatha could not even bring himself to utter a word, she sent for Rama through Sumantra. Upon his arrival, Rama was stunned to see Dasharatha sad and unspeaking. Kaikeyi quickly put forth the king's promise and her two boons. Rama immediately agreed to carry out his father's promise, and left. Kausalya was heartbroken to hear this and wanted to leave with Rama; Lakshmana wanted to wage a war to regain the kingdom. Rama calmed them both down. Lakshmana then decided to leave with Rama, as did Sita. 

They all went to get Dasharatha's blessings before leaving and he was in his court, with his wives and other important members of the court. Rama requested permission to leave and asks for the appropriate attire for the forest and Kaikeyi immediately obliged.

Rama and Lakshmana's bows, pickaxes and baskets are placed in the chariot, and they all leave. Minister Sumanthara drove the chariot. The people of Ayodhya followed the chariot.

(Ayodhya Kaandam to continue)

Skit form of teaching- The manthara, kaikeyi and Dasaratha -Kaikeyi scenes were enacted by the teachers like an audio play (play as we hear in a radio format) just the voice giving out the expressions.

We saw the shadripu meaning the six enemies of the mind, which are: kama (desire), krodha (anger), lobha (greed), mada (ego), moha (Attachment), and matsarya (Partiality); the negative characteristics of which prevent humans from attaining moksha. How kaikeyi's mind was confused by manthara to achieve her mission

Geeta Time-

This year we will learn chapter 4 Jnana karma sannyasa yogam Message from Swami ShantanandaJi to Balavihar students - Verse 1 - YouTube We learned the opening lines as well as the first slokam

Next class on 10/01/23 

Class Rules and requirements: 

1. Class starts at 9:15am sharp with the opening prayers. We will not let children in when the prayer is going on. Please, kindly send them before 9:13/14 for a minute to settle down before the prayers.

2. Children should bring their own copy of "My prayers" book, Balavihar handbook,Notebook, pencils and erasers. Rajaji's Ramayana book is the reference textbook. (not required to buy it right now, but a copy of Ramayan book at home is auspicious)

          

Links and Reminders:

1. We will update the class blog for the parents through an email and at the parent portal - Parent Portal 2023-24 (cmnjparentportal23-24.blogspot.com)

2.  Please refer to the Balavihar Handbook-  for the various House contests and Geeta Chanting Yagna information. 

3. Please join the class WhatsApp group if you have not already- https://chat.whatsapp.com/DTu9QiOW3ESENsLSsrID1E

Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have.

Hari OM

Prarthana Gururaj and Vidhya Aiyer