Hari Om!
Here is the update on last week's class.
Stotram - We chanted devi dhyAna shloka, learnt verses 5 and 6 of the Mahalakshmi Ashtakam and also practised the House bhajan - Jai Ambe Jagadambe.
India, Sacred Land: We learned about the various emblems of India -
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. Reminds us to be 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 and under which the village gathers to settle disputes and transact affairs. It's a mark of justice.
The message given by each emblem-
1. To speak the truth.
2. Lead an unattached (non materialistic) life.
3. Fearlessly roar like a tiger following the dharma.
4. By leading a noble life making ourselves vivacious and joyful.
8. 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) led CORD (Chinmaya Organization for Rural Development) to serve the rural areas of India and is a Padmashree awardee (2008) for her excellent service to the women and rural development in India.
Houses Inaugural - We had 45 minutes of class today and then went to participate in the Houses Inaugural event. The theme for this year is "Seva" and the activity chosen for the event reflected that. There was a friendly competition between the four Houses to wrap the most cutlery packers for Elijah's Promise. Our class did great and it was good to watch all the children work together as a team to do the seva.
Our next class is on October 8th.
Regards
Keerthi Kobla
Abhirami Shrinivas
