One of the kids led the opening prayer by making sure all the kids sit in the right posture and started with 3 OM, followed by Sahanavavatu. Followed by it another kid continued Saraswati Namastubhyam.
We followed up on the homework and sounded many have completed. So we have started going over two kid's homework. Kids presented their essay and followed by a class discussion on the presentation.
Essay: Yudhishtara - the Dharmic person in Mahabharata written by Ananya Gorantla
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jlYSyZBq90o2tFw9EXy9W3GnHCmM958zbaFILfAO-F8/edit
Essay: Who is the most Dharmic character in the Mahabharata? by Riya Balaji
https://docs.google.com/document/d/12uXera72w44beOLncpYFfuNmb0Pbj2nhxDrYMOlRJmw/edit
There was a long discussion on why Draupadi was put at stake in the game of Dice. and how she handled herself. Some class discussions were around the role and intellect of Draupadi. The class is functioning well, barring a few bursts of excitement from some students. We sit in a circle, raise our hands when we want to talk and then give our opinion. Everyone in the class participated.
Two other groups that presented today. One group talked about Arjuna. We discussed his focus, determination, and love for his family. He was born by the grace of Indra. On his birth the Devas from the skies showered flowers on him. He was considered to be the one who would destroy evil with Krishna. We discussed that he had the power to destroy enemies in thousands. He wielded very powerful Astras like Brahmastra, Pashupati and Narayana Astras.
Another group discussed Nakula and Sahadeva. They were twins born through the grace of Ashwini Kumaras from Pandu and Madri. Ashwini Kumaras were considered to be divine physicians. Nakula was considered to be the most handsome man in those times. He was an expert charioteer. Sahadeva was the smartest of the pandavas. He was an expert swordsman. He is also considered an expert in Astrology.
We had a side conversation about Astrology. Indian astrology is based on the positions of the moon, planets and stars among other things. We had a slight digression into how the birth chart (Janam Kundli) is calculated. These calculations require a lot of science and mathematics. Astrology normally carries a connotation of superstition but Indian Astrology can be considered a combination of art and science.
Our class led the closing prayers in the assembly.
Follow the updates in 2023-24 Chinmaya parents portal - https://cmnjparentportal23-24.blogspot.com/search/label/Gr%208%20-%20Sunday%20AM
Pranams
Selvi
Partha
