Hari OM Dear Families,
Here is this week's update.
Week : 11
17th Dec 2023 / 9:15AMClass 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)
"Saraswati Namastubhyam" (page 12 in My Prayers book)
"Gurur Brahma" (page 60 in My Prayers book)
"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)
"Saraswati Namastubhyam" (page 12 in My Prayers book)
"Gurur Brahma" (page 60 in My Prayers book)
"Neelaam buja" & "SriRama Rama rameti" (page 129 My prayers book)
Naama ramayanam- We Finished the Aaranya kaanda, and learned the meanings along.
Ramayanam -
Hanuman started his journey to Lanka from the top of Mahendra parvata.
Leaping across the ocean, he was first stopped by Mynaka, the mountain who was saved by Vayu. Promising to visit with him on his return, Hanuman moved on. His prowess was tested by Naga goddess Surasa - who asked him to travel into her mouth as that was a boon she had from Brahma. He quickly engaged in a game of increasing sizes with her and then immediately reduced himself to a tiny being and then quickly zipped in and out of her mouth. Thus beguiled, she blessed him with victory. The rakshasi Simhika tried to drag him down by grasping his shadow but he overcame her as well. Landing in Lanka, he had to battle Lankini, the protecting deity of Lanka. Hanuman defeated her and she blessed him with free entrance to the city, as she had been told by Brahma that when a monkey defeats her in battle, that is the time for Lanka's downfall and destruction.
Hanuman went into the city of Lanka - it was night and he went into the palaces thinking Sita must be where the women live - he almost mistook Mandodari for Sita, but then realized that Sita would not be sleeping so comfortably being away from Rama. He found the Pushpaka vimana, and many other exhibits of opulence, but not Sita. He was deeply worried that if he did not find Sita, he would be the cause of death of Rama and Lakshmana and by extension their entire families as well Sugriva and his followers! He decided to meditate for a while and calm his mind. Then with renewed energy, he decided to look in the one place he had not searched yet, which was Ashoka vana. As he moved over the treetops, he got a glimpse of Sita. He moved closer to observe and at that time, Ravana came with an entourage. He alternatively cajoled and threatened Sita to accept him, to no avail. He left, giving her two months time to either accept him or be eaten! Sita was consoled by Trijata, one of the rakshasi' who said she had a dream where she saw good omens for Sita and Vibhishana and bad omens for Ravana and Lanka. In-spite of her comforting words, Sita despaired and was ready to give up her life. Hanuman immediately started chanting Rama's story. Thrilled to hear Rama's name, Sita listened. On seeing Hanuman, she wondered if it was Ravana's trick, and asked Hanuman for more details. Hanuman convinced Sita by telling her many details about Rama and also gave her the signet ring Rama had given him. Sita was overjoyed and asked Hanuman for all details about Rama.
Musical practice for today went well with the notes practiced and well played. We added a couple lines of notes for the other lines that follow the first two (worked from last week). Please practice well with the notations given in the image , from our whatsapp group.
Gita Time- we learned verse numbers 12, 13 & 14 from chapter 4.
It was our grade to present the Arathi and pledge at the mantapa- the children did a wonderful job (a pic shared in the whatsapp)
Next class on 1/07/24. Have a great Holiday season! Happy New Years
Please reach out to us with any questions or concerns you may have.
Hari OM
Prarthana Gururaj and Vidhya Aiyer
