Hari OM Dear Families,
Here is this week's update.
Week 16 :
11th February, 2024/ 9:15 AM
Opening prayers and Shlokas
Slokas: 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)
"Gurur Brahma" (page 60 in My Prayers book)
"Krishnaya Vasudevaya" (page 105 in My Prayers book)
Govinda Damodara Sthotram - We practiced the first four verses and then started learning the fifth verse of the Govinda Damodara Sthotram. Today we asked the kids to sing this sthotra on their own. It really sounded so beautiful and melodious!
Karaa-ravindena padaa-ravindam
Mukhhaa-ravinde vinivesha yantam
Vatasya patrasya pute shayaanam
Baalam mukundam manasaa smaraami
Shree Krishna Govinda Hare Muraare
He naatha Narayana Vaasudeva
Jihve Pibasva amritam-eta-deva
Govinda Damodara Madhaveti
Vikretu kaama kila gopakanyaa
Muraari paadaarpita chitta vrittih
Dadhyaadhikam mohavasaadavochad
Govinda Damodara Madhaveti
Grihe grihe gopavadhookadambah
Sarve militvaa samavaapya yogam
Punyaani naamaani pathanti nityam
Govinda Damodara Madaveti
Sukham sayaana nilaye nije pi
Naamaani vishnoh pravadanti martyaah
Te nischitam tanmayataam vrajanti
Govinda Damodara Madaveti
Today's lesson : Krishna Everywhere - Trees Are Noble:
After a brief recap of what we discussed in our previous class we started today''s lesson.
We began today's story by describing the beauty of Vrindavana and how the seasons changed there. The cycle of summer into the rainy season to autumn to winter to summer again. On one scorching summer morning, Krishna, the gopas and the calves had wandered off into the forest like they usually do. The heat of the sun was almost unbearable and they all took shelter under the shade of trees. Lord Krishna took this as a teaching moment and as everyone had gathered under the cool trees, He went on to say that the trees were truly noble, for they live for others. They beard the seasonal tortures of the wind, rain, sun and frost and yet protect others from these elements. They offer all that they have for others...their leaves, flowers, fruits, shade, roots, bark and fragrance. We then had a quick discussion about nobility. The points we pondered were about the fact that trees can't even move, yet they do so much for all. Trees do not consider anyone special and do not have favorites. They give their all to all, and don't choose or have preferences of whom they will help! If trees can do so much without even moving, imagine all the things we can do to help others. The kids actively participated!
The Devotion Of The Brahmin Women:
After hearing Krishna's stories, the gopas and calves had wandered around and played in the river and were exhausted and starving. The gopas had gotten used to asking Krishna for everything. So they approached Him and Balarama saying that they were hungry. Krishna smiled and said that there is a yagna being performed by some Brahmins, they will definitely have food there, and that they should go and request to be fed. The gopas immediately went with folded palms and asked the Brahmins for food in the name of Krishna and Balarama. But they were ignored! Unhappy and having failed at their task, the gopas went back to Krishna. Lord Krishna smiled and told them to go back and make the same request to the brahmins' wives. They did so and got a royal welcome! The wives immediately packed up everything they had prepared for the yagna and ran to feed Krishna and Balrama. They were mesmerized by Krishna and fed them all lovingly with their hands. He then requested them to go back to their husbands to complete the yagna. They were hesitant to leave as their love for Krishna was so strong and they also feared for their husbands' disapproval. But Lord Krishna convinced them to go back with His blessings. The brahmins understood what happened and regretted that incident forever.
Today's activity - Quiz
The class was divided into two groups and we asked them questions from the Krishna stories that we learnt so far. The kids participated with enthusiasm and got most of the answers right. Both the teams did very well!
Likhita Japa - The kids needed some quiet time to calm down after the very competitive quiz. They did Likhita japa of the God's name of their choice for about five minutes.
Most of the kids were very excited about the super bowl today. We gave a couple of short breaks to talk about it and discuss with others.
There is no class next Sunday. Our next class will be on February 25th, 2024.
Please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have.
Thank you and Hari OM
Neelima & Rekha
