Mar 24, 2024 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Hari Om everyone,

We started the class with Om, opening prayer and started on our chapters. 

 

Chapter 24

Sugriva sees Rama and Laksmana and is worried that Vali has sent them. Hanuman, Sugriva's minster, son of Vayu (wind god), offers to find out who they are. He is delighted to meet Rama and Laksmana and tells them why Sugriva is hiding. Rama tells Hanuman that he is in fact looking for Sugriva. Hanuman carries them on his shoulder and brings them to Sugriva.

Sugriva tells them how he was forced to leave his wife and kingdom to his brother, Vali. Vali is the king of the vanaras and resides in Kiskindha. One day, a raksasa named Dunduni challenges the sea god and the Himalaya to fight him. But they guide the raksasa to the great warrior, Vali. Vali fights with Dunduni and kills him. He hurls Dunduni with great force. Vali is cursed by Matanga risi when Dunduni's blood falls on Matanga risi's asrama.  The risi curses Vali that he will die if he ever sets foot on  Rsyamuka mountain so Vali avoids the mountain.

Dunduni's brother, Mayavi, comes to fight with Vali. Vali tells Sugriva to guard the cave while he goes inside the cave to kill Mayavi. Sugriva hears a scream from the cave and thinks that Vali has died. Sugriva closes the cave and tells the people in Kiskindha that Vali is dead. Sugriva takes over the kingdom.

However, Vali is not dead. He comes back to see Sugriva on the throne. He is angry and banishes Sugriva. Sugriva goes to the Rsyamuka mountain to live.

We see the differences in the brothers Rama/Laksmana and Sugriva/Vali. There is mutual love in the brothers, but trouble weakens the bond between Sugriva and Vali. Vali's anger leads to his own ruin. Rama, however, is not angry at Bharata. Bharata refuses the throne, while Sugriva is pleased to take the throne.

Chapter 25

Sugriva tells Rama that the vanaras had seen Ravana and Sita flying through the sky. Sugriva gives Rama the bundle of jewels that she had thrown to the vanaras to help Rama find her. Sugriva reassures Rama that he will help him to find Sita. Rama pledges to help Sugriva get his kingdom back.

Sugriva is worried about how strong Vali is and if Rama can fight him. Rama flicks Dunduni's skeleton with his toe and the body flies miles away. Sugriva is not convinced still. Vali had done the same when Dunduni was in flesh. Then, Rama shoots his arrow to a faraway tree. The arrow pierces six other trees, lands on the ground, and returns to Rama. Sugriva realizes Rama's strength.

Rama tells Sugriva to go to the palace and challenge Vali to a fight. Then Rama will kill him. Sugriva goes to Vali and they start fighting. Rama cannot tell them both apart. Sugriva is weakened, comes back to the forest, and asks Rama why he did not kill him. Rama tells Sugriva that he cannot tell them apart. He asks Sugriva to wear a garland. Once again, Sugriva challenges Vali. As they are fighting, Rama shoots his arrow from behind the tree and the arrow hits Vali's chest. Vali is shocked. He asks Rama if that is just? Rama replies that he is following his Dharma, giving Sugriva back the kingdom. Rama asks Vali is that not what he does when he goes hunting. Vali is glad that he has been killed by Rama's hand. Vali gives Indra's necklace to Sugriva for protection. He asks Sugriva to protect his wife and his son, Angada.

Sugriva leads a life of excess in the kingdom. Rama and Laksmana pass the monsoon season in the cave. They are getting impatient that their 14 years are almost over. Rama asks Laksmana to go and remind Sugriva of his promise, but he asks Laksmana not to hurt Sugriva. Hanuman also goes to Sugriva to remind him that he is not fulfilling his promise to Rama. Sugriva asks Hanuman to bring all of the vanaras to Kiskindha. Hanuman hurries to assemble everyone.

Laksmana arrives at the palace very angry. He is soothed by Angada. But Laksmana draws the string to his arrow. The noise pierces through the palace. Sugriva realizes his mistakes and goes to Rama and asks for his forgiveness.

Bhajan- kids enjoyed singing Rama bhajans, khate bhi Ram kaho (page 145 in My Prayers)

Game- we played zip-zap-zop

Next class is Sunday, April 7th.

With Guru's blessings

Saratha and Kavitha

Mar 3, 2024 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Hari Om everyone,

We started the class with Om, opening prayer and started on our chapters. We did a recap of the Ramayana. Each child told at least one sentence to the class.

 

Chapter 20

-Jatayu warns Ravana to not take Sita. He attacks Ravana.

-Ravana cuts Jayayu's wings and takes Sita away. 

-Sita tries to fight back. As they are flying over the land, Sita leaves a trail of her jewels.

-Ravana arrives at Lanka with Sita and takes her to Asokavana, a Beautiful lonely garden.

-Ravana pleads with Sita to be his wife. Sita refuses.

-Ravana tells Sita she has 1 year to change her mind. If she refuses, he will eat her.

-Raksasis are asked to scare Sita and to try to change her mind.

Chapter 21

-Rama comes back to the hermitage and meets Laksmana.

-Rama asks Laksmana, "Why have you disobeyed me? Why did you leave Sita alone?"

-Laksmana tells Rama that Sita started crying, told him that he has evil intentions, and was ready to go into the pyre.

-Rama is very sad. He asks the trees, Kadamba, Asoka, sandalwood, if they have seen his Sita.

-Laksmana tries to reason with him. He tells Rama that he has endured his banishment, father's death with courage and strength. He reassures Rama that surely a raksasa has taken Sita. They will go after the raksasa.

-They start to walk through the forest and see Sita's broken garland, footsteps, broken sword, crown, dead charioteer and mules. They realize that there has been a struggle here.

-Rama sees Sita's jewels and gets angry. Rama takes out his astras to destroy the world.

-Laksmana again calms him down and reminds him that he stands for love and good will. How can Rama destroy the world?

-They continue on in their search and find Jatayu bleeding.

-Rama and Laksmana wash his wounds and comfort him.

-Jatayu tells Rama that he is sorry that he could not stop Ravana and that Ravana has taken Sita south.

-Jatayu dies. Rama and Laksmana perform the last rites for the devoted Jatayu.

Bhajan- kids enjoyed Rama bhajan, khate bhi Ram kaho (page 145 in My Prayers)

Saanvi and Aakash practiced their shlokas, Gita chanting in front of everyone.

Game- we played 4 corners with recalling who/what was in Ayodhya, Mithila, Forest and Lanka.

 

Next class is Sunday, March 17th.

Shlokathon is on March 9th. Do not forget to register.

Seva/field day is on March 16th from 1-4 pm.

 

With our Guru's Blessings,

Saratha and Kavita

Feb 11, 2024 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Hari Om everyone,

Thank you so much for all of your support with the performance! The children did a great job. We are back to the Ramayana.

We started the class with Om, opening prayer and started on our chapters. We did a nice review with images on the screen.

 

Chapter 18

-Marica tries to convince Ravana not to fight Rama. Marica reminds Ravana about Rama' s virtues and how angry would he be if he abducts Sita. He pleads with Ravana to not destroy all that he has in Lanka. Why not just fight Rama alone?

 -Ravana gets angry at Marica and orders him to obey him. 

-Ravana tells Marica to turn into a deer that will lure Sita. Rama will go after the deer and then Sita will be alone.

-In the forest, Rama, Laksmana and Sita are peacefully enjoying the spring.

-Sita spots the beautiful golden deer and wants it as a pet.

-Sita asks Rama to catch the deer for her.

-Lakshmana warns Rama that this is a trick for the raksasa to hurt them.

-Rama does not want to disappoint Sita. If it is a raskasa, then Rama knows he can easily kill him.

 

Chapter 19

-Rama goes after the deer and shoots it with his arrow.

-Marica regains his true form and in Rama's voice, asks Laksmana and Sita to save him (Rama).

-Sita and Laksmana hear Rama's voice. Sita begs Lakshmana to help Rama.

-Lakshmana tries to convince Sita that it is a trick. But Sita threatens to kill herself.

-Lakshmana asks Sita to stay in the boundary.

-Ravana comes disguised as a sage to Sita. 

-Sita goes inside to get bhiksha but gets offended at how he looks and praises her.

-Ravana comes back in his form and tells Sita to come with him.

-Sita gets angry but Ravana ends up pulling her to the chariot away to Lanka.

Bhajan- kids enjoyed Rama bhajan, led by Saanvi. They sang Jaya Jaya Tulasi, Jaya Jaya Ram. (Page 142 from "My Prayers Book")

 

Next class is Sunday, Feb 25th. It is House Spirit Day. It will be filled with fun activities.

Grade 1 and 4 will be sponsoring Annadanam on Saturday, Feb 24th. Link to sign up is as below. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044fa4a72aa1fa7-balavihar1

 

With our Guru's Blessings,

Saratha and Kavita

 

 

Opening Prayer

Om saha navavatu
Saha nau bhunaktu
Saha viryam karavavahai
Tejasvinavadhitam-astu ma vidvisavahai
Om santih santih santih

 

Jai Ambe Bhajan

 

Jai Ambe Jagdambe Matha Bhavani Jai Ambe (2)

Dukha Vinashini Durga Jai Jai

Kala Vinashini Kali Jai Jai (2)

Uma Rama Brahmani Jai Jai 

Radha Rukmini Seetha Jai Jai (2)

 

Rama Bhajan

 

Rama Rama Rama Rama Rama nama tarakam

Rama Krsna Vasudeva bhakti-mukti-dayakam

Janaki-manoharam sarvaloka nayakam

Sankaradi-sevya-mana divya-nama keertanam

Dec 3, 2023 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Hari Om everyone,

 

We started the class with Om, opening prayer and started on our chapters.

 

Chapter 13

-Bharata is angry with his mother, Kaikeyi, for banishing his brother. Even Satrughna is angry and beats Manthara.

-Bharata goes to Kausalya and asks for forgiveness.

-The brothers are assured by Kausalya to be brave and talk all night about Rama's virtues.

-Bharata performs his father's last rites. And everyone asks Bharatha to become the king. 

-Bharata decides to go to the forest and ask Rama to come back to Ayodhya.

-All of the people in Ayodhya join Bharata and Satrughna.

-Bharata reassures Guha and rsi Bharaadvaja that he has no intention to hurt Rama.

 

Chapter 14

- Rama, Laksmana and Sita are enjoying a quiet happy life in Citrakuta, along the Mandakini river.

-One day, they hear the thundering noise as Bharata and people of Ayodhya approach Citrakuta.

-Rama asks Laksmana to see where the noise is coming from. Laksmana recognizes Bharata's flag and gets alarmed.

-Laksmana tells Rama to start getting ready to fight Bharata, who he feels is coming to kill Rama and secure the kingdom for himself.

-Rama reassures Laksmana that Bharata would not do that. He teases Laksmana.

-Bharata clutches Rama's feet and starts to weep. He also tells Rama about King Dasaratha's death.

-Rama faints. They perform the funeral rituals by the river.

-Bharata and Sage Vasistha plead Rama to return to Ayodhya and take the crown.

-Rama refuses. He says it is his dharma to fulfill his father's wishes.

-Sage Vasistha helps with a compromise. Bharata will be the deputy for Ayodhya until Rama returns.

-Bharata tells Rama, "Oh King, give me your sandals for the kingdom to worship. I shall serve both sandals and people till your return."

-Bharata takes Rama's sandals, places it on his head, and returns to Ayodhya.

-Bharata lives away from the palace in a hut, wearing simple clothes, and serves the people of Ayodhya.

-People of Ayodhya are pleased to see Bharata's supreme devotion and Rama's steadfastness in his dharma.

-Rama realizes that he needs to move further away from Ayodhya, as it is very easy for people to reach him. They walk towards Dandaka Forest.

-They meet Raksasa, Viradha, who snatches Sita. Viradha has a boon that he cannot be killed. Rama and Laksmana use arrows and their swords to cause pain. They end up destroying Viradha.

-Along the way, they meet Rsi Atri, Rsi Sarabhanga and Rsi Sutiksna. The Rsis offer their fruits of their tapas to Rama. Rama replies that he must acquire merit with his own deeds.

-Rsi Sutiksna's asks Rama to stay there. Rama goes to the rsis living nearby to get their blessing for staying near Rsi Sutikna's asram.

Activity- Children placed Rama's sandals on their head, chanted Rama's name, and stated one of their duties (Dharma). Examples included: helping their parents, doing well in school.

Gita Chanting- Swamiji went over Chapter 4- Verse 8 and 9.

 Next class will be on Sunday December 10th.

Reminder- Grade 1 performance on stage will be on January 28th.

 

With our Guru's Blessings,

Saratha and Kavita

 

 

Opening Prayer

Om saha navavatu
Saha nau bhunaktu
Saha viryam karavavahai
Tejasvinavadhitam-astu ma vidvisavahai
Om santih santih santih

 

Jai Ambe Bhajan

 

Jai Ambe Jagdambe Matha Bhavani Jai Ambe (2)

Dukha Vinashini Durga Jai Jai

Kala Vinashini Kali Jai Jai (2)

Uma Rama Brahmani Jai Jai 

Radha Rukmini Seetha Jai Jai (2)

 

Rama Bhajan

 

Rama Rama Rama Rama Rama nama tarakam

Rama Krsna Vasudeva bhakti-mukti-dayakam

Janaki-manoharam sarvaloka nayakam

Sankaradi-sevya-mana divya-nama keertanam

Nov 19, 2023 - Grade 1 (Sunday PM)

Hari Om everyone, 

 

Happy Diwali! Hope everyone had a nice celebration.
 

We started the class with Om and opening prayer. We did a small marble meditation. Kids were very excited. We did a recap of all of the chapters and then went over Chapters 11 and 12.

 

Chapter 11

 

-Rama, Laksmana and Sita reach Risi Bharadvaja's asrama. He guides them to Citrakuta mountains in Tapovan to build Rama asrama. 

-They build the asrama in Citrakuta and are pleased with the location.

-Sumantra returns to Ayodhya to find the city still befuddled by the events.

-King Dasaratha and Kausalya are in tears. Dasaratha knows his time is coming and recounts to Kausalya his misgivings when he was young.

-When Dasaratha was young, he goes hunting in the night and accidentally kills a young ascetic, Sravana.

-Sravana takes care of his blind parents. He laments at who will take care of his parents now.

-Dasaratha goes to Sravana's parents and begs for forgiveness.

-Sravana's father realizes that he did not intentionally kill their son but tells Dasaratha that he too will lament for his son and die of grief.

 

-Message- Although unintentional, Dasaratha also gets the result of his actions.

 

Chapter 12

 

- King Dasaratha passes away while uttering Rama, Rama.

-Ayodyha is heartbroken.

-Vasistha sends a messenger to fetch Bharata and Satrughna from Kekeya (kingdom of Kaikeyi's father)

-Kaikeyi tells Bharata how she secured the kingdom for him. Bharata is filled with sorrow when he hears this.

-Kaikeyi does not feel any shame or guilt in what she has done.

 

Activity- Class colored pages from lesson 11 and 12 in their coloring books.

 

Bhajan- Children really enjoyed singing Khate bhi Ram Kaho…

 

Gita Chanting- Swamiji went over Chapter 4- Verse 6 and 7.

 

 Next class will be on Sunday December 3rd.

 

Reminder- Grade 1 performance on stage will be on January 28th.

 

With our Guru's Blessings,

Saratha and Kavita

 

 

Opening Prayer

Om saha navavatu
Saha nau bhunaktu
Saha viryam karavavahai
Tejasvinavadhitam-astu ma vidvisavahai
Om santih santih santih

 

Jai Ambe Bhajan

 

Jai Ambe Jagdambe Matha Bhavani Jai Ambe (2)

Dukha Vinashini Durga Jai Jai

Kala Vinashini Kali Jai Jai (2)

Uma Rama Brahmani Jai Jai 

Radha Rukmini Seetha Jai Jai (2)

 

Rama Bhajan

 

Rama Rama Rama Rama Rama nama tarakam

Rama Krsna Vasudeva bhakti-mukti-dayakam

Janaki-manoharam sarvaloka nayakam

Sankaradi-sevya-mana divya-nama keertanam