Feb 4, 2024 - Grade 2B (Sunday PM)

Feb 4

Hari Om Dear Parents,

We had a great Sunday afternoon. Please find below the summary of our class on Sunday, Feb 4

1)  Opening Prayers: We chanted 3 OMs followed by opening Prayer:

• Om Sahanavavatu 

• Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu

• Saraswati Namastubhyam

• Vakratunda mahaakaavya(for Lord Ganesha)

• Buddhir Balam Yashodhairyam

2)  Hanuman Chalisa - We revised the previously learnt verses of Hanuman Chalisa and also learnt the following verses

• Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete Sugam anugraha tumhre tete

Meaning: The burden of all difficult tasks of the world become light with your kind grace.

• Ram dware tum rakhvare, Hoat na agya binu paisare

Meaning: You are the sentry at the door of Shri Ram's Divine Abode. No one can enter it without your permission,

3. Storytime -

Recap: Jatayu and Sampati

The main monkey army was sent into the south to look for Sita. This army included great warriors like Angada, Hanuman and Jambavan. They made their search but no information was forthcoming. If they returned with no positive result, they knew they would be killed by Sugriva. They preferred to lie down on the shore of the ocean in beds of grass to going back and getting killed. They were lying idle and talking about how even Jatayu could not save Sita. Then there from a mountain cave came Sampati, an old bird quite famished, having lost all his wings and feathers and utterly exhausted. He was upset hearing that Jatayu was dead. The monkey army consoled Sampati and got him food. Sampati shed tears and said that  "Jatayu is my younger brother. Since I have no wings, I can only hear helplessly about the death of my brother. If I were in my old state, I would have taken appropriate measures to avenge my brother and killed Ravana. Once I bet with my brother and we both flew towards the sun. When I saw him getting exhausted I covered him with my wings and that is how my wings were burnt and I fell on this hill. After that I haven't met him and I heard nothing about him.". Sampati then said that he had indeed seen a Rakshasa and a tearful woman fly across and pointed to the direction. All the monkeys were overjoyed that Sitaji was still alive. They decided that Hanuman, the strongest amongst them would be the one to cross the ocean. Hanumanji knew that with God Ram's help he can achieve anything and set forth on the mission.

Everything is Possible

This story is how Dave a skinny kid was able to become a wrestler by working hard every day and eating right. His grand monther supported him all the way through by encouraging him with positive advise. He was then able to become strong and got Athlete letter from his coach as well. His grandmother was not alive to see it but he knew she had blessed him.

God helps those who helps themselves

This story is how a farmer on his way to the market to sell his fruits faced difficulties with his cart struck in mud and started blaming god for everything. A boy stepped in to help him and made him realize that one should first make an effort to remove the difficulty and god will double the reward in that case. By just complaining nothing is achieved.

4. Activity: We played an activity to guess the positive words from Hanuman Chalisa.

5. Bhagavad Geeta : We have been learning Bhagavad Geeta for few classes and 2nd grade kids have been assigned only 14 verses this year. So we will be working on memorizing the first 7 verses first.. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSTS7nJlewU

6.Likitha Japa : We did Likitha japa for 5 minutes.

Things to note:

Class starts at 1 PM sharp with opening prayers. Please make sure kids are inside the classroom 5 mins before the class starts. 

Please make sure kids use the restroom before entering the class.

You will receive class updates through email every week.

WhatsApp group if you haven't joined yet: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JTCTZ4rPWLPH8te76B1QGy

Materials Needed for the Class

Notebook for Likhita japa ( Pencil and Eraser), Hanuman Chalisa book and Balavihar Handbook (Bhagavad Gita)

Regards,

Divya

Jan 27, 2024 - Grade 2B (Sunday PM)

Jan 21and Jan 27

Hari Om Dear Parents,

We had couple of fun Sunday afternoon. Please find below the summary of our class on Sunday, Jan 21 and Jan 27 2024.

1)  Opening Prayers: We chanted 3 OMs followed by opening Prayer:

• Om Sahanavavatu 

• Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu

• Saraswati Namastubhyam

• Vakratunda mahaakaavya(for Lord Ganesha)

• Buddhir Balam Yashodhairyam

  
  

2)  Hanuman Chalisa - We revised the previously learnt verses of Hanuman Chalisa and also learnt the following verses

• Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha Ram milaye rajpad deenha Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan mana Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana

Meaning: You rendered a great service to Sugriv. You united him with Shri Ram and he installed him on the Royal Throne. By heeding your advice, Vibhishan became Lord of Lanka. This is known all over the Universe.

• Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu

Meaning: On your own you dashed upon the Sun, which is at a fabulous distance of thousands of miles, thinking it to be a sweet luscious fruit

• Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee

Carrying the Lord's Signet Ring in your mouth, there is hardly any wonder that you easily leapt across the ocean.

3. Storytime -

Sugriva meets Lord Rama

This story is how Hanumanji introduced Sugriva to Rama and Lakshmana. Sugriva initially was scared to see strangers in the forest and assumed that they were sent by Bali. It turned out fortunate for Sugriva to have met Rama and Lakshmana with whose help he was able to get back his kingdom. Lesson learnt is that a wise man is one who keeps the company of other wise men..

Hanumanji meets Vibhisana

When Hanumanji went to Lanka to rescue Mother Sita, he came across a house with auspicious symbols but inside, it was Vibhisana, another asura who happened to be the brother of Ravana. Hanumanji found out that Vibhisana was also a great devotee of Lord Rama. Hanumanji helped Vibhisana understand that Lord Rama will recognize his devotion and not judge him by his brother Ravana's deeds.

Hanumanji and the Sun

We discussed the story of how Hanuman jumped to the Sun thinking it's a delicious fruit.

This way Hanuman had a vast  imagination similar to some of us kids here.

Power of God's name

When others were not able to muster courage to cross the ocean to reach Sitaji, Hanuman held the ring in his mouth and courageously crossed the ocean. The power of God's name gives us the strength to do the most difficult things in life.

4. We watched a video illustrating the Hanuman Chalisa verses we have learnt so far. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qywgxZ9A58

5. Bhagavad Geeta : We have been learning Bhagavad Geeta for few classes and 2nd grade kids have been assigned only 14 verses this year. So we will be working on memorizing the first 7 verses first.. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSTS7nJlewU

6.Likitha Japa : We did Likitha japa for 5 minutes.

Things to note:

Class starts at 1 PM sharp with opening prayers. Please make sure kids are inside the classroom 5 mins before the class starts. 

Please make sure kids use the restroom before entering the class.

You will receive class updates through email every week.

WhatsApp group if you haven't joined yet: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JTCTZ4rPWLPH8te76B1QGy

Materials Needed for the Class

Notebook for Likhita japa ( Pencil and Eraser), Hanuman Chalisa book and Balavihar Handbook (Bhagavad Gita)

Regards,

Divya

Jan 14, 2024 - Grade 2B (Sunday PM)

Hari Om Dear Families,

We had a fun Sunday afternoon. Please find below the summary of our class on Sunday, Jan 7 2024

1)  Opening Prayers: We chanted 3 OMs followed by opening Prayer:

• Om Sahanavavatu 

• Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu

• Saraswati Namastubhyam

• Vakratunda mahaakaavya(for Lord Ganesha)

• Buddhir Balam Yashodhairyam

2)  Hanuman Chalisa - We revised the previously learnt verses of Hanuman Chalisa and also learnt the following verses

• Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye

Meaning: You brought Sanjivan (A herb that revives life) and restored Lakshman back to life, Shri Raghuvir (Shri Ram) cheerfully embraced you with his heart full of joy.

• Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai
  Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai

Meaning: Shri Raghupati (Shri Ram) praised your excellence and said: "You are as dear to me as my own brother Bharat."

• Sahas badan tumharo yash gaave Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave

Thousands of living beings are chanting hymns of your glories; saying thus, Shri Ram warmly hugged him (Shri Hanuman).

• Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa

When prophets like Sanka, even the Sage like Lord Brahma, the great hermit Narad himself, Goddess Saraswati and Ahisha (one of immeasurable dimensions).

• Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te

Even Yamraj (God of Death) Kuber (God of Wealth) and the Digpals (deputies guarding the four corners of the Universe) have been vying with one another in offering homage to your glories. How then, can a mere poet give adequate expression of your super excellence.

• Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha Ram milaye rajpad deenha Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan mana Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana

You rendered a great service to Sugriv. You united him with Shri Ram and he installed him on the Royal Throne. By heeding your advice, Vibhishan became Lord of Lanka. This is known all over the Universe.

3. Storytime -

Find a Fault Please

Once a king had an exhibition and put two paintings, one at the entrance and the other at the exit. He asked the people who entered to find fault with the painting at the entrance and to find the right things with the paintings at the exit. It was found that people found faults easily compared to praising a painting. 

Man's greatness lies in his efforts

 Four boys were playing in a field & from one of the corners of the field they heard a feeble voice coming from beneath the ground. "Dig and take me out; I will give you whatever you want." Digging the ground, the boys found a small right now. When they rubbed the lamp, it spoke. " I am Aladdin's magic lamp. I can give you whatever you ask for. Please ask." The first boy said, "I do not like doing my homework. Can you please do my homework daily?" The magic lamp replied, "yes of course, I will." The second boy asked, "how about giving me enough to eat so that I never have to work?" Again, the magic lamp replied,"yes of course. You should have enough Food to last your lifetime." And so the 3rd boy asked for something similar and the genie offered to do it. The last boy, however, ask something very unusual. "O magic lamp, I request you to vanish before you give us anything. 

Our kind God has given us our eyes, ears, hands and legs. We should make full use of these gifts to make others and us happy. Man's greatness lies in his own efforts. Why should we be beggars before you and insult these gifts of God ?"

Sugriva meets Lord Rama

This story is how Hanumanji introduced Sugriva to Rama and Lakshmana. Sugriva initially was scared to see strangers in the forest and assumed that they were sent by Bali. It turned out fortunate for Sugriva to have met Rama and Lakshmana with whose help he was able to get back his kingdom. Lesson learnt is that a wise man is one who keeps the company of other wise men..

You become the company you keep

Once upon a time there was a king who got lost while hunting. He ended up in an area where the Bhils lived. The Bhills had a pet parrot.. As soon as the parrot saw the king, he started squawking, " Kill the king; steal from the King. Catch him before he runs away." Hearing the words of the parrot, the king knew he better run away to save his life. When Bhils heard the words of their parrot, they came out from their hiding place to capture the king, but the King quickly mounted his horse and escaped the hands of the Bhils.Traveling further, again he heard another parrot, "O Saint & Sages, come and serve the great King. Stop him. It is a  great privilege to serve him."

Hearing  these words, the king knew he had found a safe place to rest. The Rishis  along with the disciples came out to receive the king. The king narrated the episode of the Bhil's parrot and asked why the parrots behave so differently.The Rishi's parrot replied ,"Although we were born of the same parents, I was raised by saints while my brother was raised by Bhils.I learned to talk & behave from saints and my brother learned the ways of Bhils.

Hanumanji meets Vibhisana

When Hanumanji went to Lanka to rescue Mother Sita, he came across a house with auspicious symbols but inside, it was Vibhisana, another asura who happened to be the brother of Ravana. Hanumanji found out that Vibhisana was also a great devotee of Lord Rama. Hanumanji helped Vibhisana understand that Lord Rama will recognize his devotion and not judge him by his brother Ravana's deeds.

Narada's Pride

Lord Vishnu asked Narada to play vina  for a party in heaven. All the gods and goddesses were invited to the party. Narada foolishly felt proud that the Lord had selected him among all of the talented celestial musicians to play for the party.

At the party, Narada played his Vina and poured  his heart into all of his songs. Everyone, but the Lord, clapped. Narada was unhappy, sensing Lord's  disapproval.The Lord asked Narada to give his instrument to Hanuman Ji.Narada  reluctantly handed his instrument to Hanuman Ji, nervous  that Hanumanji would not be able to handle such a delicate instrument.

Hanumanji started playing the instrument while singing Raam naam. Everyone was absorbed in this divine song. Even Stones started melting in devotion. Narada  soon realized how his ego had hurt  him and made a fool of him. Narada apologized to the Lord and thanked him for teaching him a valuable lesson. Surrender at the feet of the Lord and be a winner.

4. We watched a video illustrating the Hanuman Chalisa verses we have learnt so far. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qywgxZ9A58

5. Bhagavad Geeta : We learnt verses 11,12 and 13. We have been learning Bhagavad Geeta for few classes and 2nd grade kids have been assigned only 14 verses this year. So we will be working on memorizing these 14 verses. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSTS7nJlewU

6.Meditation/Yoga : We did a couple of yoga poses.

8.Activity: We divided into 2 groups and played games. We will continue to do this as the kids loved it and is a good way to learn more about our beloved Hanumanji.

https://wordwall.net/resource/9820598/dhyaan-shloka and 

https://wordwall.net/resource/12142389/quiz-time

Things to note:

Class starts at 1 PM sharp with opening prayers. Please make sure kids are inside the classroom 5 mins before the class starts. 

Please make sure kids use the restroom before entering the class.

You will receive class updates through email every week.

WhatsApp group if you haven't joined yet: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JTCTZ4rPWLPH8te76B1QGy

Materials Needed for the Class

Notebook for Likhita japa ( Pencil and Eraser), Hanuman Chalisa book and Balavihar Handbook (Bhagavad Gita)

Regards,

Divya 

Jan 7, 2024 - Grade 2B (Sunday PM)

Hari Om Dear Families,

We had a great second Sunday afternoon. Please find below the summary of our class on Sunday, Jan 7 2024

1)  Opening Prayers: We chanted 3 OMs followed by opening Prayer:

• Om Sahanavavatu 

• Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu

• Saraswati Namastubhyam

• Vakratunda mahaakaavya(for Lord Ganesha)

• Buddhir Balam Yashodhairyam

2)  Hanuman Chalisa - We revised the first 10 verses of Hanuman Chalisa and learnt the following new verses

• Vidyavan guni ati chatur Ram kaj karibe ko aatur

Meaning: You are the repository of learning, virtuous and fully accom- plished, always keen to carry out the behest's of Shri Ram.

• Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiya Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya

Meaning: You are an ardent listener, always so keen to listen to the narration of Shri Ram's Life Stories. Your heart is filled with what Shri Ram stood for. You therefore always dwell in the hearts of Shri Ram, Lakshman and Sita.

• Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava Vikat roop dhari lanka jarava

You appeared before Sita in a Diminutive form and spoke to her in humility. You assumed an awesome form and struck terror by setting Lanka on fire.

3. Storytime -

Hanumanji's Flight

When Hanumanji flew across the ocean to look for Sitaji. He encountered 3 obstacles which he overcame easily. The first obstacle was the Mainaka Mountain, which appeared in the middle of the ocean. Hanumanji was invited to rest for a while on this mountain but Hanumanji did not give in. Instead he said he cannot rest till his masters work is done and so continued. 

The next obstacle that Hanumanji had to face was raksasi name Surasa who threatened to eat Him. This was the second obstacle. Hanumanji pleaded with her to let Him go to finish His Lord's work.She ignored his pleas and showed no compassion Instead she opened her mouth wide to swallow Him. Hanumanji grew bigger and bigger so the rakshasi opened her mouth wider and wider then suddenly Hanumanji became small in size and he flew across his mouth before she could close it. He then said I went into your mouth and out so now let me go. Surasa was pleased with his intelligence and let him go. Then she turned into a beautiful woman and said she was sent by Devatas to test his intelligence. Surasa blessed him to complete his journey and mission successfully.

As Hanumanji continued on his journey he felt a mysterious force pulling him down. That force turned out to be the third obstacle, the rakshasi Simhika who had the power to bring down and devour all creatures flying over her head. Symbolically Simhika stands for jealousy. Jealousy can never bear the rise of another. Jealousy pulls us down and burns us. Obe should destroy jealousy and so Hanumanji mercilessly killed Simhika with one blow.

Burning of Lanka

When Hanumanji reached Ashoka vatika. He recognized Mother Sita sitting under a tree guarded by rakshasis. Ravana approached Sitaji initially tried to tempt her saying she can be his queen. She asked him to get rid of his lustful wicked desire and warned how he will loose his entire kingdom as a king who is not disciplined was destined to loose his entire kingdom. This enraged Ravana who gave her an ultimatum saying she has two months to agree to be his wife if not she would be served as his breakfast.

Hanumanji saw all this and did not know how to convey that he was Rama's messenger. Then it occurred to him he can change his size to the size of mosquito and narrated beautiful story of Rama. Hanumanji presented himself as a miniature form so that no one else except Sitaji could see him. He then gave Ramas ring to Sita and Sitaji gave her ring to him so that he can give it to Rama. After exchanging rings he told Sitaji that she would soon be with Rama. He wanted Ravana to know his powers so he then became huge and roared. He jumped all over the garden and destroyed the garden. Hanumanji then let him get captured and he was brought to the court of Ravana.

When asked who he was Hanumanji spoke fearlessly that he was the messanger of Rama the prince of Ayodhya. He said he had come with a message of peace. Ravana had abducted the Sitaji his queen. So, he said return Sitaji to Rama and ask for his forgiveness and you will be forgiven. Hearing this Ravana got very angry. He wanted to kill him. Ravana's brother advised you cannot kill the messanger. At the most you can punish or ill treat him and send him back.

Thinking monkey's pride is its tail Ravana asked his guards to tie rags to Hanumanji's tail and set it to fire. As quick witted as Hanumanji was he used this opportunity to scare Ravana and destroy half of Lanka. He then grew huge is size and then started jumping from building to building till he set fire to the whole city of Lanka. He then again became small in size shred his rags.

This story shows Hanumanji's resourcefulness and intelligence.

Hanuman saves Lakshmana by getting the Sanjivani Herb

To understand how Hanmanji was a lifesaver,  we reviewed the part of Ramayana where Lakshmana gets injured when fighting against Indrajit, son of Ravana.  Hanumanji come to the rescue and gets the required sanjivani herb. He brings the whole mountain to ensure he neither wastes time nor picks the wrong herb. Lord Rama, overwhelmed with love and gratitude, embraces Hanumanji with tears of joy.

4. We watched a video illustrating the Hanuman Chalisa verses we have learnt so far. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qywgxZ9A58

5. Bhagavad Geeta : We have been learning Bhagavad Geeta for few classes and 2nd grade kids have been assigned only 14 verses this year. So we will be working on memorizing these 14 verses. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSTS7nJlewU

6.Meditation/Yoga : We did silent meditation for 2 minutes and couple of yoga poses.

7.Likhita japa: We did Likhita japa of the kids favorite god in the book. Please remember to send it with the kids every class. Yellow is our house color. To read more about Balavihar Houses, check out this link and participate in the upcoming events. https://www.chinmayavrindavan.org/balavihar/balavihar-houses

8.Activity: We learnt about 10 heads of Ravana and 10 bad qualities and then proceeded to list 10 good qualities that we can practice.

Things to note:

You will receive class updates through email every week.

WhatsApp group if you haven't joined yet: https://chat.whatsapp.com/JTCTZ4rPWLPH8te76B1QGy

Class starts at 1 PM sharp with opening prayers. Please make sure kids are inside the classroom 5 mins before the class starts. 

Please make sure kids use the restroom before entering the class.

This year's parents handbook is available at the following link- https://www.chinmayavrindavan.org/balavihar/parents-corner/handbook

Materials Needed for the Class

Notebook for Likhita japa ( Pencil and Eraser)

Hanuman Chalisa book

Balavihar Handbook (Bhagavad Gita)

Regards,

Divya