Feb 11, 2024 - Grade 3 (Sunday AM)

Hari om parents,

        Hope everyone is doing well & enjoying the weather. Here is the summary from our class (2/11/24) - 

1.We chanted 3 OM's and said our beginning prayers - Om sahna bhavtu followed by a shlok for Lord Ganesha (Vakratunda Mahakaya), Devi Saraswati (Saraswati Namastubhyam) and one for our Guru (Guru Bramha) respectively. We have added Shri Ram Ram Rameti to our morning prayers.

2.We chanted Guru Stotram (10 verses).

3.We revised what we had studied in the last fw classes.

4.Brainstorming - Nine modes of devotion The Nine Modes of Devotion, often known as "Navadha Bhakti" in Hinduism, are different ways or paths through which devotees can express their love and devotion towards the divine. These modes encompass a variety of approaches to spiritual practice and devotion. Here they are:

Shravana (Listening): Devotees listen to stories, hymns, and teachings related to the divine, often through scriptures, discourses, or spiritual talks.

Kirtana (Singing): This involves singing or chanting the divine names and praises, either individually or in a group. It's a powerful way to invoke devotion and connect with the divine.

Smarana (Remembering): Devotees focus on remembering and contemplating the divine, keeping the deity or the divine form in their thoughts throughout the day.

Pada-sevana (Service to the Feet): This mode involves physically serving the divine, often symbolized by serving the deity's idols or images, and seeking the blessings through humble service.

Arcana (Worship): Devotees engage in ritualistic worship, offering prayers, rituals, and material items like flowers, incense, and food to the deity.

Vandana (Prayer): This mode involves offering prayers and seeking the divine's blessings through humble supplication and surrender.

Dasya (Servitude): Devotees approach the divine with the attitude of a servant, willingly surrendering to the will of the divine and serving with devotion.

Sakhyatva (Friendship): This involves developing a deep and personal relationship with the divine, treating the divine as a friend, and sharing one's joys and sorrows.

Atma-nivedana (Complete Surrender): The highest form of devotion, where the devotee surrenders completely to the divine, recognizing the divine as the ultimate guide and protector.

These modes provide a diverse range of paths, allowing individuals to choose the one that resonates most with their spiritual inclination and temperament.

5. A small prayer for Bhagwan -

We love you Bhagavanji
Thank you for everything
Please help us be Responsible
We pray for .... ( Whatever you want)

6.Geeta chanting - We chanted alongside Swamiji's video. Here is one important shlok -

ब्रह्मार्पणं ब्रह्म हविर्ब्रह्माग्नौ ब्रह्मणा हुतम् ।
ब्रह्मैव तेन गन्तव्यं ब्रह्मकर्मसमाधिना ॥

7. Game time - Krishna Vadati with Sanskrit words. 

8. Aarti time in temple hall and everyone enjoyed Grade 9 play.

Gentle reminder to sign up the excel sheet for monthly program for kids & parents. We encourage you to participate as well. See you all in next class! 

Regards,

Chitra & Rupa.

Jan 21, 2024 - Grade 3 (Sunday AM)

Hari om parents, 

      Here is the summary of our last class (1/21/24) - 

1. We did our 3 OM"s followed by opening prayers. This was a special  class all about Lord Ram so we added one of our fav. shlokas of Ram -

राम राम रामेति रमे रामे मनोरमे ।
सहस्रनाम तत्तुल्यं रामनाम वरानने ॥

Raama Raama Raame[a-I]ti Rame Raame Manorame |
Sahasra-Naama Tat-Tulyam Raama-Naama Vara-[A]anane ||

2. We focused on the values that Shri Ram has taught us through his life. We learned about the values through various stories of Ramayana.Here is a brief description of those - 

Dharma (Righteousness): Sri Ram upheld his duty as a prince and later as a king, following the path of righteousness in all his actions.
Satya (Truth): Ram's commitment to truth is evident in his adherence to his father's words and his honesty in all circumstances.
Shanti (Peace): Despite facing numerous challenges, Ram maintained inner peace and remained calm even during adversities.
Prema (Love): Ram's deep love and devotion for his wife Sita were exemplified by his unwavering efforts to rescue her from the clutches of Ravana.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ram displayed non-violence by avoiding unnecessary harm, even in the face of conflict, striving for a peaceful resolution.
Kshama (Forgiveness): When faced with betrayal, Ram forgave those who wronged him, such as Shurpanakha, demonstrating the virtue of forgiveness.
Tyaga (Renunciation): Ram willingly embraced exile to fulfill his father's promise, showcasing his readiness to renounce personal comforts for duty.
Daya (Compassion): Ram's compassion was evident in his interactions with all beings, showing kindness and empathy even to those less fortunate.
Dhriti (Steadfastness): Ram's determination and steadfastness in his mission to rescue Sita showcased his unwavering commitment to righteousness.
Saucha (Purity): Ram maintained purity in thoughts and actions, adhering to a virtuous and untainted way of life throughout the Ramayana.

3. Geeta chanting - We did Geeta chanting following Swamiji's video.

4. Likhita Japa - It was so amazing to see all the kids doing Likhita Japa ❤️❤️. 

5. We assembled at the temple for aarti & pledge. 

  What a wonderful class!! See you all in the next class, take care!

Regards,

Chitra & Rupa.

Jan 7, 2024 - Grade 3 (Sunday AM)

Hari om Parents,

     Happy New Year! Wishing you all a happy, healthy and peaceful 2024!! Here is the summary of our last class (1/7/24) -

1. We started our class with 3 OM's followed by Sahana Bhavtu and prayer for Lord Ganesha, Devi Saraswati & our Guru.

2. The fun begins here. We started revising and decided to categorize our New Year Resolutions into the 3 Gunas we studied in our previous class. This was awesome ! So many interesting new year resolutions and how kids wanted to modify their resolutions from Tamasic to Rajasic to Sattvic. Amazing to see kids wanting to do better for themselves.❤️ 

3. Game time - Ball game to release so much of the energy our kids have. This is a popular one in the classroom.

4. Brainstorming - Six sharks of the mind.

Also known as Shadripus, they are Lust, Greed, Pride, Anger, Jealousy & Delusion. We spoke about them briefly. No matter how powerful, rich, successful or outwardly happy we are, we cannot be considered mature if we have not conquered these six internal enemies. In fact we will never be truly happy and peaceful within our hearts unless we defeat these six enemies – the 'Shadripus.' We did small stories about these Shadripus.

5. Geeta Chanting - We followed Swamiji's video and chanted Shloka 15 & 16. 

6. Aarti time - We assembled in the prayer hall for aarti & pledge.

Such a wonderful start to the new year with all the kids! See you all in the next class! 

Regards,

Chitra & Rupa.

Dec 17, 2023 - Grade 3 (Sunday AM)

Hari Om parents,

How is everyone doing? Here is the summary of our last class (1217/23) -

1. We started our class with 3 OM's & the beginning prayers followed by shlokas for Lord Ganesha, Devi Saraswati and our Gurus.

2. We revised what we have learned so far.Please review the notes with your child before they come to class. Would love to see more participation.

3..Brainstorming - Three Gunas

The world consists of three gunas  - sattva, rajas & tamas. The three gunas are each associated with a specific characteristic - sattva (purity), rajas (activity), and tamas (darkness, destruction). These three gunas are present in all persons and objects to various degrees. However, one of the gunas or characteristics is always more present or dominant than the other two.

Sattva manifests itself as purity, knowledge, and harmony. It is the characteristic of goodness, joy, satisfaction, nobility, and contentment. It is free of fear, violence, wrath, and malice. Sattva is pure and forgiving. In order to reach Samadhi or liberation, people want to increase their Sattva guna. Increasing sattva is possible by reducing rajas and tamas, both in your mind and in your body.

Rajas expresses  passion, action, energy, and motion. Rajas are characterized by a feeling of attachment, a longing for satisfaction and desire.

Tamas manifests itself as impurity, laziness, and darkness. It is the consequence of ignorance and it prevents all beings from seeing reality
**Please refer to the pic shared on Whatsapp class group for details about the gunas.
4. Story time- An eye for an eye
     Once there was a man who, out of deep jealousy, was constantly plagued with negative thoughts of his neighbor. One day a genie 🧞‍♂️ appeared and said to him," I can give you whatever you want, but the only condition is that your neighbor will get twice as much." The man was very happy, but did not know what to request. Every good thing he asked for, his neighbor would get twice as much. Since he was jealous of his neighbor, he did not want anything good for him. After much thinking he said to them 🧞‍♂️, " take out one of my 👁 ". The neighbor became blind. This is Kumati. A jealous man is willing to harm himself so that he could hurt others.
5. Game time - This is the best time , ask the kids. They absolutely love it . So much fun & energy in our class. ♥️♥️
6. Geeta chanting - We chanted 2 verses of Geeta along with Swamiji's video.
7. We gathered in the temple hall for aarti & pledge.

Wishing everyone a safe holiday and a very Happy New Year!! Take care!!

Regards,

Chitra & Rupa.

Dec 10 , 2023 - Grade 3 (Sunday AM)

Hari om Parents, 

        Here is a summary of our class on 12/10/23 - 

1. We chanted 3 OM's and said our beginning prayers - Om sahna bhavtu then a shlok for Lord Ganesha (Vakratunda Mahakaya), Devi Saraswati (Saraswati Namastubhyam) and one for our Guru (Guru Bramha) respectively.

2. Meditation time - This was super awesome and looks like everyone needed it.

3. Story time - King Prithu

There was a noble ruler by name Prithu, who was a descendant of Dhruva. Prithu was very kind at heart and he was very good to all his subjects. Soon after he was crowned the king, the entire country was celebrating it just by making merry and having a lot of fun through different festivities. The festivities were prolonged for a number of days. As the celebration was still on, the news of famine struck in Prithu's kingdom came to the king as a shock. The famine was extremely terrible not that of food and grains but also that of strength and beauty, art and music, love and goodness. King Prithu was very upset about the unfortunate situation of his people and his land and was wondering why the mother earth has stopped yielding. One day the mother earth came in the guise of a cow and explained to Prithu what was the cause of his worry. Mother earth told that she has got all the seeds of the vegetables and herbs by bossom. She said if she had got all the seeds at a single stretch there would have been nothing left for the future. She said that they are all within her getting rot. She said unless and until man makes some effort to exert himself only then she can give them. After the request of Mother Earth, Prithu and his subjects worked hard and prepared the soil and soon the vegetables and herbs started giving life after the sweat and toil as manure. Now Mother Earth looked green and happy again and man was very happy with enough food and grains.

Mother Earth seeing the hard work of her children fulfilled all the desires of her children and gave them prosperity. The King was very pleased with her and he embraced and accepted her as his daughter. Thus she was also referred to by the name Prithu, the daughter of Prithvi. So after this the king decided to conduct a yagna for the good of the people and the natural resources. The yagna was conducted on a major scale and the king invited all the devas of the celestial sphere and his people to the sacrifice. The sacrifice was also graced by Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu advised the king not to injure or neglect anyone and to treat all the living beings alike for it was he who lives in their soul. He also told the king not to be carried away either by joy or not to lose heart at times of difficulties for which the mind should be kept under total control and devoted to the Lord acting wise. Prithu prostrated before his Lord and accepted to follow his words and where he wished to have a mind which is always devoted to Sri Vishnu and sing and hear only the praises of Lord. Then Prithu began to teach all his subjects on how to gain supreme knowledge by doing rightly things in the world. He also taught them to dedicate and sincerely serve themselves to the Lord.

One day knowing that king Prithu was a wise and a noble king he was visited by the four Sanatkumaras. They came to hear and learn his preachings about the almighty and also to be pleased by his conversation upon the nature of God. The Sanatkumaras also delighted the king by giving lectures on lust, anger, greed, pride, delusion and jealousy which makes the main contents of the ocean of the world. To cross this ocean in a boat one should accept the Lord as their ferryman for he will help us in crossing the ocean with perfect ease. Now the king started spreading more and more thoughts about God and his nature. Soon he handed over his kingdom to his son, Vijitasva and settled in the forest spending his rest of life in meditation and finally gave up his body and soul merged at the feet of the Lord.

4. Game time - The video and pictures are shared on Whatsapp group. So much fun and energy.

5. Geeta chanting - We chanted 2 shlokas along with Swamiji's video.

6. Aarti and pledge in the temple.

See you all in the next class!

Regards,

Chitra & Rupa.

Dec 3, 2023 - Grade 3 (Sunday AM)

Hari om parents,
        Hope all of you are doing well.Here is the update for our Sunday's class (12/3/23) -

1. We did our opening prayers.
2. We did meditation for 6 min and the kids absolutely amazed us.❤️❤️
3. Story time - Dhruva. 
Once there was a king called Uttanapada. He had two wives – Suniti and Suruchi. Suniti had a son called Dhruva and Suruchi's son was Uttama. The king was very fond of his second wife and son and neglected his first wife and child. Dhruva loved his father very much and wanted his time and attention. Once when he entered his step-mother's home, he found the king seated there with the other child on his lap. Dhruva ran to his father to sit on his lap. His step-mother Suruchi stopped him on the way and said: You are an unfortunate son as you were born to your mother. If you wish to sit on your father's lap you need good fortune. Go and pray to God that you are born to me as a son in your next birth so that you can sit on your father's lap. Dhruva noticed that his father was indifferent to what had happened. He was stung and pained by his step-mother's words.
Dhruva went weeping to his mother Suniti. His mother tried to console him but it was of no use. Dhruva asked her if there was someone in this world who could take away his pain and give him what he wanted. His mother replied that Lord Narayan was very kind and when anyone pleased Him by constantly remembering Him with love, the Lord granted darshan and blessings.Dhruva went to the forest dressed in bark(the outer covering of tree) clothing. On the way he met Sage Narad. When the sage enquired, Dhruva told him about what happened at home. Sage Narad saw the determination and resolve in the face of the young boy and in his compassion, gave him the holy mantra: Om Namo Narayana. He also directed Dhruva to the forest called Madhuvana, on the banks of the holy river Yamuna. Dhruva took a bath in the river and sat under a tree with his mind focussed on Lord Narayan and the mantra 'Om Namo Narayana'. His mind was empty and devoid of all thoughts. He did not even think once about his father or step mother or step brother or even his own mother or the insult to him. In the meantime, Sage Narad went to the kingdom of King Uttanapada. He was met by the remorseful king who was now saddened by the grief of his son Dhruva which drove the child away from his home to the forest. Sage Narad informed the King of Dhruva's decision and proclaimed that Dhruva would be successful in appeasing the Lord and he would be so successful that he would be remembered for all eternity.
In Madhuvana, Dhruva carried severe austerities. He gave up food and immersed himself in japa throughout the day. He stood on one foot like an immovable post and continued japa with all his mind set on Lord Narayana. The intensity of his tapas created immense heat which even the heavens could not withstand. Lord Narayan, moved by the bhakti and austerities of Dhruva appeared in front of him and blessed him that his father and others would love him, he would be a great king and after his death he would become the Dhruva star (Pole Star) which would guide and show the way to others. After his death, Dhruva became a star and even there he is very firm and never changes position in the skies. Dhruva is a benchmark to us in smaran and firmness of resolution in attaining Grace of God.
4. Brainstorming - Can I Be Dhruva?
He stood on one foot and chanted the Lord's name all the time. So we tried to balance on one foot? Ok that's doable. Now we need to freeze as in not move just as Dhruva did. Hmm that's a bit tough. After that chant "Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya".Doing all that for a few minutes was difficult enough as our minds are always restless. Dhruva did it for years as his mind was peaceful.
5. Game time - We played Hangman. 

6Geeta chanting - We chanted upto 4 shlokas in the class with Swamiji's video.
7. Aarti & Pledge in the temple hall.

  Hope to see all of you in the next class. 

Regards,
Chitra & Rupa.

Oct 29, 2023 - Grade 3 (Sunday AM)

Hari om parents,

       Hope everyone is doing well! This was a short class. Here is the summary of our class (10/29/23) 

1. We started our class with 3 OM's and the beginning prayers followed by shlokas for Lord Ganesha, Devi Saraswati & our Gurus.

2. We revised what we had learned by naming the incident and asking about characters. Our class is really awesome! They know their stuff.

3. Story time - Varaha Avatar

Brahma is the creator of the entire universe. He created the first man and woman. The man was called Swayambhu Manu and the woman was called Satrupa. Manu asked his father where should i live with my kids. Earth is submerged in water. So please help me father. 

Brahma thought and a boar no bigger than the size of thumb suddenly sprang out of his right nostril. Soon after coming out it acquired a huge and gigantic form. The Boar roared out aloud. Everyone knew him to be the incarnation of Shri Vishnu so they worshiped him. He had assumed this form for the good of the world. 

The Boar dived deep down in the ocean and got ready to lift the earth . as he was lifting up, he was attacked by a demon Hiranyaksha. The boar was enraged and fought with the demon king. He pierced and tore open the demon king. Then he brought the earth above the surface of water, delicately balanced on his tusks. Devas watching this , burst forth into songs and glories of Narayana.

4. Game time - Just like the boar balanced earth on his tusks, kids made tusks using fingers and balanced a ball on it.

5. Saraswati Pooja - We went to the prayer hall for Saraswati pooja followed by aarti.

Next class is on Nov.5th. Remember the Daylight Saving time ends and clocks fall back an hour. See you all on Sunday!😊

Regards,

Chitra & Rupa.

Oct 8, 2023 - Grade 3 (Sunday AM)

Hari om parents,

Here is the summary of last class (10/8/23) -

1. We started our class with 3OM's and our beginning prayer "Om Sahana Bhavtu" followed by prayers for Lord Ganesha, Devi Saraswati & our Guru.

2. Revision time - Talking about the Samik Rishi's story & Avatars and why, Bhagvatam and who wrote it? Who inspired the author to write Bhagvatam? You can talk to the kids about the same.

3. Story time - Parikshit meets Kali 

One day, King Parikshit was strolling on the banks of the river Saraswati where he saw a strange sight. A mean-spirited man, Kali, dressed in royal clothes, was kicking and torturing a bull. A cow, standing close by, was shedding tears. The wicked man had decapitated three of the bull's legs, and was about to cut off its fourth leg too. 

Seeing the cruel treatment of the animals, King Parikshit got very angry. He turned around and said, "Hey, who are you?" In spite of being strong, you are cruelly hitting these innocent weak animals of my kingdom. Although you're dressed like a king, your actions seem to be that of a person of low cast. How dare you ill- treat these poor innocent creatures? Do you not know that I am the king of this land and I can punish you with death? Then he turned to the trembling and shivering bull and cow,  and spoke to them very kindly and soothingly. He enquired how the bull had lost his three legs.

The bull bowed its head and said," O King, you wonder who has caused my suffering. Some say that beings, in their ignorance, cause their own sorrow or happiness. Others say it is due to one's own karmas. I do not know which is true."

Parikshit was surprised to hear the bull speak. He thought deeply and realized that the bull was none other than Dharma or virtue, the cow was Mother Earth and the wicked man was Kali - the spirit of Kali yuga.Parikshit then said to the bull, "You are indeed the personification of Dharma. Your four legs are austerity,  kindness, purity and truthfulness. Of these you have lost three legs namely  austerity, purity and kindness. You are now standing on truthfulness and Kali was about to cut that too."

Parikshit turned to Kali with his sword drawn and was about to cut off his head. Kali fell at his feet and begged to be heard. Since a king cannot kill anyone or any creature seeking refuge and protection, Parikshit had to withdraw his sword and listen to Kali. Kali said I'm supposed to be the ruler of the next age(Kali yuga)  which will be full of cruelty and falsehood. Please spare my life.

Kali pleaded to Parikshit to give him some place to live. Parikshit thought and said ," You can go thrive where the name of the lord is forgotten."Kali now resides in 5 places where dishonesty,  pride, arrogance, gambling/drinking, lust and cruelty prevail. 

5. Brainstorming - We discussed a little about the 4 legs of Dharma and what they are called in Sanskrit. Will share a pic about it in our WhatsApp group chat.

6. Game time - We played Unscramble and it was so much fun.

7. For Closing prayers and aarti - We went to the temple hall.

. Also please check the WhatsApp group for messages.

Regards,

Chitra & Rupa

Sept 24, 2023 - Grade 3 (Sunday AM)

Hari om parents,

        Hope everyone is doing well & enjoying the fall weatherl with their family & friends. Here is the summary from our class (10/24/23) - 

1. We chanted 3 OM's and said our beginning prayers - Om sahna bhavtu then a shlok for Lord Ganesha (Vakratunda Mahakaya), Devi Saraswati (Saraswati Namastubhyam) and one for our Guru (Guru Bramha) respectively.

2. We revised what we had studied in our first class about avatars. We further emphasized on why does god have to take an avatar? We also learned about the 10 avatars (Dashavatar) & more we are going to study this year. 

3. The Background story - Shaunak rishi lived with his disciples in Naimisharanya. Every morning they got up early to do yagna.

                                       One morning as they were getting ready to do yagna, Sutaji, a learned rishi, visited them. All students and teachers paid their respects to the rishi & sat around him to learn. 

                                       Shaunak rishi said," Please teach us how a person can become good and happy forever." Sutaji replied," It is given in a poem written by Shri Ved Vyaasa. This poem is called Bhagavatam, has 18,000 verses. The poem describes stories of God and how and why HE descended on earth as avatars to help." Sutaji said we also need to learn how this poem was written. We learned that Ved Vyas ji had his ashram near river Saraswati.

4.Story time - Who is Narad ji?

Narada  was a son of a servant lady who was working in an ashram. A group of saints  came to the ashram. Narada was only five years old and was also helping his mother in serving the saints. The saints took a liking for the young boy, Narada. Everyday the saints were singing the glories of Narayana and Narada started enjoying singing the glories of Narayana.

One night, Narada's mother was bitten by a snake and she died, leaving Narada all alone. Narada left the ashram and he kept on walking till he saw a nice and quiet place where he sat for meditation. Bhagwan blessed him and said that he will be born as the son of Brahma ji , the creator of the world. Few years later he died, and was reborn as the son of Brahma ji. Devas gave him a gift of Vina. It is said that even today, taking his Vina, he moves around singing the glories of the lord.

5. How was Bhagvatam written? 

Bhagvatam was composed by Shri Ved Vyaasa. Vyaas ji's ashram was on the banks of river Saraswati. One evening Vyaas ji sat by the river , very sad. It was very quiet until he heard the twanging of vina strings. It was sage Narada.Vyas ji got up to receive Narada and offered him a seat.Narada ji said, " Vyas ji, It appears you are not happy. Can I do something for you?". Vyaas ji replied, " Whatever you said about me is true.In spite of the possession of the knowledge i am not happy/satisfied.I have compiled the Vedas, Puranas, Mahabharata. But I still feel unrest within me. What more shall I write? Narada ji said , " You have described the dharma of a human being well; but you have not described the glories of Lord Krishna. Sing the glories of all different forms of lord and how he helped mankind. Teach people how to think right and sing glories of the lord; it will make you peaceful". Thus, Bhagvatam was composed.

5. Game time - A fun game for high energy class with all the words we learned in our class. PIcs attached to Whatsapp group.

6. Geeta chanting - We chanted the first 2 verses of Chapter 4 of Bhagwad Geeta. Link will be shared on the class Whatsapp group.

7. Closing prayers and aarti - We gathered in the temple hall for Aarti & pledge. 

• For easy communication we have set up Whatsapp group, here is the link -

   https://chat.whatsapp.com/E2laESIszyQDFEIIT3oai3

See you all next Sunday! Take care.

Regards,

Chitra & Rupa.

Sept 17, 2023 - Grade 3 (Sunday AM)

Hari om parents, 

          Welcome to Bala vihar 2023-24 Grade 3 (Sunday AM) class. Hope you are all doing well & enjoying the beautiful fall weather.

            The class was so much fun, here is the summary of the class -

1. We chanted 3 OM's and said our beginning prayers - Om sahna bhavtu then a shlok for Lord Ganesha (Vakratunda Mahakaya), Devi Saraswati (Saraswati Namastubhyam) and one for our Guru (Guru Bramha) respectively.

2. Brainstorming about the word Avatar - What is Avatar? Why does God take Avatar? We started the discussion by asking them about their favorite superheroes and we heard oh so many - Dr. Strange , Iron man, Thanos…. Each of them had a superpower. Guess what each of God's avatars have all these superpowers & more. We concluded that when we are in big trouble we pray to God & he comes down as an avatar to save us.

3. We played a game of 2 truths and a lie.We had a lot of confessions (Shhh , it's a secret). Ask your kids and you will know.

4. We also did the Geeta chanting primer. Basically kids learned how to pronounce certain Sanskrit words.

5.We went for Aarti & pledge to the temple. 

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to either of us. See you all next Sunday in our classroom @ 9:15am. 

Regards, 

Chitra & Rupa.

Sept 10, 2023 - Grade 3 (Sunday AM)

Hari om parents, 

          Welcome to Bala vihar 2023-24 Grade 3 (Sunday AM) class. Hope you are all doing well & had a wonderful summer. We were so excited to meet all the kids. Thank you to all the parents who came to meet us in the class. 

           We are off to a great start for this year.  The class was so much fun, here is the summary of the class -

1. We chanted 3 OM's and said our beginning prayers - Om sahna bhavtu then a shlok for Lord Ganesha (Vakratunda Mahakaya), Devi Saraswati (Saraswati Namastubhyam) and one for our Guru (Guru Bramha) respectively.

2. Ice breaker game - Kids introduced themselves by stating the name, fav food, fav color, hobbies & their favorite god. Later we quizzed them about each other's hobbies or food and the energy in the class was awesome.

3. Brainstorming about the word Bhakti - What is Bhakti? Bhakti means love or devotion. Who is a Bhakta? A bhakta is a spiritual devotee or individual who practices bhakti or Bhakti yoga. Bhakti focuses on love and devotion to a particular god or deity; although, in some ancient Hindu texts, the word, bhakti, refers to love or devotion to any specific aim or goal. Bhaktas are individuals that give themselves wholly to the pursuit of their chosen deity or endeavor.

4. We loved meeting the parents. As we have a big class of about (25 kids) this is a request please have them drink water, go to the bathroom etc before the class.

5.We went for Aarti & pledge to the temple. 

         Just a few things -

• This year we are going to learn about - Dashavatar & Guru Stotram. We would be following this book - Bala Bhagavatam. It is available at our bookstore. 

• For easy communication we have set up Whatsapp group, here is the link -

   https://chat.whatsapp.com/E2laESIszyQDFEIIT3oai3

If you have any questions please feel free to reach out to either of us. See you all next Sunday in our classroom @ 9:15am. 

Regards, 

Chitra & Rupa.

Welcome to Gr 3 - Sunday AM Session

Please look out for regular updates from 

the teachers 

soon after the session starts.