Dear Parents,
Harih Om!
The following material was taught to your child on Sunday, February 21st, 2021
- Geeta chanting verses 24 and 25 of chapter 2 Bhagavad Geeta
- Geeta Dhyanam: has been taught fully. The following children chanted a single verse from Geeta Dhyanam in the following order:
Verse 1: Advaith
Verse 2: Avani
Verse 3: Nimeesh
Verse 4: Adyanth
Verse 5: Dhruvi
Verse 6: Radha
Verse 7: Vinay
Versed 8: Ashna
Verse 9: Gahan - Yato Dharamah tato Jayah: The ten values in life that characterize Dharma according to Manu Bhagavan were reiterated.
- Dhriti: forbearance/fortitude: means the capacity to or the strength with which we hold on to something. Dhrithi is of three types: Tamasic Dhrithi: when we cling to wrong ideas, wrong food, to excessive sleep etc. Rajasic Dhrithis refers to clinging on to money, power, stature in society etc. Saatvic Dhrithi refers to the one's inherent determination to rise above challenges /obstacles and pursue the final goal. Such a person at times may be physically and/or mentally tired but yet reminds himself/herself of the goal and pursues it doggedly.
- Kshama: forgiveness: When we forgive someone, we should not even remember the incident once we have forgiven. Instead, if we make the person feel guilty each time then this cannot be classified as forgiveness. It is like holding Damocles' sword over someone and exploit them to our advantage. We all make mistakes and just like we would like to be forgiven and the issue to be forgotten, we owe it to others that we do the same.
- Dama: control over our organs of action: even if somebody upsets us or we are angry at somebody, we do not use violence for example to get our point across is an example of control over our organs of action. Even if we have anger rising in our mind but are able to control our organs of action (hand, legs, speech etc.) then we some degree of Dama.
- Asteya: Not stealing: We do not have the right to deprive someone of their possessions because they have put sincere effort and worked hard for it. If we want those things we should be determined to work hard with sincerity and get it. Even the thought of stealing something from someone should not arise in our mind.
- Saucha: Purity: There are two aspects to Saucha: the first one is Baahya or outer cleanliness which essentially refers to brushing our teeth, bathing every day, wearing clean clothes, maintaining a clean home and environment. The second aspect to Saucha is Aantara or internal cleanliness. In other words, we need to keep negative aspects like jealousy, anger, hatred away from our mind. Our interactions with each human being should be clean and without any ulterior motives.
- Indriya Nigraha: mastery over organs of perception: Control over our sense organs controls what we hear, see, taste, touch etc. If talking ill about someone agitates our mind then it is a sign that we should keep away from gossiping!
- Dhi: using the faculty of discrimination. There are always two paths available to us. We must always choose the right path even though it may be difficult. When we choose the right path, Bhagavan automatically will give us clarity and determination to proceed in this path and will support us and help us. We should not take short cuts as this leads to short term happiness only.
- Vidya: Knowledge: that we do not need to seek happiness elsewhere or from outside and that happiness lies within us.
- Satya: Truthfulness: always tell the truth because lying will lead to misery, ill health and provides short term happiness. If we are honest then our conscience will be clear and we can lead a happy fulfilling life. If we lie, it will eventually catch up with us one day and we will be burdened throughout our life because of lying.
- Akrodha: absence of anger: Anger is justified at times for instance a mother scolding her child to look carefully on both sides before crossing a road etc. Anger should not overwhelm our mind because we will become slaves to it. We should have control over anger and show discrimination to know when and where to show anger. Anger brings misery, guilt and peace brings happiness!
These ten values must be followed and practiced all the time, every time!
The children were then divided into teams based on their houses and they played a team building activity where they were given pictures of three random objects. They then had to work together to come with a product or service for which they had they design a jingle or a catch phrase. They were given one minute at the Balavihar assembly to "pitch" their product. All the teams performed in a cooperative fashion and enjoyed their activity.
Thank you!
Sitaram Kuchibhotla and
Mekhala Girish (Balavihar teachers 8th Grade A.M. Sunday)
