We hope that you all are happy and healthy. Here is a summary of our class-
1. We started with opening prayers - 3 OM's, sahana bhavtu, and shlokas for Lord Ganesha, Devi Saraswati and our Guru.
2. We then chanted the Dhyaan shloka. Being on Super Bowl Sunday kids had their teams picked and they described a quality of Hanumanji the team must imbibe to win the game. It was amazing to see their creativity.
3. We did a few chaupais from Chalisa -
* kanchan baran... kesa.
Someone who is really strong may look fierce, even though Hanuman Ji is a monkey and very strong he is noble, divine and humble. He attracts others with his radiant personality. Hanuman Ji is the most lovable character in Ramayana as he brings joy to everyone. What really makes us beautiful? For example - How can our ears be beautiful? Girls wear earrings to make it look pretty but it's ability to listen to beautiful things. Similarly our mind is beautiful if we think good thoughts. When we think good thoughts, we perform good deeds.
* Haath bajra... Saaje.
You have the thunderbolt in one hand and a flag in another, and the sacred thread adores you shoulders. We do not see Hanuman Ji with a thunderbolt and a flag but we always see him with a Gada/mace. It is said that his mace is a strong as the vajra. He carries a flag of lord Rama in his hand. The vajra represents strength while the flag represents success and fame.
*Shankarsuvan... jag vandan.
You are an incarnation of Lord Shiva and son of Kesari. Everyone in the world respects you because of your great valor. One may wonder as to how many people is he the son of ? Wind god, Lord Shiva and Kesari? Just like every child acquires qualities of his or her parents, Hanuman ji so got these great qualities from his fathers. Hanumanji had 3 fathers, he is recognized by the following names - Pavansuta ( son of wind god), Kesari nandan ( son of Kesari) & Shankar suvan ( son of Lord Shiva). The special qualities which Hanumanji acquired from each of his parents are -
* From Lord Shiva, Hanuman Ji learned devotion, compassion and austerity.
* From Wind God, Hanuman Ji Acquired strength and humidity, and learned to serve others invisibily.
* From Kesari, Hanumanji learned courage, valor and loyalty.
* From Anjana, he inherited beauty, purity, gentleness and love.
Think about the physical features, trait or quality you inherited from your parents.
4. Story time- Good Friends.
In the village there were two boys Ramu and Kanu. Ramu was blind and Kanu was lame. They both were poor and the parents are working hard just to put food on the table. These boys want to go to school, but who would take them?
One day, Ramu had a brilliant idea. He told Kanu how both of them go to school and study. Ramu said, "I have strong legs, I can walk and carry you on my shoulder. You can show me the way." Kanu said," And I can repeat the lessons loudly for you."
They sought their parents consent and went to school. The teachers are very happy to see that eagerness to help each other. Yes, Ramu and Kanu are beautiful!
5. Game time - We played Kahoot with the kids. It was amazing! Will share the link on WhatsApp.
6. Story time - Hanumanji's flight. Here is the link - https://youtu.be/Ooqws17FFeg
Hanuman Ji's encounter with Surasa teaches us that it is not always wise use of our might. We should persevere in the face all impediments & stay focused on our goals while doing everything in our power to reach it just like Sri Hanuman!
7. Geeta chanting - We chanted verses 15 & 16 of Chapter 2.
8. We ended our class with closing prayers and pledge.
Have a wonderful long weekend!
Regards,
Chitra & Rupa.
