Dear Parents,
Harih Om!
The following material was taught to your child on Sunday, January 31, 2021
1. Geeta chanting verses 19 and 20 of chapter 2 Bhagavad Geeta
2. Geeta Dhyanam: the children chanted this fully
3. Yato Dharamah tato Jayah: The ten values in life that characterize Dharma according to Manu Bhagavan were taught: The first five values were taught.
- 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 Dhrithi 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 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. For example, a wife charges a credit card for an expensive handbag. And when the husband sees a huge credit card bill at the end of the month, he gets upset and angry with her. She sincerely asks for his forgiveness and promises never to repeat the deed. But if at every instance, the husband is annoyed at his wife he continues to berate her and remind of the huge expense incurred due to a mistake committed by her some time ago then that is not Kshama.
- 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 everyday, 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.
4. Yaksha Prashnas:
a.What is knowledge: We need knowledge/education to earn a living and transact in this world and have a decent standard of living. However, in this case knowledge refers to information or understanding about the Self and of God. Because it is only through this knowledge we understand the purpose of life.
b. What is Sama? Sama is quietude of mind. Our mind has a million thoughts racing through it at any given moment. However, this drains our ability to perform our duties and tasks in an efficient manner. The person who has Sama is indeed powerful for he/she is peaceful and happy.
c. What is Daya? Daya refers to kindness. When we wish for everyone's happiness and are compassionate the same energy is reflected back to us. When this happens, we too get happiness.
d. What is Aarjavam? Aarjavam refers to straightforwardness: When one is a straightforward in thinking, and in all transactions in life, the person will have a quiet and peaceful mind.
Thank you!
Sitaram Kuchibhotla
And
Mekhala ( Balavihar teachers 8th Grade A.M. Sunday)
