Hari OM Dear Families,
Here is this week's update.
Week 19:
21st March 2021 / 9:15AMClass began with opening prayers -3 OMs and followed by SahanAvavatu.
One of the students led the chanting of "Neelambuja shyamala komalaangam".
We played a word wall game, reviewing the values learned until now from Vibhishana Gita.
Gita Chanting
We started to learn the verses 34 until 38 (all verses assigned for the year) from this year's topic- Chapter 2 Saankhya Yoga. We followed Swamiji's chanting video and we repeated it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m4zgT395g5gKey to Success- Vibhishana Gita The reins of the horses symbolize forgiveness, compassion, equanimity.... Kshama, Krpa and Samata.
True forgiveness is when we actually forget that the other person has hurt our feelings. We should have the attitude of a mother who would forgive her little baby even though the baby may pull her hair or kick her. Love is very essential for forgiveness. (The story of Eknath Maharaj and the story of Mother Teresa)
Through our act of forgiveness we are the ones that stand to gain.
Krpa- Compassion, unconditional love, act of kindness, understanding others' POV/situation ; understanding other's pain and comforting a person in need. Sympathy/empathy.
When we practice forgiveness with love, naturally we become a compassionate person. (The Annapurna and the ant that was hid by Shiva story)
Samata- Equality- treating people equally ; Balancing the emotions.
The third rein, equanimity, can be achieved when we are able to calm our mind and accept. We should practice this quality, taking the lead from Lord Rama! Within a few hours, he went from being a crown prince to an exiled person having to live an austere life! In both situations, He exhibited equanimity. He expressed silatha for rendering the happenings in a nice way, He was not carried away by the situation, He did not become a victim of the circumstances (same balanced feel while given the order of His coronation and given the order to move into the forest life for 14 years). His life was a lesson on virtuous living for all humans.
Our next class is on April 11th
House Contests:
Please Record the kids chanting verses (memorized) of Gita chapter 2 (4 verses at a stretch) and send it to house email to gain points for our Bajrangi Bolt's house.
Please Record the kids chanting verses (memorized) of Gita chapter 2 (4 verses at a stretch) and send it to house email to gain points for our Bajrangi Bolt's house.
Art works for art contests- you may submit now until May 1st. Parents are welcome to participate as well. Also, please submit baking contest entry video as well. (It's open now, 3/1 until 4/18, please check weekly eblast for further details)
If the child completes a minimum of 10 pages of likhita japa, please take pics and send it as an attachment/link. The email to be sent is cnjbalaviharhouses@gmail.com
Please feel free to reach out in case you have any questions.
Hari OM
Abhirami Shrinivas and Vidhya Aiyer
Abhirami Shrinivas and Vidhya Aiyer
