Apr 09, 2021 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om parents,

We continued chapter 16 with the discussion on more divine qualities in the short story format.  Class did a good job in analyzing the story and identifying the value hidden. With all the 26 divine qualities described by lord, sincerely trying to adapt to one which appeals to our personality, can help us cultivate the rest.  Later we went on to the discussion on the demonic disposition. Class pondered on the differences between the terms - "Rakshasas" and "Asuras". Please see the class presentation link to find the answer 😊

Three simple looking behaviors that lead us to the Gateway of Hell are – Desire, Anger and Greed. Various stories from puranas and modern times were discussed as the examples of these. Everything starts at the root as a simple desire and ultimately paves way for other six vices – Anger, Greed, Pride, Jealousy, and delusion.

Self-control, compassion, and charity can get rid of desire, anger, and greed respectively when they arise.  But by adopting to Jnana yoga (path of enquiry), Bhakti yoga(path of devotion), Karma yoga (path of self-less action)and Dhyana yoga (path of meditation) one can get to the root cause and uproot them permanently.

Please find the link to the class presentation.

Chapter 16_part2.pptx

Thanks,

Aruna and Sirisha

Mar 19, 2021 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om parents,

We started chapter 16 with a question on bondage. Amid the comforts we fail to recognize our strong attachment to things and people around. We did an analysis of how our likes and dislikes binds us in a golden cage and self-knowledge alone liberates us from the bondage. Twenty-six divine qualities have been listed for the seekers in this chapter.

We introduced these values in the class with the concept of "Very Short Stories". The class was presented with either a picture, or a real-life incident or a short story. Students had to identify the message of the story (value), what the value meant for them in their lives and how the value helps a seeker in the pursuit of self-knowledge.

There was good participation from all in the class. A single incident was seen from different points of view and various interpretations were given.  

Fear the expression of ignorance and the very hesitation to take the first step, Faith in the master, Honesty the best policy, The aura around a master, Love and Compassion for all, Commitment towards a goal, Soft heart of a Saint, True essence of Renunciation were the topics of discussion today. Please find the attachment for the class presentation

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:997651d6-6065-4930-9770-f218a652594f

 

Thankyou,

Aruna and Sirisha

March 05, 2021 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om Parents,

After the discussion of Chapter 13 which dealt with the discrimination of the knower and the known, Chapter 15 which dealt with the knowledge of the Supreme being, we took up the discussion of world of religions from Upanishads point of view. Class gave us examples of different religions and their understanding of rituals, faith, beliefs. From the discussion we classified all religions into 2 categories "God centered" vs " Self- Centered" and compared the advantages and disadvantages in both. We finally put Advita Vedanta as the blend of both. With ultimate self-enquiry and at the peak of devotion one lands at the same truth which has been described in Upanishads- "That Thou Art". This gives a wider and deeper philosophical frame work for all the religions to fit in. We went into the further analysis of " That Thou Art"

Class watched a small parable by Gurudev on " That Thou Art". Below is the link for the video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAeyi2KFbdU&t=29s

The second half of the class we took up the discussion on the topics based on the "Power Of now" by Eckhart Tolle

1. You are not your mind

2. The present moment is all what we have

3. Acceptance of what is.

Below is the video used for discussion

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PgGtNgLSCqU

 

From the analysis, class discussed on: how to separate the thoughts and the awareness factor within, turn one's attention to the present, how one is drained by memories of the past and anxieties of the future, how to be free of stress and live in the present, tips to achieve this, understanding of the resistance factor within us and how to overcome the resistance, surrender is not a weakness, transform oneself and the world around transforms.

Class gave examples on the college apps, procrastination, how the past was holding them to move forward on changes.

We ended the class with a breathing exercise which was more to bring an awareness even at the breath level. The next week we will continue with our lessons of Gita – Chapter 16.

 

Thankyou,

Aruna and Sirisha 

Mar 12, 2021 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om Parents,

We did a review of the last class with a crossword puzzle and are proud to say that the class completed the puzzle in 15 minutes.

Later we introduced chapter 16 and 17 of Gita and spoke about the unique topics dealt in these chapters which are the preparatory steps needed before acquiring the self knowledge. This is extremely important. Without refinement, knowledge is not received. Even if received, it is not retained. Even if one manages to retain the knowledge, no real transformation occurs.

The refinement is dealt at four different levels :

1.      Human refinement – where focus is on health and integration of Body, Mind and Intellect

2.      As a Doer of action – where thoughtfulness and wisdom of actions is needed

3.      As an enjoyer of action – one needs to be wise, strong, skillful and receptive

4.      Spiritual seeker- one needs faith in God, Guru and Scriptures.

As a part of discussion, we talked about how preparation is important at every task that has to be accomplished, how exercise, diet and sleep affects the performance as a student, anger management, result of thoughtless actions especially on social media or online classes at school, vicious cycle of doer and enjoyership.

Please find the attachment for the presentation for this topic

https://documentcloud.adobe.com/link/track?uri=urn:aaid:scds:US:d2f10e5c-e87d-4985-820d-14837492eef7

Geeta Chanting Yagna registration:

Students in grades 9-12 have the option of reading from the chapter handout to participate in Geeta Chanting Yajna. This group has been specially created for High school students to participate in this Chinmaya event. 

Last date to register is April 4, 2021

Registration link is available in https://www.chinmayavrindavan.org/activities/geeta-chanting

 

In addition to chanting, they are required to learn the meaning of 25 words from this chapter. Vocabulary words are mostly from the verses selected in Geeta For Yuva. One of the youth volunteers has created Quizlet flashcards to help prepare for this vocabulary quiz.

 

Here is the vocabulary list: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z2RdcfbbRaflJ_BFc0qq_mpsGinPZV9O/view

Here is the Flashcard Set: https://quizlet.com/_9hmepp?x=1jqt&i=zxi44

 

Math Pi Day March 14^th 2021:

 

This Sunday is Pi day (3/14). Ananth from our class made a short presentation on this which includes interesting contributions of many Indian Mathematicians from Vedic times. Please see the link to the presentation below with an optional activity at the end.

 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1vV3LKeFbt9_Cc5qYQBuhzJRifQxXukVk/view?usp=sharing

 

Thankyou

Aruna and Sirisha

 

Feb 26, 2021 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

Last week Balavihar students participated in House Spirit Day with interesting activities.  All children had a lot of fun as did the teachers.  This week we concluded Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita.  After reviewing the Tree of Samsara, we discussed pointers given to us by Lord Krishna on Brahman and the 'Asi' concept (Creator and Self are one and the same).  To the alert, the Creator is ever evident from the moment we wake up, to every thought we experience and every action we are able to perform.  Details of our class can be found here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PnhIM7ryD9INbBi3BLdM3tFNPbLQ4ozA/view?usp=sharing

We talked about faith as an important component of spiritual practice.  Faith is not opposed to science.  Learning about the world is also in effect learning about the Creator.  In addition, we must develop our faith in scripture through constant effort.  It does not happen overnight even if we have the right intentions.  Consistent and focused practice will remind us of our ultimate goal and help us navigate the course.  Our daily Self care routine can include a few minutes of whatever suits our temperament that day - chanting prayers, japa, pranayama, quiet contemplation, meditation, reading/listening to commentary on scripture by recognized masters, writing gratitude journal, or selfless community service.  This practice will help us to build and maintain an unbroken wi-fi signal with the Lord!

Thank you,

Aruna and Sirisha

Feb 5, 2021 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

We began class with Aditya Hridayam, we have learned 6 verses so far and children are chanting well.  After learning Gita Chapter 2 verses - 21 and 22 from Swamiji's video we introduced Chapter 15.  This is the shortest chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, but one of the most important.  Titled as Purushotama Yoga, this chapter is usually chanted before sharing a meal at important events.  The topic here is Nirguna Brahman.  We reviewed the difference between God and Brahman, the main lakshanas of the three Gunas covered in earlier classes, and discussed what is meant by the descriptor nirguna.

After understanding Arjuna's state of mind and comprehension by this point in the Gita discourse, we analyzed our own.  Are we yearning for moksha?  Or are we very comfortable with the status quo?  Is this driven by an informed intellect or by ignorance and fear of the unknown?  If we don't attain moksha, where are we?  Children participated actively answering these questions and introspecting aloud.  One of them felt that it is a good idea to escape samsara so that we can be lazy and not do anything after attaining moksha!  Some felt that there is no data point of someone reporting to us after they have died and attained moksha.  So we revisited the Jeevanmukta Purushas, our great saints including Gurudev who were liberated while walking this earth, giving us many data points about the bliss of liberation!  With this context we jumped into the chapter.

Lord Krishna starts with a beautiful and tangible comparison of Samsara with the Ashvattha (ficus) tree.  We covered:

1.  Similarities between the Universe and the Tree

2.  What is important - the seen or the unseen?  What should be our vision?

3.  What binds us?  How do we identify that which holds us back and free ourselves?

4.  How do we know the right path?  Where can we turn to for reliable guidance?

Children discussed their attachments, what they have dropped since elementary school, new desires they have since picked up, what things may have a grip over their happiness, etc.  Details of the class can be found here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CcDx9cJO65k3t2ABzF-E1IAJekyd3gFg/view?usp=sharing  Also sharing here two wonderful videos of Gurudev explaining the Ashvattha tree - https://youtu.be/icBcIg-JThk  https://youtu.be/C33xj8jYM_Y  We ended the class with a 10 minute guided meditation.  Children said it felt very calming and refreshing, even better than waking up from a nap.

We encourage all students to participate in class.  As we have said before, this is a philosophy class and active engagement will increase understanding of these subtle topics.  Participation does not require speaking all the time, active listening is good too.  However, when a student's video is off and they do not respond when called on, unfortunately active listening is not happening.  Keeping video on is for the student's benefit, not the teachers'.  We would love to see all the children's faces every week!

Next week we do not have class due to the long weekend.  We will continue with Chapter 15 in the following class.  

Enjoy the Super Bowl!

Thank you,

Aruna and Sirisha

Jan 29, 2021 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

We had a review class via a couple of different activities.  Students worked on a script for their presentation for part of the class, brainstorming ideas and collaboratively putting down some thoughts.  For the second part of our class we divided the students into two and had them prepare as a "for" and "against" team on the topic:  Karma Yoga says - Act without expectation of the fruits of action.  This is impractical for success in life.

Children came up with examples to substantiate their position.  Those who were in the "for" camp quickly decided they were going to take the position that the impracticality lies in the high bar of the statement.  The baby steps that can be taken to achieve this state of mind include acceptance of results followed by introspection, learning from set-backs and contingency planning.  We shared a short and powerful clip explaining how to manage our mind with Karma Yoga - https://youtu.be/TAFPeXkKSDk

Next week we will begin discussion of Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita - one of the most important chapters.  

Thank you,

Aruna and Sirisha

Jan 22, 2021 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

Today we commenced the class with Aditya Hridayam.  This is an important shloka taught to Lord Rama by Sage Agastya in preparation for battle against Ravana.  So you can understand what a powerful protection shloka it is.  Swamiji wants to ensure our JCHYKs learn to chant it before they head out to college.  The English transliteration can be found here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/133s7qsXKo9p-p1civAk1dYwgThMTW8Ga/view?usp=sharing.  We will be teaching two verses every week and practicing for the rest of the year.

We completed Chapter 14 (The Three Gunas) discussion including tuning the mind and transcending it.  Students shared examples of people in our current world who appear to operate primarily from Sattva Guna including Warren Buffet and Chuck Feeney - the billionaire who wanted to die broke by supporting valuable social causes.  These are role models who were driven to succeed in their chosen fields but always acted with integrity, and took seriously the responsibility to give back to society in a big way.  There are many such folk who are not billionaires, or on the news that we encounter every day - from dedicated teachers to EMTs to nurses.  We owe them our gratitude, and a commitment to serve selflessly in any way we can.  This will in turn increase our Sattva Guna.  The details of our class can be found here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Dhm3xqH9JXIN9ZHjnOecg4qrL6xaThXm/view?usp=sharing

Next week we have planned a debate for the class that will help us review some of the important Gita concepts covered thus far.

Thank you,

Aruna and Sirisha

Jan 8, 2021 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

Wish you all a very Happy New Year!  Today we began discussion of Chapter 14 of the Bhagavad Gita.  The three gunas and their effect on our mind's working was the main topic.  The goal is to learn how to analyze our own mind so we can manage it.  In this context, the students analyzed the events of January 6th at the US Capitol using the lens of the gunas.  Some of the questions discussed included:

1. What could have been the predominant guna the mob was operating under?  Give reasons to support your analysis.
2. What was each student's reaction to the events as they were unfolding?  What guna did their own reactions indicate?  
3. If this had been a black or brown crowd, everyone agreed the treatment would have been different.  What guna does this collective bias indicate?
4. Many of those who trespassed have been arrested, lost their jobs and face severe charges.  Acting without thinking through indicates which guna?

A discriminating mind that is capable of overcoming the veiling of facts and the projection of lies is a Sattvik mind and it should be cultivated with care and alertness.  The details of our class can be found here - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1mgLEBuRMJAh3lnUDev_Lxt8dtA59NoeW/view?usp=sharing

Next week being Martin Luther King long weekend, we do not have class.  We will continue with Chapter 14 in our next class on January 22nd.  

Thank you,

Aruna and Sirisha

Dec 18, 2020 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

For the last class before the winter break, we ran a quiz to review Gita topics covered so far.  Students competed enthusiastically to answer the 25 questions.  You can find the questions here.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/14_-PY3buX5F7_EcryBRedWm0IK83ShfX/view?usp=sharing  How many can you answer?  (Hint:  the answers can be found in prior emails :)

The Grade 9 play last night explained the terms Prarabdha and Purushartha very nicely through two stories.  It will be great if our JCHYKs can work on their script about Social Media during winter break.  It will be beneficial to the younger children to hear from them - a valuable community service effort.  The template has been shared with them to work collaboratively.  After the break we will start Chapter 14 of the Gita.  We will try to incorporate a short meditation in every class.  

Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable winter holiday season.  Hope 2021 brings health, happiness and success for all the children.

Thank you,

Aruna and Sirisha

Dec 11, 2020 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

Most students have learned the Gita Dhyana shloka well, and have chanted individually many times over the past few classes.  In January we will begin learning Aditya Hridayam.  Gita Chapter 2 chanting is also going well, we have completed 12 verses.  Grades 10-12 can participate in reading for the Gita competition, so we encourage all to practice and participate.

In today's class we completed Chapter 13 of the Bhagavad Gita.  We discussed the 20 virtues that Lord Krishna explains as necessary for preparing the mind for Self Knowledge.  As it turns out, most of them prepare us well to face life too.  Students will pick one or two of the twenty values and practice for 30 days. We have assured them that they will definitely see a change in the state of their mind.  The details from our class can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17vil0Y00mHbYPRrsvy9e2G_kNvnNc14y/view?usp=sharing

Next week will be our review class.  We are planning a Jeopardy style quiz to keep it interesting.  At 8:20 pm we will join the entire Friday group to see the Grade 9 play.  Hope all of you will join as well to encourage the children.

Thank you,

Aruna and Sirisha

Dec 4, 2020 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

We began class with an update on each student's progress towards their 40 day challenge to reduce consumption of, or distraction due to social media.  Most children are making strong efforts and seeing positive results already.  Adithi made the astute observation that her mood on her social media cheat day was markedly different from the other days, and may have left her feeling a little depressed.  Mahika was able to get better sleep on the nights she didn't have the phone in her room before bedtime, it was charging elsewhere in the house.  Mira, tracking her screen time, found that keeping her phone away from her while doing HW helps considerably.  Now after three weeks of being on the challenge, even if she needs the phone for HW occasionally, she is less tempted to "browse".  Advik, having deleted the biggest time killer app - Instagram from his phone, has discovered time to do more productive things.  Nitasha has picked up reading for fun - what a wonderful habit to cultivate!  Vinayak suggested changing search engines to Qwant or duckduckgo to maintain privacy as well as avoid tailored search results that reinforce our biases.  Awareness is key to stay motivated in this challenge, along with mentally cheering ourselves on to develop good life long habits.  We are proud of the students for taking this challenge seriously and working at it.

Our curriculum for the class was Chapter 13 Bhagavad Gita - Discrimination of the Knower and the Known.  We went deeper into matter and consciousness to understand the terms Kshetram, Kshetragna and Prakrithi, Purusha.  Discussion with the children was around the desire for moksha.  Why does the Vedanta discussion make it seem like life on earth is undesirable and we have to "escape" from it?  In this context students agreed that joys are fleeting and sorrows are inescapable in our lives.  So, the revelation from spiritual masters about the incomparable bliss of realization behooves us to investigate this hidden potential within.  Like a prisoner being released after decades in confinement is afraid to be out in the uncertain world, we are all caught in this cycle unaware that there is something more.  To investigate that is to become a seeker.  However, to become a seeker does not mean one has to become a renunciate!  Outwardly, there is no apparent change in our interaction with the world.  As seekers, the zeal with which we work and achieve is in fact more focused and inspired.  The transformation is within.  Details of our class can be found here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1S7eMK-5grc0jo4fuRUsoWHV5bYtv7ZDO/view?usp=sharing

Next week, we will continue discussion of Chapter 13 focusing on the topic of Jnanam, where Krishna extols 20 values that help us grow both in material and spiritual pursuits. 

Thank you,

Aruna and Sirisha

Nov 20, 2020 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

Today's class discussion was mainly about the Nature of Ishwara from Chapters 7-12 of the Bhagavad Gita.  We discussed:

1.  Karma and Rebirth Theory

2.  Who is God?

3.  How does He create the world?

4.  Why is he "unseen"?

5.  How can we spot Him?

6.  Lord with form vs. Formless Brahman

You can see the details of today's class here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/10iX9wjQhojGas5tUcAx1KytqaG2fZJnB/view?usp=sharing  We had good discussions on the reality of "good" luck and "bad" luck, what does God mean to them, and understanding Maya.  These are very subtle concepts and they understand it will take more study and reflection to begin to appreciate them.

We have shared a template for a proposed play to be written by our students.  They will work on it over the next couple of months, and we are hopeful of a creative effort from them that will impress everyone!  The 40 day challenge on social media controls is going well.  Few children shared their efforts, and it is very promising to know that they are sticking with it, despite some lapses.  Some have started the challenge today.  We hope all are successful in achieving their goals.

Next weekend being Thanksgiving we will not have class.  Wish everyone a safe and fun holiday.  Next class is on December 4th when we will jump into discussion of Chapter 13 in detail.

Thank you,

Aruna and Sirisha

Nov 6, 2020 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

All students were asked to watch the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma with their Gita hats on.  Think about the problem presented in the documentary in terms of how the Gita would frame it, and ponder on solutions that we discussed through Lord Krishna's strategies to interact with this world.  We encourage all families to watch this documentary together and discuss.

For class, we created a template presentation and divided the students into pairs to work on each slide.  Then they all presented their thoughts and analysis.  We are so proud of the children's effort to apply their understanding of the Gita to this very real threat their generation faces.  You can see their presentation here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ApKX3x2NK_eR2on84jGbO05EhSidz0Ar/view?usp=sharing

We ended the class with each of us making a commitment to ease the grip of social media on ourselves - a measurable, simple habit that we will practice for 40 days.  Examples include, not seeing the phone until morning routine is complete, reducing screen time with strict app control, using screen time to learn something new everyday instead of mindless browsing, turning off notifications, etc.  We will hold each other accountable in order to make sure this is not a mere academic exercise but a good faith effort to protect ourselves from what the class agreed could become an existential threat.  For those students who couldn't make it to class last week, please think of a commitment and begin practicing it asap.  We welcome parents also to make a commitment and participate in partnership with your child.  

We are all likely to fall off the wagon in our initial effort, it's ok. We need to forgive ourselves, understand that this is not easy, pick ourselves up, and try again.  A tip for success:  Don't falter 2 days in a row.

This weekend is Diwali, so we will not have class.  Our next class is on November 20th.  Wish you all a very Happy Diwali!  Celebrate responsibly and stay safe.

Thank you,

Aruna and Sirisha

Oct 9, 2020 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

Today's class was a lively discussion on the topic of Karma Yoga.  Students participated in analyzing their actions and the motivation behind them.  The discussion took us to chores at home, responsibilities towards friends and teams, commitments towards academics, etc.  The concept of Gunas and Varnas was highlighted in the context of a tool to analyze ourselves not others.  The purpose of varnas as laid out in our scriptures was not to hold people back or deny opportunity.  However, it was misused by those who wanted to hold on to power.  Students found very interesting parallels of the caste system in today's society in the United States.  They raised important issues as social responsibility and being conscious of the powerful engaging in actions contributing to inequality and lack of racial justice.  

Attitude towards work and the need for yagna spirit in Karma Yoga brought us to the discussion of an academic situation wherein there are people who take advantage of the generous who share their knowledge, not reciprocating.  Many students indicated that they face this quite often.  Students openly shared their feelings, and came up with different approaches to cope.  They discussed the positives as well as the risks in helping their classmates, having a trusted group of friends and knowing that teaching helps us more than hurts us.  It was very nice to hear our students give each other such sound and mature advice.   

On the topic of role models, again they impressed us with thoughtful reflection.  As Janani mentioned, imitating positive qualities of those close to us as parents and peers, is a great way to grow constantly.  Vinayak's reasoning behind what he admires in Conan O'Brien, and Sal Khan showed that it is not superficial flamboyance that catches his attention but social impact.  At this young age if our students already know to look for substance over hype, they are so prepared for life beyond high school!   Vinayak also shared a website with free meditation practices that he found useful.  https://www.smilingmind.com.au/mindfulness  We will be checking this out and encouraged students to as well.  They have a web version too, so it is not necessary to download the mobile app.

Please find details covered in today's class here:  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1buNjhT_2sRyuAH6ML6X-TlSGGDmyLwl5/view?usp=sharing

Assignment for students before next class:

1.  Continue the daily gratitude journal entry.  Don't make it a big deal.  Take just 2 minutes at some point in the day to reflect and jot something down.  

2,  Watch The Social Dilemma on Netflix.  Kavin shared how this documentary was eye opening for him and actually motivated him to take steps to protect himself.  While watching, remember the discussions we had on the mind, objective vs. subjective perceptions, right action, discipline etc.  Note down some thoughts and come to the next class prepared to talk about what you learned.  Looking forward to hearing from everyone.

On chanting, we learned 8 verses in Gita Dhyanam, all students chanted beautifully.  Mira did an awesome job on the first two Gita Verses we learned last week.  We learned Verses 3 and 4 today - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpxXftSrWRM&list=LL&index=2  We encourage all children to become comfortable reading the verses and set the goal to participate in the Geeta Chanting Competition in March/April next year.  

Thank you,

Aruna and Sirisha

Oct 2, 2020 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

Having arrived at the decision to go to battle last week, today we began with the scene in Kurukshetra, where Arjuna is in the center of the battlefield surveying the Kaurava army.  His bravado from a minute ago has dissipated into agony and he falls.  Having listened to his lament and all his logic to avoid war, Lord Krishna patiently waits for Arjuna's total and unconditional surrender.  Then the Lord begins his teaching to a worthy and willing student.

Over the next few weeks, we will be going over the main concepts taught by the Lord in the first 12 chapters.  We had lively discussions on each concept with situations in their lives, led by Vinayak, Kavin and Mahit. We covered:

• Why learn the Gita?
• How is the book organized?
• Essence of a Human Being
• Mind
• Vasanas and Thoughts
• Bondage of Action
• Who is a Sthithapragna?  How does he act?
• Ladder of Fall

The details be found in this document - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mx5SjRSTJcQEPgU-4AbxqYniIhuA3KB1/view?usp=sharing  Feel free to request your children to explain some of these concepts to you.  We will continue on nature of Jeeva next week before moving on to nature of Ishwara.

We also discussed the assigned activity from last week.  Mira recognized the level of increased awareness and concentration required to write just her name with her left hand.  For the next week, students are going to maintain an activity journal recording something they are grateful for every night (or every other night at a minimum)  We will discuss this activity (not specific entries) next week.

As we ran over time, we offered a short guided meditation practice for those who could stay on.  After the session, we discussed strategies to stay focussed, and the importance of continuous practice to reduce thoughts in the seat of meditation.  We also discussed the practice of mindfulness or open eyed meditation in our daily activities, gently bringing the wandering mind back to task.

In chanting, we learned 6 verses in the Dhyana shloka and first two verses in Chapter 2 of the Gita - https://youtu.be/-d4EIe2V-Vc  We did call on students randomly to read the verses taught previously, and they participated without hesitation, letting go of their inhibitions.  We are very proud of them.

Thank you,

Aruna and Sirisha

Sept 25, 2020 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

We started our class with the chanting of Geeta Dhyana Shloka.  We have learned 4 verses so far.  This is a nice learning aid on Youtube that can help with practice - https://youtu.be/GBHDMKp5Uhs  We will continue to learn 2 verses a week.  Children will be called upon to chant.  We also listened to the pronunciation guide for the Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 Verses - https://youtu.be/BoieidXGzls.  This will be useful as we start learning to chant the chapter.

This week we went over the main stories in the Mahabharata leading to the Kurukshetra war.  Many of our students contributed to the stories, led by Mahit, Janani, Pranav and Akshitha.  It was good to see students recollect and describe the events.  We talked about mindfulness at the end of class and tried to follow along with a guided meditation, but there were some technical issues that we will fix by next week.  Children were given a mindfulness practice for this week.  They will take a few minutes everyday switching to work with their left hand instead of their right.  And write a log of what they experienced.  We will share and discuss in the next few weeks.

Next class we will start with some concepts covered in the early chapters of the Gita.  It will be a review for the Juniors and Seniors - so they can help us teach the Sophomores.  (Hint hint:  Bring your notes!)  

Thank you,

Aruna and Sirisha

Sept 18, 2020 - JCHYK Grade 10-12 (Friday)

Hari Om! Parents,

 

It was great to see our students after the summer break, and welcome new faces to our class.  We started with a couple of activities to break the ice, and learn more about one another.  We have a class of tennis, volleyball athletes, teachers, a pianist, and a black belt - so Dyanada's answer will always be right! :)  Our favorite superpower is Telekinesis (to turn off the light switch – what!?!)  And we all agreed that there is a LOT we would have changed in the Mahabharata if we had the shot… we will be exploring that further next week.

 

Our discussion in the first class was on two topics in the context of high school life:

1.        Freedom vs. Indulgence

What is Freedom?  Sharing our thoughts on what bridles our freedom, we agreed that it is not always external forces.  Unrestrained indulgence is not freedom, but in fact the opposite.  Here, one has become a slave to his/her mind.  Examples of social media overuse and lack of time management were raised by the students.  Without check it leads to disaster.  Self-restraint leads to lasting pleasure.  Disciplined enjoyment and self-restraint is freedom.

"Not to do what you feel like doing is freedom." – Swami Chinmayananda

 

2.       Standard of Living vs. Standard of Life

In spite of advances that have brought immense comforts to our daily lives, it does not appear to have translated to an increase in our enduring happiness.  Debating if that is true, the group agreed that the mental state of individuals is not discernibly better off today just because of these advances.  This brought us to the idea that Happiness is a state of mind – if the mind is agitated, one is unhappy – if the mind is tranquil, one is happy.  Certainly a logical idea, but is it practical?  With all the responsibilities, expectations and competition we have to navigate?  

 

Human beings have the capacity to quieten our minds to experience peace in any situation, while facing any challenge. How do we do this?

Role of Religion

To tune the mind-intellect equipment, religion provides the guiding framework consisting of three disciplines:

 

1.       Self-control - Brahmacharya

2.       Non-injury - Ahimsa

3.       Truthfulness - Satyam

 

Practicing these three tenets without compromise unlocks the secret to enduring happiness.  Our scriptures teach us both the 'why' and the 'how' behind them.  In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna clearly explains these two limbs of religion

• Philosophy:  Theory of Religion - addressing the why
• Practical Implementation:  The dos (rituals) - addressing the how

We need both.  Philosophy without practice is empty talk.  Rituals without understanding significance is action without purpose - it will not bear the intended result.  The Gita delivers both, which is why it is called the Manual of Life.

 

In closing, we talked about ignoring incorrect interpretation of our religion as dogmatic, and requiring conformance to outdated and illogical rules.  That is blatantly wrong.  Our scriptures shed light on the path to liberation.  It is our choice to read, question, debate, and understand or not.  Not only in religious studies, but in any discipline, if we discard that which we do not understand, we lose the opportunity to grow.  In our classes this year we will learn and practice how to be seekers.  It is a lifelong pursuit, and scriptures hold our hand, leading us gently forward in this journey. 

 

"Help will always be given at Hogwarts, Harry, to those who ask for it."  - Albus Dumbledore

Arjuna asked and Lord Krishna answered.

 

Looking forward to a fun year!

Aruna and Sirisha

Welcome to JCHYK Gr 10-12 - Friday Session

Please look out for regular updates from the teachers soon after the session starts on Sept 18th