February 10th, 2013
Meditation Time:
Our class started with chanting "Om" and spent five minutes in meditation. By chanting "Om" three times we came out of our meditation seat which was followed by our opening prayer "sahanaavavathu".
Guru Stotram:
We practised the entire strotram.
Bhajan:
We did the "Aatmarama Anandaramaa.." bhajan.
Bhagavad Gita:
Today we did till the 16th verse. Kids are advised to practice very good till the verse we did today. Next class we'll be grouping kids and then make them chant. Kids have to be more louder and confident while chanting. These days we don't get much time to practice in the class as the end half an hour goes for the practicing the annual day play. So kids have to practice good at home too. There is an online learning tool at http://www.
Bhaagvatam Time:
We heard the story of Priyavrita, who was Manu's third son. At a very young age itself he was taught the spiritual truth by Sage Naarada himself. He wanted to renounce the world and accept sanyasam but his father, Manu wanted him to be a king and rule the world. One day when he was in deep discussion about Brahman with Naarad ji, Brahma ji appeared before them and advised him to surrender himself to the Divine will of the Lord and that he too wants him to be the king. Brahama ji explained him how he can live a pious life and at the same time do the duties that he has to do without getting attached to it. Thus Priyavrita accepted Brahma ji's command. Then we heard a story of a woman who considered that all that happens is according to the Divine will and we should accept things happily. Also, we heard a story of a king who had a minister who believed that everything that happens, happens for the best. The king didn't initially think the way his minister thought but as we progressed we saw that the king too realized that his minister is right. Ask the kids to retell the stories they heard today.
We also heard the story of Ajaamila. He was an honest and a virtuous man, who was well versed in Vedas. He was a sensible man with a pure mind. But he fell in bad company and forgot all about his good practices and gave up all thoughts of God and his worship. He had ten sons but his favorite was his youngest son, Naarayana. One day Ajaamila was very sick and was about to die. Lord Yama's men came to take his life. On seeing Yama's men he got terrified and called out for his son, "Narayana! Narayana!". On hearing his cries Maha Vishnu's men came to protect him. An argument picks up between the men of Yama and the messengers of Maha Vishnu. Having no choice, Yama's men had to leave. Ajaamila who heard all the argument between the two messengers realizes his mistake and becomes a pious again! The moral we learnt from this story is that he who loves God and completely surrenders himself to the Lord is released, no matter how bad he was.
Likhita Japa:
We did our Likhita Japa for sometime but kids are advised to do some at home too.
Aarati and Pledge:
We wound up the class with the Aarati and Pledge in the auditorium. See you all after two week. Until then keep practicing !!
Thanks,
Pushkala Aunty and Deepthy Aunty
