And we begin in earnest...

Our class began with the Dhyaana Shloka - Om Sahanavavatu (pg 9) followed by attendance. Next we had a quick revision of the daily prayers (Karaagre Vasate, Vakratunda, Saraswati Namastubhyam, Bramhaarpanam, Shubham Karoti, Kara Charana - pages 14-17 of the My Prayer Book).

We learnt the first 2 verses of the bhajan - Atma Nivasi Ram (pg 209-210). We also revised the first verse and learnt verses 2 and 3 from the Gruru Sthothram (pg 85-86).

Soorya did a wonderful job of helping us revise the portion of the Bala Ramayana that we covered in the last class. We learnt about what great students Rama, Lakshmana, Bharat and Shatrugana were and what great qualities they had. Rama was the favorite of the whole kingdom and everyone wanted their child to be like him. We also read about the great sage Vishwamitra coming to Ayodhya for help against the asuras disturbing his yagya. Dasharatha did not know the purpose of Vishwamitra's visit and promised him anything that the great sage wanted. But when he came to know that Vishwamitra wanted Rama's help to get rid of the asuras, Dasharatha was not happy and offered to go himself. But that angered Vishwamitra.That would mean that Dasharatha was going back on his word and it was unacceptable in those days to break a promise. So, finally, on the advice of his guru Vashishta, Dashratha agreed to send his sons Rama  and Lakshmana along with Vishwamitra.

The kids have been given a couple of pages to color from the Ramayana story. We also practiced our vowels in Sanskrit. Finally, we concluded the class with meditation followed by the closing prayer - Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinaha (pg-19).

For their homework, please make sure the kids revise their vowels and the Gurusthothram upto verse 3. Color the Ramayana sheet sent home, write your name and grade and insert the sheet into the folder.

See you at the next class. Please remember to bring you folders.