Of Ideas & Plans

In the last class we practiced reciting the Dhyaana Shloka - Om Sahanavavatu (pg 9) followed by the daily prayers (Karaagre Vasate, Vakratunda, Saraswati Namastubhyam, Bramhaarpanam, Shubham Karoti, Kara Charana - pages 14-17 of the My Prayer Book).

We also revised the Gruru Sthothram and have completed till verse 8 (pg 85-86). We finished learning the bhajan Atma Nivasi Ram (pg 209-210).

 

In Bala Ramayana, we read the chapters involving Rama, Lakshmana and Sita taking blessings from the various sages they meet on the way and their proceeding to Chitrakoota to set up their hut, on the advice of a sage. The kids loved hearing about the beauty of Chitrakoota. They also head the story of how Bharat got very angry on his return from his maternal grandparents' house and was ready to take revenge from his own mother. But Kaushalya helped him calm down and Kaikeyi also realized her mistake asked for forgiveness. Bharat refused to be crowned king and instead proceeded to the forest to bring back Rama, Lakshmana and Sita. The queen mothers and a few ministers and soldiers accompanied him. Guha, on watching them approach, misinterpreted Bharat's intentions and prepared to fight them. But Bharat managed to convince him that he wanted to bring back his brother and not cause any harm. So, Guha helped him with directions to proceed. Similarly, the sages also questioned Bharat's motives and only provided directions to Chitrakoota when he managed to convince them that he would not harm Rama in any way.

The kids used tiny foot prints (representing Rama's padukas) to mark his journey right from his place of birth (Ayodhya) to the beginning of his exile (Chitrakoota). Please continue to bring this map to class as we will mark further places as we progress in the book.

The kids also practiced writing the first line of consonants and have been asked to complete the sheets as a part of their homework.

As you all must be aware, we will be having stage performances for the kids on the 25th of January 2015. After much discussions, the kids agreed on the idea of dressing up as their favorite Gods and speaking a few lines about them. Raaghav has picked Rama, Sathvik Shiva, Arya Saraswati, Bela Lakshmi and Ananya Devi Maa. Parents, please note and help with the costumes. Also, help them learn 4-5 lines that they can speak about the same. If any of you need help with either the write ups or the appearance, feel free to ping me.

Please have the kids practice their daily prayers and Guru Sthothram regularly. Also, time permitting, we might sing the bhajan "Atma Nivasi Ram" on the celebrations on 25th January. So, please have them practice that as well.