Sunday, January 4, 2015

End Of The Year!

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 10 (pg 85-86). We also practiced the bhajan Atma Nivasi Ram (pg 209-210).
 
In Bala Ramayana, we covered the chapters involving Bharata's approaching Chitrakoota to meet Rama. Lakshmana was suspicious about his intentions but Rama assured him that he had full faith in his brother Bharata and that he would never cause any harm to any of them. Bharata hugged Rama, cried and begged him to return to Ayodhya as the king. Kaushalya and Keikeyi also said the same. Rama shed tears when he heard of Dasharatha's demise but was firm in his decision to live in exile to obey his father's final wish. He convinced Bharata to return to Ayodhya and take up his responsibilities as the king. But Bharata refused. On being forced by Rama and on guru Vashishta's insistence, he agreed to act as Rama's deputy. But he also warned that if Rama failed to return to Ayodhya on the completion of 14 years, Bharata would jump into fire and end his life.
Thus, Bharata returned to Ayodhya with Rama's Padukas which he placed on the throne and ruled Ayodhya as his representative. We also learnt of Rama, Sita & Lakshmana progressing further into the forest to avoid repeated contact from people of Ayodhya, and how they met and received blessings of sages they met during their journey.
The kids once again practiced writing the first line of consonants and have been asked to complete the sheets as a part of their homework.
For the kids' performance on the 25th of January 2015, the kids have picked what Gods they want to dress up as. Please have the kids learn their lines and also practice the bhajan Atma Nivasi Ram for the same so that we can have a final practice during the next class.
Please have the kids practice their daily prayers and Guru Sthothram regularly. See you at the next class...