Fond adieu to Crossroads

Hari OM
We can't believe it, but the last day of balavihar at Crossroads is this Sunday,June 8!
We will meet here for our final annual day here on June 22 and you have been hearing about this from us for sometime now,but what a year this has been.

The classes have enthusiastically and  successfully completed learning all the 40 verses of Hanuman chaleesa. They will chant this on our annual day along with Dhyana shloka.

In an effort to see if this blog is really serving its purpose,I am looking for parents to come back and find Uma aunty and say Rakshasa mardana vaanara rakshaka! ( your children will explain this inside joke)

Hopefully you have all registered for balavihar for 2014-2015 year at the new ashram.

Mark your calendars and attend the inauguration of the ashram on July 2,3 and 4. Guruji will be here and all of us will be blessed by the sacred chanting of mantras that will reverberate in that space for those days. There will be plenty of ways to get involved and do seva, if that is something you would like to do.The children will be inspired by what they see for sure.

All the teachers would like to express their gratitude to the parents for all their support through the year.May Gurudev's blessings be with us as we transition into our own ashram.

Hari Om
2nd grade teachers

 Hari Om parents,

  This school year is unique as it will be the last time we will be in rented school premises. I am sure that you are as excited as we are at the prospect of moving to own Ashram!

The possibilities of what one can do in one's own premises are infinite and we are eagerly awaiting the start of the next school and Balavihar year.

As part of the Ashram opening day celebrations, we have an opportunity to participate in the souvenir that will be unveiled by Pujya Guruji Swami Tejomayanandaji. The theme is Navavidha bhakthi.We could, with your support, put in a full page picture of the entire class.  This will cost each student $50. We are looking forward to your support.

Please let us know if you are willing to be a part of this small token of our combined gratitude to the mission.

 Adults and children can send in articles,anecdotes,poems related to Bhakti. Creative Likhita Japa works are also welcome. The deadline to receive contributions is May 11th,2014. All works will be sent to the editorial team for consideration.

Any questions about ad sponsorships and Contributions can be sent via e-mail to:

anandhi.l@gmail.com  or

kayarcee@yahoo.com

Pranaams

2nd grade teachers

Annual day on June 22- mark your calendars
Our second graders will go up on stage- await details from the teachers.
Hari Om and enjoy spring break.

Geeta chanting yagna is on March 30 at Crossroads.Please use the text the children have to practice with them.The text is available in the handout given to all balavihar families also.Even if the children don't memorize all the verses needed for their grade,please encourage them to participate.The goal is to create a love of Geeta and interest in chanting which will lead them to study of the Geeta in their older years.That is why the word yagna suits the occasion better than competition.As parents, if you can register to read, that would be great motivation for your children,

In Hanuman chalisa we are doing Chaupai 27

Saba par Ram Thapasvi raja 

We  learned about the tapasya done by Rakshasas like Ravana, Hiranyakashipu that was prompted by their desire to dominate, destroy opposition.These stories provided the perfect landing today with the story of Prahlada and Holika telling the story of Holiday.We celebrated in a small way with a dab of Holi color on their foreheads and a sweet treat!

Do remember to ask your child about an interesting discussion we had in class about keeping thought,word and deed in line and when it is ok to deviate. In their words- when is it ok to lie?

We love and encourage free thinking.Do write / talk to us to let us know how your child responds to things we talk about here.

Finally,some housekeeping rules- please have the kids bring paper,notebook, pencils when they come,They do feel out of place when everybody is writing and they can't because they weren't prepared.

.Please have the children have a drink and use the bathroom before classroom to have minimal disruption.

Thanks and be back in 2 weeks.

Uma Aunti and Prajna didi

HARI OM!

A few weeks ago, we did the Seva Project with all the second graders, and, in response to that, we showed this video to the children in class.

It introduces the concept of the 'kindness boomerang', which says that when you do something kind to someone else, you will receive kindness in return. Of course, this doesn't mean that every person you're kind to is morally obligated to do something for you! :) The video explains it better than anything, even without any dialogue or anything!

Of course, the opposite is also true, with the idea that negative actions towards someone would then start a series of negative actions that could come back to the first person. Like with fundamental attribution error-- if you're having a normal day, and then someone is rude to you, it might really dampen your mood. Then, because of that, if someone else maybe bumps into you, you might snap at them more harshly than you normally would. Then that person would think that you're generally a rude person, even though that's not true. Anyways, the video is great; I really think all of you should watch!

Through the seva project and the classes, we learnt how important kindness is, and that we should be kind to other people because it is right, not because we expect anything in return.

(Sorry, I went on a bit of a tangent there, but I didn't want to delete the paragraph, so it's there.)

The video is below, but if you want to watch it on YouTube, the link is: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwAYpLVyeFU

Believe it or not, when I promised to put the video on the blog and didn't get around to it, several students came and asked me why I hadn't put it up yet. :) I'm impressed you all!

Anyways, I hope you all enjoy the video!

Prajna Didi & Uma Aunty

HariOm,

We have completed all eight qualities of Hanumanji. After that we made back bone project

Children had lot of fun making the project which will make them physically and mentally strong.We reviewed all eight qualities while doing project.

Sri Hanuman

We have started Gita chanting chapter 14.Children can start practicing at home.

Children are writing in their likhita japa books ‘SHREE RAMA JAYA RAMA JAYA JAYA RAMA..

Our last session was very exiting, we made ‘Japa Malas ‘in our class. We made these with the help of parents who came to help us. Kids were very happy doing project with the parents. We are really thankful to all the parents for making this possible.

Japa Mala

We have now started chanting Hanuman Chalisa..

Madhuri aunty

Savita  aunty

Nov 10 update

Hari OM

We reassembled after 2 weeks to an exciting project. We worked on a backbone with Hanumanji's siddhis listed on each bone which when together, gives us the strength to stand tall and face whatever comes in life. Some of our friends will get their supplies next time. Aunty and didi thank our friends who shared and are waiting patiently.

The class had fun learning and recording Veera Maruthi and the Dhyana shloka. These are included for all of you to enjoy.

After recapping the story of Tulsidasji's life, we started learning the Hanuman Chaleesa. In a few months, we will be ready to chant and record that too. What a source of strength and inspiration the Chaleesa is!

Uma aunty and Pragna didi.

Hari OM from Prajna didi and Uma auntie

What fun it has been learning Hanumanji's ashta siddhis through the Dhyana shloka-
Buddhir balam yasho dhairyam nirbhayatvan arogata
ajadyam vaakpatutvam cha hanumath smaranath bhaveth

Using examples from History like Rosa Parks,Mahatma Gandhi, from recent news like Lance Armstrong, from the Ramayana where in Hanuman showcases these siddhis, the students have learned that thinking about these siddhis and steadily living these,will help us reveal our true inner Self-the source of all wisdom and joy.This week, the kids are practicing one siddhi every day- be sure to ask them which one and how they are practicing.

Note to parents- please have students use the bathroom before coming in to class to avoid disruption to the class.

________________________________________________

Madhuri Aunty and Shilpa Aunty:

Hari Om

Beginning Prayers:

• 'om' chanting - 3 times
• meditation
• shuklaambaradharam, saraswati namastubhyam, gururbrahma

gitaa chanting:

• 13th adhyaaya 1- 15 shlokas

hanumaan shlokas/bhajans:

• buddhirbalam
• hanumaan chaalIsa 40 chaupas

Brain Storming:

• What is 

Story time:

• Empty Pot

Activity:

• None

Ending Prayers:

• sarvebhavantu sukhinaH
• pUrNamadaH pUrNamidam
• aarati and pledge

Comments:

Rashmi Aunty and Prajna didi:

Hari Om

________________________________________________

Madhuri Aunty and Savita Aunty:

HariOm

Welcome to Balavihar 2^nd grade B division.

Our topic is Hanuman the Super Superman.

In our last few sessions we have learnt dhyana shloka.

We have covered few virtues of Hanumanji,

Budhir Balam, Yasas, Dhiryam, Nirbhayatvam and Arogata.

They have learnt these qualities by playing some games and stories also.

Children are also learning bhajans also,

Parijatha tharunivasa

Anjaneya pahimam

Veera Maruti Gambheera Maruti

Dheera Maruti ati dheera Maruti

In our coming sessions we will make Japa mallas

And we will start Geeta chanting shlokas as well.

We are sending the handouts with the kids,so they can

Memorize the bhajans and shlokas.

We hope children are enjoying there classes as we are.

Madhuri

Savita.

Welcome to Balavihar 2013-2014

Hari OM

Welcome to another exciting year of Balavihar! As you may know,this will be our last year in this location before we move to our very own ashram next fall.
Hanuman The Superman is our theme for this year. We will learn Hanumanji's eight attributes in the form of a beautiful shloka followed by an awesome art project . We will learn to recite Tulsidasji's famous Hanuman Chaleesa. It will soon become your child's favorite prayer.Side by side,we will visit many Hanuman stories showcasing his attributes.
   The Mission passionately believes that the teaching of the Bhagawad Geeta, especially at  young age purifies the mind, diction and prepares it to receive the wisdom in it. This year we will be learning to chant verses 1-15 of Chapter 14.
   In addition to chanting,stories,crafts,games, 2nd graders will learn to be good citizens of the world by sharing with those less fortunate. Over the holidays, we will participate in a  community service project.
 We have 2 sections in grade 2. One section has Madhuri aunty and Savita aunty and the other has Uma aunty and Prajna didi.
Parents,please register your children and support their regular, punctual attendance with all supplies needed for class.






Beginning Prayers:

• 'om' chanting - 3 times
• meditation
• shuklaambaradharam, saraswati namastubhyam, gururbrahma

gitaa chanting:

• 13th adhyaaya 1- 15 shlokas

hanumaan shlokas/bhajans:

• buddhirbalam
• hanumaan chaalIsa 40 chaupas

Brain Storming:

• What is 

Story time:

• Empty Pot

Activity:

• None

Ending Prayers:

• sarvebhavantu sukhinaH
• pUrNamadaH pUrNamidam
• aarati and pledge

Comments:

Rashmi Aunty and Prajna didi:

Hari Om

________________________________________________

Madhuri Aunty and Shilpa Aunty:

Hari Om

June 2th Class

Beginning Prayers:

• 'om' chanting - 3 times
• meditation
• shuklaambaradharam, saraswati namastubhyam, gururbrahma

gitaa chanting:

• 13th adhyaaya 1- 18 shlokas

hanumaan shlokas/bhajans:

• buddhirbalam
• hanumaan chaalIsa 40 chaupas

Brain Storming:

• None

Story time:

• None

Activity:

• ½  a Party :)

Ending Prayers:

• sarvebhavantu sukhinaH
• pUrNamadaH pUrNamidam
• aarati and pledge

Comments:

Rashmi Aunty and Prajna didi:

Hari Om Parents!

Can you believe that the year’s over already? It seemed to fly by so quickly.

Anyways, we had a wonderful last day of Balavihar this past Sunday. After we finished the beginning prayers and meditation, the children chanted the Bhagavad Geeta and sang the Hanuman Chalisa. Of course, although this may have been their last Balavihar day as Second Graders, they can definitely continue the chanting and meditation at home. They all got to keep their japa malas, as well as their laminated copies of the Hanuman Chalisa, so they sure can continue their prayers!

Also, on Sunday, we learnt a new Hanuman Bhajan! It’s a very upbeat bhajan, and Swami Siddhanandaji, from the Kedar in Pennsylvania, sings it a lot. Here are the words:

Veera Hanumana, Athi Balawana,
Rama Nama Rasiya Re, Ohohoh-hoi!
Prabhu Mana Basiya Re
Rama Lakshmana Janaki… Jai Bolo Hanumana Ki
Sita Ram Jai Sita Ram… Bhaja Pyare Tu Sita Ram
Raghupathi Raghava Raja Ram… Patita Paavana Sita Ram

The children enjoyed the Bhajan very much… Ask them to sing it for you!

Finally, as the class came to an end, we went and joined the other Second Grade class as they went outside and had their end of the year party. So, you could say, the children had two parties this year! Or, maybe 1 ½ :).

It has been an amazing year, and we can’t believe that the children have already completed Second Grade and will be moving on to Third Grade next year! From what we’ve seen of them, we know that they will be successful in everything they do, and we wish them all the best. And to the parents, we congratulate you for making the wonderful choice of placing your children in the Balavihar classes, and we hope you can continue through Balavihar and we can continue to see the children grow for years to come.

Until then, have a wonderful Summer! 

________________________________________________

Madhuri Aunty and Shilpa Aunty:

Hari Om

May 19th Class

Beginning Prayers:

• 'om' chanting - 3 times
• meditation
• shuklaambaradharam, saraswati namastubhyam, gururbrahma

gitaa chanting:

• 13th adhyaaya 1- 20 shlokas

hanumaan shlokas/bhajans:

• buddhirbalam
• hanumaan chaalIsa 

Brain Storming:

• What happens when we recite hanumaan chaalIsaa
• What is the benefit of keeping hanumaan in our hearts

Story time:

• Why does perfection matter
• Would the Lord camp in my heart

Activity:

• sanctified and laminated hanumaan chaalIsaa sheet hand outs
• YEAR END PARTY TIME! :)

Ending Prayers:

• sarvebhavantu sukhinaH
• pUrNamadaH pUrNamidam
• aarati and pledge

Comments:

Rashmi Aunty and Prajna didi:

We were all in an excited frenzy as we walked into class today!  We were all in celebration mood. After a brief class and finishing up our year's portions, we were all going to party!!  After a whole long year of fun and learning, we surely need to celebrate!

We did our gItaa chanting and hanumaan chaalIsaa, as usual.  We have done these as a part of our routine from day one.  The kids did so well on both of them.  We have to share this with you.  We have heard many positive comments regarding their hanumaan chaalIsaa performance on stage during annual day.  Today, we had Ameet-ji come to our class and tell all the kids how wonderful they were on stage.  He said that they all looked good, presented good and sounded good!  So hip hip hurray to you all!!

We listened to the story about our gurudev Swami Chinmayananda-ji and his perfection in anything he did.  We saw how he even put a rubber band around a bundle of envelops without any twists!  He took interest and put an effort to keep such minute details in mind and follow them through, every single time!  A similar attitude in life will raise all of us to something bigger than we are today.  Our hanumaan is just like that.  He did everything perfectly.  By praying to Him, we can become like Him.

With that, we concluded learning hanumaan chaalIsaa - chanting, as well as understanding the meanings.  It was a wonderful year of learning, discussing, chanting and sharing laughs!  Couldn't have asked for more really.

We wanted to celebrate all the goodness with a little year end party.  All the parents had brought so many goodies and treats.  We went to the cafeteria (instead of outside, as it was raining).  The weather was droopy outside, but none of it affected our cheerful and enthusiastic group of parents or kids!  We had an amazing party and enjoyed the time thoroughly.  Thank you parents for being so supportive through out the year.  We could always count on you for anything.  You have been so supportive and encouraging through out the year.  That is what makes this group so special!  Keep up the spirits.
________________________________________________

Madhuri Aunty and Shilpa Aunty:

Hari Om

May 12th Class

Beginning Prayers:

• 'om' chanting - 3 times
• meditation
• shuklaambaradharam, saraswati namastubhyam, gururbrahma

gitaa chanting:

• 13th adhyaaya 1- 20 shlokas

hanumaan shlokas/bhajans:

• buddhirbalam
• hanumaan chaalIsa 1- 40 chaupas

Brain Storming:

• What happens when one remembers brave hanumaan
• What is the meaning of gosia
• What is the result of chanting hanumaan chaalIsaa 100 times 

Story time:

• The Miracle
• The magic carpet

Activity:

• None

Ending Prayers:

• sarvebhavantu sukhinaH
• pUrNamadaH pUrNamidam
• aarati and pledge - in auditorium

Comments:

Rashmi Aunty and Prajna didi:

Happy Mother's day to all the wonderful moms out there!  Hope your day is as special as you are.

We are having so much fun discussing life issues in class that the time we are allotted is just not enough :).  Time and again, we are amazed at the type of topics and discussions we have in class!!  We sure have a bunch of extremely smart kids!

We have continued learning bhagavadgItaa beyond the competition.  We had learnt 15 verses before.  We now have learnt up to verse 20.  The children have promised to do their best and want to go all the way to the end of the chapter!  See, don't we have a bunch of enthusiastic kids who are willing to learn!!  Of course, we grooved along singing the whole hanumaan chaalIsaa!

We learnt about Miracles through the true story of a girl who had so much faith that a miracle HAD to come her way!  Truly, her undaunted faith was what saved her brother's life!

We also saw how being thoughtless and giving the reigns to our sense can be dangerous through the story of the magic carpet acquired by a thoughtless man.

Our discussions on these stories led to so many big thoughts that to establish those, we had to hear 2 - 3 extra stories :).  Isn't this a fun, fun class?!

Time is running out and our end of the year is fast approaching.  We are almost wrapping up our curriculum.  In fact, we will be finishing up before the last day itself!  Then, how about we have some fun party time!!  Will be emailing regarding more details of the party that we can have Next Sunday.  Do watch out for our emails.

Happy Mother's day again to all the hard working moms who do so much for their children constantly!  Enjoy your day and the rest of the year ahead.

________________________________________________

Madhuri Aunty and Shilpa Aunty:

opeing prayers
Japa mala
Hanuman Chalisa Chanting
Bhajan:
Veera Maaruti
Brainstorming
Hanuman chalisa caupai 27 to 30
Discussion: Who is a Tapasvi?
Meaning of our Parama Guru's , name Tapovan Maharaja.
Tale:
Take a vows for greater gains
You get What you Want...God's shop.
The Nature of Saints
Game: Sadhu Musical Chair
Children had fun playing this game .
Children learned that sharing, accommodating each other can also be fun.
Discussion:
How Does One Become Famous?
Closing prayers

May 5th - Annual day celebration

Comments:

Rashmi Aunty and Prajna didi:

Madhuri Aunty and Shilpa Aunty:

Wow!  What a wonderful group of 2nd grade children and parents we have!!  Due to all your hard work and co-operation, we were able to pull off a wonderful hanumaan chaalIsaa presentation today!  Children, you did very well!  You kept the beat and tempo though out the chanting.  Heard some nice comments from a few people too, during dinner later on :).   Looks like you rocked the show!  Keep up the good work and the team spirit kids!

Here's the link for reminiscing the show again!

Enjoy!  See you all next Sunday at balavihar.

April 21st Class

Beginning Prayers:

• 'om' chanting - 3 times
• meditation
• shuklaambaradharam, saraswati namastubhyam, gururbrahma

gitaa chanting:

• 13th adhyaaya 1- 18 shlokas

hanumaan shlokas/bhajans:

• buddhirbalam
• hanumaan chaalIsa 

Brain Storming:

• None

Story time:

• None

Activity:

• Rehearsal

Ending Prayers:

• sarvebhavantu sukhinaH
• pUrNamadaH pUrNamidam
• aarati and pledge

Comments:

Rashmi Aunty and Prajna didi:

Awesome kids!  We did it!!  We went in the true 'yagna' spirit to the 'gItaa chanting yagna' and made it an awesome, memorable event!  We were the group with the highest registrants and.... we won ourselves an ice-cream party for the Summer :)).  Oooo!  We sure can't wait for that day, right?!

We did better than that!  We have always been talking about how we are not learning for the sake of competing alone.  We are learning to chant due to our love for gItaa and the values it gives us to lead meaningful lives.  To uphold that, we continued our learning today, beyond the 15 verses cap that we had for our grade!!  Infact, the children want to learn ALL 35 verses in the chapter!  So, we learnt 16 - 18 today and will continue to add to it through the rest of the year.

After that, we had a combined class.  The 2nd graders have been rehearsing for a presentation on the Annual Day, on May 5th.  Please make sure the children practice their 'hanumaan chaalIsaa' chanting well by then.  The program starts at 3 p.m.  Will be posting on the blog, as well as sending emails regarding the time they need to assemble in the cafeteria on the day of the performance.  They can come in Indian clothes, please NO jeans/shorts/casuals.  Look out to hear from us.  If we don't see them in the cafeteria, they will not be able to go on stage.  So, please be there on time.

See you all soon.  Until then, happy practicing.

________________________________________________

Madhuri Aunty and Shilpa Aunty:

Hari Om

April 14th class

Beginning Prayers:

• 'om' chanting - 3 times
• meditation
• shuklaambaradharam, saraswati namastubhyam, gururbrahma

gitaa chanting:

• 13th adhyaaya 1- 15 shlokas

hanumaan shlokas/bhajans:

• buddhirbalam
• hanumaan chaalIsa 1- 40 chaupas

Brain Storming:

• What is the cause of our unhappiness

Story time:

• Ask and you shall receive

Activity:

• Practice for Annual day performance

Ending Prayers:

• sarvebhavantu sukhinaH
• pUrNamadaH pUrNamidam
• aarati and pledge

Comments:

Rashmi Aunty and Prajna didi:

Good going everyone!  Most of you have registered for the gItaa chanting!!  A very handful few of you who did not register have requested to be registered as late registrants as well!!  That has officially made us the class with most registrants!!  Hurray!  Keep it up kids!  We are so proud of you.  You are all doing the chanting so beautifully.  Keep up the practice and arrive on time on the day of the competition, which is this coming Saturday 20th April.  Participate with all your effort and attention.  That itself makes all of you WINNERS!  That calls for an ice-cream party in the summer!! Yay :).

Today is special for another reason!  We finished learning all the chaupa-s of the hanumaan chaalIsa!!  We see that most of you are learning by heart, as we are adding new chaupa-s.  Now, you can finish learning all of them.

We then learnt about the story of the child who was building a sand castle.  He hit a rock midway of his building.  He tried with all his might, all possible ways to move it.  When he couldn't, he was disappointed.  His father asked him the reason for his droopy face and he explained that he had tried all possible ways.  The father said, you apparently didn't try one - asking me!  Similarly, when we hit a wall in our life circumstance, we struggle all we can, but forget one thing, asking for the Lord's help.  When we seek Him, he instantly comes to our rescue and we will be rid of all obstacles, just as the little boy's father helped him move the rock!

After that, we had a combined class for the last half hour and we familiarized ourselves with our presentation.  We will be practicing more next week as well.  Keep up the good work everyone. 

Until next week, practice all your chanting!

________________________________________________

Madhuri Aunty and Shilpa Aunty:

Hari Om

April 7th Class

Beginning Prayers:

• 'om' chanting - 3 times
• meditation
• shuklaambaradharam, saraswati namastubhyam, gururbrahma

gitaa chanting:

• 13th adhyaaya 1- 15 shlokas

hanumaan shlokas/bhajans:

• buddhirbalam
• hanumaan chaalIsa 1- 33 chaupas

Brain Storming:

• What is the magic cure of all the problems
• What was the boon mother sItaa gave to hanumaan
• How are our miseries relieved
• What happens when we worship hanumaan

Story time:

• Learn about aShTa siddhi-s
• Who is a haribhakta
• The difference
• The desire
• Don’t blame the Lord

Activity:

• Our class presentation for the annual day

Ending Prayers:

• sarvebhavantu sukhinaH
• pUrNamadaH pUrNamidam
• aarati and pledge

Comments:

Rashmi Aunty and Prajna didi:

It was nice seeing all the smiling faces after such a long break.  We sure missed you.  Hope you all had a great spring break.

It is nice to see that many of you are registered for the gItaa chanting competition.  We strongly encourage ALL of you to register and participate.  They have really worked hard through out the year and it will be a very rewarding experience for them.

Also, our class will be performing on the stage for the annual day program on May 5th.  We will be talking more about it in the next couple of classes.  Since we will have only 2 more classes, it is crucial that they attend regularly.  Parents please make sure they are prepared.

In the story time today, we have discussed many big words like- aShTa-siddhi's namely - aNimaa (becoming as small as an atom), mahimaa (becoming as big as a mountain), garimaa (being heavy as a mountain), laghimaa (being light as a feather), praaptiH (attaining everything), pratyakSha (self illuminating), Ishitva (lordship of oneself), vashitva (controlling everything, including oneself) - these are the aShTa-siddhi-s that sItaa maata granted to hanumaan, and also the power to bestow it upon anyone he pleases!!  So, let's get praying to hanumaan for the attainment of the aShTa-siddhi-s as well all the nava-nidhi-s (9 treasures of wealth).

We also listened to 3 different stories to see what makes a true devotee, different from anyone else!  

So, let's get praying, without being attached to any material returns or blaming the Lord for any disappointments.

See you all next week.  Until then, remember to practice your chanting.  Let's win that ice-cream party for the highest participation for any class! :).

________________________________________________

Madhuri Aunty and Shilpa Aunty:

Hari Om

March 17th Class

Beginning Prayers:

• 'om' chanting - 3 times
• meditation
• shuklaambaradharam, saraswati namastubhyam, gururbrahma

gitaa chanting:

• 13th adhyaaya 1- 15 shlokas

hanumaan shlokas/bhajans:

• buddhirbalam
• hanumaan chaalIsa 1- 28 chaupas

Brain Storming:

• Why hanumaan is large hearted
• Does God always give us what we want
• When does hanumaan’s glory radiate (all 4 yugas)
• How did hanumaan use his might

Story time:

• You get what you want
• Man, the glory of creation
• Nature of saints

Activity:

• How many apples in a seed?
• God’s gift or my gift
• How does one become famous

Ending Prayers:

• sarvebhavantu sukhinaH
• pUrNamadaH pUrNamidam
• aarati and pledge

Comments:

Rashmi Aunty and Prajna didi:

Our chanting sessions are coming along very well.  On the other hand, the discussions in class are getting very intense!!  We are talking about concepts like birth, re-birth, mokSha, karma...  Are we sure we have a bunch of 2nd graders at hand :).  They just wanted to continue the discussions on and on...  We had to put a hold on it due to lack of time...  The contemplation and churning of these ideas are happening rapidly in their little minds and they sure are THINKING!!  We spoke about how our actions affect us before they affect those around us!  We discussed about the need to do rightful actions whether we are being watched or not.  We spoke about how we cannot take a notebook with bullet points written down, into our next birth and it is only our good/bad actions that get carried over along with us!  

Even before we realized, it was dismissal time.  We finished the class with the ending prayers and pledge.  We will see you all in two weeks.  Until then, have a fun filled spring break and keep thinking :).
________________________________________________

Madhuri Aunty and Shilpa Aunty:

Hari Om

March 10th Class

Beginning Prayers:

• 'om' chanting - 3 times
• meditation
• shuklaambaradharam, saraswati namastubhyam, gururbrahma

gitaa chanting:

• 13th adhyaaya 1- 15 shlokas

hanumaan shlokas/bhajans:

• buddhirbalam
• hanumaan chaalIsa 1- 26 chaupas

Brain Storming:

• What is the true pooja for the Lord
• Where does God reside 
• When does hanumaan help us in overcoming difficulties
• Who is a tapasvI; what is the benefit of being a tapasvI
• What is the meaning of our guru, tapovan mahaaraj’s name

Story time:

• God dwells in all beings
• God is everywhere
• It is the Lord’s wish
• Take vows for greater gains

Activity:

• None

Ending Prayers:

• sarvebhavantu sukhinaH
• pUrNamadaH pUrNamidam
• aarati and pledge - in the auditorium

Comments:

Rashmi Aunty and Prajna didi:

In today's class, we had wonderful discussions about God, God's presence, God's part in our lives, our awareness of His presence!  Gosh, are we striding BIG steps or what!!  We heard interesting stories regarding this topic.  We then wanted to relate to some other story we'd heard a while ago.  Instead of hearing from Aunty, the children themselves finished the story, one sentence at a time!!  We are so impressed at the attentive group of children we have in class!  The chanting is coming along beautifully as well.  Parents, if you have not already done so, please register you children for the competition.  They are all very enthusiastic about it.  We then went to the auditorium to watch a play, followed by  aarti and pledge. 

________________________________________________

Madhuri Aunty and Shilpa Aunty:

Hari Om

March 3rd Class

Beginning Prayers:

• 'om' chanting - 3 times
• meditation
• shuklaambaradharam, saraswati namastubhyam, gururbrahma

gitaa chanting:

• 13th adhyaaya 1- 15 shlokas

hanumaan shlokas/bhajans:

• buddhirbalam
• hanumaan chaalIsa 1- 27 chaupas
• khaate bhI raam kaho...

Brain Storming:

• Why seek refuge in hanumaan
• Why shouldn't we complain about things going wrong
• Why the 3 worlds tremble when hanumaan roars
• What is the advantage of chanting raama's name

Story time:

• Saint malidaasa
• Grandma and the cake
• Have faith and heal yourself

Activity:

• None

Ending Prayers:

• sarvebhavantu sukhinaH
• pUrNamadaH pUrNamidam
• aarati and pledge

Comments:

Rashmi Aunty and Prajna didi:

We are just grooving and grooving!  The discussions and participation in class by all the children is on a tremendous up turn!  We are having one blast learning the chanting of gItaa, hanumaan chaalIsa, shlokas and bhajans.

Today's stories were interesting and we had avenues to discuss many values that make our lives better and make us better people in turn.  We spoke about how faith is an essential ingredient to achieve anything in life.  We know that we trust our parents.  Similarly, if we learn to trust in God, after doing the needful duty, we have nothing to fear!

Please talk to your children what they enjoy most in class.  Also, encourage them to do their gItaa chanting practice.  They are doing awesome so far!  We are doing very well till verse 12.  We've finished learning till 15th verse today.  We shall continue our practice and by the time of the competition, each of them will be so comfortable chanting it with ease!

We finished off with our finishing prayers and pledge.  See you all next week.

________________________________________________

Madhuri Aunty and Shilpa Aunty:

Hari Om