Hari Om Parents!
The past Sunday (9th Oct) was our 3rd class of Balavihar for 2022-2023!
Here is the summary of what we covered in class:
- We started the class with the Opening prayers. We chanted Om three times and then chanted "Sahana vavatu".
- Explained why we say Sahana vavatu and what does it mean for us as some kids are new to Balavihar and others it's refreshing the mind with these thoughts.
- One kid asked why we are asked to wear Indian clothes today. We briefly talked about Navaratri festival and Saraswati pooja and significance of Goddess Saraswati. Then informed the kids that they will be performing pooja today at arati hall.
- Kids shared the coloring sheets from previous class homework.
- We did a yoga pose (Tree, Lion and snake).
- Then we started with Bala Ramayana story. Recapped last week story of Rama and his brothers birth and their childhood days. Then recapped Rishi Viswamitra's visit to Ayodhya and his request about sending Rama with him.
- Continuation of the story: continued on how Rama and Lakshmana went with Viswamitra and on the way what are the things they saw. How both were curious of the forest life and excited whenever they see Ashrams inbetween and asked Viswamitra "Is that his Ashram?". Viswamitra laughs and says No, we have a long way to go. Then when they reached an Ashram on the way Viswamitra said it's the "Kamaashram" where Lord Siva did penance and story of Manmata. Then they continued the journey in the forest and stayed that night under a river banks with a big tree near by. Viswamitra told the brothers to use the Grass as bed to sleep. Then we talked about how we all live Luxurious life nowadays and how to adjust when we do not have things around us. That night Viswamitra shared two Mantras "Bala ( gives energy for the body even when we do not eat) and Atibala( gives mental strength and removes fear). Told the brothers whenever they feel tired and feared of things around them. The next morning they woke early and did Sandhiya vandanam before they start the journey. We stopped over there as we had to go to Arati hall for Saraswati pooja.
- Then all lined up to go to Arati and joined pooja.
- Kids have been given homework to color Lesson 4 sheet from Ramayana coloring book.
- Next class we will continue the story to build upon the Ramayana events one by one.
Pranams
Subha and Selvi
