We started our class with 3 OM's and our beginning prayer "Om sahana bhavtu". After that we prayed to Lord Ganesha, Devi Saraswati and our Guru.
We played a meditation game and the kids loved it.
We revised what we have learned till now about Rishi Shaunak, where his ashram is, who came to visit him and what question was asked ?
Story time - Who is Narad ji?
Narada was a son of a servant lady who was working in an ashram. A group of saints came to the ashram. Narada was only five years old and was also helping his mother in serving the saints. The saints took a liking for the young boy, Narada. Everyday the saints were singing the glories of Narayana and Narada started enjoying singing the glories of Narayana.
One night, Narada's mother was bitten by a snake and she died, leaving Narada all alone. Narada left the ashram and he kept on walking till he saw a nice and quiet place where he sat for meditation. Bhagwan blessed him and said that he will be born as the son of Brahma ji , the creator of the world. Few years later he died, and was reborn as the son of Brahma ji. Devas gave him a gift of Vina. It is said that even today, taking his Vina, he moves around singing the glories of the lord.
How was Bhagvatam written?
Bhagvatam was composed by Shri Ved Vyaasa. Vyaas ji's ashram was on the banks of river Saraswati. One evening Vyaas ji sat by the river , very sad. It was very quiet until he heard the twanging of vina strings. It was sage Narada.Vyas ji got up to receive Narada and offered him a seat.Narada ji said, " Vyas ji, It appears you are not happy. Can I do something for you?". Vyaas ji replied, " Whatever you said about me is true.In spite of the possession of the knowledge i am not happy/satisfied.I have compiled the Vedas, Puranas, Mahabharata. But I still feel unrest within me. What more shall I write? Narada ji said , " You have described the dharma of a human being well; but you have not described the glories of Lord Krishna. Sing the glories of all different forms of lord and how he helped mankind. Teach people how to think right and sing glories of the lord; it will make you peaceful". Thus, Bhagvatam was composed.
Guru Stotram chanting - We chanted the first 3 verses of Guru Stotra.
We also talked about king Parikshit whose story we will learn in the next class.
Saraswati puja - We all went to the temple hall for Saraswati pooja & Aarti.
See you all next Sunday! Take care.
Regards,
Chitra & Rupa.
