Hari OM Parents,
Please find the summary of the last class.
Prayer time:
We started the class by chanting OM 3 times followed by morning prayers - "Sahanaavathu". We continued practicing Guru Stotram. Children took turns to say verses 1 through 5.
Bhagavatham Time:
We did a quick recap of the story of Kashyapa and Diti we had covered in the previous class.
As you help, so shall others
Kids watched the story of pigeon and ant. Many kids knew about this story. We discussed helping each other and how when we help someone, others help us.
Hiranyaksha
After staying in their mother's tummy for 100 years, the demons Hiranyaksha and his brother Hiranyakashipu were born. They were a terror everywhere they went. They tortured people, hurt animals, disturbed rishis.
One day, Hiranyaksha, looking very evil and scary, entered Indraloka and roared out a challenge. As all Gods were scared of him and were hiding, he went looking for Lord Vishnu to fight with him. At that time, Lord Vishnu was in Varaha avatar, rescuing Mother Earth. Hiranyaksha tried to stop Lard Vishnu and fought with him. Lord Vishnu in the form of Varaha killed Hiranyaksha.
Lord Varaha saved Mother Earth from Hiranyaksha. The person who abuses earth is like Hiranyaksha. We must all protect and take care of our Mother Earth. We discussed actions that we can take in our daily lives to protect the earth.
The Rabbit and the Tortoise:
We discussed the story of a rabbit and Tortoise running a race. It was interesting to hear the kids perspective on why the rabbit lost the race. The rabbit lost not because he was not capable, but because of arrogance!
Our invisible weight is our pride and vanity/arrogance, like Hiranyaksha and the rabbit. We have to be wise and let go of the extra weight in the form of pride and arrogance.
Story of Jaya and Vijaya
Lord Vishnu lives in a beautiful, golden palace up in the heavens, called Vaikuntha. Outside the gates of Vaikuntha, there used to be two guards, Jaya and Vijaya. One day, the wise sages, Sanat kumaras came to visit Vaikuntha. They are the mind born sons of Lord Brahma. Although many thousands of years old, they looked like young boys. The guards of the gates of Vaikuntha, Jaya and Vijaya stopped them from entering. Jaya and Vijaya made fun of the sages and insulted them. To teach them a lesson, the Sanat Kumaras pronounced a curse on Jaya and Vijaya saying they would be born on the earth as terrible Demons.
Immediately Jaya and Vijaya realized their mistake. They fell at Sanatkumaras' feet and asked for forgiveness. In the meantime, Lord Vishnu appeared in his full glory. Sanat Kumaras bowed to the Lord and apologized for cursing Jaya and Vijaya. Lord Vishnu said curse shall have the effect as it cannot be taken back. Lord Vishnu said, Jaya and Vijaya will be born as asuras on earth, but their minds, intensified with anger and hatred will be constantly thinking about Lord Vishnu, and eventually rejoin him.
Jaya and Vijaya had to suffer the consequences of their wrong doings, despite their love and devotion to the lord. Because of the curse, Jaya and Vijaya were born to Diti as Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu.
Kids reflected upon many things we learned in the class. If we do wrong actions, we must face the consequences. We should take good care of Mother Earth. We should not be arrogant and be humble! We can create heaven around us by being nice, loving and good with everyone.
We played a quiz game using Kahoot.
Geeta chanting:
We practiced verses 5 and 6 of Geeta chapter 3.
We concluded the class with Aarthi, prayer and the Pledge.
Thanks and warm regards,
Aruna and Subbu
