Hari Om Parents,
Shlokas:
Opening prayers, Sahanavavatu,
Nama Ramayanam (verses 35 to 42) - https://youtu.be/MYAecxz2B8k
Geeta Chanting
Verses 11 & 12
(2) Verses 11-12 Ch.3 BG - YouTube
Lessons and activities
Ramayana Continued.
Maricha disguises into a beautiful golden deer and wanders around the ashram to get Sita's attention. Sita, fascinated by the animal, requests Lord Rama to capture the deer and bring it to her. Rama goes after the deer leaving Sita under the protection of Lakshmana. Tired of the chase, Rama shoots an arrow at the deer. While dying, the deer(Maricha) resumes his original form and, simulating Rama's voice, cries out for help. Hearing Rama's voice, Sita becomes anxious and forces Lakshmana to go and help Rama. After being accused,Lakshmana reluctantly goes in search of Rama. Ravana then approaches the ashram, Sita receives him with respect and offers him a seat. Ravana reveals his identity and asks her to become his queen. Sita challenges him to leave the ashram immediately. Ravana assumes his real form and takes her away in his chariot. Enroute, Jatayu, an eagle bird fights with Ravana and falls to the ground upon his wing cut off. Sita drops her ornaments while passing over the mountain peaks where she sees a group of monkeys sitting. On reaching Lanka, Ravana exhibits his wealth and power to her in order to win her. With Sita's reluctance and contempt for him, he keeps her in Ashokavana, closely guarded by Rakshasis.
Back in the forest, Rama and Lakshmana rush back to the ashram to find it empty. Rama weeps bitterly and both the brothers start searching for Sita. They meet Jatayu on the way where he narrates the fight with Ravana. Rama and Lakshmana perform the last rites of Jatayu. Passing through the forests, they kill a demon named Kabanda. Kabanda gets released from a curse and takes a divine form. He advises Rama to extend his friendship to Sugriva and Sugriva would help in search of Sita. On the way they visit the ashram of sage Matanga where they were received with great devotion by Shabari. Shabari had been waiting for a number of years to see Rama. She honors him with her humble offering of berries. Rama blesses her and leaves the ashram to Rshyamukha hill where Sugriva lived.
Keys to Success:
We reviewed the mechanics of mind, objective and subjective mind. Vasanas (accumulated impressions) color our mind and in turn our responses. It is essential to cultivate Shuba Vasanas to stay on the right path and neutralize our reaction to the world. We talked about our 40 day challenge - Kids have to think of one quality which they want to overcome or adopt. They have to be mindful and practice throughout the week. Anything can become a habit if repeated for 40 days.
Few discussed their goals and progress in class which included reduction of the screen time, getting to school via school bus, helping at home with various chores etc. We will continue to emphasize this in the upcoming classes.
Likita Japa
Please have kids write a page of likita japa in their notebooks. This is a great way to calm the mind and contemplate on lord. Our House volunteers will come around to score the japa count for house points in the next class.
We are off the next two weeks. Our next class will be on January 8th 2023.
Wish you all Happy Holidays and a wonderful start of New Year 2023.
Pranams
Sirisha and Prarthana
