Hari Om! Parents
Happy Spring!
We started class with the beginning prayers followed by meditation on watching our breath and paying attention to it. We then chanted a mantra.
We continued our discussion from the Vibhishana Gita exploring more values which Shri Rama taught Vibhishana as part of the Dharma chariot.
1. Talked about Karma and karma phala by comparing it to a boomerang. What we do in life alone returns to us as results. As you sow, do you reap. This is the boomerang effect.
2. We talked about the negative tendencies in our mind, like hate, anger, jealousy etc which reflect the traits of Ravana. We can correct ourselves by living a life of love and compassion for all.
3. The wheels of the chariot are represented by Sauraja or Valor and Dhiraja or patience. Talked about Valmiki's story. Courage helped him to give up his sinful life. He transformed his life and became a Saint who later wrote the Ramayana. Accepting people and situations around us helps us to develop patience.
4. The next values were Satyam or truthfulness and Sila or good character which represents the flag of
the chariot. Always keeping your words is being truthful. Talked about the life of Gandhiji. Having good friends helps us to develop good thoughts. Good thoughts shape our character.
5. The horses of the chariot are represented by balam or strength, discrimination between right from wrong is Viveka. Control of senses is Dama and caring for others is Parahita. Developing inner strength is balam.
6. The reins of the chariot are represented by Kshama or forgiveness, krpa or compassion, and samata or equanimity. Told the story of Eknath Maharaj. After being insulted many times by an arrogant person, Maharaj forgave him. Having empathy for everyone makes forgiving easy. Riding the changes in our life with cheer helps us to develop Samatvam. We talked about Lord Rama's story. He dealt every challenge in his life with cheer.
7.The intelligent charioteer has Devotion towards the Lord. Surrendering to the Lord and accepting his will helps us lead a life of happiness and peace.
8. The enemies we deal with in our life are attachment and passion. We talked about detachment'- attachment yoga as taught by Pujya Gurudev. We talked about not being a slave to the gadgets around us. Enjoy them but don't become a slave.
9. The shield is Birati or Dispassion and Contentment or Santosha is the sword.
Had a discussion on the quote- 'the earth provides us for every man's needs but not for every man's greed'. Sharing our time, money in society helps us to be content.
10. Charity or danam is the Axe or parasu, and right understanding, Buddhi is the missile. We discussed the generosity of Mother nature.
Discussed Pujya Gurudev's quote- ' what we each have is a gift from God, but what we do with what we have, is our gift to God'.
Charity helps us to put other people's needs as important as my needs.
We talked about each value of the Dharma chariot with stories. Each value when followed helps us to lead a righteous life and have qualities like Lord Rama.
Our next class is on April 14th.
Class program on April 21st. Children should be present for play practice on April 14th.
Gita chanting competition on April 22nd. Please register children for the event.
Pranams
Nirmala and Mythili
