May 21, 2023 - Grade 3 (Sunday PM)

Hari OM Parents,

Please find the details of today's class.

We started the class with opening prayers and a quick recap of last week's stories on Vamana Avatara, Sage Chyavana and King Ambareesha. 

We practiced all the Slokas of Dashavatara Stotram. 

Story time: King Rantideva 

King Rantideva was a very generous king and always worked for the welfare of his people. Once there was a famine and his kingdom faced a severe shortage of food and water. Despite the difficult situation, King Rantideva refused to consume any food or water until all the people and even the animals in his kingdom were adequately fed. When the King had fasted for forty eight days, someone brought him a bowl of porridge. Rantideva and his family were so happy to see the food, they sat down to eat. Just then an old brahmin in need of food came. King Rantideva gave a part of his porridge to him. Again as they sat down to eat, a beggar came to the door. Rantideva gave him some portion of the food. Then a sweeper came with his dogs. The King gave the remaining portion of the food to him. He was about to drink some water, when a chandala came asking for some water. Ranti deva saw the Lord in the chandala,and gave him the little water that was left. Suddenly Maya appeared in front of him. "You have suffered much. I can remove all your problems, and give you all the wealth and riches." Rantideva asked Maya for nothing, as his mind was engrossed in the Lord. 
Maya disappeared and Rantideva was blessed by the Lord himself.

The tale of Rantideva emphasizes the importance of empathy, humility, and service to humanity, highlighting the noble qualities that make a true leader and role model.

Story time: King Vipaschita 

King Vipaschita worked his whole life for others. He was more like a saint than a king. When he died, angels came to take him to heaven. But King Vipaschita wanted to see the suffering in hell before entering heaven. When he was taken to hell, the king only saw happy faces in hell. People ran to him to greet him and receive his blessings.
The King was surprised and asked the angels why everyone is happy here and this looks like heaven. The angels replied "there is suffering everywhere. Your proximity fills the people's hearts with joy". King said, "Then I don't have to go any further, this is my heaven"

Heaven is where we are able to spread happiness. Give and spread the job, make others smile. 

We discussed the following Avataras of Lord Vishnu: 

• Parashurama Avatara: When Kings became disrespectful to Brahmins, Parashurama came on earth and made earth free of Kshatriyas twenty one times.
• Rama Avatara: To help devas, to kill Ravana and other evil forces, he took the form of Rama, the King.
• Krishna Avatara: To relieve Mother Earth, he took birth in Yadukula as Krishna.
• Buddha Avatara: In Kaliyuga, he is born in Magadha as Buddha to remove delusion.
• Kalki Avatara: Towards the end of Kaliyuga when even kings will become thieves, the Lord will appear to destroy evil and protect the virtuous.

We played a couple of word wall games. We will be doing some important activities in the next class on 4th June. Please don't miss it! 

We concluded the class with Aarthi, prayer and the Pledge.

Thanks and warm regards,
Aruna and Subbu