Hariom Parents,
Hope you all had a wonderful Navratri. Here is a summary of the things we did over the last 3 sessions. Sorry for the long summary as it covers the past 3 weeks of sessions and activities.
Over the past three weeks, the Balavihar class explored a range of topics centered on understanding success, karma, and ethical action. The session began with a discussion on what success truly means. Students reflected on how success is often perceived as material achievement but can be much more meaningful when defined in terms of personal growth, happiness, fulfillment, and the positive impact one has on others. This conversation opened the door to thinking about success as something unique to each person, extending beyond external validation to inner satisfaction and purpose.
Following this, the class examined what qualities are essential to achieve success. Here, students learned that perseverance, discipline, hard work, self-confidence, and clear goals are foundational. The discussion emphasized the importance of a growth mindset, which embraces continuous learning and resilience when facing obstacles. These qualities help individuals navigate challenges with optimism and a strong sense of direction, underscoring the importance of self-discipline and effort in achieving meaningful success.
Below is the picture of what children thought about Success and qualities essential to achieving success.
In an engaging and interactive exercise, students participated in the "Karma Box Game" to introduce the concept of karma in a hands-on way. This game included various scenarios that demonstrated how every action we take leads to specific consequences, both for ourselves and others. Through this activity, students grasped the core idea that actions create outcomes—teaching the importance of being responsible and mindful of one's choices.
One of the key focus of this session was to understand what Karma is and how it is an essential part of achieving success. We discussed various types of Karma - Nithya Karma (Obligatory Duties) and Naimittika Karma (Special Occasion Actions) .
The class explored the two fundamental Laws of Karma. The first law states that the performer of the action (Kartha) always receives the result (Karma Phala) of that action, emphasizing the personal responsibility and direct connection between one's actions and their outcomes. The second law explains that the results of actions always come at the right time, reinforcing that outcomes are not random but unfold according to a natural order, even if they are not immediate. Together, these laws highlight the inevitability of karmic results and the importance of patience and trust in the timing of life's events.
Students also explored the elements of karma—Kartha (the doer), Karma (the action), and Karma Phala (the result or outcome). The conversation highlighted how these three elements interplay, shaping one's life and experiences. This session underscored the importance of selfless and responsible action, reminding students that while they may not control the outcomes, they can control the intention and effort behind each action.
In the context of these concepts, the class also discussed a well-known dialogue from the Mahabharata between King Yudhisthira and Bhisma Pitamah. In this conversation, Bhisma imparts wisdom to Yudhisthira on the importance of righteousness, ethical conduct, and the understanding of one's duty, or Dharma. Bhisma's teachings served to reinforce the idea of detachment from the "fruits" of actions, encouraging students to focus on doing the right thing for its own sake rather than for the rewards it might bring.
Building on this, students were introduced to the ten karmas, or actions, to avoid, which were categorized into sins of the body, mind, and speech. The three sins of the body included causing harm to others, theft, and excessive indulgence in physical actions that lack restraint. The three sins of the mind included harboring jealousy, wishing harm upon others, and excessive attachment or greed. The four sins of speech included dishonesty, gossiping, hurtful language, and manipulation. Each of these actions was discussed to encourage ethical self-discipline and the importance of aligning one's actions with moral principles.
Finally, students engaged in an exercise to categorize different actions into the types of sins (body, mind, or speech). This reflective activity helped them consider their daily actions and understand the importance of being mindful. Through this exercise, students gained a deeper appreciation for the ethical dimension of karma, inspiring them to make conscious, positive choices in everyday life.
The class is also learning to chant Geetha Dhyanam. We covered the first 2 stanzas and will continue to chat about this over the next few classes. The intent is to cover the whole Geetha Dhynam by end of this year.
The children also did some Likhitha Japa as well in each of the classes.
Please make sure that the kids carry the handbook, My Prayers Book , A notebook and pencil. We still see a few youths walking into the class without any of these.
A few other things that the children did over the past weeks which you may have seen covered in other chats…
1. Children from various classes grouped into "Houses" did celebrate the Ganesh Chaturthi where they built a Lord Ganesha idol using playdough clay and then decorated the idol on a platform. They also made some prasadam and did a pooja of lord Ganesh as a group.
2. Last week the Class did Saraswathi Pooja and leant the process of doing a pooja as a group in the assembly hall.
Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead and a very Happy Diwali.
No Class next week and our Next Class is on Nov 8th
Thank you and Regards
Shankar , Viji and Uma.
