Hari Om,
We started our classes with the opening prayers:
We started our classes with the opening prayers:
- Om chants (3 times)
- Shanti mantra - Sa ha navavatu
- Shri Ganeshaya Namah
- Shri Saraswatyai Namah
- Devi Dhyana Shloka – Sarva Mangala (Page 39 in My Prayers book)
1. India, The Sacred Land:
In this section, covered the following points with the help of this presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Uy9E9eAC9J_E7JFFSegKAYSpTpH-8szWtN8uD-RNKzY/edit?usp=sharing
- Exploring Indian Languages and Traditions
- Our Languages – A Land of Diversity
- Sanskrit – The Language of the Gods
- Panini, The Ancient Grammarian
- Did You Know? Sanskrit Words in English
- What Is Today? – Hindu Calendar Basics
- The Hindu Calendar – Solar and Lunar Years
- Seasons to Rejoice – India's Six Seasons
- Quiz Time! Test Your Knowledge
- Introduction - Attitude of Gratitude
- Deva runa - Spiritual Gratitude
- Rsi runa - Wisdom and Learning
- Pitr runa - Family and Tradition
- Nr runa - Service to Society
- Bhuta runa - Gratitude for Nature
- Expressing Gratitude Daily
- Lesson from History – The Great Sparrow Campaign
- Key to Divine Cooperation
The students had an enriching class where they learned about the diverse ways different regions of India mark the first day of the month based on either Amavasya (new moon), Purnima (full moon) or Sankranti. They were fascinated to discover that India recognizes six distinct seasons and has an extra leap month known as 'Adhika Masa'. The concept of 'runas' (debts or obligations) was introduced. They also learned about 'Pitru Paksha*, a 15-day period dedicated to honoring ancestors, and discussed ways to express gratitude to fulfill these various runas. They also learned the ways to show gratitude for each runa.
2. Mahabharata:
After 16 yrs of birth of princes, Pandu dies of curse and Kunti along with five Pandavas goes back to Hastinapura. Duryodhana was always jealous of Pandavas' valor and hated Bhima the most. He tried to kill Bhima by poisoning him but it worked in Bhima's favor. Drona gets appointed to teach Kauravas and Pandavas archery and martial arts. Drona was very impressed with Arjuna's talent and promised to make him the best archer.
Simultaneously, we discussed the story of Karna and Ekalavya to make a comparison between three students.
Ekalavya was the prince of the forest tribe and approached Drona to teach him archery skills. Drona refused since he taught only kshatriyas. Ekalavya instills Drona in his heart, makes an external image and masters his skills based on this inspiration. He becomes an amazing archer.
When this gets discovered by Kuru princes, Drona asked for Ekalavya's right thumb as Guru dakshina which was willingly offered by Ekalavya. Class gave various reasons for Drona's demand from Ekalavya. Precious skills of archery should only rest in the hands of noble kshatriyas who protect the people. If this would be with Ekalayvya it would be used for a wrong cause which was proved in the future when Ekalavya fought against Lord Krishna.
Karna also approaches Drona to teach him archery which was refused. Later he lies to Parashurama of being a brahmana and learns all the skills including Brahmastra. With the wasp bite incident, Karna's identity gets revealed and he gets cursed by Parashurama.
Class had to compare these three students and come up with an analysis on who was a better student.
Arjuna's relationship with his teacher was open and honest. Only after gaining the trust, Drona promises to make him the best archer. Arjuna was a dedicated, committed, hard working student. Also his skill would be beneficial and boost the world's harmony.
Ekalavya had lots of Guru bhakti. He was an extremely committed and single pointed student. But Drona foresees the folly in future and demands the Gurudakshina.
Karna had lots of vanity and wanted to showcase it all the time. His relationship with Parashurama was not honest. One should never betray his own teacher. Only when the student is transparent, a teacher can raise him to the highest. All this lacked in the relationship.
Hence Arjuna is the best student.
Karna showcases his talent in Hastinapura and becomes the friend of Duryodhana and the king of Anga.
Simultaneously, we discussed the story of Karna and Ekalavya to make a comparison between three students.
Ekalavya was the prince of the forest tribe and approached Drona to teach him archery skills. Drona refused since he taught only kshatriyas. Ekalavya instills Drona in his heart, makes an external image and masters his skills based on this inspiration. He becomes an amazing archer.
When this gets discovered by Kuru princes, Drona asked for Ekalavya's right thumb as Guru dakshina which was willingly offered by Ekalavya. Class gave various reasons for Drona's demand from Ekalavya. Precious skills of archery should only rest in the hands of noble kshatriyas who protect the people. If this would be with Ekalayvya it would be used for a wrong cause which was proved in the future when Ekalavya fought against Lord Krishna.
Karna also approaches Drona to teach him archery which was refused. Later he lies to Parashurama of being a brahmana and learns all the skills including Brahmastra. With the wasp bite incident, Karna's identity gets revealed and he gets cursed by Parashurama.
Class had to compare these three students and come up with an analysis on who was a better student.
Arjuna's relationship with his teacher was open and honest. Only after gaining the trust, Drona promises to make him the best archer. Arjuna was a dedicated, committed, hard working student. Also his skill would be beneficial and boost the world's harmony.
Ekalavya had lots of Guru bhakti. He was an extremely committed and single pointed student. But Drona foresees the folly in future and demands the Gurudakshina.
Karna had lots of vanity and wanted to showcase it all the time. His relationship with Parashurama was not honest. One should never betray his own teacher. Only when the student is transparent, a teacher can raise him to the highest. All this lacked in the relationship.
Hence Arjuna is the best student.
Karna showcases his talent in Hastinapura and becomes the friend of Duryodhana and the king of Anga.
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As mentioned in the Whatsapp group, It has been two months since our Bala Vihar has started. We would like to meet with you all and discuss the progress we have made and also talk about upcoming important events of the ashram. Please meet us in the classroom on November 17 at 10:30 AM.
Regards,
Sachin and Sirisha
Sachin and Sirisha
