Nov 24, 2024 - JCHYK Gr. 10-12 (Sunday AM)

Hari om everyone, 

We had a wonderful and engaging class this week, and we are some highlights with you here!

We started the session with meditation and chanting from the Bhagavad Gita, progressing up to verse 22.  It is coming along well. 

QQ of the Day:

The question posed to the class was: What is easy to get into but very difficult to get out of?
The responses were thoughtful and varied: quicksand, a hole, a swimming pool (if you don't know how to swim 😊), alcohol, drug addiction, smoking, lying, trouble, etc. All of these answers were valid and insightful!

The intended answer was trouble, and it sparked a meaningful discussion. Most of the other answers do come under this one umbrella called trouble!  We related it to the Mahabharata, specifically Yudhishthira's gambling episode, which showed how one weak moment can lead to lasting consequences.

Exciting News – JCHYK Teaching Day!

We're thrilled to announce that, as part of their growth and learning, the students will have the opportunity to teach younger grades on January 26, 2025. This is a much-loved annual tradition where our students step into the role of teachers for a day.  It is cherished by our youngsters as much as our JCHYKs! 

Today, the students formed teams, selected their grades (with a little fun through chit-picking when multiple teams chose the same grade 😊), and began their planning process. A spreadsheet has been shared in the students-only WhatsApp group, where they will fill out their contact details and keep track of their preparations.

Encouraging independence, we've reminded the students to take ownership. If needed, we will follow up with the parents, but we're confident they'll step up to the challenge!

Storytime and Key Lessons:

Continuing the Mahabharata, we explored the Pandavas' incognito year in Virata's kingdom, culminating in Arjuna's victory (as Brihannala) over the Kaurava army.

We also discussed the importance of listening to our inner voice—or, when younger, to our parents—as a guiding force to avoid poor decisions. To illustrate this, we shared a story of a boy who became a thief because his parents failed to discipline him. 

This led to a lighthearted yet meaningful exchange, during our Unique Statement Review (USR)—one student joked, "When we grow older and mess up, we can always blame our parents!"

This sparked laughter, but we countered with, "You can blame them, but you'll be the one paying the price! Accountability is key as we grow older."

Our class wrapped up by leading the aarati and prayer in the temple hall. As we part for the week, here's something for contemplation:

Wishing you all a joyful Thanksgiving.  May we all take a moment to reflect on the many blessings we have to be thankful for!

Regards, 

Rashmi.