Prayers:
- We started by chanting OM three times, and our opening prayers. Then we refreshed on last week's class using a quiz.
- We continued with Guru Stostram, verse 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. and 7. Then they learnt verse 8. Children took turns to say verses 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
About types of devotion:
- We started today's lesson with learning about three types of devotion, Tamasic, Rajasic and Sattvic.
o Devotion while harboring negative emotions like jealousy and hatred is Tamasic.
o Devotion with desires is Rajasic.
o The superior of all is Sattvic devotion, which is out of pure love for God.
- We explained with short stories of Saint Tukaram and his Sattvic devotion where his devotion to god was with love and gratitude.
- We also talked about the attitude of gratitude shown by the sparrow who was standing with one foot due to the scorching sun and how it could not find any tree with shade. The sparrow requested Sage Narada to ask God if he can help him find a tree with green leaves and some shade as the heat was too much to stand with both feet. Sage Narada took the question to the Lord. But Lord said that the sparrow can't see green trees for a few lives. Saddened by the answer, Narada was wondering how to say this sad news to the sparrow. He was surprised to see the sparrow enjoying the shade under a green tree. Sage Narada was confused. The lord said even though the sparrow was destined to live a few lives under no shade of trees, his attitude of gratitude and thanking God for giving him two legs to be able to bear the heat of the sun made him get a shaded tree.
Story of Sati
Sati, the daughter of Daksha and Prasuti is married to Lord Shiva. Daksha, owing to his power and wealth, was very arrogant. Once a sacrifice was performed by the rishis where all Gods and kings were invited. As Daksha enters the place, everyone gets up as a mark of respect, except for Brahma and Shiva. Daksha bows to Brahma as he is his father, but gets angry at Shiva for not standing up. He insults Shiva in front of everyone and curses him that henceforth Shiva shall not be given the share of any sacrifice. Although Shiva remains calm, his follower Nandishwara gives a counter-curse that Daksha shall remain ignorant, and will soon get a goat's head.
After some time, Daksha plans to perform a grand yagna to which he invites everyone except Sati and Shiva. Sati, hearing about this, wants to attend the yagna. Shiva tries to stop her as they were not given an invitation. Sati insists on going as she feels she does not need an invitation to go to her parents' house. Shiva agrees reluctantly. When she reaches Daksha's house no one really gives her a warm welcome, She sees that there is no offering being made to Shiva. She is unable to bear the humiliation being done to her husband. She does not want to remain as Daksha's daughter anymore, and in yogic fire burns herself to ashes. Hearing this, Shiva is enraged. He creates Virabhadra and sends him to destroy Daksha's yagna. Virabhadra accordingly destroys everything and beheads Daksha. Everyone is scared and all the Gods approach Shiva along with Brahma, and ask for pardon. Shiva, who has calmed down by now, forgives them and brings Daksha back to life with a goat's head. Sati is reborn as Himavan's daughter, Parvathi and marries Shiva after years of penance.
We talked about how the arrogance of Daksha brought about his destruction. We discussed the difference between Shiva's fury due to losing his wife, and Daksha's anger born of arrogance and pride.
We did a kahoot game like a brain inventory check to quiz kids on lessons taught until today. Kids participated with such eagerness and enthusiasm. Was lovely to see that!
Geeta Chanting: Students learnt Geeta chanting verses 8, 9, 10 and 11 from Chapter 5.
@Parents, please help your child practice the following Geeta chanting verses and come to class next time. Also please help your child practice Guru Stostram verses 1-8 in the My Prayers book and Bala vihar Handbook.
Ø Verse 8-9: https://bit.ly/BGCh5verses8-9
Ø Verse 10-11: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrFdnLCONKs
Ø Complete playlist of verses is here: https://bit.ly/BGCh5Playlist
We completed the class with Aarti, Shanthi Mantra and closing prayers.
There will be no class next weeked. We will see the children after the new year. Happy Holidays and happy new year to all !
With sincere and warm regards,
Aruna and Rajeshwari
(Chinmaya Vrindavan BalaVihar Grade 3 Teachers)
