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Week 11 Class
1/5/25 - We began with likhita japa, followed by opening prayers.
Mahabharata
We reviewed the first four days of the war through different formations and gave students the chance to read aloud from the handbook. Additionally, we discussed the concept of a "fair war" and explored the reasoning behind Bhishma's actions. Discussing what a "fair war" means might have opened up avenues to explore ideas such as the rules of engagement, the concept of justice, and the impact of war on individuals and societies.
The Bhagavad Gita will be discussed in detail from BV grades 10 through 12. The children concluded that Bhagwan's advice was not meant only for Arjuna, but meant for all of us and the Gita can guide us through tough situations we may face in our lives.
India, the Sacred Land
Indian Dress Styles and Fashions: India boasts a rich and diverse cultural heritage, reflected in the various dress styles and fashion traditions across the country. Each region has its own unique attire, influenced by local climate, traditions, and history. Some key examples include:
North India: In states like Punjab and Haryana, the traditional attire for women includes the salwar kameez or lehenga choli, often paired with a dupatta. Men often wear kurta with pyjama or dhoti. In Kashmir, women may wear a pheran, a warm, loose robe.
South India: South Indian women traditionally wear the saree, often in cotton or silk fabrics, with the Madisar style in Tamil Nadu being a distinctive feature. Men typically wear lungis or veshtis. The Kerala mundu is another popular attire in the south.
Spices in India: We spoke about spices have long been an essential part of Indian cuisine, and they also offer various health benefits due to their medicinal properties, students got share what they cook or help their families cook:
Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions such as arthritis, skin disorders, and digestive issues.
Ginger: Often used to aid digestion, ginger has anti-nausea properties and can be used to treat colds, coughs, and sore throats. It is also known for its ability to reduce inflammation.
Cumin: Cumin aids in digestion and is often used to treat bloating and indigestion. It also has antimicrobial properties.
Coriander: Known to improve digestion, coriander also helps in reducing inflammation and lowering blood sugar levels.
Cardamom: Often used to treat digestive issues, cardamom can also help reduce high blood pressure and improve oral health.
Fenugreek: Fenugreek seeds are known to aid in digestion, reduce blood sugar levels, and promote milk production in nursing mothers.
North India: In states like Punjab and Haryana, the traditional attire for women includes the salwar kameez or lehenga choli, often paired with a dupatta. Men often wear kurta with pyjama or dhoti. In Kashmir, women may wear a pheran, a warm, loose robe.
South India: South Indian women traditionally wear the saree, often in cotton or silk fabrics, with the Madisar style in Tamil Nadu being a distinctive feature. Men typically wear lungis or veshtis. The Kerala mundu is another popular attire in the south.
Spices in India: We spoke about spices have long been an essential part of Indian cuisine, and they also offer various health benefits due to their medicinal properties, students got share what they cook or help their families cook:
Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, turmeric is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat conditions such as arthritis, skin disorders, and digestive issues.
Ginger: Often used to aid digestion, ginger has anti-nausea properties and can be used to treat colds, coughs, and sore throats. It is also known for its ability to reduce inflammation.
Cumin: Cumin aids in digestion and is often used to treat bloating and indigestion. It also has antimicrobial properties.
Coriander: Known to improve digestion, coriander also helps in reducing inflammation and lowering blood sugar levels.
Cardamom: Often used to treat digestive issues, cardamom can also help reduce high blood pressure and improve oral health.
Fenugreek: Fenugreek seeds are known to aid in digestion, reduce blood sugar levels, and promote milk production in nursing mothers.
Gita Chanting
Today we learned verses 12 and 13 from our Swamiji.
The session ended with aarti and pledge recitation.
- Rashmi Kuroodi and Sangeetha Srikanth
Supplies needed for every class:- Bala Vihar Handbook, My Prayers book, the Junior Class Workbook Part 1 & 2, a notebook and pencils for likhita japa; everything in their Bala Vihar bag
*Reference books - Mahabharata by Rajagopalachari / Mahabharata by Kamala Subramaniam
