Hari Om Parents!
We started the class with 3 OMs followed by the opening prayer "Sahanavatu", Ganesha, Saraswati and Guru shlokas.
Then We moved to chant the Gītā dhyānam shlokas and completed till verse 9.
We played a "Connections" game similar to one from The New York Times with characters from Mahabharata and values learnt from Yaksa Prasna so far. The kids were divided as 2 teams to have a group discussion to come up with the category of character belongs with the same value/nature. Kids were almost able to complete it with 1 or 2 names off. Overall it was a good exercise to dive deep in to character analysis. Example for grouping of characters: how Dronacharya, Bhisma, Gandhari & Dhirtarashtra had personal intentions to stick to adharma even though they know dharma. So they should be considered as one group. Similar other 3 groups had a common connection like moral values learnt from Yaksa Prashna, best archery skill and adharmic characters.
Then we learnt Dharma in detail with its true definition: it is that which sustains, uplifts and integrates individuals as well the society. Also discussed about how dharma is related in-terms of self knowledge(divinity), action and feelings. If our actions, feelings are to do good /bring goodness for the greater community, that's dharma.
Time to do the Gita chanting chapter 5, started with verse 14 & 15. Chanted together while a video recording of Swami Shantananda Gita chanting was played.
Spent sometime discussed about the stage play concept then after the closing prayer went to arati.
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Pranams
Abhirami
Selvi
