Hari OM Dear Families,
Here is this week's update.
The action bhajan video was sent already in whatsapp group for the children to practice at home. The shloka audio and the other bhajan sequence were also sent in the Whatsapp group for the children to practice.
Please reach out on whatsapp if you don't see the sequence to be practiced or you have any questions.
Rama and Lakshmana arrive at Pampa river and see an ashram. It belongs to Sage Matanga's disciple Shabari. She is an old tapaswini and was asked by her guru to wait for Rama's visit. Everyday she would collect fruits and berries from the forest, taste them to make sure they were sweet, and keep the food ready for Rama. After several years of waiting, she is so happy to see Rama. She then offers her half eaten "sweet" fruits to Rama and he gladly eats them. Nourished from the food offered by Shabari, Rama and Lakshmana set off towards Rishyamukha hill to find Sugreeva.
This concludes the Aranya Kanda, next is Kishkindha Kanda.
Hanuman, disguised as an old brahmin scholar approaches Rama and Lakshmana. After they introduce themselves Hanuman recognises Lord Rama and changes back to his original form. Offering his pranaam, Hanuman tells them that he is King Sugreeva's minister. He then hears Rama's story and that they need Sugreeva's help to find Sita. Carrying each of them on his shoulders, Hanuman takes them to Sugreeva who welcomes them.
The story of Sugreeva and his brother Vali.
King Vali ruled Kishkinda and was famous for his strength. The rishi Matanga cursed Vali that he would meet his death on Rishyamukha Hill when vali punched Dundhubhi and his blood splashed in Rishi matanga's ashram and messed the purity of the ashram and was cursed by the Rishi that he will die if he steps his foot on Rishyamukha mountain, and Vali stayed away from that day. Sugreeva decided to hide from his brother at Rishyamukha Hill because of another incident that took place. The demon Mayavi challenged Vali to a fight because he punched his brother Dundhubhi. He then ran away to a cave and both brothers pursued him. Vali leaves Sugreeva to guard the entrance and goes into the cave to fight. After some time, Sugreeva hears a terrible cry and sees blood coming out of the cave. Assuming that Vali is killed he blocks the entrance with a huge rock and returns to Kishkinda. Sugreeva is crowned king, but after a few days Vali returns. He is furious to see Sugreeva has become king and attacks him. Sugreeva tries to explain what happened, but Vali does not listen. Fearing for his life, Sugreeva flees to Rishyamukha Hill along with Hanuman and a few loyal vanaras. The brothers Vali and Sugreeva broke all their ties and became enemies.. Lord Rama and King Sugreeva forming a friendship and pledging to help one another.
Gita- gita verses 10 and 11 from chapter 5.
Please play the videos and show it to the children, they can practice. The playlist is linked in the description box of our class whatsapp. We have to memorize verses until 16 for our grade level.
Next class on 1/12/2025 (please head to class, unless there is any message)
Children should bring their own copy of "My prayers" book, Ramayana coloring book (for coloring activity), Balavihar handbook (we provided on the first session) 9/15), pencils and erasers and crayons.
Children may bring their own "spill proof water bottles"
NO snacks please. Please give them a good breakfast before coming to Balavihar. Also make sure they use the bathroom before going into the class.
Please bring the children to balavihar a few minutes before 9.15. We want to promptly start by 9.15. Please make sure the student is not late and may come latest by 9.20 and not later than that.
Links and Reminders:
Please join the class WhatsApp group if you have not already-
https://chat.whatsapp.com/IAbzyq5I0ioF7FF6Cr85J0
