Hari OM.
We started our second Balavihar class with meditation and opening prayers.
We reviewed the significance and need for Symbols and how symbols make communication effective, easy and help us cross-over barriers of language, geography, etc. Couple of kids had researched about the Yin-Yang symbol and explained to their class-mates! We then discussed how the ancient Chinese had arrived at this symbol; with the help of a 8' long pole, the length of the shadow cast by the pole at a certain time of the day was recorded and plotted in six concentric circles divided into 24 sectors! Isn't that scientific? For more details please refer to http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/yinyang.htm
We talked about the unique discriminative ability gifted to Humans, the intellect; the significance of Religion to Humans and how all the religions, in essence, prescribe a set of practices to live life to the fullest potential. We talked about instruments required to perceive various objects starting from microbes to gallaxies. To succeed in our quest to realize God the instrument that we have to fine-tune is our MIND. We discussed why in Bala Vihar we meditate, and work on purifying our thoughts: to succeed in OUR JOURNEY TO SELF/GOD REALIZATION!
We all closed our eyes for a couple of minutes and tried to think of God. Some of the kids pictured Rama, Krishna, OM Symbol, Devis etc. We then discussed the role of IDOLS known as mUrtis, and how our great Rishis used Idols to symbolize various ideals they wanted the human race to strive for. In the beginning of our spiritual journey, we need the help or assistance of these Idols or forms to keep us devoted to our End Goal.
Well with that, we switched gears to current events and discussed about Ganesh Chaturti. The class shared what each one knew about Ganesha, the different names of Ganesha, and reviewed the meaning of our opening prayer - "shuklAmbaradharam ..", and how this festival was celebrated in their home. Research Assignment: Why do we Fast? What is the significance of number 21?
Kids then listened to the story of how Ganesha came into being! Wow, many of us never knew the story of Gajaasura and how his head found its place in Ganesha's body, crafted by Parvati Ma with her bath powder. We also discussed few other variations of the story.
We then reviewed the story of how Ganesha won the mango in a competition with Muruga, depicting the importance of parents to a child. We reviewed Ganesha's names, how he was designated to be remover of all obstacles and hence earned the name Vighneshvara, Vighnaraja, etc.
With that we concluded our second exciting class. After attendance, we sang Arti and two kids volunteered to lead the class in reciting CM Pledge.
Looking forward to the next sunday class on Oct 7th. Have a good time until then!
Anjana Aunty & Prasad Uncle
We started our second Balavihar class with meditation and opening prayers.
We reviewed the significance and need for Symbols and how symbols make communication effective, easy and help us cross-over barriers of language, geography, etc. Couple of kids had researched about the Yin-Yang symbol and explained to their class-mates! We then discussed how the ancient Chinese had arrived at this symbol; with the help of a 8' long pole, the length of the shadow cast by the pole at a certain time of the day was recorded and plotted in six concentric circles divided into 24 sectors! Isn't that scientific? For more details please refer to http://www.chinesefortunecalendar.com/yinyang.htm
We talked about the unique discriminative ability gifted to Humans, the intellect; the significance of Religion to Humans and how all the religions, in essence, prescribe a set of practices to live life to the fullest potential. We talked about instruments required to perceive various objects starting from microbes to gallaxies. To succeed in our quest to realize God the instrument that we have to fine-tune is our MIND. We discussed why in Bala Vihar we meditate, and work on purifying our thoughts: to succeed in OUR JOURNEY TO SELF/GOD REALIZATION!
We all closed our eyes for a couple of minutes and tried to think of God. Some of the kids pictured Rama, Krishna, OM Symbol, Devis etc. We then discussed the role of IDOLS known as mUrtis, and how our great Rishis used Idols to symbolize various ideals they wanted the human race to strive for. In the beginning of our spiritual journey, we need the help or assistance of these Idols or forms to keep us devoted to our End Goal.
Well with that, we switched gears to current events and discussed about Ganesh Chaturti. The class shared what each one knew about Ganesha, the different names of Ganesha, and reviewed the meaning of our opening prayer - "shuklAmbaradharam ..", and how this festival was celebrated in their home. Research Assignment: Why do we Fast? What is the significance of number 21?
Kids then listened to the story of how Ganesha came into being! Wow, many of us never knew the story of Gajaasura and how his head found its place in Ganesha's body, crafted by Parvati Ma with her bath powder. We also discussed few other variations of the story.
We then reviewed the story of how Ganesha won the mango in a competition with Muruga, depicting the importance of parents to a child. We reviewed Ganesha's names, how he was designated to be remover of all obstacles and hence earned the name Vighneshvara, Vighnaraja, etc.
With that we concluded our second exciting class. After attendance, we sang Arti and two kids volunteered to lead the class in reciting CM Pledge.
Looking forward to the next sunday class on Oct 7th. Have a good time until then!
Anjana Aunty & Prasad Uncle
