We started the class with Likhita Japa of OM namaḥ śiva̅ya. After chanting OM three times, we closed our eyes, held our hands in chin mudra and meditated for a few minutes. We sang opening prayers, followed by shlokas and bhajans in praise of each deity we have learned so far.
We had a quiz on facts we have learned so far about Lord Shiva.
We started our discussion on "SivaLingam". We learned about the various parts of a siva lingam - brahma bhaaga, vishnu bhaaga and rudra bhaaga. The elliptical rudra bhaaga represents the formless Lord Siva and as Lord Siva loves "abhishekha", devotees offer holy water, milk, honey, bhasmam, bilva leaves etc. on the top of the rudra bhaaga. We also discussed about TriPundra and reviewed the significance of wearing bhasma.
We discussed about "Nandi", Lord Shiva's vehicle. The class had an interesting discussion regarding ṛṣabha. We discussed the meaning of the word ṛṣabha, recalled how SriKrishna refers to Arjuna as bharatarṣabha in Bhagavad Gi̅ta̅. We discussed about the zodiac sign - ṛṣabham.
We then discussed about a practice followed when visiting shiva temples. Devotees first offer their salutations to Nandi; then place the index finger and thumb of the right hand on the two horns of Nandi, and look through the circle formed to get a darshan of Lord Shiva. We discussed the symbolism behind this practice. The index finger represents the individual ego, the thumb represents the self, the Lord within. They are far removed from each other, each facing a different direction. However to get a vision of the Lord, we need help from the two horns of nandi that represent viveka (discrimination) and vaira̅gya (dispassion). Nandi that is placed inside the temple represents a realized soul, and the Nandi that is placed outside the temple is an extroverted human. The two horns of the Nandi placed outside symbolize the two gunas or characteristics: tamas and rajas.
The class chanted Bhagavad Geeta verses that they have learned so far in Chapter 13. They learned to chant two new verses, Verse #11, Verse #12. We briefly discussed how SriKrishna explains the term Knowledge in verses 8-12.
After attendance, teachers and kids from the other section joined our class. We brainstormed ideas for the game-show that fifth grade shall be hosting on the Annual day. Fifth grade team finalized the game, brainstormed on the high level task list, and did a mock round of the game.
Note: Fifth graders are requested to think through the game show, decide what role they would like to play, and send their suggestions regarding the name of the game-show, ideas for prizes, game presentation. Please put your thoughts down in words, and share your thoughts by sending an email to 5thgradecmtc@gmail.com.
After Arti and closing prayers the class dispersed.
Blessings,
Fifth Grade Teachers
We had a quiz on facts we have learned so far about Lord Shiva.
We started our discussion on "SivaLingam". We learned about the various parts of a siva lingam - brahma bhaaga, vishnu bhaaga and rudra bhaaga. The elliptical rudra bhaaga represents the formless Lord Siva and as Lord Siva loves "abhishekha", devotees offer holy water, milk, honey, bhasmam, bilva leaves etc. on the top of the rudra bhaaga. We also discussed about TriPundra and reviewed the significance of wearing bhasma.
We discussed about "Nandi", Lord Shiva's vehicle. The class had an interesting discussion regarding ṛṣabha. We discussed the meaning of the word ṛṣabha, recalled how SriKrishna refers to Arjuna as bharatarṣabha in Bhagavad Gi̅ta̅. We discussed about the zodiac sign - ṛṣabham.
We then discussed about a practice followed when visiting shiva temples. Devotees first offer their salutations to Nandi; then place the index finger and thumb of the right hand on the two horns of Nandi, and look through the circle formed to get a darshan of Lord Shiva. We discussed the symbolism behind this practice. The index finger represents the individual ego, the thumb represents the self, the Lord within. They are far removed from each other, each facing a different direction. However to get a vision of the Lord, we need help from the two horns of nandi that represent viveka (discrimination) and vaira̅gya (dispassion). Nandi that is placed inside the temple represents a realized soul, and the Nandi that is placed outside the temple is an extroverted human. The two horns of the Nandi placed outside symbolize the two gunas or characteristics: tamas and rajas.
The class chanted Bhagavad Geeta verses that they have learned so far in Chapter 13. They learned to chant two new verses, Verse #11, Verse #12. We briefly discussed how SriKrishna explains the term Knowledge in verses 8-12.
After attendance, teachers and kids from the other section joined our class. We brainstormed ideas for the game-show that fifth grade shall be hosting on the Annual day. Fifth grade team finalized the game, brainstormed on the high level task list, and did a mock round of the game.
Note: Fifth graders are requested to think through the game show, decide what role they would like to play, and send their suggestions regarding the name of the game-show, ideas for prizes, game presentation. Please put your thoughts down in words, and share your thoughts by sending an email to 5thgradecmtc@gmail.com.
After Arti and closing prayers the class dispersed.
Blessings,
Fifth Grade Teachers
