October 29, 2017

Hari Om, Parents

Our Sunday session began with a rejuvenating Yoga Session focusing on mind and body alignment. We went on to review the Dharma Chariot, and continued on to learn about the 4 horses, which are the driving forces. They are:

Bala: Not just physical strength, but also, and most importantly, Inner strength of mind, fearless action. discussed what fear does to individual

Viveka: Discriminating good vs bad, right vs wrong. We discussed making a thoughtful, mindful decision in real life situation, and the kids participated actively voicing how they would handle the situation using their 'Viveka'. 

Dama: Self-Control, where 'you' control the senses and not the other way around. We learnt the story of a monkey deciding to go on an 'Upavas' but ultimately started eating, succumbing to its senses.

Parahita: Caring for Others. Help people in need

The four horses are guided by the Reins, which are:

Ksama: Forgiveness. Discussed how keeping grudge affects both involved

Kripa: Kind hearted, feel and share others' sorrow. Give a shoulder to a friend who is sad

Samata: Balance Vision. Viewing Success or failure, happiness or sorrow with balanced mind

We also learnt about Ksanti - Forbearance/Patience. To illustrate this value, we reviewed the story of Dhruv, and how he, as a small boy, meditated and did penance for months together until the Lord appeared before him. Fast forward to 20th century, Christopher Reeves, who captured the hearts of millions by playing the role of the Super Man, and who was immobilized by a near fatal spinal cord injury, continued his fight, became an activist for research for Spinal Cord injuries, and various other causes, and kept his spirits up, until his death.

Reminders:

• Please mark your calendar for Thanksgiving Luncheon on Nov 19th. You must have received the invite. If not, please let us know. Here's the link for the Thanksgiving Potluck: 

http://www.luckypotluck.com/cgi-bin/display/potluck.pl?id=15092908276472475385

• Please ensure that your child carries a note book, and a folder with Pens/Pencils, along with Slokathon, and 'Values in Bhagavad Gita' Manual.  Taking notes during the class is highly encouraged.
  
• Please share this email and blog with your child. In case you want yours kids' emails to be added, please forward. Thanks!
• Homework: 
• Children are asked to pre-read the lessons in the 'Values from Bhagavad Gita' Manual. (Amaanitvam,  Adambhitvam, Ahimsa and Ksanti were covered so far) and attempt the questions.  Arjavam will be covered next class. This year's lesson homework exercises require them to reflect on what they learnt in the class, do some introspection, and complete the homework. Please encourage them to attempt the questions. 

See you next class - Sunday Nov 5, 2017.

October 15, 2017

Hari Om, Parents

Kudos to the children who did a good job with the '5 take aways' from the last class. After reviewing, we moved on to learn other components of the Dharma Chariot. Satya (Truthfulness) and Sila (Good character) are the flags of the Dharma Chariot. The chariots of war in India had two flags - the main flag above called Dhvaja and below it was another smaller flag called pataka. As long as the flags were seen on the chariot, they were a sign of victory and safety of the warrior. 

Truthfulness 1] means being factually accurate and forthright 2] is when a person gives his word and fulfills it. King Dasaratha keeping the promise given to his wife Kaikeyi, even though he could not bear to see his dearest son go to the forest, is a classic example of truthfulness - keeping one's word. We all know the story of the boy who cried wolf, which depicts the result of lying even though it was only to have fun. The famous story of George Washington and the Cherry Tree demonstrates how the young George could not tell a lie, and how he owned up to it.

Good character implies good conduct, integrity and modesty. Rama is a great example for good character. One day he was told that he was going to be the king, and the next day he was asked to go to the forest for 14 years, which he gladly accepted, and responded sweetly to his mom that his father had given him the kingdom of the forest ! THIS is called GOOD CHARACTER. The question is how can we develop such good conduct ? The answer is contained in the story of 'the power of Satsanga'. Once Narada asked Lord Narayana what the results of being in the company of good people were, for which the Lord asked him to go to a certain tree and ask a baby parrot newly hatched on that tree. When Narada asked the question, the baby parrot died. Narada went back to the Lord, narrated what had happened and asked him for the answer for his question. Lord Narayana then asked him to go to a certain stable where a new calf had been born. The calf also died after seeing Narada and hearing the question. The same thing happened to a newly born foal also. Narada not wanting to have anymore beings killed, asked Lord Narayana about all these deaths, and the answer to his question. The lord asked Narada to ask the same question to the newly born Prince of the Kingdom, and that he would have his answer. With much reluctance and concern, Narada did the same to which the baby prince answered that it was because of the divine association with him that the parrot got reborn as calf and so and so forth, and thanked Narada for the few minutes of the association and 'Punya' that he got. That's how good company inspires us to have good thoughts, good thoughts prompt us to do good actions, and good actions develop good habits and good character. Good actions give positive good results and they make us happy resulting in good destiny. 

We also shared another story of Seva Ram, a rich, generous, kind man who always helped the needy people. He had a beautiful horse that many wanted to get but he would not part with it. Mool chand is one of those who wanted to get the horse, and plotted a scheme to steal it from Seva Ram. He disguised himself as a sick old man, and was lying down on the road that Seva Ram usually took on his horse. Seeing the "sick old man", Seva Ram dismounted from his horse, and offered to take him to a hospital. Once seated on the horse, Mool Chand turned around to Seva Ram, and called him a fool and said that he did all this so he could steal the horse from Seva Ram. A shocked Seva Ram said that Mool Chand could have his horse but requested him not to tell this episode to anybody as he was afraid that people won't trust anyone nor help anyone in need. Mool Chand got his lesson, and gave the reins of the horse back to Seva Ram, and turned back homewards. The lesson here is noble actions change the wicked and multiplies. 

Also remember that a strong wall is made up of strong bricks - and so is our character. To have a good character, we must make repeated right choice of thoughts and action.

We followed this with the values from Bhagavad Gita - Ahimsa, with stories of Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Mahavira, MLK Jr., etc., 

Today we started learning Sanyasa Suktam, which is one of the prescribed Slokas for this year. Sanyasa Suktam, a part of mahAnArAyaNopaniShad is chanted while welcoming or paying respect to Sanyasis. The Mahanarayana Upanishad is an ancient Sanskrit text and is one of the minor Upanishads of Hindusim. We will continue to learn, and will recite at the upcoming Swamiji Visit.

न कर्मणा न प्रजया धनेन त्यागेनैके अमृतत्व-मानशुः ।
परेण नाकं निहितं गुहायां विभ्राज-देतद्यतयो विशन्ति ॥ १२-३-४॥

वेदन्तविज्ञान-सुनिश्चितार्थाः सन्यास-योगाद्यतय-श्शुद्धसत्त्वाः ।
ते ब्रह्मलोके तु परान्तकाले परामृतात्परिमुच्यन्ति सर्वे ॥ १२-३-५॥

दह्रं विपापं परमेऽश्मभूतं यत्पुण्डरीकं पुरमध्यसंस्थम्।
तत्रापि दह्रं गगनं विशोक-स्तस्मिन् यदन्तस्त-दुपासितव्यम् ॥ १२-३-६॥

यो वेदादौ स्वरः प्रोक्तो वेदान्ते च प्रतिष्ठितः ।
तस्य प्रकृति-लीनस्य यः परस्स महेश्वरः ॥ १२-३-७॥

na karmaNA na prajayA dhanena tyAgenaike amRRitatva-mAnashuH |
pareNa nAkaM nihitaM guhAyAM vibhrAja-detadyatayo vishanti ||

vedantavij~nAna-sunishchitArthAH sanyAsa-yogAdyataya-shshuddhasattvAH |
te brahmaloke tu parAntakAle parAmRRitAtparimuchyanti sarve ||

dahraM vipApaM parame.ashmabhUtaM yatpuNDarIkaM puramadhyasaMstham|
tatrApi dahraM gaganaM vishoka-stasmin yadantasta-dupAsitavyam ||

yo vedAdau svaraH prokto vedAnte cha pratiShThitaH |
tasya prakRRiti-lInasya yaH parassa maheshvaraH ||

Translation

Neither by actions, nor by (acquiring) progeny and wealth, but by renunciation alone is immortality attained. (That Supreme State ) is far beyond the highest heaven, and the sages perceive it,hidden in the cave of the heart, shining brilliantly therein.

(Those) sages, who have a clear understanding of the principles of Vedanta,who have purified themselves by means of the yoga of renunciation,and who are (thus) established in the state of supreme beatitude,are totally liberated in Brahman at the time of dissolution of the body.

Located in the center of the city of the body is the subtle lotus of theheart, pure and untainted, which is the abode of the supreme. Meditate on the supreme being residing in that inner expanse, which is subtle and free from sorrow.

The which is described as the primal sound (om) in the beginning of the vedas, has been fully established as the supreme truth at the end of the Vedas ( the Upanishads) . The one who realizes that Supreme Principle is beyond the pale of those totally immersed in physical realities. Indeed, He is none other than the supreme Lord !

Reminders:

• Please mark your calendar for Thanksgiving Luncheon on Nov 19th. More details will follow.
• Please ensure that your child carries a note book, and a folder with Pens/Pencils, along with Slokathon, and 'Values in Bhagavad Gita' Manual.  Taking notes during the class is highly encouraged.
  
• Please share this email and blog with your child. Have added the available children's email ids above. In case you want yours to be added, please forward. Thanks!
• Homework: 
• Children are asked to pre-read the lessons in the 'Values from Bhagavad Gita' Manual. (Amaanitvam,  Adambhitvam and Ahimsa were covered so far) and attempt the questions.  KSanti will be covered next class.
• Kids are doing good with taking notes, and bringing in the '5 take aways from the class'. This year's lesson homework exercises require them to reflect on what they learnt in the class, do some introspection, and complete the homework. Please encourage them to attempt the questions. 

Happy Deepavali / New Year to you all! 

Have a happy, healthy, prosperous and blissful time!

See you next class - Sunday Oct 29, 2017.

With Om & Prem,

Vijayam Class Teachers

October 8, 2017

Hari Om, Parents

Thanks to all the parents who made it to the picnic Sunday - it was a pleasure to see you you all and do fun stuff ! We did miss quite a few kids and families. Hopefully we can see you all at the next gathering - most likely Thanksgiving Luncheon on Nov 19, 2017. Please mark your calendars, if you have not already..

After reviewing the prior lessons, and going through the 'Five Takeaways' by the kids, (Great job, kids) we introduced Vibhisana Gita and its lessons. Vibhisana Gita is from the 6th chapter of Ramacaritamanas. The renderings of the Vibhisana Gita offers us the Master key to success in our lives.  Vibhisana observed that Ravana, his brother has become totally unrighteous and is persisting in immoral actions despite the repeated advice of Malyavan, Mandodari, and himself besides all the wise people of his kingdom, and hence joined the camp of Rama. In the war Ravana had lost most of his great warriors and it was time for himself to fight Rama One-on-One. He arrived at the battlefield with fully protected armor, in his special war chariot that was equipped with all kinds of sophisticated weapons. On the other side there was Sri Rama standing on the ground without any armor or even shoes, but just his bow and arrows as weapons. Vibhisana felt very concerned for the safety of Rama, and asked him how he would conquer the mighty, and angry Ravana who was equipped with a well armored Chariot, and weaponry. To this, Rama answered that the chariot by which one gains real victory is the chariot of righteousness, which has valor, and fortitude as wheels, Steadfastness in truthfulness, and good character as flags of victory and safety, Strength, Discrimination, self-control and caring for others as the horses, forgiveness, compassion, equanimity as the reins, devotion to God as the intelligent charioteer, dispassion as the shield, contentment as the sword, charity as the axe, understanding as the missile, self-knowledge as the bow, a pure and steady mind as the quiver,  peacefulness of mind, the five noble values of life and the daily disciplines of niyama as arrows, devotion to the Guru and to learned people as the unbreakable armor. There is no other means to gain everlasting victory other than having such a Dharma Chariot. 

The Rama-Ravana battle is the eternal conflict between good and evil, between the noble and the wretched, between the righteous and the wicked, and is constantly waged in the heart of each and everyone. When we overcome with tendencies of hate, anger, jealousy, etc., our behavior reflects the trait of Ravana. On the other hand, when we are full of love, compassion, our conduct is like Rama. 

We also learnt more about the wheels of the Dharma Chariot which are Sauraja or Valor/Courage and Dhiraja or Fortitude/Patience. Courage is not the absence of fear but the mastery of it. When we evaluate a situation falsely, we feel fear; we feel fear of the unknown. Why have fear when all pervading Lord is within us. We fear because we don't know, we don't feel HIS presence with us. Through prayer, Valmiki had the courage to give up his sinful way of life. He washed away his sins and became a saint. We can develop patience by accepting people around, and the circumstances around. 

We also learnt about Adambhitvam - Unpretentiousness and the story of Sudama-Krishna's friendship.

Reminders:

• Please ensure that your child carries a note book, and a folder with Pens/Pencils, along with Slokathon, and 'Values in Bhagavad Gita' Manual.  Taking notes during the class is highly encouraged.
• Homework: 
• Children are asked to pre-read the lessons in the 'Values from Bhagavad Gita' Manual. (Amaanitvam and Adambhitvam were covered so far) and attempt the questions.  Ahimsa will be covered next class.
• Similar to what we did last year, we will do '5 take aways' from each class - due the next class beginning. This is especially important as we are learning new words, concepts etc., Got to say - kids are doing a great job ! Keep it going!

See you next class - Sunday Oct 15, 2017.

October 1, 2017

Hari Om, Parents

Navarathri/ Dusshera Greetings! Hope you all had a good one!

Last two classes we continued our quest to learn the keys to success. We learnt that the secrets to success are Hard Work, Knowledge and the capacity to laugh, and heard a few stories and anecdotes to drive home the point. Reaching the destination is success. Our destination is to be happy in life. Scriptures teach us how we can be happy in life. We gain knowledge through our five sense organs - ears, eyes, nose, tongue, and touch. But each of our sense organ has its own limitation. For example, with naked eyes, we may not be able to see everything clearly, so we might need appropriate eye wear or magnifying glasses. Knowledge we get in the world depends upon the caliber of our instrument. We have three instruments - our body (with five sense organs), our mind and our intellect that help us in gaining any knowledge of the world. If we sharpen our instrument, we can do what is the right thing and always gain happy results. 

We also learnt about the mechanics of the mind. Mind is a flow of thoughts, As the mind so is the individual. If the mind is disturbed, the individual is disturbed. If the mind is good, the individual is good. For the purposes of our study and understanding, human mind can be considered to have two sides - one facing the world of stimuli/objects known as objective mind, and the inner mind that faces the subject within, Om, the Lord, and that reacts to the stimuli known as the subjective mind. That individual is whole, healthy and happy in whom the objective and subjective aspects of the mind work in unison,  but unfortunately for majority, these two aspects are split, due to pre-existing Vasanas or sub-conscious conditioning or inclinations or pre-dispositions. To bring the subjective and the objective aspects of the mind together is the way to be happy. Tuning our mind and intellect means refining our thoughts. Refining thoughts lead to living by noble values that are prescribed in our scriptures to be successful.

Also learnt the difference between the fact and the behavior. When the mind is quiet, when the mind and the intellect are tuned, sharpened, there are no more agitations which keep us away from the Lord within, We feel bliss, happy. We learnt this through a story of an art collector business man who looked for a famous painting all over the world only to find it right in one of his warehouses. We also demonstrated that unagitated mind throws its own light of joy, in the absence of sorrow, greed etc., through a simple torch light experiment. We also made a Boomerang to show 'What goes around comes around'. Please ask them all about the fun experiments we did in the class.

Balavihar Fest: You should have received an email on Balavihar Fest. If not, please let us know. Please mark your calendar and attend the 'Picnic and classes' in an open setting, starting 1230pm on Sunday Oct 8, 2017. Please note that there is no class in the morning,  This picnic is for all the family members, not just the kids. Please come with all the family members and have a fun afternoon mingling with other Balavihar families.

Date: Sunday, October 8, 2017
Time:  12:30 - 5:00 pm (no lunch, picnic snacks at 3:00 pm)
Place: Pavilion Grove Picnic Area, Duke Island Park,
Old York Road, Bridgewater, NJ 08807. 

Reminders:

• Please ensure that your child carries a note book, and a folder with Pens/Pencils, along with Slokathon, and 'Values in Bhagavad Gita' Manual.  Taking notes during the class is highly encouraged.
• Homework: 
• Children are asked to read the first two lessons, (Amaanitvam and Adambhitvam) and attempt the questions.  First lesson on Amanitvam was covered yesterday.
• Similar to what we did last year, we will do '5 take aways' from each class - due the next class beginning. This is especially important as we are learning new words, concepts etc.,
• As an assignment after the boomerang experiment in the class, children agreed to smile at everybody, and come report on their observations. Please remind them about it

Hope to see all of you with all of your family at the Balavihar Fest on 8th Oct at the Park,

Sep 10th 2017

Hari Om, Parents

A very warm welcome to all of you!

How wonderful was it to see these smart, enthusiastic and fun-loving returning as well as new children, and start this school year ! (and of course, it was nice to see all the parents too!). As you know, we started the day with the 'Open House', and had a great first class introducing ourselves for the benefit of the new student, and the new teacher.  This year topics are 'P.O.Box Mr. God, and Keys to Success'. and are based on verses from Ayodhya Kanda and Lanka Kanda from Tulsidas' 'RamaCharitManas' where Tulsidas shows us where God resides, and also talks about the Keys to Success. No wonder, our class is aptly named as 'Vijayam'.

After introducing the class syllabus, and going through mutual expectations, we talked about the goals, and what happiness and success are, from our personal perspectives, learnt some relevant stories, and realized how the definition of success and happiness are so different for each one of us. That logically led us to reveal the master key for success - 'Self Knowledge'. We will explore more in the upcoming classes.

If you have not already, please buy the prescribed Sloka books, and the Children's manual 'Values in the Bhagavad Gita' from the book stall. If you have not registered, please do so soon. Thanks!

Almost all of you are familiar with the supply needs for the Balavihar class - notebook, pencils for now. If and when needed, we will request for additional supplies. Also please feel free to send a nut free snack.

We are looking forward to a spiritual and blissful year filled with learnings and fun!

Next class is 17th September 2017