Hari OM
Dear Parents and Children,
We had an expedited assembly today due to our snow day off
on 1/24. The performances by the Tamil class and sixth graders was
inspiring.
In class we started with our usual routine of the Om
chanting and Sahana Vavatu (our opening prayers). We then chanted the
Chalisa till verse number 17. Today we learnt the meanings of verses 17 through
20.
Verse 17: Hanuman, the Adviser
1. Hanuman Ji was the best adviser. He advised Vibhishana to
surrender to Rama.
2. Understand the Glory and power of Rama.
Chanting the Rama Nama can help us to accomplish even the
most difficult of tasks with ease.
Meaning of verse 17: Hanuman Ji advised Vibhishana
to surrender to Rama, which Vibhishana accepted. When Ravana banishes
him from Lanka, he happily goes and surrenders himself at
Rama's feet. After the war, Rama made Vibhishana, the king of Lanka.
We heard how Hanuman Ji met Vibhishana (story)
- Vibhishana was a soft tongue among the sharp teeth (Rakshas). He was
able to meet Hanuman Ji because of his faith in Rama which he
kept even through difficult times. This teaches us to keep
chanting Rama nama even in the most troubled times, it will lead us
to Hanuman Ji and better times!!
Story- Narada Vs Hanuman Veena playing. (Narada's pride was
removed)
Conclusion- Surrender at the Lord's feet.
Verse 18: Hanuman Ji, the Fearless.
1. Hanuman Ji teaches us to let our imaginations and aims
run as high as the sun and try to achieve things fearlessly.
Meaning of verse 18- Hanuman Ji leaped quite easily at the
Sun 1000 miles away, mistaking it to be a sweet fruit. He let His imagination
run high thinking the Sun was a fruit :) He
was then fearless enough to jump and
try to reach the "fruit".
We discussed about Good Fearless and
Bad Fearless traits. For eg. when faced by a hungry tiger
we will be fearless of what anybody would say and run
away from there. But when facing a dreaded exam we will be fearless and do our
best!
Story- Birbal (Mahesh Das) Fearless answer given by a boy to
the mighty King Akbar. Which road leads to Agra ?
Edmund Hillary- He was able to conquer
the Everest only in the second time. After losing in the
first attempt he did not give up. He was fearless enough to make a second
attempt.
Activity- Asking children to write down/or say- what they
want to achieve and accomplish? (I got some cool answers for this :) )
Verse 19: Hanuman Ji, the Missionary
1. Hanuman Ji succeeded in His mission by chanting Rama Nama
2. Placing complete faith in Rama, Hanuman Ji was able to
cross the mighty ocean.
Meaning of verse 19: Holding the Lords' ring in His mouth he
flew across the ocean, which is no wonder for Him ( since Hanuman Ji
capable of any achievement)
*Crossing the Ocean by chanting Rama Nama
* Building stone bridge by chanting Rama nama.
Story- Tale of the monkey group who went south wards to find
Sita mata.
Sampati telling how Ravana took a woman to a far far away
land and how he saw Sita Mata crying there in Lanka. Jambavan
identified Hanuman Ji's strength and power.
Story of the Cowdung fuel maker chanting Rama nama was heard.
Verse 20: Hanuman ji, the Victorious.
1. God's grace and Hard work are the 2 things we need to be
victorious.
2. God Helps those who helps themselves.
Meaning of verse 20: Even the most difficult tasks in the
world are rendered easy by Hanuman Ji's grace.
All obstacles we face in life can be overcome by the grace
of Hanuman Ji.
We have to discuss the stories for the last verse in
next class
Homework for next week- Please practice verses 1-20 in
Chalisa and in Guru stotram.
Coloring- Verses 17, 18, 19 and 20.
Also, I asked the children to "Call
God" every night before they sleep - I just want
then to try this so as to build a sort of one on
one relationship with Him.
There is a prayer log in the Assembly handout (page 40) you
may please initial and write in the date when the child does the homework and
or chants the verses.
Please send in a notebook and other supplies every session
along with the prescribed books and Guru stotram (my prayers book)
Kindly send in a nut free healthy snack. Thanks.
Please remember that next week there is no class at the
Bridgewater High School, instead we have a mandatory field trip to Akshardham
temple (Attendance will be taken). Please don't miss the opportunity to see the
temple, it has exceptional sculptures!! It will be an eye opener for our kids
to see the wonders created by Indian sculptors. Hope to see you there
Thanks. Take care.
Dhairyam teachers
p.s. No pics this week since we wanted to cover the missed
class of 24th too and time was of the essence.
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