April 25th Bala Kendra Class Update

om namah sivaya
 
Dear Parents,
 
After the Shruthi Class and Mantra Practice Session, today's class was as follows:
 
In addition to the usual opening prayers, we checked Spiritual Practice Sheets--the importance doing these cannot be over-emphasized- -this is the core of Bala Kendra.  The activities for the day included:
 
1) Younger Group did N for Nobility.   A story was also told to illustrate this value--from the life of Mahatma Gandhi.  The younger kids did coloring of the Mahatma's picture and also did a reflection activity on Nobility.

 
2) Middle and Older Groups covered next chapter of Bala Kanda from Ramayana-- how the country is celebrating the news that Rama is going to be King and then Manthara learns the news and in jealousy and fear poisons the mind of Kaikayi who then demands that Bharat be crowned King and Rama be sent to the forest.  The middle group began the discussion of how crooked advisors and misguided friends can mislead one. The older group covered the next part of the story and also discussed Rama's equanimity and obedience to his father without the slightest hesitation: Pitru Vakya Paripalanam.

 The Middle and Older Groups were led in Hatha Yoga style breathing and relaxation exercises by Murali.

 

3) We reviewed the Questions of the Week that Cyber Auntie, Varsha Govindani, has been asking via email. Kids who participated were recognized and rewarded.

4) Coins for Haiti will continue through May--Lalitha  will continue to update all. Please encourage the kids to keep sharing. A small amount can make a big difference in Amma's orphanage in Haiti.

 

5) Look out for Upcoming Special Events at www.balakendra. org-- next two events are the May East Bay Children's Satsang on May 7 and End of Year Pot Luck Picnic and Holi Celebration on May 9. Note that the picnic is open to the public; please invite your friends. Varsha Govindani will be circulating the details of events and classes.

 

  Please mark your calendars for the Distribution of Certificates for all Students and Special Trophies for 80% or greater attendance during the May 23rd session at the home of Krish and Hema.  Presentation to Amma is scheduled for June 5, Saturday, at 11 am.

Next class is May 16 and will be held offsite.  If anyone is interested in hosting, kindly let me know

 

We are now scheduling hosts for the East Bay Children's Satsangs for Fall of 2010.  Please let me know if you are interested in hosting. We already have hosts for Oct 1 and Dec 3.  We still need hosts for Sept 3 and Nov 5.