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2.  SSSE Group 3 Archives
| Group 3, SSSE

2/28/21

We started with beginning prayers & recap of previous topics: Follow the Master, Face the Devil, Fight till the end, this class was how can we finish the game.

We shared a picture and few prompts that students had to discuss and present.

  • What are your comments on the picture?
  • What makes a person impure while growing?
  • Do you think of any story/incident related to purity and innocence?
  • Think of a caption for the picture above.
  • What does the child get from God

Conclusion

  • Child showed pure devotion in the picture
  • Peer pressure, exposure to the world, being judged pollute devotion as we grow
  • Students shared lot of stories where the outside world did not influence their devotion (Meera, Prahalada, Kannappa, Sai Geeta..)
  • If we can establish & maintain that pure connection to Swami, then Swami will help finish the game by being with us every step of our fight against the devils
  • What are your connections to Swami: Prayers, chanting, service, music, letters

2/21/21

We started with beginning prayers & recap of previous topics: Follow the Master, Face the Devil, this class was what Fight till the end means.

We divided students into 5 breakout rooms, each room was given a category. They had to  discuss & present.

  • Discuss what does Follow the Master, Fight till the end mean in the context given to you
  • Obstacles you will or might face and how to overcome them.
  • Discuss with Examples and inspirations from own/role models.
  • How can you keep yourself motivated

Categories:

  • Sports\Martial arts:
  • Singing:
  • Instrument:
  • Academics:
  • Dance:

Conclusions

  • Each team presented, overall, all the obstacles\devils identified in each category were 80% internal to us 20% are external
  • Internal enemies keep coming back (example procrastination, anger, fear) so the fight against them or practice or sadhana is continuous
  • Since most of them are internal, effort has to be made by us
  • We shared a funny story told by Swami about internal enemies coming back.

Motivation

  • We have to be grateful for the learning opportunities each of us has. No one questions, why me for talents they have, so it is our duty to do justice for talent\opportunities Swami has given us.
  • We have to follow our master, Swami our conscience, listen to his teachings to keep ourselves motivated
Feb 14th We started with beginning prayers.Inter faith food drive- Feb community leads confirmed

Recycling project- student presented in group 2 today

Group 3 Tutoring – 3 Grp 1 students paired. 2 tutors started on Friday, one to start on Monday

Valentine day pre sse presentation & Tutoring experience sharing

Experience sharing: We discussed last week’s fight with the devil (fear and anger) with respect to recent activities (Valentine day program and Tutoring).

  • Did you have a fear of failure: Students said, yes because they did not know what & how to do it.
  • How did you overcome it? Understand the audience’s needs, plan what to present, practice it many times, put love and effort into it.
  • Good vs Bad fear: Good fear helped practice many times and be prepared before the event.
  • Did you doubt yourself even before the event: Yes. Prayer to the rescue

Fear of failure goes down when you have to take up the same activity again, but many opportunities in life come only one time, so don’t let the fair stop you. Take up the challenge but plan, practice, pray & you can do it with Swami by your side.

We reviewed the SMART goals and added what % do they think they were successful for the month of Jan & Feb. We discussed what they are doing to improve & tips to help them.

    • FEBRUARY 7TH , 2021:We started with beginning prayers & going over service project updatesInter faith food – Feb community leads signup

      Recycling project- student presented research on this topic

      Group 3 Tutoring – 2 tutors & students finalized (schedules & pairing)

      Valentine day pre sse presentation- program finalized

      Topic:

      We discussed, why Fear is a devil we need to fight?

      Good fear – regulates us. Examples: fear of becoming obese makes us avoid junk food, fear of low grades makes us focus more.

      Bad fear – Fear of failure, fear of rejection, fear of losing friends, fear of public speaking, fear of appearance, fear of unknown, fear of God.

      Fear arises from

      1. Ignorance – Half knowledge

      2. Not able to see clearly

      3. Considering ourselves weak

      4. Thinking we are not complete

      Leads to Worry => Stress => dimmed discrimination => unethical behavior

      How to face the fear?

      1. Effort: Manage time, put full effort to gain knowledge and skills
      2. Affirmation: I am complete and full
      3. Trust: Why fear when I am here says Baba
      4. Faith: Take refuge in God – My swami can turn things from any situation.

      This requires continuous practice.

    • JANUARY 31ST, 2021:We started with beginning prayers & going over service project updates

      Inter faith food – Jan donations

      Recycling project

      Group 3 Tutoring

      Valentine day pre sse presentation

      Topic:

      We discussed, why is Anger a devil we need to fight? Physical & emotional problems it creates.

      Students gave, examples from mythology, history, contemporary situations of anger that caused damage

      “Follow the Master” & hear from our Swami what to do to face this devil, anger.

      4 Tips to help Control Anger given by Swami- Video we watched

      We discussed effective way of communication when angry with some scenarios (at home, school)

      Life Application: Have a log how many times got angry in a day, how many times you were able to manage it with  tips from the video.

    • JANUARY 24th 2021 :We started the class with beginning prayers.

      Student leads presented their E-day program idea to the class.

      We reviewed monthly food drive donations collected by community leads.

      Topic:

      We showed students 4 pictures and asked them to come up with Swami quotes they can think of. We got many quotes like Why fear when I am here. You take one step, I will take 100 steps etc. Students also gave the quote that is intro to the topic: Follow the Master, Face the Devil, Fight to the End, Finish the game.

      We discussed, Who is the Master that Swami is asking us to follow, Is that Master always with us to ask questions and guide, we shared example of Arjuna & Krishna where master was always there to guide, Swami students who always had Swami physically to guide. But current situation who is this master? Students concluded it is our conscience.

      Conclusion: Master is Swami & he is our conscience. Learn from his life and teachings. Also train to tune into your inner voice. Goal of SSE is to raise students with clean and clear conscience

      We discussed, What is the Devil we have to face? Students gave many examples like internal enemies, anger, lethargy, fear of failure, thought -inability to take up as they think tasks are huge, stress, anxiety, fear of public speaking….

      We ended the class to make an effort to listen to our conscience and we will learn how to face the devils they mentioned in the subsequent classes.

    • JANUARY 17th 2021Session 2: Learn good & get Inspired from others lives. Students presented many inspiring real life experiences they learned from the interviews.

      New service project proposal & plan was reviewed with students.

      Update on existing service projects progress.

      Valentine’s day, E-day idea discussion & plan.

      1/10/21

      We had parent teacher meeting @ 3:30pm. It was very encouraging to see 99% parents join, provide feedback and listen to the student presentations.

      During Christmas break, students were asked to conduct interviews of their grand parents, uncle/aunty etc to Learn good & get Inspired from others lives. Students presented to both teachers and parents many inspiring real life experiences they learned from the interviews. 

      Whom did you interview?

      What did they aspire to achieve in their lives

      What were the struggles/hurdles they faced & how they overcame them

      What did you learn from them?

      How will you bring these lessons into your own life to practice?

    • December 20, 2020Today’s was last class on Oneness topic

      Analogy: Showed students many lamps that were not lit except one. All of the others were lit using the one lamp, post which students cannot identify the one that was used to lit them all. Message: Everything is spark of the divine, but we forgot our source.

      We played a Ted Ed video on the discovery of Higgs Boson aka God particle and Higgs field. Quantum physics shows God particle is one that is giving energy to all, the Higgs boson field pervades whole universe that we cannot see but gives mass to the particles.

      We then watched Q&A with Swami on this same topic asked by his students and we dwelled upon Swami’s message for us and Life application.

      Life Application:

      From Swami’s message: How to gain confidence, I am God

      Life Application

          • Mindful living: Always think before every action about the source of the energy (consciousness in you) example
          • When you play instrument – hands moving, memory- attribute to that God/energy in you.
          • When eating, drinking, studying – attribute it to the God/energy in you
          • When you see nature (Water, flowers, fruits)- attribute to the energy (same consciousness in all)
          • Practice God qualities- kindness, compassion, love.

      Class presentation

    • December 13, 2020We started with prayers, had an icebreaker (make a wish for someone else this Christmas, what will that be and for whom). Students mentioned well being on front line workers, everyone who lost family members or jobs during the pandemic.

      Based on last class, students were supposed to set SMART goal to practice from now thru next Swami birthday, monitor and track it. Each student shared their goal and we discussed how to track & measure progress while practicing them. We will share the goals with parents so they can help as well.

      We had open discussion about: Oneness with nature.

          1. What are the 5 elements how are they connected to you?
          2. How can you respect nature through your actions?
          3. Can you share some rituals/customs that keep reminding us that nature is God
    •  December 6, 2020We started with prayers, had an ice breaker (number of dishes you had on Thanksgiving meal) This led to being thankful & our Inter Faith food drive progress, contributions for Nov and plan for Dec. We narrated two stories that Swami shared during a discourse about 1) Story showing how one bad habit can take you down like while digging a well 2) Story showing how one good habit can take you up like while constructing a wall. Activity time: Students were divided into 5 break out rooms & asked to pick one bad habit & tell with example how it leads to many more and 2) pick one good habit show examples how it helps build yourself. Students presented for bad habits: procrastination, lying, wasting time, laziness, too much device time. for good habits: self confidence, Discipline (twice), doing our duties, positive self talk We talked about these good habits in terms more SMART goals. We also discussed different means to learn good virtues: Stories, experience from others, parents, teachers, Swami. To help more learning, we have asked them to Interview their grandparents, uncles/aunts or anyone to get to know their lives and get inspired. Goal: Students have to pick one good habit for Swami’s birthday, parent’s birthday or even their own birthday to start practicing. Students prepare & present their thoughts on Oneness with Nature/Universe in next class.

      Summary of the discussion & class presentation

    • November 8, 2020Students watched a video as homework, they discussed in breakout rooms and presented to the class their thoughts.

      Summary of the discussion & class presentation

      Thought Vibrations -What are you broadcasting?

          • Your intentions/emotions positive or negative are creating vibrations around you and also attracting similar vibrations from the universe
          • A negative emotion/thought impacts you first before it reaches the other person.
          • Positive affirmations and thoughts are the key for the success.

      Word Vibrations

          • Masaru Emoto experiments on impact of vibrations created by words.
          • There is relation between sound vibration and the form it takes.
          • CERN (Geneva) experiment on atom vibrations and form.
          • Watch your words, use them wisely.
          • Do not raise your voice to prove your point.
          • Most of the time, the tone (how you say) is more important than the message (what you say)

      Deed Vibrations

          • Do more and more deeds to show Love, Compassion, Kindness round the clock.
          • These deeds generate highest vibrations for person doing the act, receiving & watching/hearing the act. We discussed how we get emotional while watching a scene in the movie.
          • Self Love
          • Service at home
          • Community service
    • November 1, 2020After invocation prayers we started with an ice breaker, reviewed food drive service and communications on google hangouts

      Today topics

      1) We played Kahoot that covered quarter 1 topics.

      2) we had students divided into 8 breakout groups, gave each grp one topic to discuss for 15mins. Each grp presented the summary of their discussion to the class.

          • Grp 1: Open minded (what is it, how it helps, how to practice, qualities of person with open mind)
          • Grp 2: Learning things faster  (brain hormones, how it helps, tips, practice)
          • Grp 3: What is unity in worldly sense and in spirituality (examples of diversity, unity, practice)
          • Grp 4: Who is dear to God (devotee, qualities, practice)
          • Grp 5: Purity (define, why is it important, how to purify, practice)
          • Grp 6: 4 Qualities for pure heart (what are they, example scenarios, practice)
          • Grp 7: Bad company (define, examples, how to handle, practice)
          • Grp 8: Stress & Anxiety (what, when, how, practice, tips)
          • Grp 8: Science behind sacred sounds (sounds & vibration exp, sacred sounds, how they help, sounds and water, practice)

      Please find link to the class presentation.

      Home work:

    • October 25, 2020After invocation prayers we started with an ice breaker, reviewed food drive service and communications on google hangouts

      Today we discussed about

      1) What rituals in Navratri are meant to help see divinity in all

      2) What is Anxiety, what symptoms do they notice & when does anxiety kick in

      3) Three tips to overcome anxiety. These 3 tips have to be practiced daily.

          • Sit in a comfortable position (on chair/ground), close your eyes and chant OM 3 times, with each OM imagine a circle of protection forming on top of your head
          •  With eyes closed Chant Gayathri mantra 3 times, with each chant imagine a circle of protection forming around your body
          • Positive Self talk –  talk to Swami in your heart, Swami please help me put my best effort and take ownership of the result

      4) Sounds & frequency impact on matter and water

      5) Science behind scared sounds and how they help curb anxiety

      Grp 3 had Swami birthday bhajan today. Please find link to the class presentation.

      Class notes for previous classes can be found here.

    • October 3, 2020As class we dwelled deeper into what does oneness mean? what is the definition of Unity per Swami. Black Lives Matter was a topic to discussed & examples to help identify oneness in diversity.

      What does unity mean? It is not the combination of many; it is the realization of oneness. Satya Sai Baba

      Please find link to the class presentation.

CLASS DATE: 10/3/21 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY: Body is a miracle of God
 ATTENDANCE:  21
Topic: When everyone of us is gifted with this wonderful machine/instrument body, should we not love and take care of it? I know that, but let’s discuss everyday problems we face.

  • What are some examples of negative body image?
  • Do you have or want to share one thing you are insecure about, do you look someone down for it?
  • How do peers, media impact body image.
  • List 4 unhealthy behaviors to change body image.
  • List 3-5 ways to maintain healthy body and image.

Breakout rooms: We had two breakout rooms, one for boys & one for girls to discuss above questions & present it to the class.

Summary: 5 ways to maintain healthy body & image

  • Aim to be the best you can be, do not be ashamed of yourself.  1)Eat healthy food and avoid/reduce junk food. 2) Do exercise/yoga & meditation for physical and mental health. 3) Avoid screen time whenever possible. 4) Take care of your personal hygiene. 5) Give back to the community to boost your self esteem  and confidence 6) Show gratitude to your parents & God for this wonderful gift
  • Embrace and be proud of how you look, how nature is moulding you as your genes, your heritage and culture goes into it.
  • Focus on what makes you memorable? what is your strength?
  • Do not compare with others, you are different and that is what sets you apart and strong. Beauty is not zero sum.
  • Daily affirmation: I am beautiful\handsome inside and out.

We started discussion, what sets humans & animals apart. Students gave many answers: Mind, Love, Emotional Intelligence, Discrimination. We will continue the this discussion in next class.

Next Class: Discover your inherent potential, Body is temple of God.

Note to Parents:

Swami Birthday self transformation offering: Each student summarized their understanding of the topic, Love towards parents and introspected where they can improve. Each student identified their transformation ideas that they will follow.  Each student was asked to write up the transformation ideas on a paper, show it to their parents and post it in their room or fridge so they can be reminded of the offering to Swami.

CLASS DATE: 10/17/21 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY: What did Swami say about Habits and Character
 ATTENDANCE:  17

Today we learned Swami’s message about habits and character. We watched a Swami video and Megahana (YA from MA) took a session on the same topic. Presentation is here  

In the breakout rooms, students wrote up habits (as SMART goals) they would like to develop to better themselves 5 years from now.

Next Class: Pancha Koshas 

Note to Parents:

Swami Birthday self transformation offering: Each student summarized their understanding of the topic, Love towards parents and introspected where they can improve. Each student identified their transformation ideas that they will follow.  Each student was asked to write up the transformation ideas on a paper, show it to their parents and post it in their room or fridge so they can be reminded of the offering to Swami.

CLASS DATE: 10/24/21 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY: Pancha Koshas
 ATTENDANCE:  14

 In this class we learned about pancha koshas (five sheaths) of Human body through a story of Brighu and his father Varuna.  We learned what constitutes each kosha,  how to purify them and how Jyothi meditation can helps in this regard. Students summarized their understanding of the topic.  Click here to see the presentation deck  used for the class. 

Next Class: Quiz, Diwali etc 

Note to Parents:

Swami Birthday self transformation offering: Each student summarized their understanding of the topic, Love towards parents and introspected where they can improve. Each student identified their transformation ideas that they will follow.  Each student was asked to write up the transformation ideas on a paper, show it to their parents and post it in their room or fridge so they can be reminded of the offering to Swami.

CLASS DATE: 10/31/21 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY: Diwali, Kahoot quiz
 ATTENDANCE:  14

 In this class we learned about Diwali. We understood the meaning of Diwali and when it is celebrated. We also learned two stories related Diwali. One about killing of Narakasura and one about Rama returning back to Ayodhya. We learned spiritual significance of Diwali.  Click here to see the presentation deck  used for the class. 

Next Class: guest speakers

Note to Parents:

Swami Birthday self transformation offering: Each student summarized their understanding of the topic, Love towards parents and introspected where they can improve. Each student identified their transformation ideas that they will follow.  Each student was asked to write up the transformation ideas on a paper, show it to their parents and post it in their room or fridge so they can be reminded of the offering to Swami.

CLASS DATE: 12/14/2021 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY: Student led, topic Gratitude
 ATTENDANCE:  15

We had group 2 gurus come in today for interactive session on Celebrating Christ and his messages.

Presentation link

We discussed about

Who is Christ

Importance of Christmas

what did Swami say about it,

Christmas carols

how to practice teachings

CLASS DATE: 01/09/2022 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY: Parent led topic “Faith”
 ATTENDANCE:  15

Today in our class we have Manoj uncle as a parent guest speaker. He spoke to us about importance of “faith in God” and how to cultivate that. He started his presentation with few quotes on the topic and a short video discourse clip on the same. We discussed on those quotes and the video clip. Everyone of us shared an experience or a story of having faith in God.  Apart from how “faith in Swami” gave him strength to face difficulties, Manoj uncle gave us some practical tips like sitting straight, 30sec silent sitting, raised eyebrows, namasmarana etc helps us cultivate that faith.

CLASS DATE: 01/16/2022 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY:  Faith in God
 ATTENDANCE:  14

In the last class we continued on the topic of “faith in God” from last class. In this class we learned it through the story of Dhruva. How his unwavering faith in god led him to become a polar star. In this story we also learnt how we can re-direct our worldly disappointments, how faith will be tested etc. Also, Valli presented go-green tips for January. We ended the class with understanding of Makara Sankranti.

CLASS DATE: 01/22/2022 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY:  Social Conformity
 ATTENDANCE:  14
Today in our class,  Kaavya Raman presented on topic “Social Conformity”. We learnt about positive and negative influences of social conformity. 5Ds (Duty, Devotion, Discipline, Determination, Discrimination) can help us find out if it is a positive or a negative influence. We learnt about some examples and ABC of life (Avoid Bad Company). Then we broke out into different rooms to discuss conformity at home, school and friends.  Please see the presentation for more details. Sairam

CLASS DATE: 01/30/2022 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY:  Discipline
 ATTENDANCE:  14
Sairam dear parents,In our class today (01/22), we discussed on the topic “Discipline“. We listened to short audio clip of Swami’s discourse on Discipline. Then we went into different breakout rooms to discuss about the following topics related to discipline.

Breakout room questions

  1. Give an inspiring example(s) of a person(s) following Discipline.
  2. How can we follow discipline in our day-to-day life?
  3. What are the benefits of following discipline?
  4. What happens if there is no Discipline?

All the students came up with one life application each. Please see the jamboard to see the discussion summary and the life applications students came up with.

https://jamboard.google.com/d/1vJZQraeI10BD5GXly-kjOKtulxqnyAyUaa9p09ZHGws/edit?usp=sharing

Sairam

Group 3 Teachers

CLASS DATE: 02/06/2022 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY:  Judging others
 ATTENDANCE:  17
Sairam dear parents,Today in our class (02/06/22) Vishal gave us a presentation on “Judging others”.  In his presentation he talked about

  1. Why people judge
  2. Why we shouldn’t judge
  3. What does it mean to judge someone etc.

We were split into 4 breakout rooms to answer the following questions in jamboard

  1. On what grounds people are judged?
  2. How do you feel when you are judged?
  3. What was the reason when you judged others?

We ended the class with a small video clip of Swami talking about this topic.

Here are the links.

Swami’s video

presentation

Jamboard

Sairam

Group 3 Teachers

CLASS DATE: 02/13/2022 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY:  Connecting to God through Bhajans
 ATTENDANCE:  14
In our class today (02/13/22) Shivaani presented on the the topic “Connecting to God through Bhajans”. After the presentation we discussed some inspiring stories of devotees who connected to God through their singing. Then we were split into 4 breakout rooms. Each group chose a bhajan and they presented to class on how they connect to swami through that bhajan.Sairam
Group 3 teachers.

 

Here are the links.

presentation

Sairam

 

 

CLASS DATE: 02/20/2022 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY:  Service
 ATTENDANCE:  14
Sairam dear parents,
Today (02/20/22) in our class Krishna and Siddharth presented on topic “service”. After the intro, we were split into different breakout rooms where we discussed on question related to service. Then we saw a video about service in which swami talks about how service should be rendered.
1. Without expectation of praise or material gain
2. See God in whom service is being rendered
3. Reflect on how the act of service improved you spiritually.

Then we read a swami’s childhood story that illustrates how as a young Satya swami helped his family members and villagers with His selfless acts.

Here is the presentation. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1l7Bt2Pe649ug3ehq63LCX1JvnEL0Uvotw26Vhmxv7m4/edit?usp=drivesdk

Sairam
Group 3 teachers

 

 

CLASS DATE: 02/27/2022 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY:  Service
 ATTENDANCE:  14
Sairam Parents,

Continuing on the topic of Service, today (02/27) in our class we have Brother Lakshman & Aswini Kumar both Swami students as guest speakers presenting on Grama Seva they did when they were students in Prashanthi nilayam. Attached is the presentation.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1X2-pQltri09_agVGA7KZQEcDymfrNtuH/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=103160435559620068055&rtpof=true&sd=true

Sairam

Group 3 Teachers

 

 

CLASS DATE: 03/06/2022 TEACHER(S):  Nalini, Gangadhar
SUMMARY:  Anger Management
 ATTENDANCE:  14
Sairam Parents,
Today (03/06), in our class we have our group 3 student, Vishwajith presented on the topic “Anger Management”. He presented on what causes anger, tips to controll it(WATCH technique), Swami’s quotes, a small video, what is said in Bhagavadgita about anger management etc. Attached is the presentation deck.Sairam
Group 3 Teachers

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1SZFAirUkLY-4Tj215lRIn49xqfubkOurRANPldYBDSg/edit?usp=sharing

 

CLASS  DATE: 10/3/2022

 TEACHER(S): Nalini, Gangadher
 Value: Choosing right company. Significance of Navratri  Attendance: 30/34
Class Summary
Prayers, recap of last class.
Game: A blind folded student will hear his peers talk, based on what he hears either chooses to go closer or go away from bad company.
Discussion: Categories of Good Company: People, Media, Devices, books.
Categories of Bad Company: People, Media, devices, books.
Students concluded both good and bad company categories are same, only difference is choice we make.
Impact of good company: Enhances good qualities, students listed out Truth, Kindness, Love
Impact of bad company: Promotes animal tendencies in us. External bad companies are easy to run away from, but
are you aware of 6 internal enemies? Desire, Anger, Greed, Lust, Pride, Jealousy.
Role play: we asked students to help act/role play taking a scenario of bad company & impact.
they choose to take up scenario where student company gives wearing latest branded clothes is at most importance.
Mom and child role play showing how the desire for Essay shoes due to the company, quickly brings out other internal enemies like anger, jealousy, greed, pride.
Navratri story: Every festival has winning of good over bad as theme. How is Navratri related to this?
Shared Mahishasura Mardini story, inner significance.
if we want to enhance our good qualities, along with being in good company, we need to pray to God.
How to practice ABC of life:
  1. Tyaja durjana samsargam- Run away from bad company
  2. Bhaja sadhu samagamam- Join good company & do prayers, bhajans, chanting, meditation
  3. Kuru punya mahoratram-  Undertake righteous actions day & night
  4. Smara nithyamanithyatham- Enquire into that which is permanent & that which is ephemeral

9/25 Class Summary
Prayers, Inter Faith food shuttle service presentation by a student.
Game: A blind folded student had to identify what is in the brown bag (fruit/veg/flower) by the smell
They identify Onion, Banana, Popcorn, Flower. But the classmates noticed that the bags we actually empty.
They had to discuss in their own break out groups
1. Why did the brown bag smell like the item though it was empty?
2. Does this relate to Swami’s teachings, how?
3. Is there anyone whose association had an impact on you?
Each group presented their discussion.
We concluded importance of company as it leaves impact & Swami’s message: Avoid Bad Company.
We also shared the story on 3 kinds of friendships from mythology
Drona took Drupada as friend, but it ended in enmity
Karna took Duryodhana as friend but ended up supporting a wrong cause.
Arjuna took Krishna as friend; he was guided all his life in the right path.
We also discussed about few red flags they need to watch out as they seek out for company/friends.
-Don’t surround yourself with people for whom you need to make fun of yourself to satisfy
-Don’t surround yourself with people where you cannot be your true self.
-Don’t surround yourself with people who always gossip about others

Announcements: Inter Faith Food Shuttle

Life Application: Please sign up if you would like to take up Interfaith food shuttle service.

CLASS  DATE: 10/23/2022

 TEACHER(S): Nalini, Gangadher
 Value: Importance of Avatar declaration day and Diwali  Attendance: 32/34
Class Summary:
In our class we had discussion about.
1. What does Avatar mean?
2. Why Swami has to come down?
3. What can we learn from Swami’s life?
4. How can we start practicing from the moral of Swami childhood stories. Students have been asked to set goal to practice any value g that would help them to get closer to Swami. They can judge where they need to improve.
5. We also shared significance of Diwali. What does light represent, legends of the story.
link to the content
Class Summary- 10/9 Five senses
In our class today we performed a skit that portrays our 5 senses. These senses are, touch, hearing, taste, smell, and sight. The 5 senses that we have been given can pull us in many ways but we have to learn how to control them and use them wisely. The skit depicts how senses can bring a person to his downfall when they are not controlled.  We had a group discussion on the take away lessons from skit how it is related to our daily lives with examples.
Here the summary provided by one of our students.
“In class we performed a skit that portrays our 5 senses. These senses are, touch, hearing, taste, smell, and sight. The 5 senses that we have been given can pull us in many ways but we have to learn how to control them and use them wisely. We had a group discussion on which one of our senses we believed were our biggest enemy. As a class we compared our send to a computer and the similarities between them. We also came up with examples when our senses pull us in different ways. When we want to do our homework and we see a YouTube video pop up and get distracted, or if we smell cookies baking, that can distract us as well. To achieve control of our senses we need to make an effort to control them. Everyone should create a smart goal and keep a report on it. An example of this would be, doing your homework in a quiet space, without any devices around you. Taking these efforts will gradually give you full control of your senses”
Here is the link to the skit we did in our class.
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CLASS  DATE:    09/15/2024

 TEACHER(S): Nalini, Gangadher, Sravanti, Shiva
Topic: Rarest opportunity, purpose of Life  Attendance: 27
Sairam dear parents,
Students formed a circle facing outwards. There was fresh apple and rotten onion in the center of the circle. A student in the center of the circle starts off the game by going around and giving either apple or rotten onion to a person in the circle and takes up his/her space. The student who received it has a choice to either change the item or pass on same to another person and get back into the circle. They played this game for few minutes.We had asked few questions to start the discussion.
1. How do you think you would end this game?
2. What do you think of having to play this game for ever?
3. How many of you gave rotten onion to others?
4. Was it because you got it from someone or you gave it on purpose?
5. Do you remember who all gave you apple vs onion?
6. Do you remember even if you gave apple when all you got back onion?Similar to the ongoing passing of the apple and onion, the game represented the cycle of life across many births & forms. It emphasized that after 8.7 millions of births in various forms, we finally have the greatest opportunity of human life.Now that we the greatest opportunity of being a human, what do I do with it?

Swami says: “The Divine principle is in the very core of man. Becoming aware of this truth is the duty of man and the goal of life. It is the source of strength which is unfailing and irresistible. You are the spark of Divine and not separate from Me’ Satya Sai Speaks 1996

*What are the obstacles*: Just like the onion smell lingers in our hands, we have accumulated the tendencies like..stubbornness from bull, hyperactive mind jumps from one thing to the other from monkey, laziness, anger….list goes on!!

*How do I realize my divinity:* Swami gave 5 stairs to go from human to divine. Those are the 5 human values-Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Love, Non-Violence. To tread these 5 steps you will first need to take care of yourself

*How to practice: *
1. Take care of your physical & mental health
2. Just like you know what to do to move onto next grade in school, Aim to be the best version of yourself in all roles—whether as a son, daughter, friend, or student—by applying the five human values.
3. Going back to the game, what goes round come around, even if you got an onion you always had choice to give apple. So always strive to, “Be good, see good & do good.”

*Goals*:
1. Students came up with goals to, eat healthy Satvic food, exercise, cut down screen/video games time, being mindful, silent sitting for taking care of themselves
2. Continue to respect parents by being best son/daughter, each student set individual goals

Students to track goals in the spiritual log🙏

CLASS  DATE:    09/22/2024

 TEACHER(S): Nalini, Gangadher, Sravanti, Shiva
Topic: 9 path of devotion  Attendance: 

Sairam dear parents, please find class summary

Theme: Living with God
We started the class by asking students to summarize the last lesson for those who missed it, followed by introducing today’s theme: Living with God.
What does “Living with God” mean?
We went around the class to understand what students thought Living with God meant. Then, through a role-play, we demonstrated how two friends were arguing until they saw their favorite deity, Krishna, entering the room. Immediately, their behavior changed—they stopped arguing and became more mindful of their actions. This showed that Living with God means always being aware of our behavior, actions, and thoughts, knowing that God is present above, below, and around us.
Swami teaches us that “Living with God” means being so dear to Him. To live in a way that endears us to God, we must be mindful, respectful, and always strive to act in a way that pleases Him.
Activity: Becoming Dear to a New Friend
We then connected this idea to our everyday life through an activity. A new family with a child your age moved next door, and you want to become close friends with that child. How do you become near and dear to them

They came up…
-We listen, Learn more about the person
-We come back and praise everything we learned with family & friends
-We keep thinking, remembering
-We find out common interests, what they like/dislike and follow same to impress
-We find ways to always stay connected thru activities, play dstes
-We help them out & become their trusted friend

Similarly there are ways to become dear to God- we mapped above analogy to Sravanam (listen)
Keerthanam(praise)
Smaranam (remember)
Paadasevanam (serve)
Archanam (offer heart)
Vandanam(see God in all & bow to him)
Daasyam( serve lord & his creation)
Sakhyam( God as best friend)
Atmanivedanam (surrender to God)

Just as we need interest and put in time & effort to make a friend, to endear God (live with God) needs yearning, time and effort. But when we take one step Swami takes 100 steps towards us.

Practice:
-Act, think, and watch your behavior as if God is with you at all times.
-Have faith that God is around you, guiding you, and watching over you, whether you’re at home, at school, or with friends.

Sairam

CLASS  DATE:    09/29/2024

 TEACHER(S): Nalini, Gangadher, Sravanti, Shiva
Topic: 9 path of devotion (Keerthanam, sravanam, smaranam)  Attendance: 

Sairam dear parents, please find class summary🙏

We started with Prayers, Bhajan practice, & learning Kshama Prathana from this week

We delved into two of the nine ways for Living with God: Keerthanam (singing the glories of God) and Smaranam (remembering God). Just as calling someone’s name brings them closer, chanting the divine names brings us closer to God. Namasmarana (constant remembrance of God’s name) helps cleanse the effects of past mistakes (we used analogy of giving onion in previous class game). It forms a protective shield around us, brings clarity of thought, and guides us toward making the right decisions.
We reflected on real-life experiences where we felt protected or guided at the perfect moment through constant chanting. Namasmarana is remembering/chanting God’s name inward. We discussed Dr. Emoto’s water crystal experiment, where kind words altered the structure of water crystals for the better. Since we are composed of 75% water, imagine how powerful and positive we can become by chanting God’s name!
Keerthanam fills the environment with divine energy and positivity. A pure heart full of devotion works miracles, and we shared the story of Prahlada as a testament to this truth. Each of us does need similar protection from God.
As a group, we are committed to practicing the first three paths to Live with God:
1. Sravanam – Listen to one minute of Swami’s discourses daily on YouTube or RadioSai. Link to one minute Swami discourses provided
2. Smaranam – Chant the Sai Gayatri three times daily.
3. Keerthanam – Sing one Bhajan each day.
Just like receiving extra credit in school, we have a special opportunity from October 3rd to October 12th to deepen our spiritual practice. We pledged to seize this divine bonus and follow these three goals of devotion each day with sincerity.
CLASS  DATE:    09/29/2024
Topic: 9 Path’s of Devotion (Keerthanam, sravanam, Smaranam)
Sairam dear parents, please find class summary🙏 We started with Prayers, Bhajan practice, & learning Kshama Prathana from this week We delved into two of the nine ways for Living with God: Keerthanam (singing the glories of God) and Smaranam (remembering God). Just as calling someone’s name brings them closer, chanting the divine names brings us closer to God. Namasmarana (constant remembrance of God’s name) helps cleanse the effects of past mistakes (we used analogy of giving onion in previous class game). It forms a protective shield around us, brings clarity of thought, and guides us toward making the right decisions.
We reflected on real-life experiences where we felt protected or guided at the perfect moment through constant chanting. Namasmarana is remembering/chanting God’s name inward. We discussed Dr. Emoto’s water crystal experiment, where kind words altered the structure of water crystals for the better. Since we are composed of 75% water, imagine how powerful and positive we can become by chanting God’s name!
Keerthanam fills the environment with divine energy and positivity. A pure heart full of devotion works miracles, and we shared the story of Prahlada as a testament to this truth. Each of us does need similar protection from God.
As a group, we are committed to practicing the first three paths to Live with God:
1. Sravanam – Listen to one minute of Swami’s discourses daily on YouTube or RadioSai. Link to one minute Swami discourses provided
2. Smaranam – Chant the Sai Gayatri three times daily.
3. Keerthanam – Sing one Bhajan each day.
Just like receiving extra credit in school, we have a special opportunity from October 3rd to October 12th to deepen our spiritual practice. We pledged to seize this divine bonus and follow these three goals of devotion each day with sincerity.

CLASS  DATE:    10/06/2024

 TEACHER(S): Nalini, Gangadher, Sravanti, Shiva
Topic: 9 Path’s of Devotion (Keerthanam, Smaranam)  Attendance: 23
Sairam dear parents, please find class summary

We started learning Medha Suktam and an English Bhajan from this class.We played quiz to refresh topics covered.

We began by refreshing our understanding of Navaratri, recognizing how, in life, we need Energy, Equipment, and Knowledge to accomplish anything. In these sacred days, we invoke the divine grace of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati to bless us with these essential qualities.
Activity: students were given jumbled up letters & clues to a folder, they had to figure out to get into the folder. After multiple attempts they figured out Om Sri Sai Ram, in it was Swami’s video about importance of Namasmarana. This was used as analogy, Just like thief Ratnakara got ma ra ma ra ma ra and it became chanting of Rama Rama Rama and he got transformed to Valmiki.

Together, we chanted Om Sri Sai Ram in meditation for one blessed minute, letting the holy vibrations fill our being. We then shared the inspiring story of Meera bai, whose life is an embodiment of namasmarana and unwavering devotion.

Our ultimate goal is to make namasmarana a cherished habit, starting with a small practice each day, at the same time, with the help of a timer. As we increase this practice, we draw closer to the Divine, transforming our lives through the sacred Name.

Life Application:

As a group, we are committed to practicing the first three paths to Live with God:
1. Sravanam – Listen to one minute of Swami’s discourses daily on YouTube or RadioSai. Link to one minute Swami discourses provided
2. Smaranam – Chant the Sai Gayatri three times daily.
3. Keerthanam – Sing one Bhajan each day.
Just like receiving extra credit in school, we have a special opportunity from October 3rd to October 12th to deepen our spiritual practice. We pledged to seize this divine bonus and follow these three goals of devotion each day with sincerity.
CLASS  DATE:    10/13/2024TEACHER(S): Nalini, Gangadher, Sravanti, Shiva
Topic: 9 Path’s of Devotion (Keerthanam, Smaranam) Attendance: 23
Sairam dear parents, please find class summary. We started with prayers, continued to learn Medha Suktham, Bhajan. With situation analysis, we encouraged the students to deeply reflect on how living with the constant awareness that God is always watching can shape their behavior, especially in common teenage situations. This aligns with our theme of the year: Living with God. We gave them scenarios they may face at home or school Peer Pressure and Moral Values: We discussed how teenagers often face pressure to compromise their values for social acceptance. However, staying firm in their beliefs and remembering that they answer to God, not the world, empowers them to live with moral courage, knowing God’s approval is all we need.
Inner Thoughts & Temptations:
When jealousy creeps in because a friend receives praise, students recognized that these negative thoughts can silently grow. By remembering that God sees both our thoughts and actions, they can choose to let go of jealousy and celebrate their friend’s success, focusing instead on personal growth and hard work for God’s pleasure.
Helping Others Without Reward: Even when no one notices their good deeds, like helping a sibling with chores, students were reminded that God sees all acts of kindness, and it’s more rewarding to please God than to seek human recognition.
Honesty: In moments of temptation, we reminded them that even if others don’t see, God is always aware of our choices. By choosing honesty, they strengthen their connection with God, showing that integrity matters more than fleeting success. We need God’s guidance to make right choices in life, Just as we respond when called by our name, calling out to God’s name brings God’s presence and protection close to us. We practiced writing Om Sri Sai Ram with a one-minute timer and chanting His name silently, reminding the students of the peace and focus that comes from Namasmarana. Vijaya Dasami – Mahishasura Mardini: The inner significance of the Mahishasura Mardini story was discussed. Students learned how the battle between Goddess Durga and the demon Mahishasura reflects the negative traits, our weakness like lack of time management, desires, stubbornness, procrastination, ego and ignorance can be won with Gods grace. When faced with challenges or weaknesses, we encouraged the students to acknowledge these and ask God for help, as did Markandeya. His unwavering devotion to Lord Shiva saved him from death, and similarly, Namasmarana helps us overcome difficulties, protecting us from harm and helps us overcome our weakness
Yom Kippur: We also touched on the significance of the Jewish festival Yom Kippur, a period of seeking forgiveness and spiritual cleansing, drawing parallels with our practice of seeking God’s grace to overcome our shortcomings.
In all these scenarios, we emphasized that when we live with the awareness of God’s presence, our thoughts, words, and actions naturally align with righteousness, bringing us closer to God and His divine protection. Life Application: As a group, we are committed to practicing the first three paths to Live with God:
1. Sravanam – Listen to one minute of Swami’s discourses daily on YouTube or RadioSai. Link to one minute Swami discourses provided
2. Smaranam – Chant the Sai Gayatri three times daily.
3. Keerthanam – Sing one Bhajan each day.
Just like receiving extra credit in school, we have a special opportunity from October 3rd to October 12th to deepen our spiritual practice. We pledged to seize this divine bonus and follow these three goals of devotion each day with sincerity.

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3.  SSSE Group 2 Archives
| Group 2, SSSE

Group 2 SSSE Teachers:

Hima,Lalitha,Sharanya,Sumithra. 

Date: 03/11/2024

Class Update for 2A

Started the class with prayers and silent sitting. We introduced light meditation this week. Although it was a little longer, the kids did their best with the meditation! I’m very proud of each and every student for adapting to the new style every week! Kids are actively participating with enthusiasm and would really appreciate it if you could check with them about what they learned in the class. 

Recap: We had a quick recap on the God is Omnipresent topic that was covered last week. Students were relating to how they find/see God in every relationship. 

Class Topic/Discussion: Yesterday’s topic was Namasmarana. Students learned the basics of namasmarana. We covered the following in detail:

  • What is namasmarana?
  • When should we do namasmarana?
  • Why should we do namasmarana?
  • How should we do namasmarana? 

It was a very good interactive session learning about the namasmarana. Kids were able to understand the value of doing the chants.

Story: We talked about the famous Thulabharam story. There were 2 main takeaways that kids took from this famous story. 

  • One cannot have God to themselves. 
  • Realising the value and power in chanting God’s name than the physical form of God.

Activities: We created a namasmarana prayer keychain. Kids used beads to do the keychain. After we had the keychain beaded, kids were taught to use the prayer keychain and few kids led the chants and ensured how easy it is to get engaged in namasmarana. They are planning to attach the keychain to their backpack and do the chants daily.

Life application: Please remind them about the life application. Life application for this month is doing the chants regularly on a daily basis. Please encourage them and remind them to use the prayer keychain. 

Thank you again for all your support and encouragement in helping with the life application module!

Class Update for 2B

We began the session with opening prayers and a Soham meditation, reinforcing the concepts that God is omnipresent, our best friend, and the importance of having Him in our lives. We discussed the significance of Namasmarana (chanting God’s name) by addressing:

  1. The reasons for doing Namasmarana.
  2. Its importance in developing love for God.
  3. The power of chanting God’s name.

Through the stories of the Vanarasena and Hanuman from the Ramayana, we explored the transformative power of Namasmarana. The Vanarasena exemplified how faith in Rama’s name enabled them to effortlessly lift heavy rocks and build a bridge across the ocean, demonstrating that calling upon the divine can turn obstacles into pathways. Hanuman’s unwavering devotion was also highlighted; he revealed that every part of his being resonated with Rama’s name and even tore open his chest to show that only Rama and Sita resided in his heart. His profound devotion led to Rama bestowing Himself upon Hanuman.

The main takeaways were:

  1. God’s name has immense power.
  2. Chanting God’s name with faith and devotion earns the grace of God.
  3. Continuous chanting can make the impossible possible.
  4. Pure love in chanting leads to God’s surrender to the devotee.
  5. This practice is a pathway to draw closer to God.

For the activity, the children created prayer beads and learned how to use them for their prayers. Together, we chanted “Om Sri Sai Ram” and “Om Namah Shivaya” nine times, which took about a minute. The children were encouraged to attach their prayer beads keychain to their backpacks and practise daily chants. We concluded the class with closing prayers.

Parents, please remind your children to practise their life applications for this month, which include daily prayers, respect for parents, and chanting.

Date : 10/27/24

Class Update for  2A

Started the class with prayers and silent sitting. Kids are doing fabulous with prayers and meditation. They are able to focus more as the week progresses. Kudos to all the kids coming on time. They are now following the class rules, paying more attention in the class and actively participating in each class. I’m sure you would have enjoyed their beautiful & energetic Sai Madhuram offering yesterday. We are very proud of each one of them!

Recap: We had a quick recap on the Good Company that was covered last week. It was interesting to know how each of them perceived the lesson in being with a good company.

Class Topic/Discussion: Yesterday’s topic was God is Omnipresent. Even though our class had covered this topic of God is Everywhere, a couple of weeks earlier, this session discussed what is omnipresence, what are the different levels of God’s omnipresence in detail. These levels of omnipresence made the kids realise that God can’t be seen with our physical eyes but can be experienced through various different ways.

Story: We talked about the Bhakta Prahlada story and discussed the story as to how Prahlada’s love and faith got his favourite god down to the kingdom. Similarly, kids were able to understand that with immense faith and love for god, they can also experience their swami in their own way.

Activities: We had a bunch of activities to support the topic (God is Omnipresent). Please check with your kids as to what the activity was and what were their takeaways from each of them. These activities helped them understand that God can be experienced, God will protect them and God’s voice can be heard only in silence. I’m sure there could be one or multiple takeaways from any of the activities. The goal is to constantly remind them about the presence of God all the time.

Life application: Please remind them about the life application. They are doing a fabulous job and always a friendly reminder will help them go a long way! Thank you again for all your support and encouragement in helping with the life application module!

Class update for 2B

The class began with opening prayers and a Soham meditation, introducing the idea that God is omnipresent. This week, we explored how God’s presence is everywhere, based on Swami’s quote, “There is only one God, and He is Omnipresent.” We shared the story of Prahlada’s unwavering faith in God’s presence, emphasizing how this faith made him fearless and calm in threatening situations. We also recounted the experience of Jack Hilton, a devotee from Boston, who felt Sai Baba’s protection during a near accident, reinforcing the concept of divine omnipresence and the power of calling out God’s name.

We discussed that:

– God’s omnipresence means we’re never alone and can find comfort in His companionship.

– Believing in this helps us make better choices and live with kindness.

– Seeing God in all living things connects us to others and inspires kindness.

– We notice God in simple moments, like nature, gratitude, and helping others.

The children were encouraged to notice God’s presence in their daily lives to build a sense of friendship with Him, finding comfort and security in that connection. We closed the session with practice for Sai Madhuram and a closing prayer. Please encourage your children to write about their experiences with God’s presence at home, school, outdoor activities, or in their daily routine where they felt connected to God.

Date : 10/20/24

Class update 2A:We started our class with what we learned, how we liked nature walk and also how we are keeping up with helping parents.

The main topic of discussion for this class was – Good Company – tell me who is your friend I can tell who you are.

We had a very interesting story about two parrots how they transformed into with the association of their companies. After that we had discussion how we choose our friends. We ended this topic by out of all the companies God is the best company we can always have.

We later talked about Avatar Declaration Day and practiced for next week’s Sai Madhuram bhajans.

Parents, please talk to them about the story from the class and ask them how they pick/ choose their friends. It’s a very interesting conversation you will have with them.

Class update:2B

We started our class with 3 Oms , prayers and Soham meditation. As we celebrated Avatar Declaration Day yesterday, children learnt about the significance of the day and sang Manasa Bhajorey bhajan in Unison.  Later we started the topic of the day ‘ Good Company’ with a couple of demonstrations emphasizing the importance of good company, we discussed the qualities of a good friend, and  why Swami has said Avoid Bad Company. Then, we played a quick game called ‘ friendship Spotlight’. Finally, we finished with a beautiful Swami story portraying what a  wonderful Friend Swami was as a small school boy and how he positively influenced his friends.

Then we ended the class with bhajan practice for Sai Madhuram and closing  prayers.

Discussion Points for parents: Ask them about the 2 demonstrations we had using dust and paper towels.

Life Application:  continue marking the tracker and parents kindly initial every week.

Class update 10/13/24

We started with 3Oms   class was led by Brother Jaime and Anjana .We formed a circle to play an interesting icebreaker game,

Native American way where we use our listening skills. The main objective of  our nature walk is to see God in nature as the Native Americans of this land did. Swami says, “Where is God?” The answer is provided by Nature.” (Divine Discourse, July 12, 1988) When you think about it, the church or temple of the Native Americans was nature!!

Their deep connection with nature inspired a spirit of gratitude, and that is reflected in their rituals and ceremonies of thanksgiving. Then we split into small groups and started walking into a beautiful trail and did a scavenger hunt, as we found each item we gave our inner thanks to it.

After the little hike, we gathered again and the team leaders did a purification ritual using smudge sticks . Then we formed a sacred circle and  we learnt about the Talking stick used by native americans, then holding the talking stick children read out gratitude prayer to all the four directions,ground and  sky.

Life Application:  continue marking the tracker and parents kindly initial every week.

Date: 10/6/2024

Class Update for 2A:

We had a wonderful SSSE class yesterday. We discussed in brief about festival Dasara and then moved onto quick recap of last week’s class – God is everywhere.

The topic for this week’s class is – Love and help our parents. Mother and Father are our GOD and we should respect them. 

We had a good story about Pundarikasha how he served his parents. After the story we had nice interactive session how we can help our parents with daily chores.

Daily Challenge –  kids were asked to do any small chores at home for 15 days and we will discuss that in coming classes.

All boys practiced for Sai Madhuram bhajans on 10/27.

Life Application: For October’s the life application(daily spiritual prayer)

We would really appreciate if you could remind them so that it becomes a habit for them! Thank you again for all your continued support! 🙏🏻

Class Update for 2B:

We started our class with 3 Oms and Prayers, followed by SOHAM meditation.Today’s topic was Respect for Parents, we discussed why it’s important to respect parents, children came up with amazing answers. Then, they listened to Pundalikha’s story where Lord Panduranga waited for him to finish serving his Parents. Later we discussed about how to show respect to parents and few Swami quotes. Children amazed us with such wonderful answers/ perspectives, then we had a fun activity discriminating what’s respectful and disrespectful . We ended the class with bhajan practice and finishing prayers. They have a fun assignment and new life application for this month. Parents kindly follow up with them.

Life Application:  we have a new life application for October , recollect one moment during the day you showed your respect and love for your parents and mark the tracker , Parents please initial the tracker every week.

Discussion points for parents:1. Ask them to share the Pundalika story.

  1. Ask them how do you pay RENT to parents?
  2. Fun assignment and life application.
class Date:9/29/24
Summary of the Class:  2A

After the regular prayers and silent sitting, we had a quick recap of last week’s session.
Class Discussion/Learning: We continued building our relationship with God by asking where
God is? It was a very good and interesting discussion where children learned that God is
everywhere and inside each of our hearts. There is no specific time nor appointment needed to
reach out to God. He is always there for us at all times. Then, we talked about the different
perspectives on how we see things and how we should try to change ourselves and not try to
change others around us.
Story time: We narrated a story from Swami’s Chinna Katha series on “Where is God”. Then,
students listened to another beautiful story about “Change your Vision” to emphasise on seeing
things positively & changing ourselves and not others.
Group Singing: Students continued singing the “God is Love” song that they learned last week
during the group activity time.
Group Activity: Based on the story narrated in the class, students had a chance to make butter
from milk. It was hilarious and a fun moment to see how each child participated in churning milk
to make butter. Kids took turns and also sang the “God is Love” song throughout the activity.
Then, we offered our class-made butter to Swami and everyone partook of the butter offering at
the end of the class.
Sai Madhuram is going to be on 10/27/2024. Group 2 students are singing the following
bhajans:
G2 girls: https://sairhythms.sathyasai.org/song/chant-name-god
G2 boys: https://sairhythms.sathyasai.org/song/vittala-vittala-hari-vittalaWe started learning the above bhajans and will continue for the whole of Oct. month.
Life application: For September, the life application is to chant daily prayers. Kids are now
supposed to get parents initials along with a check mark after they have chanted their daily
prayers.

Summary 2B:

The session began with opening prayers and Soham meditation, followed by a recap of last week’s class where we discussed how living with God leads to living in love, and how to develop such unconditional love. This week, we explored taking small steps toward this by remembering God at least three times a day through simple acts.

To illustrate this, we shared the story of Narada and Vishnu, where Vishnu explained to Narada why He values a simple farmer who remembers Him just three times a day: once in the morning upon waking, once before starting work, and once before going to bed.

To reinforce this lesson, the children participated in a role play activity. Each child took on roles representing key moments of connection with God throughout the day, such as:

Saying prayers or thinking of Swami upon waking in the morning.

Praying for a good day or saying goodbye to Swami before leaving for school.

Reflecting on God during lunch or asking for help with schoolwork and exams.

Offering gratitude or saying a bedtime prayer before sleep.

The goal was to encourage the children to remember God at least three times a day—through simple acts of prayer, chanting, or gratitude. The role play showed them how easily they can incorporate these moments into their daily lives, deepening their connection with God.

Sai Madhuram is going to be on 10/27/2024. Group 2 students are singing the following
bhajans:
G2 girls: https://sairhythms.sathyasai.org/song/chant-name-god
G2 boys: https://sairhythms.sathyasai.org/song/vittala-vittala-hari-vittalaWe started learning the above bhajans and will continue for the whole of Oct. month.
Life application: For September, the life application is to chant daily prayers. Kids are now
supposed to get parents initials along with a check mark after they have chanted their daily
prayers.

Class notes :9/22/24

Summary of the Class:  2A

After the regular prayers and silent sitting, we took time to wish all the September born kids. This is a new item to Group 2 class that will be done once a month to celebrate the kids birthdays and make kids special! 

Class Discussion/Learning: We introduced the theme of the year (Living with God) and had a good discussion on what this phrase meant. Then, as part of the theme, going back to the fundamentals, kids were taught who is God. As always, kids just amazed us with their responses. It was a good fun-filled session to learn more about who god is and how is God related to Love in specific. We then talked about God’s creation and how He created us & all other beings. 

Story time: We narrated the famous Adam & Eve story. Then, students listened to couple of Swami’s creation episodes 

Group Singing: Students learned a new song, “God is Love”. 

Group activity: We will be doing an activity relating this next week.

Life application: Regarding students were given a life application to follow & practice on a daily basis. For September, the life application is to chant daily prayers. We stressed upon the importance of putting these life lessons into practice.

Summary 2B:

The session commenced with opening prayers and Soham meditation, introducing this year’s theme, “Living with God.” The discussion delved into the meaning of this theme through various questions:

  1. Who is God?– Children shared their personal connections and ideas about God.
  2. What is the form of God? – Responses varied, with some seeing God as both form and formless.
  3. Can we live with God? How? – Children creatively expressed that those who help them, mother, nature, everything around them are God.
  4. What do you understand by living with God? – Participants explored ways to connect with God in their daily lives.
  5. What is Love?*– children contemplated the essence and nature of love.
  6. Have you experienced love? What sort of love is that? – Personal experiences of love were shared among the group.
  7. What is the difference between selfless love and selfish love? – Understanding the type of love that Swami advocates was discussed.
  8. What is the pure form of love? – Children explained how God’s form is pure and can only be truly experienced.
  9. Have you ever experienced/expressed unconditional love?** – Reflections on unconditional love were shared.
  10. Is it possible to cultivate unconditional love? – This question encouraged children to explore several dimensions of unconditional love, including its necessity, possibility, and interest levels among individuals

To deepen their understanding of unconditional love, the story of Mira and Krishna was narrated, highlighting Mira’s unwavering devotion to God. The story emphasized the longing for God’s presence and the strong bond between Mira and Krishna. The session concluded with a bhajan, “Deena Dayala Hari Parama Dayala,” encouraging children to envision Mira’s love for Krishna and sing the bhajan with love for Swami.

An imitation game followed, where children took turns pretending to hold and play various instruments, either based on prompts or imitating Mira or Krishna.The discussion wrapped up with a focus on the first step towards developing love for God: daily prayers. The session concluded with regular closing prayers.

Summary of the Class: 8/9/2024

We had an amazing start to SSSE classes today! It was very nice to meet all the students. We started our session with prayers and silent sitting. Kids did a fabulous job of chanting in chorus.  After the chants, we introduced ourselves by playing a memory game to ensure we all are able to remember the names of each other. 

Due to the increase in class size this year, we are splitting the group 2 class to two sections (2A & 2B) that will run in parallel (same lesson & same timing) with around 22 students in each section. So, we (both kids & teachers) did an activity of picking lots for students & teachers assignments. 

For the attendance, kids were taught a new popsicle stick method to mark attendance. Using their creativity, they were able to design & decorate their popsicle sticks. It was a fun-filled activity and we can see the pride in kids designing their popsicle stick!

Please note: Students who didn’t attend the class today will be given a chance next weekend on 15th for their respective assignment & decorate popsicle sticks.

Indeed, all the teachers are very excited and very much looking forward to working with SSSE Group2 kids for the rest of the year. 

 class summary: 3/17/24

Class started with Omkar, silent sitting with Gayatri Mantra, shlokas, and a recap of our last class.
Summary of the Class:  We had a wonderful class, and the children were taught about service we offered. They learned some of the basics about what Swami taught us on service. We described various different kinds of services that we can do and offer at all times. We also learned how we should do service. We learned the four principles of service: quality, selflessness, sacrifice, and love. We also shared one story of an experience of a devotee. Kids enjoyed doing some simple math as a group activity through which they learned that good attitude is an important and powerful tool which we must use when doing service. We had a guest speaker, sister Aruna, who is a group 1 teacher and alumni of Sri Sathya Sai Anantpur college who shared her experience there and stressed upon the service aspect as well. 

We also learnt following bhajans.

https://saimelodies.org/Songs/Detail/2697

https://saimelodies.org/Songs/Detail/2862

Life application: 

We have given them a daily diary to follow life application. Reflect and make it a habit to show Respect to all –

  1. Was I respectful today?- Greet everyone respectfully with smile.
  2. Did I practice help ever hurt never?- Help mom to get ready for school.

We concluded the class with prayers.

Note to parents: Please encourage children to maintain their daily diary.

Please note, no class on 25th Feb.

Thank you 

Sairam
Class Date: 2/18/2024

Class started with Omkar, silent sitting with Gayatri Mantra, shlokas, and a recap of our last class.

Summary of the Class:  

We had a wonderful session today. The children took the initiative, researched five life scenarios given in last class in 4 different groups and used different ways like with role play, narration and PowerPoint presentations.
We followed with discussion after each scenario what they think they should do. Children came up with wonderful suggestions how can we prevent food wastage, we can be honest in expressing ourselves and avoid telling lies often. We will extend our discussion in next class.  We shared Swami’s messages and stories in context with the presentations.
Kids actively participated in the discussion, followed by bhajan practice. Link is posted below.
https://saimelodies.org/Songs/Detail/2697
https://saimelodies.org/Songs/Detail/1619
Life application:
Please encourage children to make their daily diary entries.

Reflect and make it a habit to show Respect to all 
1.Was I respectful today?
2. Did I practice help ever hurt never?
Concluded the class with prayers
Sairam
Class Date: 2/11/2024
Class started with Omkar, sloka chanting, silent sitting, recap of our last class and sharing of life application.
Summary of the class:
We had a really nice session today. Ensure that our deeds are aligned with words/we shared five real life scenarios and formed groups to come up with the skit presentation planned for the next class.
During game time we enjoyed played game ‘ follow action’.
Continuing with ‘ Journey from Sathya to Sai’ we shared James Sinclair’s story how Swami asked him whether he could give him his word that he would be always happy. Essentially Baba’s message is that it is up to us to be always happy!
Life Application:
Please encourage children to make their daily diary entries.
Sairam
Class Date:2/3/2024

Class started with Omkar, silent sitting with visualization, Gayatri Mantra, shlokas, and a recap of our last class.

Summary of the Class:  

We had a wonderful session today. The children took the initiative, researched two stories written by Swami, and presented a slide show on ‘Cheppinattu Chestara’ – ‘Do your actions follow what you say’ by Jaljashree, Riya, and Keerthi.
‘Tulabharam’ by Aneesh and Saketh showed how ‘Devotion is greater than Wealth’. Kids actively participated in the discussion, followed by bhajan practice.
Activity: 
We had ‘game time’ in class, and the children enjoyed the lighter moments.
Life application: 
We have given them a daily diary to follow life application. Reflect and make it a habit to show Respect to all –
  1. Was I respectful today?
  2. Did I practice help ever hurt never?
We concluded the class with prayers.
Note to parents: Please encourage children to maintain their daily diary.
Thank you 
Sairam
Class Date: 01/28/2024
Attendance: 25/45
Theme: My life is my message to your life is my message
Class started with Omkar, silent sitting with visualization, Gayatri Mantra, shlokas, and a recap of our last class.
Summary of the Class:  
Continuing the story of Bhagawan’s childhood, we discussed several interesting incidents that occurred at Bukkapatanam and Urvakonda, culminating in the Avatars declaration.
Activity: 
We showed clippings from Radio sai, which will be posted on our website summary.
https://youtu.be/HfSlea7uqWE?si=sEJZAK1Pn547DzYQ
https://youtu.be/nZMG9_7UUKA?si=UfC7BRZhHWXVS3n9
https://archive.sssmediacentre.org/journals/vol_12/01AUG14/RADIOSAI-HIS_STORY_COMIC-part-08.htm
Life application: 
Reflect and make it a habit to show Respect to all
  1. Was I respectful today?
  2. Did I practice help ever hurt never?
Concluded the class with prayers.
Note to parents: Please encourage children to maintain their daily diary.
Sairam
Class Date: 01/21/2024
Attendance: 31/45
Theme: My life is my message to your life is my message
Class started with Omkar, silent sitting with visualization, Gayatri Mantra
Summary of the Class
Today’s class started with the theme: The journey from my life is my message to your life – Swami’s life story – Kindness, non-violence, sharing, and being content.
We talked about the descent of God in human form, the trinity of the three Sai’s, Swami’s birth, the amazing events of His childhood, and how arduous a journey to Puttaparthi was in the 1970s.
Activity: 
Lesson: Listening to the story of Divine descent requires attentive listening. Through an experiment, we explained how an ideal devotee listens, recognizes, and practices divine messages. We discussed the story of Arjuna, an ideal devotee to Krishna.
We enjoyed experimenting with a glass of water, a piece of rock, cloth, and sugar, representing different listening levels.
Takeaway: 
The Divine watches over us and takes human form to inspire and redeem.
Life application:
Reflect and make it a habit to show Respect to all 
  1. Was I respectful today?
  2. Did I practice help ever hurt never?
Concluded the class with prayers
Sairam
Class Date: 01/14/2024
Attendance: 25/45
Value: Truth; Sub-Value: Faith
Class started with Omkar, silent sitting with visualization, Gayatri Mantra
Summary of the Class:  Culmination of Unity of Faiths
We discussed key takeaways and learnings from the field trips covering five faiths – Buddism, Zorastrism, Islam, Christianity, and Hinduism. This was followed by a discussion about the significance & similarities between all five faiths, relating it to Swami’s teachings.
“Let the different faiths exist, let them flourish, let the glory of God be sung in all the languages, in various tunes that should be the ideal. Respect the differences between the faiths and recognize them as valid as long as they are a unity of faith that is illumined.
Activity: During the group activity, children shared takeaways on how to put teachings from various faiths into practice and shortlisted two values:
1. Being respectful
2. Follow Help ever, hurt never
Make it a HABIT to show RESPECT towards –  Oneself, Parents, Teachers, Religion, Environment, All living Beings, and Non-living things that they interact with and depend on in our daily lives.
 Bhajan Practice:
Girls: https://sairhythms.sathyasai.org/song/aao-gopala-giridhari
Boys: https://sairhythms.sathyasai.org/song/dum-dum-dum-dum-damaru
Life Application: Reflect and make it a habit to show Respect to all 
1) Did I show respect to others? – practice by parents, friends, food, environment, nature, teachers, etc
2) Did I practice Help Ever Hurt Never today?
Concluded the class with prayers.
Swami’s quote:
There is only one religion, the religion of love.
‘There is only one caste, the caste of humanity.
There is only one language, the language of the heart.
There is only one God who is omnipresent.
Sairam
Class Date: 01/07/2024Attendance: 25/45Value: Truth; Sub-Value: Faith
Class started with Omkar chanting and silent sitting with different ways of chanting Japa.
We chatted about their winter break and different activities they enjoyed in break.
We took a quick recape of all the five religions, visits to respective shrines and place of worship. What was their takeaway and what did they enjoyed most.
We connect one important message to take away from every religion and explain it with Baba’s Sarva dharma stupa and symbols.
Buddhism- wheel of dharma, cause and effect – do good deeds.
Isalam- be like a star always close to cresent- have firm faith in God.
Zorastrian- Offer all negativity in fire and purify yourself.
Hinduism – Omkar is everywhere omnipresent of God.
Christianity- cross represents Ego. Let go of your I.
Life application – complete your passport.
We also had our quarterly parent-teacher meeting, had a wonderful interaction with parents, and discussed the quarter course plan.
Sairam
Class Date: 12/17/2023Attendance: 35/45Value: Truth; Sub-Value: Faith
Class started with three OMs, Gayathri and Meditation.
Summary of the Class:  Celebration of Christmas
we had so much fun in the class going over the field trip experience sharing with students what they learnt in the church and it was amazing to hear from students how they enjoyed being in the church and how much they learnt about Jesus. How compassion and love towards the world and he always followed Love all serve all.
Activity:  Every students had a chance take opportunity to do the cookie decoration and have their decor cookie too. please see all the pictures posted in the parents what app chat.
Game: We had a chance play musical chair with our christmas carols. Our students enjoyed thoroughly. Please see the video and pictures sent already.
Bhajans: Students had a chance to practice bhajans for the Sai Madhuram performance.
Students offering was phenomenal. thank you Swami.
 Quote: BE KIND TO EVERY ONE.
Swami’s quote:
There is only one religion the religion of love.
‘There is only one caste, the caste of humanity.
There is only one language, the language of the heart.
There is only one God who is omnipresent.
Life application: Connect with your students and participate in asking questions what they have learnt and what are the practices they will be following untill next class from what they have learnt from this class.
Closing prayers: Samantha lokah sukino bhavanthu (3)
Note: No classes on Dec 24 and Dec 31st and classes Wil resume on Jan 7th 2024.
Sai ram 

Class Date: 09/24/2023

Attendance: 35/45
Value: Truth; Sub-Value: Faith
Summary of class: Field trip to BUDDHIST TEMPLE in Raleigh:
What a great way to learn Buddhism through an amazing presenter Elise which was calm and soulful experience.
we got to hear the story of Buddha and significance, philosophy, teachings, 4 Nobel paths, symbol.
Philosophy of Buddha:
1. Life is precious
2. Cause and effect
3. Interdependence
4. Impermanence
Elise also talked about positive emotions: joy, happiness, gratitude and negative emotions: like anger, greed and jealousy. How Vises verses virtues are very important to have in this human life. Human life is offered to you with great merits and we have to be grateful for our precious life.
we got to know about the prayer flags and the different colors of the flags mean. Difference colors of the flag is related to 5 elements.
Prayer wheel and it’s significance, it’s wheeled clock wise and put in all the prayers in it and more you wheel it and more it spins and more the positive vibrations of good energy is spread to the world.
We had a chance see the Stupa and what it means.
All the scriptures were shown and the main scripture of Buddhism is Tripitaka.
presentation ended with a great meditation of inhaling through the one nostrils and exhaling through other nostrils and deep breathing normally after that, a very peaceful experience.
We had a chance to take a group pictures please see the what’s app parent chat group.
Students were given the passport to take home. Please see under life application what they are supposed to do.
Swami’s Quote:
There is only one God, and he is omnipresent.
There only one language, the language of the heart.
There is only one religion, the religion of love.
Life application:
Students write their experience in the passport received after the touring of Buddhist  temple. What was their haha moment 
And surprise waiting in the class to go on to the passport. Please bring your passport to the class.
Class date: 09/17/23
Value: Love  Sub-Value: Unity of Faiths 
 Summary of class:
We started with 3 OMS, 3 Gayathri Mantra & Meaning, followed by Meditation.
learning:  forms are different. God is one.
To show that we did a role play:

Role  play: : We teachers did role play ‘Fingers and hands’- conveying message that all fingers and thumb have different unique qualities, but they all are part of one hand. Body parts are different but belong to one individual.

Activity– Students separated different types of grains  from a jar of mixed varieties of grains . We conveyed the message that religions are many, methods of prayers are different, we call God by different names, but all are interconnected and teach us the same five universal values.
We had a brief discussion about the importance of knowing different religions, helping to respect and understand other cultures better.
Sarva dharma Stupa-or symbol  Swami, on his 50th birthday celebration, came up with a sketch of stupa or symbol  and how it was built. We discussed five main religion’s symbols, and significance of each part of stupa.or symbol.

Bhajan : we  learnt sarva dharma bhajan’ Ram kaho Krishna kaho, Eshwar Allah Sai kaho’,

 Swami’s Quote: 
There is only one God, and he is omnipresent.
There only one language, the language of the heart. 
There is only one religion, the religion of love. 

LIFE Application:  

 Affirmation: students were able to write the affirmations. 
Students wrote said and  their Affirmations aloud and ended the class with Closing Prayers.
 Sairam

Class Date: 01/29/2023

Attendance: 21/28

Value: Truth; Sub-Value: Faith

Summary of class:

We started with 3 OMS, 3 Gayathri Mantra & Meaning, followed by Light Meditation

Sharing of the life application from last week. 

We introduced the SUB-VALUE FAITH

  1. Complete trust or confidence in someone or something.
  2. Strong belief and trust in and loyalty to God.
  3. Something that is believed especially with strong conviction.

We had a phenomenal class on Faith yesterday  We had recap of self confidence how it is very important in life in every aspect. We had a great sharing in the class too.  Started with a story of a boy who wanted to plant a seeds of corn 🌽 to grow with soil, sunlight and water  Every day he was patiently watering the seed to grow but all he could see is weeds growing around the seed instead he seeing corn grow. He used to weed out all the weeds growing, with lots of hard work, patience, persistence and faith the seeds finally into a beautiful corn tree.

Experiment Time:  We showed the experiment to students
A PVC pipe, rag and a soda can, When a PVC pipe come into contact with a soda can no movement. When the PVC pipe come in contact with Sida can after it’s been created friction with Rag, soda can moves as the PVC pipe moves.
This experiment shows PVC pipe as you or humans, rag is the faith you rub with more the faith you have more the God is closer to you. Soda can represent God.

 Swami’s Quote: 

Having unshakable inner confidence 

Faith is GOD. Faith in Yourself. That is a secret of greatness

Continue Parctising for Sai Madhuram 

https://www.sF11https://www.saimelodies.saigcregion3.org/Songs/Detail/2862  -Girls

https://www.saimelodies.saigcregion3.org/Songs/Detail/585- Boys

Lingashtakam-F2

LIFE APPLICATION – DAILY SPIRITUAL DIARY, please encourage this week’s action plan, and they can make notes for the whole week with their notebook.

    • Morning Prayer
    • Food Prayer
    • Spiritual Interview 
    • Interview your family members and share 
    • What FAITH Means for them?
    • What were their  experiences on FAITH?
    •       Please interview your family and share in our next time.
    • Chanting / Jyothi Meditation / Service 
    • Bedtime Prayers 
Affirmation: Students wrote said their Affirmations aloud and ended the class with Closing Prayers.

Sairam

Class Date: 01/22/2023 

Attendance: 18/28

Value: Truth; Sub-Value: Self-Confidence 

Summary of class:
We started with 3 OMS, 3 Gayathri Mantra & Meaning, followed by Light Meditation
Sharing of the life application:

Students shared their experiences of how they exhibited the confidence through out the week.  It was great listening to the experience s and also teachers shared their experiences too.

A 4min Video to show some tips  how to be self confident from  12 year old , the video is shared on the what’s app parents group chat.  We discussed what did they  they learn from the video? They said how to self confidence by over coming their own fears.

we had a great opportunity to conduct a ballon experiment to show how the self confidence can work when you have God with you and believe that anything is possible to achieve when you have that will power and God power. Please ask students about what does the balloon represents, what does the straw represent, what does the air represent and the string. It was a great discussion in the class. See the pics on what’s app parents group chat.

We had a bhajan practice with Nithya Aunty who came to the class to teach the class 2 Bhajans please see the link below and the audio, video pics on the chat.  Also please check the Lingastakam for Shiva ratri Feb 18th

https://www.sF11https://www.saimelodies.saigcregion3.org/Songs/Detail/2862  -Girls

https://www.saimelodies.saigcregion3.org/Songs/Detail/585- Boys

Lingashtakam-F2

 Swami’s quote : 

If you know what is right, don’t ask – do it!

That is confidence-God power.

LIFE APPLICATION – DAILY SPIRITUAL DIARY, please encourage this week’s action plan, and they can make notes for the whole week with their notebook.

    • Morning prayer: as soon as you are up, please recite morning prayers
    • Food prayer: before you partake of food
    • Bedtime prayer: before going to bed
    • Believe Swami is with you; talk to Swami to boost your Self-Confidence
    • PRACTICE SELF CONFIDENCE  TAKE ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES CONES YOUR WAY TO EXIBIT CONFIDENCE AND SHARE IN OUR NEXT CLASS.
    • Chanting / Jyothi Meditation / Service
      PLEASE NOTE LIFE APPLICATION IS VERY IMPORTANT AS A TEACHER, YOU AS A PARENT AND OUR STUDENTS WILL BE PRACTICING AS TRIPLE PARTNERS.

We ended our class with closing prayers.

Sairam

Class Date: 01/15/2023

Attendance: 18/28

Value: Truth; Sub-Value: Self-Confidence 

Summary of class:

We started with 3 OMS, 3 Gayathri Mantra & Meaning, followed by Light Meditation.

We discussed last week’s Life Application.

We revised all three prayers – Morning, Food, and Bedtime.
Please work with the children to practice prayers daily and note them in their spiritual diary

We played the game “Pass the Parcel”,  and children were given simple topics to perform spontaneously and impromptu scenarios . We saw children demonstrate their innate personality and discussed the scenarios and how they can perform in the given scenarios in their daily life. How can they take these every day opportunity and exhibit confidence . life application from last week – What personalities do they relate to the most and how to work on building self-confidence – recognize the divinity in you and believe that GOD – SWAMI is always with you.

We discussed the story of Hanuman as a child, who was fearless, and how he needed Jambavantha to remind him of his innate strength, encouraging him to cross the ocean in search of Sita. Like how Hanuman did not know his own strengths and  his own self confidence until he crossed the ocean to give Sita mata the message.

We presented and discussed why Self-Confidence is important:

  •  Leads to inner peace and mind satisfaction
  •  Leads to success in all areas of life
  •  Believing in oneself will promote developing love for all
  • Self-confidence will bring transformation from within, believing God is within us; he will always guide and protect us.

And SWAMI’s Quote:

Self-confidence means thinking all the time, “God is in me… 

Important Information: 

We Choose the Bhajan for Group 2 Girls & Boys for Sai Madhuram, date 12th Feb 2023. 

Girls: https://www.saimelodies.saigcregion3.org/Songs/Detail/2862

Boys: https://www.saimelodies.saigcregion3.org/Songs/Detail/585

Lingashtakam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Xaaw3U4A-I

Please encourage Children to participate in the Sai Samarpan offering, the submissions folders will be open from next week. 

Affirmation: Children said their Affirmations aloud and ended the class with Closing Prayers.

LIFE APPLICATION – DAILY SPIRITUAL DIARY, please encourage this week’s action plan, and they can make notes for the whole week with their notebook.

  • Morning prayer: as soon as you are up, please recite morning prayers 
  • Food prayer: before you partake of food 
  • Bedtime prayer: before going to bed 
  • Believe Swami is with you, talk to Swami to boost your Self-Confidence
  • Practice Truthfulness and Respect 
  • Chanting / Jyothi Meditation / Service
    PLEASE NOTE LIFE APPLICATION IS VERY IMPORTANT AS A TEACHER, YOU AS A PARENT AND OUR STUDENTS WILL BE PRACTICING AS TRIPLE PARTNERS.

We ended our class with closing prayers.

Sairam

Wishing you a wonderful and blessed year, 2023

Class Date: 01/08/2023

Attendance: 22/28

Value: Truth; Sub-Value: Self-Confidence 

Summary of class:

We started with 3 OMS, 3 Gayathri Mantra & Meaning, followed by Light Meditation.

We discussed last week’s Life Application.

We revised all three prayers – Morning, Food, and Bedtime.
Please work with the children to practice prayers daily and note them in their spiritual diary 

Today’s class introduced the next Sub-Value, “Self Confidence.”

We did a role-play to demonstrate three different personalities portraying confidence levels –

  1. Open-minded, Courageous, and Always confident to take up any challenge
  2. Closed-minded, Rigid, and never want to take up anything outside of the comfort zone
  3. Open-minded, looks for support to take up challenges

We discussed the stories of contemporary achievers who believed in themselves, showed perseverance, hard-work and succeeded despite many obstacles – J K Rowling, Michel Jordan, Messie, Abraham Lincon.

Learned the meaning of Self Confidence and what Swami says about the importance of Self Confidence.

Meaning: 

A feeling of trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment.

The knowledge of inner truth and value, the knowledge of who you really are – divine.

Swami Says: 

“Without self-confidence, no achievement is possible. If you have confidence in your strength and skill, you can draw upon the inner springs of courage and raise yourselves to the higher level of joy and peace.”

We discussed offerings for Sai Madhuram and Sai Samarpan.

Important Information: 

Next class, we will finalize the Bhajan for Group 2 Girls & Boys for Sai Madhuram, date 12th Feb 2023. 

Please encourage Children to participate in the Sai Samarpan offering, the submissions folders will be open from next week. 

Affirmation: Children said their Affirmations aloud and ended the class with Closing Prayers.

LIFE APPLICATION – DAILY SPIRITUAL DIARY, please encourage this week’s action plan, and they can make notes for the whole week with their notebook.

  • Morning prayer: as soon as you are up, please recite morning prayers 
  • Food prayer: before you partake of food 
  • Bedtime prayer: before going to bed 
  • Identify when you were confident, when you felt not so confident, and what you did then.
  • Practice Truthfulness and Respect 
  • Chanting / Jyothi Meditation / Service
    PLEASE NOTE LIFE APPLICATION IS VERY IMPORTANT AS A TEACHER, YOU AS A PARENT AND OUR STUDENTS WILL BE PRACTICING AS TRIPLE PARTNERS.

We ended our class with closing prayers.

Class Date: 12/18/2022

Attendance: 12/28

Christmas Celebration 

Summary of class:

We started with 3 OMS, 3 Gayathri Mantra & Meaning, followed by Light Meditation.

We discussed last week’s Life Application.

We revised all three prayers – Morning, Food, and Bedtime.
Please work with the children to practice prayers daily and note them in their spiritual diary

The class was focused on Christmas….

We heard the Christmas story of star in the night sky, the birth of Jesus, and three gifts. We saw clippings of miracles of Jesus, relating to what our Swami used to perform as well.

We learned what Swami said about the three gifts and how each of us has them.

And as a class, we played Christmas Trivia and fun activities; the children enjoyed the games and won prizes.

Affirmation: Children said their Affirmations aloud and ended the class with Closing Prayers.

LIFE APPLICATION – DAILY SPIRITUAL DIARY, please encourage this week’s action plan, and they can make notes for the whole week with their notebook.

  • Morning prayer: as soon as you are up, please recite morning prayers 
  • Food prayer: before you partake food
  • Practice Truthfulness and Respect
  • Any chanting/ meditation or service and what is the importance of it. Please ask your students about it.
  • Bedtime prayer; before going to bed.
    PLEASE NOTE LIFE APPLICATION IS VERY IMPORTANT AS A TEACHER, YOU AS A PARENT AND OUR STUDENTS WILL BE PRACTICING AS TRIPLE PARTNERS.

Wishing you all Happy Holidays!

Sairam

Class Date 12/11/2022

VALUE: Truth, Sub Value: Respect
Summary of class:
We started with 3 OMS, 3 Gayathri Mantra & Meaning, followed by Light Meditation.

We discussed last week’s Life Application.

We revised Morning Prayer & Food Prayer. This week we learned the Bedtime prayer.

Please work with the children to practice all three prayers daily and note them in their spiritual diary 

We revised about Sub-Value Respect and discussed why it is important to respect all living beings and creations on GOD irrespective of their form. This was illustrated with an example of a Mosquito and how it adds value in maintaining balance in the ecosystem.

Swami’s Quotes: 

“Sometimes I am a dog, sometimes a pig, a cow, a cat or an ant, a fly or an aquatic creature. In such various forms do I move about in the world. Know that I love only him who sees Me in all the living beings. So give up the sense of differentiation. This is the way to worship Me.” ~ Sai of Shirdi 

“I am nearest to the one who calls on Me and sees Me in all beings.” – ‘Sathya Sai Speaks’ – 14th Sept. 1975

We had Samhitha from Group 4 teach us a beautiful bhajan:

I Keep Feeling Your Love In Me Over And Over Again

And It’s Sweeter And Sweeter As The Days Go By

Oh What A Love Between My Sai And I

My Sai And I, My Sai And I

https://sairhythms.sathyasai.org/song/i-keep-feeling-your-love

Affirmation: Children said their Affirmations aloud and ended the class with Closing Prayers.

LIFE APPLICATION – DAILY SPIRITUAL DIARY, please encourage this week’s action plan, and they can make notes for the whole week with their notebook.

  • Morning prayer: as soon as you are up, please recite morning prayers 
  • Food prayer: before you partake food
  • Pay attention and note How you SHOW respect and How you RECEIVE respect. 
  • Any chanting/ meditation or service and what is the importance of it. Please ask your students about it.
  • Bedtime prayer; before going to bed.
    PLEASE NOTE LIFE APPLICATION IS VERY IMPORTANT AS A TEACHER, YOU AS A PARENT AND OUR STUDENTS WILL BE PRACTICING AS TRIPLE PARTNERS.
Sai Ram

Class Date: 12/04/2022

VALUE: Truth, Sub Value: Respect

Attendance: 18/28

Summary of class:
We started with 3 OMS, 3 Gayathri Mantra & Meaning, followed by Light Meditation.

We discussed last week’s Life Application.

Morning Prayer & Food Prayer:  Parents, please encourage students to practice reciting the Shloka every morning as soon as they up from bed and food prayer before partaking meals.

We revised about Sub-Value Respect and discussed what respect means to each of us. 

Learnt why Respect is important, how Swami simplifies and presents an easy path to “Respect to All”

We discussed the Story of Shiridi Baba and Swami, where Swami has exhorted to everyone that one must see the Lord in all. He says that D-O-G (dog) becomes G-O-D (God) when viewed from the correct perspective.

We together watched the video Abu Bin Adam Story:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bsxpihvG864 

Signifying the need to respect and love fellow beings as GOD then GOD himself will be with you always.

Swami’s Quote:

  • Respect all others as your kin, having the same divine spark and the same divine nature.”
  • “Know yourself as divine and when you revere all others as divine.”

Affirmation: Children said out aloud their Affirmations and ended the class with Closing Prayers.

LIFE APPLICATION – DAILY SPIRITUAL DIARY, please encourage this week’s action plan, and they can make notes for the whole week with their notebook.

  • Morning prayer: as soon as you are up, please recite morning prayers 
  • Food prayer: before you partake food
  • Pay attention and note How you SHOW respect and How you RECEIVE respect. 
  • Any chanting/ meditation or service and what is the importance of it. Please ask your students about it.
  • Bedtime prayer; before going to bed.
    PLEASE NOTE LIFE APPLICATION IS VERY IMPORTANT AS A TEACHER, YOU AS A PARENT AND OUR STUDENTS WILL BE PRACTICING AS TRIPLE PARTNERS. 
Important information for Parents: We encourage everyone, especially Students, to practice The Prayers daily (Life application)
Sai Ram

Class Date 11/06/2022

VALUE: Truth 

Sub Value: Respect

Attendance: 18/38

Respect:

  •  Having esteem and reverence for yourself and others
  • Based on the recognition of the truth of God in All
Summary of class:
We started with 3 OMS, 3 Gayathri Mantra & Meaning, followed by Light Meditation.

We discussed last week’s Life Application.

Morning Prayer & Food Prayer:  Parents, please encourage students to practice reciting the Shloka every morning as soon as they up from bed and food prayer before partaking food.

We revised about Sub-Value Honesty and Introduced the next sub value – RESPECT

We together watched the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHQp-SxcNww

And identified the key sub-value as RESPECT

Activity Time: 

Children depicted and wrote about their views about

  1. What respect sounds like? 
  2. What respect looks like? 
  3. What respect feels like?

And they wrote Acronym About Respect.

Here is a snapshot of notes from the children:

Today’s class was an Hour Only as most of the Children went for Bhajan practice for Upcoming Swami’s Birthday Celebrations.

Remaining children watched the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddvTFgzkS5M

Affirmation: Children said out aloud their Affirmations and ended the class with Closing Prayers. 

  • LIFE APPLICATION – DAILY SPIRITUAL DIARY

    please encourage this week’s action plan, and they can make notes for the whole week with their notebook.

  • Morning prayer: as soon as you are up, please recite morning prayers 
  • Food prayer: before you partake food
  • How did you practice truthfulness today: yet of the day or before going to bed reflection of the day time.
  • Any chanting/ meditation or service and what is the importance of it. Please ask your students about it.
  • Bedtime prayer; before going to bed.
    PLEASE NOTE LIFE APPLICATION IS VERY IMPORTANT AS A TEACHER, YOU AS A PARENT AND OUR STUDENTS WILL BE PRACTICING AS TRIPLE PARTNERS. 
Important information for Parents: We encourage everyone, especially Students, to practice The Prayers daily (Life application)

Next three weeks there is no class because of Akhanda Bhajan and Birthday Retreat event.

1) Akhanda Bhajans (Nov 12th and 13th) 
2) Swami’s Birthday Mini retreat -Nov 18th 4PM till 9:30 PM and  Nov 19th 6:45 AM till 4PM
3) Rise against Hunger service event (Friday, Nov 18th evening)
Looking forward to seeing you all for the Akhanda Bhajan
Sai Ram

CLASS DATE: 10/30/2022

VALUE: Truth

Sub Value: Honest

Attendance: 15/28

Honesty:

  • Being straightforward in speech and conduct
  • Behaving sincerely
  • Following through on one’s promise.
 Summary of class:
We started with 3 OMS, 3 Gayathri Mantra & Meaning, followed by Light Meditation.

We discussed last week’s Life Application.

Morning Prayer:  parents please encourage students to practice and recite the Shloka every morning as soon as they up from the bed. we had an opportunity to continue with the honesty is the best policy.

Game time: 

We had a fantastic time playing the coin game.
Students were divided into 3 groups and given the cup with the water and each group were given one penny, drop the penny in the water and try to cover the penny with quarter and dime. It needed more other coins to cover the penny.
The inference of this game is once you tell one lie( cent) you have to cover much much lies ( quarter , dime) so the moral of the game is do not let the lie weigh it down and also wats tell the truth no matter what. 

We also had an opportunity to watch the Robot story about being honest. 


Swami’s words about Honesty:

    • Speak the truth but pleasantly.
    • Simply becausebabstatement will be welcome to the hearer,don’t speak it out to winhis approval.
    • If speaking truth will cause grief or pain, keep silent.

    • Food prayer: 

      We recited the shloka and the meaning and a beautiful stories why it is important to pray before you partake the food. 

    • Bramharpanam ( please refer the parent chat message 
    • Swami’s words on Food Prayer.
    • We should partake food with a sathwic (pure, serene) mind. Our ancestors recommended the offering of food to God before partaking. Food so partaken becomes prasad (consecrated offering). Prayer cleanses the food of the three impurities caused by the absence of cleanliness of the vessel, cleanliness of the food stuff, and cleanliness in the process of cooking. It is necessary to get rid of these three impurities to purify the food, for pure food goes into the making of a pure mind. It is not possible to ensure the purity of the cooking process because we do not know what thoughts rage in the mind of the man who prepares the food. Similarly, we cannot ensure the cleanliness of the food ingredients because we do not know whether it was acquired in a righteous way by the person who sold it to us. Hence, it is essential on our part to offer food to God in the form of prayer so that these three impurities do not afflict our mind.
    • Affirmation: 

      The Class wrote their affirmation in the notebook

  • LIFE APPLICATION – DAILY SPIRITUAL DIARY

    please encourage this week’s action plan, and they can make notes for the whole week with their notebook.

  • Morning prayer: as soon as you are up, please recite morning prayers 
  • Food prayer: before you partake food
  • How did you practice truthfulness today: yet of the day or before going to bed reflection of the day time.
  • Any chanting/ meditation or service and what is the importance of it. Please ask your students about it.
  • Bedtime prayer; before going to bed.
    PLEASE NOTE LIFE APPLICATION IS VERY IMPORTANT AS A TEACHER, YOU AS A PARENT AND OUR STUDENTS WILL BE PRACTICING AS TRIPLE PARTNERS. 
Important information for Parents: 
  1. We encourage everyone, especially Students, to practice The Prayers daily (Life application)
 Sai Ram

CLASS DATE: 10/23/2022

VALUE: Truth

Sub Value: Honest

Also talked about the importance of Diwali!

ATTENDANCE: 21/28

 Summary of class:
We started with 3 OMS, 3 Gayathri Mantra & Meaning, followed by Light Meditation.

We discussed last week’s Life Application.

Morning Prayer, Recited the Morning prayer and its meaning again. Nice to see half the class was familiar and reciting every day. Please encourage students to prayer this shloka as soon as they rise from the bed.:

Karaagre Vasate Lakshmi, Karamadhye Saraswati

Karamoole Tu Govinda, Prabhaate Karadarshanam

Meaning :

I focus on my fingers (Kara: hand; Agra: top/tip) and I visualize the abundant blessings of Goddess Lakshmi , who dwells there.

I focus on the center of my palms (Kara: hand, Madhya: middle) and I visualize the abundant blessings of Goddess Saraswati, who dwells there.

At the base of my hand (Kara: hand, Moola: bottom), I visualize the infinite blessings of Lord Vishnu, who dwells there.

And so, I focus on my hands every morning and seek divine manifestation

We continued the topic on the value Truth – Subvalue Honesty. And had a chance to play button game. Students enjoyed playing it and the inference of the game is how difficult to with hold the dishonesty and always honesty is the best policy. Ask students how they enjoyed it.

    • Swami’s words about Honesty: 
    • In spite of all appearances, honesty is still the best policy.
    • A single lie has to be buttressed by a hundred others, while the truth is the easiest, simplest, and safest line of behavior. 
    • Be what you preferred to be, speak what you intend to do, and talk about what you have experienced-no more, no less.
    • Diwali/Deepavali significance: 
    • Please refer the  video on the parents what’s app group.
    • We shared the significance and the importance of the festival. And had a beautiful activity to create the draw Rangoli with rangoli
    • Students thoroughly enjoyed the activity which showed the creativity, focus, true liking and festivity.
    • Affirmation: 

      The Class wrote their affirmation in the notebook

  • LIFE APPLICATION – DAILY SPIRITUAL DIARY

    please encourage this week’s action plan, and they can make notes for the whole week with their notebook.

  • Morning prayer: as soon as you are up, please recite morning prayers 
  • Food prayer: before you partake food
  • How did you practice truthfulness today: yet of the day or before going to bed reflection of the day time.
  • Any chanting/ meditation or service and what is the importance of it. Please ask your students about it.
  • Bedtime prayer; before going to bed.
    PLEASE NOTE LIFE APPLICATION IS VERY IMPORTANT AS A TEACHER, YOU AS A PARENT AND OUR STUDENTS WILL BE PRACTICING AS TRIPLE PARTNERS. 
Important information for Parents: 
  1. We encourage everyone, especially Students, to practice The Prayers daily (Life application)
Sai Ram
(more…)
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4.  SSSE Group 1 Archives
| Group 1, SSSE

12/1 – No class, ThanksGiving

11/24 – Swami’s birthday , no class

11/17 – Recap class – Quiz

11/10 – No Class, Akhand Bhajan

Class notes from 11/3

Spiritual Principle :  In our daily lives, we know that when we become angry, our nerves become weak and feeble and we lose grip over ourselves. Even a moment of anger takes away our strength that we gather by eating good food for three months. Anger not only debilitates us and takes away the merit of our good deeds, but also enfeebles our condition. If we are able to control this anger, we shall be in a position to attain merit through the utterance of the Lord’s name.

https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/anger-greatest-enemy/

We had a wonderful class today, as a continuation to the last class on anger and its management. Recapped how Narakasura’s anger brought him down. We talked about what happens to our body and mind when we are angry/mad, it increases heartbeat, we feel something boiling inside and we are unable to think clearly and we end up yelling or saying bad words. Anger burns up all the nutrition that we have acquired over couple of months by eating food. So, it’s not worth getting angry and lose our energy. Uncle Lion’s story, the Nailed Fence was narrated – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idVfrXel-kU. Just like while pulling the nail out, it leaves the hole, when we get angry it hurts the other person and also hurts us as well. So, we concluded that it is ok to feel angry but it’s important to know how to deal with it. There are several ways, we can deal with it –

Relaxation (listening to music, playing an instrument , take a walk etc),

Distraction ( do your hobby, move away from the place),

Communication (talking to an elder and express how you feel),

Thinking (Think about the whole episode that made you angry and feel what differently could be done, is it worth getting angry).

We talked about the anger thermometer – different levels of anger and what we can do in each of the situation. We came up with one tip: Whenever we are angry and want to use a bad word, we decided to try saying a funny made up word , eg : googlicious, googoogaga, bubblybubble 🙂

Life application : Please add one more line item this month – Put bag/shoes in its place, starting today. We talked in length about why we do the tracker, please ask them

Affirmation : I am happy

Note to parents :
Parents, please talk to your children about the story and then techniques that you use to manage your anger or share any experience/story. Please talk to them about the tracker

Life application : Please continue with the tracker – Prayer, Silent Meditation

C

Class notes from 10/27.

Spiritual Principle :When the lamp of love is shining, God manifests. Keeps it burning bright and pure. God persists. Allows all to light their lamps from it, God showers grace – SSS v.292

We had a fun filled class on significance of Diwali – Festival of Lights and also did a small celebration with lights 🙂
We started the class by asking how each of the families celebrated Diwali and how they all felt with festivities. One of them common theme was lighting lamps apart from of course sweets :). We talked about if they knew the story about why this festival is celebrated and children immediately talked about Rama/Sita/Lakshmana’s return to AYodhya after the victory. The other story behind the festival is about Narakasura who was the son of Mother Earth, who got the boon from Lord Vishnu to be invincible. Narrated the story of how his evil ways brought down his downfall from the hands of Krishna’s consort Satyabhama. One aspect Swami talked in many discourses is about his anger and how it weakened him and hence his failure. Just like how we light lamps to dispel darkness in our homes and everywhere, the festival reminds us how we have to remove the “darkness” from our hearts by lighting the lamp of love. We specifically talked about how anger can “darken” our heart and is an internal enemy we have to keep away from. Children shared different ways that they manage anger – distracting by doing something they like (eg: drawing, playing with toys, watching tv), think happy thoughts , taking deep breaths, or reach out to elders. We will continue talking about anger and how it negatively impacts us in the next class. Finally we had a fun song we did some dance steps with the t-lights :).

Affirmation : I am happy

Note to parents :
Please talk to children about what lighting the lamp of love in our hearts mean to you and share your thoughts on impact of anger. Also you could question them on narakasura story, they seem to have gotten all the details of the characters and specifically ask them the name of his kingdom :), it may be a new one for you too :), it was for me as I learnt it myself as I was going through the story

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5.  SSSE group1
| Group 1, SSSE

 

 CLASS  DATE: 12/8/2024

 TEACHER(S): Sunita, Aruna 
 Topic:  Kindness  Attendance:  22/31
Spiritual Principle :Some people say that money is the basis of the entire world (dhana moolam idam jagat). Others say that righteousness is the basis of the entire world (dharma moolam idam jagat). But the correct statement is that compassion is the basis of the world (daya moolam idam jagat). The five basic elements, the sun, the moon, and night and day all function on the basis of compassion (daya). The heart filled with compassion is divine. Even if others talk to us harshly, we should always speak amiably. One can find fulfillment in life only with compassion and mercy.
https://saispeaks.sathyasai.org/discourse/compassionate-heart-temple-godIn continuation with how to light the lamp of love in our hearts, we focussed the class today on kindness. WE started off with an experiment of adding a carrot piece in a cup of water, where it sunk to the bottom. Then the carrot piece was removed and salt was added to the water and mixed well to dissolve. Then the carrot piece was added and now it floated. An analogy was brought with this experiment that sometimes we feel down, upset etc and we also “sink” down because of the words and actions of others and sometimes we do that to others too. How can we help ourselves and others to come up? What is the “salt” in our life which will help us come up and push others up as well. It was explained through a story 2 girls Ellen and Marcia who are 3rd graders. One day at school they were waiting for the audition results of the dramatics club. They were very eager but realized that their name was not on it. Ellen feels very jealous that one of their classmate, Della’s name was on it and remarks that she didn’t deserve it. Della was standing next to them and hears her say and Ellen turns around and sees Della almost in tears. Ellen feels very bad but doesn’t know how to undo what was done. She goes home and asks her mom as she feels very sad and guilty. Her mom says that if kind words cannot be spoken, it’s better not to speak anything. Words cannot be taken back once spoken. Her mom says the only thing she can do now is to apologize to Della. Ellen agrees and next day goes and says sorry to Della. Della says it was ok and it doesn’t matter as she cannot participate because her parents cannot afford the dress they want for her character. Immediately Ellen thinks of the blue dress she has in her closet and offers that to Della. Della initially refuses but Ellen convinces her that it would be. great fit for her and she would be very happy to give it as she can participate in the play.

We briefly discussed how we can be kind and be helpful to others and help them come up, so the “salt” in our lives is th kindness which can life people up

Life application : Continue the same

Affirmation : I am kind

Note to parents :
Parents, please talk to your children about the story and then techniques that you use to manage your anger or share any experience/story. Please talk to them about the tracker

Life application : Please continue with the tracker – Prayer, Silent Meditation, Bags&Shoes in place

Bhajan list

11/3, 12/8 – Saibaba Saibaba sathya sai avatar – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YEW19xS0P_Y

11/3 –  Vittala Hari Vittala : https://saimelodies.org/Songs/Detail/981
http://saimelodies.org/Songs/Detail/1467

https://saimelodies.org/Songs/Detail/945
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6.  SSSE-Group4
| Group 4, SSSE

Sairam All! The topic for the SSSE Group 4 class on Dec 8 was “Row Row Row Your Boat”. The class was taught by Girija. The class was based on a quote from Swami’s discourse on May 21, 1990, part of Summer Showers and our curriculum this year. “Unlike in the case of worldly matters, you cannot understand what is happening in the spiritual domain or what the Divine plans are. Therefore, if you go on discharging your duties and obligations in the proper manner with enthusiasm and joy, that itself will confer bliss on you. Don’t worry about the future. Don’t brood over the past. All are passing clouds only.” We used a metaphor to understand and internalize Swami’s assurance that bliss will be conferred upon us if we discharge our duties and obligations properly with joy. The metaphor was the nursery rhyme Row Row Row your boat. The idea for the metaphor was triggered by a talk by the motivational speaker Dr Wayne Dyer in the late 1990s. Several bhajans also ask Swami to tide the boat which is our life across – “Jeevan Naiyya Par Lagao” and “Naiyya Hamari Par Lagao” and “Par karo mere jeevan naiyya”. Each line in the rhyme was interpreted in the context of Swami’s quote – the first line says constantly row (Go on doing your duties) but also row your and NOT someone else’s boat – don’t meddle in others’ businesses. Second line suggests rowing gently, down the stream NOT up the stream (in the proper manner). Third line says merrily multiple times – same as discharging duties with joy and enthusiasm. Final line says Life is but a dream – just like we do not brood over past dreams or worry about future dreams, we accept Swami’s direction to not worry about the past or future because just like a dream, everything will pass.

In the second half of the class, we talked about what these responsibilities are, at their age, since responsibilities change at different stages of life. We classified our responsibilities into four categories – Duties to self (mind, body and soul), duties at home (family), duties at school or work, duties to the society. The children were divided into four groups. Each group was assigned one category. They were asked to think about examples of duties in their category, what it means to them to do these duties properly OR what they consider is improper, challenges they face in discharging these duties and practical tips they can share on how to overcome the challenges and do their duties in the proper manner with joy and enthusiasm. Some of the responses were very impressive and showed a highly evolved sense of responsibility – even though all of them initially said that they hadn’t seriously thought about any of the duties or right or wrong way to do them etc. We discussed each team’s perspective and added others for each class of duties. We also discussed some common challenges that we face in doing our duties such as – lack of prioritization, lack of planning or focus, inability to say “No”. We discussed some common “proper” means of doing one’s duties across the categories such as – implement the five Human Values in all our actions, be courteous, punctual and show respect to others.
We ended the class with “Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavanthu”, Om and 3 Shanti’s.

Sairam Parents –

  1. Please sign and return the forms ( https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1f3O6VRb9s8A0wW-_XfKY0xH0HQIHSP66UemD-B6mFHI/edit ) which include media consent and parent pledge.
  2. Please remember and remind the children that classes this year will be held every Sunday 3:45 – 4:45 pm in Room 9 at HSNC.  Exceptions for classes periodically with Service Projects, RSC Events (GAB, Swami’s Birthday, etc) and National SSSE guest speakers will occur.  These will be announced in advance.
  3. Slides of the class when applicable will be shared with the Students/Parents via the WhatsApp groups.
  4. Next class is December 15.

Thank You!

– Group 4 Teachers.

Jai Sai Ram!
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