Hari Om Parents,
We started our class with our opening prayers:
Om three times, followed by Sahana Vavatu, Vakratunda Mahakaya, and Saraswati Vandana.
We also talked briefly about Ganesh Chaturthi and the story behind the celebration, and why Lord Ganesha is worshipped at the beginning of new beginnings and important occasions.
We then started our journey into the Ramayana. We talked about how the Ramayana is not just a story. It teaches us about values, dharma, duty, relationships, and making the right choices.
We talked about Ravana’s tapasya and the boon he received. We then learned how the Devas went to Lord Vishnu for help and how Lord Vishnu took birth as Shri Rama, along with his brothers.
We also learned about Maharishi Valmiki, his life, his transformation, and his important place in the Ramayana as the Adi Kavi, the first poet, and the composer of the Valmiki Ramayana.
We then followed Rama’s early life in Ayodhya,his childhood, upbringing, and education. We learned that Rama was trained in both shastra (knowledge and scriptures) and shastra (weapons and warfare).
Next, we talked about Vishwamitra coming to Ayodhya and asking King Dasharatha to send Rama with him. Rama and Lakshmana then went with Vishwamitra.
We reached the part where Rama and Lakshmana, while traveling with Vishwamitra, defeated Tataka. This was one of Rama’s first important duties outside Ayodhya.
At the end of the class, we had a short quiz to see what the children remembered and learned from our class.
The children participated very well and shared their thoughts as we learned the Ramayana step by step.
We will continue from here with Rama’s journey with Vishwamitra.
Best Regards
Namrata and Sreekruthi
