July 6, 2009

Morning Prayers Recited:

Om Saha naavatu (My Prayers, page 6)
Karagre Vaasate (My Prayers, page 43)
Sarasvati Namastubhyam (My Prayers, page 44)
Guru Brahma (My Prayers, page 9, third shloka)

Vedic Chanting: Praarthanaa with Panditji. (Chinmaya Book of Vedic Chants, page 3)

Bhajans: Ganesha Sharanam (My Prayers, page 7)

Storytime with Swamiji: Today we continued our video on Prahlada and Lord Vishnu with Swamiji.

Art Projects: We began our Altar Book. (Click to view.)

Shaanti Circle Discussion: We talked about how today was a very special day, Guru Poornima -- and how much we love our Guru, Swami Chinmayanandaji. We saw a small video clip of Gurudev with children (click here to view) and then Swamiji spoke about how much we need a Guru in our life. Then all the children chanted Guru Stotram (My Prayers, page 9.)

End of Class Prayers: Poornamadah, Chinmaya Pledge

Photo Gallery: July 6 (click here to view)

Comments: First we want to welcome all of our new campers! Because we had so much to cover today, we didn't get a chance to do our jelly bean introduction game -- so, we'll put that on our agenda for tomorrow.

Today was a very special day in our camp. Being that it is Guru Poornima, we were very lucky to have satsang with Swamiji and learn about the importance of one's Guru -- how it is our Guru who bring us closer to God. Swamiji told the children that our Guru, Swami Chinmayananda's name (Chinmaya) means "full of knowledge" -- and that is exactly what our Gurudev was all about!

Swamiji also reviewed our mantra which he taught us on Friday, "OM Sri Krishna Sharanam Mama." For the children who were not present last week, we also reviewed about how the Tulsi Plant is considered Goddess Lakshmi -- and that this is Lord Vishnu's favorite plant.

Our art project this week will be based on this special mantra. For the first altar book, each child will use a postcard picture of Lord Krishna and Radha, and decorate it. We started the art class by drawing 2 star shaped images onto watercolor paper, cutting them out, and painting them light pink. Once the cutting and painting was done, the children wet the paper again and formed the petals into a lotus flower. We then took 5 Tulsi beads and strung them onto wire, forming a small circle and glued it into the center of the the Lotus. Afterwards, the kids decorated with gold glitter -- and the lotuses are now drying, waiting to be placed onto their books tomorrow (or the day after.) The older children were able to cover their book boards today...the younger ones will begin this process tomorrow.

And, to make our day even more special -- our butterflies have begun to emerge from their chrysallis. By the end of the afternoon, we had 6 little guys flittering about. We checked the net periodically throughout the day -- and were blessed to actually see a little butterfly working his way out! It was truly a miracle to be able to witness this ... and everyone was so excited to see the little chrysallis shake. No doubt, by morning we will have almost all 50 butterflies eating the watermelon and orange slices we left out for them. We're really looking forward to see what's waiting for us in the morning!