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 (Chinmaya Book of Vedic Chants, page 3)
• Medha Sukhtam (Chinmaya Book of Vedic Chants, page 35)
• Mantra Pushpam (Chinmaya Book of Vedic Chants, page 170)
Bhajans:
Storytime: We watched "Hanuman" -- the animation movie. (The one with the really great music!)
Art Projects: Some of us actually made some working whistles today! We will continue to practice making them over the next few days -- and paint and decorate on Friday.
Shaanti Circle Discussion: We had a successful 4 minute concentration game after our morning prayers. We are going to try for five minutes tomorrow ... history has shown that 5 minutes is a big leap for the kids -- but, with the proper attitude, we think they can do it. If we have some difficulty sitting absolutely still for 5 minutes, then we will go back to four minutes on Thursday.
During our morning circle discussion we talked more about Gurudev's MahaSamadhi, and how significant it was that we remember this day in a very reflective way. Our group leader had brought in her recent copy of "Balavihar Monthly" and read an article on Gurudev and how Chinmaya Mission members around the world remember August 3 as "Sadhana Day." We spent some time talking about what "Sadhana" means.
End of Class Prayers: Poornamadah, Chinmaya Pledge
Photo Gallery: August 4 (click here to view)
Comments: Our chanting was much better this morning, but Panditji said we still needed to chant with more confidence.
We brought out the Lego Table today for our engineer enthusiasts. Definitely check out the photo gallery to see some of the kids' work. We are delighted to see everyone building again ... it's become one of the "happening hubs."
Our whistle making (in clay) is coming along nicely. A couple of people have gotten the technique down. We will be practicing and making these toys for the next two days ... so everyone will go home on Friday with a handmade whistle. Yesterday we learned how to make the hollow ball. Today we focused our attention on how to cut the hole in the ball and construct the whistle mechanism. Now, we just have to get that 45 degree angle right ... and we'll have sound! This project is really a lot of fun. Most of us have not gotten it on the first try, but we're getting better about "letting go" of our first attempt, flatten the clay in our hands, and start the process all over again -- until we get it right!
Parents: we forgot to mention two things today. First: we might be conducting our Wednesday morning activities in the back building. We will have a sign posted on the ashram door letting everyone know where the classes are. Second: Vishal Anand (a parent) has graciously offered to cook lunch for all of our campers and volunteers. His quesadillas are pretty well-known around the ashram -- so please don't plan to pack a lunch for your child on Friday.
And last, but certainly not least: We are happy to have our Swamiji back in town -- we're really looking forward to seeing him again tomorrow for our Vedic Chanting and Storytime!
