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)
• Gayanti Mantra (Chinmaya Book of Vedic Chants, page 5)
• Medha Sukhtam (Chinmaya Book of Vedic Chants, page 35)
• Mantra Pushpam (Chinmaya Book of Vedic Chants, page 170)
Bhajans:
Storytime: We watched Vishnu Puran with Swamiji today. Today we saw the episode where the rshis came to receive darshaan of Lord Ram after his birth. We ended the viewing with Ravana fighting Lord Indra on the battlefield.
Art Projects: Bead looms and friendship bracelets
Shaanti Circle Discussion: After our morning prayers, we successfully sat (quietly) for 5 minutes, with an accurate pebble count! We did notice, however, that there was a bit of restlessness with some of our campers. More than a few of kids said that it was because of latecomers rustling about. We have all agreed that on Monday morning we will close the doors when we begin our "quiet" segment. So, for all those who arrive to camp and see the doors shut, please do not open them. We will open them when we are finished with the segment.
We were very blessed to have another question and answer period with Swamiji today. Today one of our campers asked why Lord Shiva wears a snake around his neck. Swamiji explained that the snake has poison (fangs) and in order to wear it as an ornament, the poison must be removed. The snake's poison also represents "ego." Therefore, Lord Shiva wears a snake whose poison has been removed (symbolizing a tamed, or removed, ego.) Some of the other questions that were asked are: "Why do all Swamis wear orange?" "What does OM mean?" We really treasure this time with Swamiji!
During our afternoon discussion time all agreed that we were going to write God a letter (on the Chinmaya Kids website.) We were all ready to write the letter, but then realised that we needed to register first. One of the aunties will register herself this weekend, so we can post our letter next week. Lots of the kids said they went exploring the site and liked it!
End of Class Prayers: Poornamadah, Chinmaya Pledge
Photo Gallery: August 7 Photos (click here to view)
Comments: It was another great day as far as the weather goes. We let the kids go outside and shoot some basketball after our morning disciplines. (Yes parents, they put on sunblock :-)
Today was the day for great food treats. First, we would like to thank Vishal Anand (Maya and Marisha's dad) for a great taco luncheon. The kids ate ... and ate ... and ate ... the aunties were joking about their appetities kinda being like Kumbhakarna's :-) And, if that was not enough, Ashvith's mom brought in a tasty ice cream cake and cookies to celebrate his birthday with. Ashvith turned six today -- and we are so happy that he wanted to spend this day with us. Happy Birthday Ashvith!
While we were waiting for Ashvith's mom, we decided to put on the projector and watch Chanda Mama -- Folk Song from Chennai again (and again.) The kids couldn't stop themselves from getting up to dance! It's rapidly becoming one of our favorites, and we're trying to learn the words to it. A camp volunteer (who speaks Telegu) is going to try and get the words written down for us so we can post it for everyone.
