Click here for pages from the Arts and Craft Blog.
These include:
• coloring pages of Gurudev and Guruji
• "Color by number" pages in Sanskrit
Likhita Japa (and Charkha Spinning)
Summer Camp 2010 (Grades 4 and up)
This week we will introduce the importance of keeping a journal for likhita japa. The children will be encouraged to express their japa in a very personal and creative way, using color and spontaneous writing on the page. The goal is to encourage the child to connect with their mantra while enjoying the process.
For older children (grades 4 and up): Please note that after Week 1 we will continue to set aside the first 30 minutes of every art class (each week) for Likhita Japa or Book Charkha spinning (click here to view info on the charkha.) The child can decide on each day which they prefer to do, but they must choose one!
We will start our Week 1 with a challenge: The children will each be given 3 different colored pens and told to choose only one to begin their writing with. However, once their mind begins to wander from their mantra, they must put that pen down and pick up another color to continue writing with. This process will be repeated until our pre-determined time has ended. Our goal is for each of us to end up with only one color on the page by the end of the week!
To view any of the photographs enlarged, click on the picture.
Photographs are copyrighted. 2010
Color Study
Summer Camp 2010 (Grades 4 and up)
This week we will be learning about colors and how they communicate with each other. We will begin our lessons by creating a simple color wheel and discussing all of its different components. The children will be exploring color "moods" as well as primary, secondary, tertiary, complimentary and analogous colors. The children (grades 4 and above) will be working with water-soluble color pencils and gouache paints.
This week we will be learning about colors and how they communicate with each other. We will begin our lessons by creating a simple color wheel and discussing all of its different components. The children will be exploring color "moods" as well as primary, secondary, tertiary, complimentary and analogous colors. The children (grades 4 and above) will be working with water-soluble color pencils and gouache paints.
Bookbinding
Summer Camp 2010 (Grades 4 and up)
This week the children will learn about the anatomy of a book and some different structures. We will focus our studio efforts on creating two completely different styles of books: 1) the Japanese accordian and 2) a traditional European Pamphlet Binding with Boards. If time permits, we will will encourage the children to illustrate their pages — either using a favorite quote from Gurudev, likhita japa, or a poem.
Printmaking
Summer Camp 2010 (Grades 4 and up)
Our project this week is making a Sanskrit Animal Book with a really fun printmaking technique. By using only one oval sized sponge and some tempera paint, the children will create 13 different animal pictures. Once all of the prints have been made (and the details drawn,) the kids will then mount their images into a hand-sewn book, along with writing the name of each animal (in Sanskrit) on each page. By the end of the week each child will have made their very own unique Sanskrit Animal Book — from creating the individual art work to binding the pages!
Thanjavur Art
Summer Camp 2010
On Weeks 6 and 7 (Jul 26 through August 6) Meena Ajith will be teaching Thanjavur art techniques from the state of Tamil Nadu. This class is being conducted for both age groups. More information will be posted shortly.
On Weeks 6 and 7 (Jul 26 through August 6) Meena Ajith will be teaching Thanjavur art techniques from the state of Tamil Nadu. This class is being conducted for both age groups. More information will be posted shortly.
Mosaics with Paper
Summer Camp 2010 (Grades 4 and up)
Now that the children have learned about colors and their "personalities," we will expand our exploration into the world of paper and mosaics. This week the children will start off by designing "color moods" with 1 inch square pieces of decorative paper — using their experience with color theory from the week prior. If time permits, we will end this art session by making a rangoli pattern.
Answers from God...
We had written a letter to God on the Chinmaya Kids Website the week before our camp ended -- our response just arrived this morning (August 30.) Make sure to check out the Website for lots of fun activities and learning!
On 8/10/2009 8:28:20 PM, Jacqueline wrote:
Dear God,
We are writing to you from our Chinmaya Mission Summer Camp in New Jersey. We are writing to you because we have some questions. We would be very grateful if you could answer them for us.
1. Why do you make people do good deeds and bad deeds?
2. Why do all the Gods have 108 names? What is the significance of 108?
3. Are you really just one God in many forms or are you many Gods?
4. How did you create people?
5. How does reincarnation work?
6. Do you have just one name?
We know that these are a lot of questions, but we would really love to hear your thoughts and answers.
With greatest love, the campers in NJ.
God's Reply
Dearest Jacqueline and all Campers,
Great questions! I will answer them one by one.
I give everyone opportunities or experiences. How people act and react to such situations is up to them. The person who has done good in the past most likely will continue to do good. And the same applies to doing bad. To change from the bad to good or good to bad is a choice which a person makes. So I provide them with the field, they are the deciders of what they do with the field.
All Gods have 108 names so that people remember them more enthusiastically. If God only had 1 name, people would get bored. So God has lots and lots of names to keep people interested and because God is everything! So 108 is just a sample of Gods names!
And 108 is a number which signifies victory. And it is divisible by 18 which is a very significant number in Hinduism (i.e. 18 Chapters of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, 18 Puranas, etc.).
I am only One with many forms for people to remember me by. Just like cotton is one but it can be weaved into a shirt or pants or hats or gloves based on what appeals to someone. I create people from the same materials as I create all (space, air, fire, water, earth).
The whole universe is made up of the same materials, only with different forms and names. Really though all are just these 5 elements and all of these elements are just Me! When I created the Universe there was only Me and so I created the Universe with Me. So I am the Universe.
With Reincarnation only the physical body made up of the above elements dies. Nothing else. And the mind/intellect/ego goes to another physical body to pick up where it left off. The Spirit which allows all to take place (life and death) is unaffected by the death or birth of the body. It remains the same. It is like how you wear clothes, you use them for the day and then the next day change your clothes because you have made use of the previous days clothes and need new ones for the day upcoming.
All names are mine. You can call my book or computer or Lord Rama. Whatever name is fine because I am all with just a special form and name. As long as you remember I am the essence of all, you can call Me by the name you love the most.
I hope that these answers help you with all your questions. Keep remembering Me!
Love,
God
On 8/10/2009 8:28:20 PM, Jacqueline wrote:
Dear God,
We are writing to you from our Chinmaya Mission Summer Camp in New Jersey. We are writing to you because we have some questions. We would be very grateful if you could answer them for us.
1. Why do you make people do good deeds and bad deeds?
2. Why do all the Gods have 108 names? What is the significance of 108?
3. Are you really just one God in many forms or are you many Gods?
4. How did you create people?
5. How does reincarnation work?
6. Do you have just one name?
We know that these are a lot of questions, but we would really love to hear your thoughts and answers.
With greatest love, the campers in NJ.
God's Reply
Dearest Jacqueline and all Campers,
Great questions! I will answer them one by one.
I give everyone opportunities or experiences. How people act and react to such situations is up to them. The person who has done good in the past most likely will continue to do good. And the same applies to doing bad. To change from the bad to good or good to bad is a choice which a person makes. So I provide them with the field, they are the deciders of what they do with the field.
All Gods have 108 names so that people remember them more enthusiastically. If God only had 1 name, people would get bored. So God has lots and lots of names to keep people interested and because God is everything! So 108 is just a sample of Gods names!
And 108 is a number which signifies victory. And it is divisible by 18 which is a very significant number in Hinduism (i.e. 18 Chapters of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, 18 Puranas, etc.).
I am only One with many forms for people to remember me by. Just like cotton is one but it can be weaved into a shirt or pants or hats or gloves based on what appeals to someone. I create people from the same materials as I create all (space, air, fire, water, earth).
The whole universe is made up of the same materials, only with different forms and names. Really though all are just these 5 elements and all of these elements are just Me! When I created the Universe there was only Me and so I created the Universe with Me. So I am the Universe.
With Reincarnation only the physical body made up of the above elements dies. Nothing else. And the mind/intellect/ego goes to another physical body to pick up where it left off. The Spirit which allows all to take place (life and death) is unaffected by the death or birth of the body. It remains the same. It is like how you wear clothes, you use them for the day and then the next day change your clothes because you have made use of the previous days clothes and need new ones for the day upcoming.
All names are mine. You can call my book or computer or Lord Rama. Whatever name is fine because I am all with just a special form and name. As long as you remember I am the essence of all, you can call Me by the name you love the most.
I hope that these answers help you with all your questions. Keep remembering Me!
Love,
God
August 14, 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 (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: Sri Krishna, Govinda Radhe, Swami Chinmayananda
Storytime: Today we blissed out on Vishnu Puran episodes! We started out having some technical difficulties, but after we took a break for lunch, we went back and troubleshot some wires with the projector and got back in business. Swamiji agreed to come back in the afternoon and show us some more videos. We started our viewing with Sage Parashurama coming to Mithila angrily demanding to know who was responsible for breaking his deity's bow. Lord Ram stepped forward, and there was some intense dialogue between the two which ended with Sage Parashurama having a change of heart and acknowledging that he was indeed in the presence of Lord Vishnu -- and that he now understood the purpose of Lord Ram breaking the bow. He (Parashurama) was a brahmin who has been living as a kshatriya ... and he can now dedicate himself to brahmin activities.
Art Projects: None.
Shaanti Circle Discussion:
We used pretty much all of our Circle Discussion time in watching Vishnu Puran episodes.
End of Class Prayers: Poornamadah, Chinmaya Pledge
Photo Gallery: August 14 Photos (click here to view.)
Comments: It's a sad realization that this is our last blog post of the summer. This auntie is not quite sure how she's going to fare Monday morning ...
There was a lot of excitement and energy bouncing around the ashram all day. Swamiji treated all the campers to a yummy pizza lunch with cupcakes for dessert. A couple of the aunties and didis spent last evening baking -- and made the butter icing (real butter icing!) this morning. Everything was absolutely delicious and fresh. We definitely were feeling a bit overstuffed as lunch came to and end.
At 3:30 this afternoon, we were reunited with some campers from earlier in the summer. We asked that everyone get together today for a little recognition ceremony. After the children sang the bhajans that Sheila Auntie taught us, they very nicely performed all the three vedic chants they have been learning with Swamiji. It was fantastic to hear all these children chant together. Afterwards, Swamiji reminded us when each vedic chant is to be chanted. We should chant Medha Suktam every morning before going to school. This will give us perfect and photographic memory. Na Karmanaa is chanted when we are receiving and greeting a swami. Mantra Pushpam is chanted at the end of pujas. Swamiji suggested that we can now chant with the pandits in the temple :-)
After our chanting, Swamiji handed out certificates to all the children congratulating them on performing all of their activities and disciplines over the summer. Everyone then high-tailed it to the porch for our end-of-the summer photo shoot. (Be sure and check out the photos in the gallery.)
We hope that your children had as much fun as the aunties did. We feel grateful and blessed to have had this opportunity to learn and work with the kids ... there wasn't a day that passed when we ALL didn't learn something! Kids: please continue to do your vedic chanting and shlokas on a daily basis. You really did a super job this summer -- and we couldn't be more proud of you!! We are going to miss you ... Don't forget: if you see us in the Balavihar hallways, make sure to give us a big "Hari OM" and high five!
See you in the fall!
• 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: Sri Krishna, Govinda Radhe, Swami Chinmayananda
Storytime: Today we blissed out on Vishnu Puran episodes! We started out having some technical difficulties, but after we took a break for lunch, we went back and troubleshot some wires with the projector and got back in business. Swamiji agreed to come back in the afternoon and show us some more videos. We started our viewing with Sage Parashurama coming to Mithila angrily demanding to know who was responsible for breaking his deity's bow. Lord Ram stepped forward, and there was some intense dialogue between the two which ended with Sage Parashurama having a change of heart and acknowledging that he was indeed in the presence of Lord Vishnu -- and that he now understood the purpose of Lord Ram breaking the bow. He (Parashurama) was a brahmin who has been living as a kshatriya ... and he can now dedicate himself to brahmin activities.
Art Projects: None.
Shaanti Circle Discussion:
We used pretty much all of our Circle Discussion time in watching Vishnu Puran episodes.
End of Class Prayers: Poornamadah, Chinmaya Pledge
Photo Gallery: August 14 Photos (click here to view.)
Comments: It's a sad realization that this is our last blog post of the summer. This auntie is not quite sure how she's going to fare Monday morning ...
There was a lot of excitement and energy bouncing around the ashram all day. Swamiji treated all the campers to a yummy pizza lunch with cupcakes for dessert. A couple of the aunties and didis spent last evening baking -- and made the butter icing (real butter icing!) this morning. Everything was absolutely delicious and fresh. We definitely were feeling a bit overstuffed as lunch came to and end.
At 3:30 this afternoon, we were reunited with some campers from earlier in the summer. We asked that everyone get together today for a little recognition ceremony. After the children sang the bhajans that Sheila Auntie taught us, they very nicely performed all the three vedic chants they have been learning with Swamiji. It was fantastic to hear all these children chant together. Afterwards, Swamiji reminded us when each vedic chant is to be chanted. We should chant Medha Suktam every morning before going to school. This will give us perfect and photographic memory. Na Karmanaa is chanted when we are receiving and greeting a swami. Mantra Pushpam is chanted at the end of pujas. Swamiji suggested that we can now chant with the pandits in the temple :-)
After our chanting, Swamiji handed out certificates to all the children congratulating them on performing all of their activities and disciplines over the summer. Everyone then high-tailed it to the porch for our end-of-the summer photo shoot. (Be sure and check out the photos in the gallery.)
We hope that your children had as much fun as the aunties did. We feel grateful and blessed to have had this opportunity to learn and work with the kids ... there wasn't a day that passed when we ALL didn't learn something! Kids: please continue to do your vedic chanting and shlokas on a daily basis. You really did a super job this summer -- and we couldn't be more proud of you!! We are going to miss you ... Don't forget: if you see us in the Balavihar hallways, make sure to give us a big "Hari OM" and high five!
See you in the fall!
August 13, 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 (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: Sri Krishna, Govinda Radhe
Storytime: Because of time constraints, we only got to watch 2 episodes of the Vishnu Puran today. We were hoping for a third ... but couldn't happen. Swamiji promised us at least 3 tomorrow! Our episodes today were with Mother Sita's swayamvar. In the first episode, Sage Vishwamitra asks Lord Ram and Lakshmanji to go to the garden to pick some flowers for his yagna. While picking flowers, Lord Ram and Mother Sita see each other -- and get locked in a trance. (Some of the campers thought it went on a little too long, but the aunties thought it was extremely poetic and beautiful!) In the second episode we are taken to Mother Sita's swayamvar -- and who should force his way in with tremendous arrogance? Nobody else but the egoistic Ravan! He thunders to King Janak that if anyone is able to pick up the bow, it is he. Of course he tries, and fails miserably. With his ego shattered, he announces to King Janak that Mother Sita is bound to be a spinster -- for if he, the mightly Ravan, cannot lift the bow, then no one can. After everyone tries (and fails), King Janak begins to worry that perhaps his daughter will remain single. Sage Vishwamitra, moved by the King's anguish, instructs Lord Ram to pick up the bow. Our episode ended here ... we can't wait to see what happens tomorrow!
Art Projects: Made friendship bracelets and finished other projects.
Shaanti Circle Discussion: A big round of applause for our older campers -- they successfully sat quietly (without any movement, eyes closed) for six whole minutes! They admitted that it is starting to get a little difficult, but are wanting to move on to 7 minutes. We are certain that these kids can do it -- they are determined! The younger children did very well with 3 minutes today. They will continue to do 3 tomorrow. For those younger ones who are interested, they can try and sit still with the "big guys." :-)
During our question and answer segment with Swamiji, the kids posed some very good questions. Someone asked "Why did Lord Krishna steal butter? Isn't stealing wrong?" Swamiji explained that Lord Krishna never really stole ... because everything already belongs to Him. This question led Swamiji to explain that the butter represents "tapas." He talked about all the hard work that is involved in making butter ... milking the cow, churning the milk, etc. And when we hear the stories of him stealing butter, this is really symbolic of us giving over to him all of our punyas and papas.
End of Class Prayers: Poornamadah, Chinmaya Pledge
Photo Gallery: August 13 Photos (click here to view.)
Comments: So sorry that we are posting this entry late in the evening ... we were at the Sri Krishna Janmasthami celebrations (at the Ashram). The festivities were wonderful, and seeing Lord Krishna sitting in the cradle was beautiful beyond words ...
Anyway, we had a fun day today! The question that a camper asked about "Lord Krishna stealing butter" ended up giving us a full day activity. After our discussion with Swamji, we decided to make butter in celebration of Lord Krishna's birthday. All the kids were given a plastic bag with some marbles and cream. We then sent them outside to shake up a storm. And the kids did! You can see them shake, shake, shaking in the photos. After the cream turned to creamy butter, we all sat down and tasted it with some crackers. We thought the kids would only be interested in sampling their hard work, but instead, it turned out to be a butter feast.
For the campers who have finished their art projects and didn't want to start anything new, we put on the original Disney animation of "Pinnochio." Some of us haven't seen it in years -- and it brought back wonderful memories. Surprisingly, many of the campers have never seen it at all ...
Tomorrow is our last day of summer camp -- and it's very hard to believe that 8 weeks have flown by so quickly. The aunties have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to spend this valuable time with your children -- and we feel incredibly blessed to watch them grow over these past few months. The campers have done so very well with their Vedic Chanting, Shlokas, Yoga, and Creative work ... we are extremely proud of them. And we know that you must be, also!
We look forward to seeing all of you at the ceremony tomorrow afternoon (3:30 p.m.)!
• 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: Sri Krishna, Govinda Radhe
Storytime: Because of time constraints, we only got to watch 2 episodes of the Vishnu Puran today. We were hoping for a third ... but couldn't happen. Swamiji promised us at least 3 tomorrow! Our episodes today were with Mother Sita's swayamvar. In the first episode, Sage Vishwamitra asks Lord Ram and Lakshmanji to go to the garden to pick some flowers for his yagna. While picking flowers, Lord Ram and Mother Sita see each other -- and get locked in a trance. (Some of the campers thought it went on a little too long, but the aunties thought it was extremely poetic and beautiful!) In the second episode we are taken to Mother Sita's swayamvar -- and who should force his way in with tremendous arrogance? Nobody else but the egoistic Ravan! He thunders to King Janak that if anyone is able to pick up the bow, it is he. Of course he tries, and fails miserably. With his ego shattered, he announces to King Janak that Mother Sita is bound to be a spinster -- for if he, the mightly Ravan, cannot lift the bow, then no one can. After everyone tries (and fails), King Janak begins to worry that perhaps his daughter will remain single. Sage Vishwamitra, moved by the King's anguish, instructs Lord Ram to pick up the bow. Our episode ended here ... we can't wait to see what happens tomorrow!
Art Projects: Made friendship bracelets and finished other projects.
Shaanti Circle Discussion: A big round of applause for our older campers -- they successfully sat quietly (without any movement, eyes closed) for six whole minutes! They admitted that it is starting to get a little difficult, but are wanting to move on to 7 minutes. We are certain that these kids can do it -- they are determined! The younger children did very well with 3 minutes today. They will continue to do 3 tomorrow. For those younger ones who are interested, they can try and sit still with the "big guys." :-)
During our question and answer segment with Swamiji, the kids posed some very good questions. Someone asked "Why did Lord Krishna steal butter? Isn't stealing wrong?" Swamiji explained that Lord Krishna never really stole ... because everything already belongs to Him. This question led Swamiji to explain that the butter represents "tapas." He talked about all the hard work that is involved in making butter ... milking the cow, churning the milk, etc. And when we hear the stories of him stealing butter, this is really symbolic of us giving over to him all of our punyas and papas.
End of Class Prayers: Poornamadah, Chinmaya Pledge
Photo Gallery: August 13 Photos (click here to view.)
Comments: So sorry that we are posting this entry late in the evening ... we were at the Sri Krishna Janmasthami celebrations (at the Ashram). The festivities were wonderful, and seeing Lord Krishna sitting in the cradle was beautiful beyond words ...
Anyway, we had a fun day today! The question that a camper asked about "Lord Krishna stealing butter" ended up giving us a full day activity. After our discussion with Swamji, we decided to make butter in celebration of Lord Krishna's birthday. All the kids were given a plastic bag with some marbles and cream. We then sent them outside to shake up a storm. And the kids did! You can see them shake, shake, shaking in the photos. After the cream turned to creamy butter, we all sat down and tasted it with some crackers. We thought the kids would only be interested in sampling their hard work, but instead, it turned out to be a butter feast.
For the campers who have finished their art projects and didn't want to start anything new, we put on the original Disney animation of "Pinnochio." Some of us haven't seen it in years -- and it brought back wonderful memories. Surprisingly, many of the campers have never seen it at all ...
Tomorrow is our last day of summer camp -- and it's very hard to believe that 8 weeks have flown by so quickly. The aunties have thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to spend this valuable time with your children -- and we feel incredibly blessed to watch them grow over these past few months. The campers have done so very well with their Vedic Chanting, Shlokas, Yoga, and Creative work ... we are extremely proud of them. And we know that you must be, also!
We look forward to seeing all of you at the ceremony tomorrow afternoon (3:30 p.m.)!
August 12, 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 (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: Sri Krishna, Swami Chinmayananda, Lay Your Burden Down, Govinda Radhe (with Sheila Auntie)
Storytime: Things are heating up in the Vishnu Puran! Swamiji treated us to another three episodes with Lord Ram. In the first show we watched, Lord Ram and Lakshmanji took on the demons who were upsetting Sage Vishwamitra's yagnas ... Taadika was slayed by Lord Ram, Shubayu was killed and Maarich was sent back to Lanka to tell Ravana the news. In the second episode Sage Vishwamitra takes Lord Ram to the ashram where Sage Gautam and Ahilya lived. Lord Ram hears someone calling out his name and asks his Guru where the voice is coming from. Then, Guru Vishwamitra takes Lord Ram to a stone and tells him that he must place his feet on it, thus freeing Ahilya. In the third episode, we saw Mother Sita's father send out the invitations for her swayamvar. He reflects on the time that he walked in and saw Mother Sita (as a young girl) pick up the bow as she lovingly dusted it with her sari -- the very bow which 10 or 15 strong men had a hard time lifting! It was at this moment that he realized that her husband should be able to lift the very same bow with such ease and care. We're guessing that Lord Ram's and Sita's wedding will be in one of tomorrow's episodes ...
Art Projects: Made friendship bracelets.
Shaanti Circle Discussion: The older children did exceptionally well with their 5 minutes of stillness! Tomorrow they will try for 6 minutes. The younger kids will try three minutes again.
Nobody had any pressing questions for Swamiji today after our Vedic Chanting. So, in celebration of Sri Krishna Janmasthami, he shared the story of Lord Krishna's birth ... why he was raised by parents who were not his birth parents ... and how we celebrate this glorious occasion.
We've deemed this last week of camp our "Movie Week." The movie of the day was Disney's "101 Dalmations (the original animation.)
End of Class Prayers: Poornamadah, Chinmaya Pledge
Photo Gallery: Forgot the camera, sorry.
Comments: Boy, is it getting hard to accept that this is our final week of camp ... just two more days and our focus will be turning towards getting ready for school and Balavihar. We've had such a wonderful time with all the children -- it's not going to be easy to say farewell on Friday
You have all probably gotten the email by now, announcing the graduation get together we are having for all the campers that have joined over this summer. Please come to the ashram at 3:30 for the festivities. We plan to begin on time -- and end on time. It will be great to see everyone again!
It was really great to see Sheila Auntie today. We had a wonderful bhajan session with her and will sorely miss these fun get togethers. Hopefully, she will schedule us in again next year! We got her permission to post the lyrics to these beautiful songs that she has been teaching us. They will be in the blog tomorrow -- that way your children can always have access to these songs -- and they can teach you!
Another reminder: pizza and vegan cupcakes will be provided for Friday's lunch. Don't send any food in with your children on that day! We really look forward to seeing everyone for the ceremony, starting at 3:30! Parents: if you plan to bring in food on Friday, please make sure that it is 100% vegetarian (no eggs.) Many thanks.
• 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: Sri Krishna, Swami Chinmayananda, Lay Your Burden Down, Govinda Radhe (with Sheila Auntie)
Storytime: Things are heating up in the Vishnu Puran! Swamiji treated us to another three episodes with Lord Ram. In the first show we watched, Lord Ram and Lakshmanji took on the demons who were upsetting Sage Vishwamitra's yagnas ... Taadika was slayed by Lord Ram, Shubayu was killed and Maarich was sent back to Lanka to tell Ravana the news. In the second episode Sage Vishwamitra takes Lord Ram to the ashram where Sage Gautam and Ahilya lived. Lord Ram hears someone calling out his name and asks his Guru where the voice is coming from. Then, Guru Vishwamitra takes Lord Ram to a stone and tells him that he must place his feet on it, thus freeing Ahilya. In the third episode, we saw Mother Sita's father send out the invitations for her swayamvar. He reflects on the time that he walked in and saw Mother Sita (as a young girl) pick up the bow as she lovingly dusted it with her sari -- the very bow which 10 or 15 strong men had a hard time lifting! It was at this moment that he realized that her husband should be able to lift the very same bow with such ease and care. We're guessing that Lord Ram's and Sita's wedding will be in one of tomorrow's episodes ...
Art Projects: Made friendship bracelets.
Shaanti Circle Discussion: The older children did exceptionally well with their 5 minutes of stillness! Tomorrow they will try for 6 minutes. The younger kids will try three minutes again.
Nobody had any pressing questions for Swamiji today after our Vedic Chanting. So, in celebration of Sri Krishna Janmasthami, he shared the story of Lord Krishna's birth ... why he was raised by parents who were not his birth parents ... and how we celebrate this glorious occasion.
We've deemed this last week of camp our "Movie Week." The movie of the day was Disney's "101 Dalmations (the original animation.)
End of Class Prayers: Poornamadah, Chinmaya Pledge
Photo Gallery: Forgot the camera, sorry.
Comments: Boy, is it getting hard to accept that this is our final week of camp ... just two more days and our focus will be turning towards getting ready for school and Balavihar. We've had such a wonderful time with all the children -- it's not going to be easy to say farewell on Friday
You have all probably gotten the email by now, announcing the graduation get together we are having for all the campers that have joined over this summer. Please come to the ashram at 3:30 for the festivities. We plan to begin on time -- and end on time. It will be great to see everyone again!
It was really great to see Sheila Auntie today. We had a wonderful bhajan session with her and will sorely miss these fun get togethers. Hopefully, she will schedule us in again next year! We got her permission to post the lyrics to these beautiful songs that she has been teaching us. They will be in the blog tomorrow -- that way your children can always have access to these songs -- and they can teach you!
Another reminder: pizza and vegan cupcakes will be provided for Friday's lunch. Don't send any food in with your children on that day! We really look forward to seeing everyone for the ceremony, starting at 3:30! Parents: if you plan to bring in food on Friday, please make sure that it is 100% vegetarian (no eggs.) Many thanks.
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