January

January 8

In the last class, we learned about significant contributions made by Hindu scientists in the field of mathematics, astronomy and architecture.

HW for next class:

*Mathematics*: Read up about _Acharya Pingala_ and his contributions to mathematics. Compare his concepts of _Meru Prastara_ and _Matrameru_ compare it with what’s known today as Pascal’s Triangle and Fibonacci series. Compare similarities between the way he described combination of Sanskrit syllables (_laghu_ and _guru_) with the binary number system.

*Astronomy*: Read up about _Navagrahas_ and especially understand what _Rahu_ and _Ketu_ represent. Observing clearly visible celestial bodies (such as the sun and moon) and tracking their location in the sky might seem simple. But how could ancient Hindu scientists and rishis do so for _barely visible_ bodies such as distant planets, without the use of telescopes? What does their knowledge of _Rahu_ and _Ketu_ indicate?

*Architecture*: Read up about tallest _mandir gopurams_ (monumental towers) – how many of them are actually taller and much older than a well-renowned “leaning tower”? How could such spectacular long-lasting structures be built without exceptional civil engineering skills?

*Bonus*:

In a unique combination of mathematics, astronomy and architecture, many mandirs have the distinction of being built such that the sun rays traverse windows / doors / interiors of the mandir to reach the main murti’s feet on specific auspicious days. Find out which such mandirs have this feature. Moreover, our very own _mandir_ at Maple Grove has two such instances. Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early, walk up to speak with someone upstairs (manager or one of the _pujaris_ if they are free) and find out!!

December

December 4

Namaste Dharma 8 parents,

Today: 

• We learnt about Alvar bhakta tradition in South India. 

• Then, we learnt about Mannalvar, Andal, and Thyagaraja Swami. 

◦ Mannalvar was born as a saint baby. 

◦ Andal wanted to marry Vishnu as a girl. 

◦ Very large music festivals are held every year on the birth anniversary of Thyagaraja.

For homework: 

• Read the Gita Saar (one page), and share it with the family. 

* Sankaran Ji, shared the PDF of the Gita Saar in the chat above.

• Brainstorm and take note of answers to these questions (related to the Gita Saar reading):

◦ What did you find useful?

◦ What don’t you understand?

* These questions will be discussed in the next class.

Again it was great to see your children today. We hope to see them next Sunday, at 10:00 AM.

Thanks

November

November 20

Namaste Dharma 8 parents,

On Sunday, November 20th: 

• We learnt about Adishankaracharya

• Then, we learnt the story of Mahaperiyava

• We also learnt the story of Purandara Dasa, the father of Carnatic music, and his life as a loan shark

• The main idea that we focused on was the practice of kindness, simplicity, and discipline

For homework, read about:

• Adi Shankaracharya- pages 115-117

• Sant Tyagaraja - page 111

• Purandaradasa - pages 107-109

Note, there is no HATS class this coming Sunday, November 27th because of Thanksgiving break.

Again it was great to see your children this past Sunday. We hope to see them on Sunday, December 4th at 10am

November 13

Namaste Dharma 8 parents,

On Sunday, November 13th: 

• We learnt about how the Ganga river came to Earth.

• Then, we learnt about King Shibi and the story of pigeon and falcon.

• We also learnt about Raja Parikshit and the xurse that gave birth to Bhagavatha Puranam. 

• One of the main ideas that we focused on is how to contol anger.

For homework, read page 50: Practice Methods of overcoming anger, with the knowledge of Parikshit story of how even noble men are brought down by their own actions of not controlling their anger. Next, select three methods that you would utilize and write in your class journal. During Thanksgiving week break, you will setup a journal on google drive. Instructions will be given to you by next Tuesday.

Again it was great to see your children this past Sunday. We hope to see them this coming Sunday, at 10:00 AM.

Thanks

November 6

Namaste Dharma 8 parents,

On Sunday, November 6th: 

• We learnt about Emperors of Solar Dynasty with emphasis of Raja Harishchandra. 

• Then, we learnt the story of Shankuntala, King Dushyanta and Bharata.

For homework, read sections 3.1 to 3.5 Emperors of Lunar Dynasty

Again it was great to see your children this past Sunday. We hope to see them this coming Sunday, at 10:00 AM.

Thanks

October

October 30

Namaste Dharma 8 parents,

On Sunday, October 30th: 

• We started off by chanting mantras

• We learnt a Nachiketa story from Kathopanishad and his three boons from Yama. The chariot analogu.

• We then learnt about Adi Shankaracharya, his founding of 4 mathas, his philosophy of Advait Vedanta.

For homework, read pages 37-50 about Emperors of Solar Dynasty: Ancestors of Bhagwan Rama. With pictures, it’s around 10 pages stories.

Again it was great to see your children this past Sunday. We hope to see them this coming Sunday, at 10:00 AM.

Thanks

October 16

Namaste Dharma 8 parents,

Today: 

• We learned the story of Maharshi Ved Vyaasa as the compiler of 4 Vedas, 18 Puranas and Mahabharat. 

• We did an exercise on Equality vs Justice.

• We learned about Rishi Yajnavalkya and rishikas Maitreyi and Gargi. Yajnavalkya preached that One Atman un everyone is the basis of love in all love relationships. Women were accorded high status is ancient India.

For homework, read section 10.1 from the textbook about Adi Shankaracharya (pgs 123-125).

Again it was great to see your children on Sunday. We hope to see them next Sunday, at 10:00 AM.

Thanks

September