April

April 14

we covered the topic of SPORTS - various games played in ancient, medieval and pre-digital era India, which built character, strength, focus, and concentration. Kids didn't say "I'm Bored" anywhere as much as today's kids do, even though they didn't have any gadgets or devices. Talked briefly about today's habits of gaming and the need to differentiate between online and real life. No cyber bullying or hateful comments. Limiting online time. Due to limited time in class (due to late start after general assembly), we couldn't discuss influential and legendary Indian sports personalities from the past few decades.

February

February 25

Jyotish-shastra (literally "study/science of light" but practically the study/science of heavenly bodies)

Concept of Karma and framework of heavenly bodies playing a role in maintaining account of our karma and delivering our dues based on karma from past lives

Navagraha Nine main heavenly bodies

Ancient rishis who didn't see any distinction between science and dharma, and actually our rishis were also scientists

Rich heritage of scientific approach embedded with spirituality, especially in the context of astronomy

That same heritage helping India's remarkable progress in space exploration (ISRO)

ISRO's accomplishments in spite of limited resources, many talented people having settled elsewhere, sanctions from other countries

Specifically, Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan programs - unique accomplishments such as frugal engineering techniques, low cost, first-time success, etc.

Failure of Chandrayaan 2 at literally the very last step of a long journey. How that didn't deter the scientists who learned from the failure and improved the next design

ISRO scientists - staying true to Hindu roots in their daily lives, temperament, clothing, and faith on the divine powers

Similar contributions made by Indian-origin scientists worldwide

Homework: watch Rocket Boys and/or Rocketry : The Nambi Effect (NOTE: please check parental guidance before watching)

February 18

Today we covered *Maharana Pratap* of Mewar (sec 16.2) and *Maharaja Ranjit Singh* of Punjab (sec 16.7). Both were brave and inspirational leaders who fought valiantly against the Moghul and Afghan invaders and ran their kingdoms in a fair and just manner in compliance with dharmic values and being tolerant of people of other faiths.

homework:

Discuss difference between India (as defined by today's borders) and Bharatvarsha (Akhand Bharat)

February 4

Dharma 8 class was in Mehta ji's class on Emotional Intelligence and Bhagwat Geeta. No homework, as such, besides discussing further at home.

The previous week, we studied about the Chola empire - homework was to watch Ponnaiselvam movie :)

January

January 21

Discussion on Shivaji Maharaj, and the role he played in establishing Hindu rajya in the greater Maharashtra area.

December

December 17

Today's class focused on Indian Classical Music. We learned about the Indic background with Brahmaji, Shiv ji and Saraswati mata being considered to be the cosmic sources of sound and music. Hindustani and Carnatic styles. Four types of musical instruments and the various instruments within each type. How music is intrinsically linked with devata pooja via bhajans, kirtans, mantras and various musical instruments.

We watched a brief video on Meera bai, of the greatest bhakta of Shri Krishna, who gave up all luxuries in her pure devotion for Krishna, and spread the message of love via her bhajans. We had less time than usual due to extended general assembly. So didn't get time to discuss in detail, nor to discuss other inspirational devotees who also used music to spread dharmic values

We also discussed who are favorite musicians of our class students. Unsurprisingly, names such as Taylor Swift came up quite quickly. Upon prompting, I was able to get a few to provide names of famous Indian musicians (Lata ji, Asha ji, Kishore Kumar, etc.) Kudos to the parents who have provided some exposure to their kids. Also very encouraging to note that a few were quite knowledgeable about raga, taala, etc. And had at least tried out a few Indian instruments such as harmonium, tabla, etc.

Homework (for parents) : please watch a few short videos of Indian classical music performances (instrumental or vocal) with your kids, and provide your perspective on the beauty and heritage of our musical culture. Maybe attend an upcoming concert organized by IMSOM. Listen to old melodies and discuss encouraging and clean lyrics therein. Lastly, have an open conversation with your kids about content (lyrics, costumes, dialogues, storylines) of currently popular Indipop / Bollywood music, which may often be incongruous with the dharmic values we aspire to teach via HATS. Please make sure they know the difference between those who provide casual entertainment, vs those who are true role models.

December 10

Today, we discussed the Indic origins and history of yoga, including Patanjali's yogasutras and three current-day gurus who have been instrumental in bringing yoga and meditation / mindfulness to the masses in a simple-to-understand manner. Both, with Bharat, and globally. Both, in-person and via TV and online program's.

1) Baba Ramdev

2) Sri Sri Ravishankar (Art of Living)

3) Sadhguru (Isha Foundation)

We watched short clips featuring their messages on focusing the mind, reducing use of devices / social media, and forming rich relationships in the real life with our near and dear ones.

Homework: discuss as a family if there are any in-person or online introductory yoga classes that you all could enroll in. Just to try it out if you've never done so before. 

Note: there are convenient in-person yoga sessions at the Mandir itself!

December 3

Since the general assembly got over early, we made use of the extra time before class, for a nice 5-min meditation session. It was very encouraging to see everyone participate fully, and manage to keep eyes closed and body relaxed. We then discussed how running a smartphone/ tablet/ laptop for too long and with too many parallel apps, can cause short-term and long-term issues such as slow performance, lagging, overheating, frequent crashing and subsequent reduction in usable life of the device. *Not overusing it and giving periodic breaks, and rebooting, are essential for smooth operation of devices. Are our minds and bodies any different??*

 During the class itself, we discussed three illustrious Hindus whose contributions to the Indian freedom struggle aren't as well-known to youngsters.

1) *Rani Laxmi Bai of Jhansi*, who experienced many traumas throughout life (early loss of a parent, losing a child in infancy, early widowhood, loss of kingdom due to cunning Eas India Company officials, many battle losses- some due to betrayal of other royals, etc. Yet she fought valiantly, once even with her child wrapped onto her back while in battlefield, at the time of the first war of independence in the late 1850s. *In comparison, what struggles are we facing in our lives, given generally affluent and healthy lives??*

2) *Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose*, who bravely fought fire-with-fire, devised clever strategies to form his army and inspired millions to fight for freedom. Didn't give up upon initial defeats, and fought till the very end. *how are you putting your very best, when faced with adversities?*

3) *Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel*, iron man of India who sacrificed family life and dedicated himself to fight the British, and played an instrumental role in gaining independence. Was actually elected as the Congress leader who would have gone on to become independent India's first Prime Minister, but graciously withdrew in favor of Nehru, upon Gandhi's request. Yet continued his efforts and was responsible for ensuring smooth integration of most princely states into the newly formed India. *what may have happened if he were the PM instead?*

As homework, I request parents to continue the conversation related to the items marked in *bold* and inspire the kids to stand up for what's right and stick to dharmic values...

November

November 12

Today's class was only 30 mins long. We discussed Swami Vivekananda and his contributions to Hindutva via his participation in the World Congress of Religions in Chicago in the 1890s.

We also covered a few of his inspirational quotes : https://youtu.be/SILlYEEuPEg?si=T-bOKIBNP0UxD_rM

Homework: please watch this 6-min video (we only covered the first minute or so) and introspect on 2-3 quotes that resonate with you. These are timeless words of wisdom, and parents are encouraged to participate in this exercise along with the students

November 5

Key topics covered:

Spirituality 

God being the Supreme Power

Atma & Body

God & Atma

6 attributes of Atma

1. Unlimited love

2. Unlimited bliss

3. Unlimited wisdom

4. Oneness

5. Fearlessness 

6. Immortality

Meditation as a mechanism to tap into our soul

3 benefits of Meditation 

1. Physical (stress relief)

2. Mental (focus)

3. Emotional (overcoming negative thoughts)

Inner Light Meditation (based on the innate energy within each of us)

Best time to meditate - anytime! But @ sunrise is ideal. Need to prioritize it into daily routine. Cut down screen time!

And stick to the same time every day.

Best place to meditate? Anyplace quiet and comfortable. Bedroom or Pooja room.

How long? Start at 5 mins, then increase gradually 

Concept of Karma, and gift of getting human life. How are you making best use of it??

Homework: meditate for (at least) 5 minutes daily this week

October

October 29

Namaste!

Here is what we covered in class today:

- Narada - jealousy - channelizing for improvement

- Character building

- Bhakti (krishna & gopikas, shabari & rama)

- Nachiketa

- "Chariot and you" story

- Path: Gochar; objects in physical world

- Horses: Indriyas; The five senses

- Reins: Manas; Mind that controls senses

- Driver: Buddhi; Controls mind and senses

- Chariot: Shariiram; The Body

- Arjuna: Atman; The master of the body (soul)

Homework:

Reread the Nachiketa story and rewatch the video that goes along with it. Also talk to your

parents and see how much they know about the Five Senses.

October 1

Six internal enemies in our mind are: excessive levels of feelings that create very negative outcomes:

1.     kama — lust

2.     krodha — anger

3.     lobh — greed

4.     moha — delusory emotional attachment or temptation

5.     mada or ahankara — pride, hubris

6.     matsarya — envy, jealousy

2. These six internal enemies are illustrated by examples from narratives of actions of Vishvamitra (before he became a sage (rishi) against the greatest of all (Bramha Rishi) Vashishta).

3. Homework:

Read from text book (you have the hard copy, or the soft copy

Section 1.4 Vashishtha the forgiving Rishi - Rishi Vashishtha teaches Vishvamitra about our Six Greatest Enemies in pages 6-9

4. Prepare to discuss in the class the class exercise in section 1.4:  Can you name all the six real and biggest enemies that all of us have? Which of these enemies do you think is the most important for you to defeat?