Dharma 8 - Inspirations from Lives of Great Hindus

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Please feel free to contact me or the other teachers with questions or concerns on your student's progress.

April 14-

Students learned about Swami Vivekananda and his lasting impact on India, Hinduism, and the globalization and viewpoints of Hinduism.

They also were able to work on advancing their projects and get a feel of presenting to the class.

Homework:

Use the document below and come to class with a final draft for your project (iMovie, PowerPoint, etc. are accepted).

PROJECT OUTLINE

Swami Vivekananda video links:

Chicago Speech

Vivekananda Rock & Memorial

April 7-

Namaste Parents,

Last Sunday, the students were able to choose their Dharma inspirations and talk about why their role model mattered to them, and what value they were known for.

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The students' homework is to finalize their Hindu Inspiration, associate a Dharmic/Leadership value with them, and begin collecting information about them for next week. Follow the template attached below.

TEMPLATE: Click Here

For the students that were not here last Sunday: please choose an inspiration you'd like to research about, using the textbook, online sources, or information from your previous Dharma classes.

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Here is the basic overview of the template:

-Select your role model & reasons you selected your inspiration

-Select Dharmic/Leadership value(s) and their significance with respect to the inspiration

-Extended Impact: (How would this role model impact the world we live in today?)

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Attached below is an overview of what we covered, and this information will be on the HATS website.

BOARD: Click Here

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Please feel free to contact me or the other teachers with questions or concerns on your student's progress.

CLASS PROJECT-

Namaste Parents,

We had briefed the students already in the class.

“Who is your role model, and what Dharmic and Leadership value inspires you, and why”

• Select your role model and reasons for why you selected this role model

• Role model is preferably relevant to our class (Inspiration from the life of great Hindus)

• Select the Dharmic and/or Leadership values that inspires you the most in relation to the selected role model

See our class project details in the attachment: CLICK HERE.

Please make sure you share the attachment with your children. We made one change after the last Sunday class. Originally we intended it as five groups, and for each group to select a role model and creates a joint presentation. Due to class cancellations and gaps along with the time constraint of only an-hour-a-week of contact time, we changed it to “each student” selects their role model, study and provide a short overview (one to two minutes) in the class room. So the group names are “only suggested”. Student can pick their own choice. We need you to explain this change to the student as it is different from what we told them in the class. Next week is spring break. So you have the advantage of time with the children next week.

We picked the event date as April 28 in a large class room with parents also invited.

Attached slides provide you and the children the needed details. We have plans to dedicate 30 minutes in each of the three classes between now and April 28 to assist children. Your assistance (encouragement mainly) is needed due to the short time line and possible conflicts for time.

You can contact the teachers if you have any questions. We will periodically reach you on whatsapp group mail to measure progress or assist you/children with any questions.

Regards,

Staff:

• Sankaran Rajagopal - sankaranmala1@comcast.net +1 612 801 9909

• Jagdish Agrawal - jagdish_agrawal@hotmail.com +1 612 772 4236

• Mayuresh Vernekar - mayureshvernekar@yahoo.com +1 763 228 3949

March 24-

Namaste Parents,

In class today, a speaker from the Sharei Chesed Congregation gave us a talk on the basics and fundamentals of Judaism, and this was a very inspiring and eye-opening session on how the values, beliefs, and practices of Judaism are related to and differ from those of Hinduism. The temple is hosting a visit next Saturday, April 30th, and students are highly encouraged to attend.

There will be no class next week due to Spring Break; class will resume the following Sunday.

This information will be on the HATS website.

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The next email will be sent by Sankaran Uncle regarding the students’ projects; please take note of it and take the time to go over it and come up with a plan with your student.

Please feel free to contact me or the other teachers with questions or concerns on your student's progress.

Regards,

Mayuresh Vernekar

March 17-

Namaste Parents,

Last Sunday, we began an introduction of the Alvars (the 12 Vaishnava Saints) and Nayanars, covering Appar, Sambandar, Manickavachagar, Sundarar, and Poosalar. In addition, we gave a detailed overview on how the students can get started with their research project. More information will be sent in the future to facilitate progress on the projects.

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Attached below is a research outline that we recommend the students use for their projects, as well as the project groups, and an overview of what we covered in class.

*I also introduced an in-depth organization of the research outline using Gandhi as an example, and this example is attached below.

Students can also use this link as a reference to their project.

This information will be on the HATS website.

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Informational Links:

The Alvars

The Sixty-Three Nayanars

Sixty-Three Nayanar Saints

[VIDEO] Contribution of Nayanars and Alvars towards Bhakti Movement

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Attachments:

• BOARD

• The most influential Hindu Figure

• The most influential Hindu Figure EXAMPLE

Please feel free to contact me or the other teachers with questions or concerns on your student's progress.

Regards,

Mayuresh Vernekar

March 10-

The students' homework is to read Chapter 9 (Alvars) about Andal, Kanakadasa, Purandara Dasa, and Tyagaraja.

Below is a research outline that we recommend the students use for their projects, as well as the project groups. I would greatly recommend that the students use this week to communicate with their group members to begin compiling information; it will greatly facilitate their progress in creating their project.

Here are the project groups:

Research outline:

The Most Influential Hindu Figure

December 16-

Last Sunday, we did an overview of the Hindu Scientists and Mathematicians, and went over the question as to why Ayurveda has lost popularity to Western medicine. We also went over the many ways Hindus have contributed to the field of medicine, science, math, astronomy, and other related fields, and the innovations that were made in Ancient India.

In addition, we went over the influential characters in the growth of Ayurveda and the advancement of Indian medicine and health, and the importance of Indian medical procedures at the time.

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We had a short discussion on why Indian traditional medicine (Ayurveda) has fallen out of practice, and there is a link below with the complete answer to our discussion.

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There is no HATS class over Winter Break (off on Dec. 23rd & 30th).

More information on the end-of-year research project/play will be announced in January.

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Homework:

• Read Chapter 6

• Brainstorm some character(s) to research for the final project. Do some reading and reasoning before brainstorming your lists.

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Attached below is an overview of what we covered, and this information will be on the HATS website.

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Here are some informative links regarding today's material:

• What is Vedic Astrology?

• Why Hinduism Is Science-proof - Times of India

• [video] Short History of Ayurveda & Indian Medicine With @gretamilenova

• [Today's research question, answered] Why Indian Traditional medicine system is neglected?

• [video] Origin & History of Ayurveda

• [video] Ayurveda & the Doshas

December 9-

Last Sunday, we covered the story of Charaka Muni and the importance of pursuing a healthy diet and the Chipko (Tree-Hugging) Movement and its worldwide effects.

We also reviewed the history of Ayurveda and the qualities and effects of its Doshas on the body.

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Next week, we will be reviewing Ayurveda further and talking about History and Philosophers, Scientists, Mathematicians, & Engineers.

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The students' homework is to read all of Chapter 5, and do the Class Discussion and Further Research assignments.

They are also requested to read the following links for next Sunday, as we will be reviewing Doshas further and will be taking an online quiz:

Intro to Ayurveda: The Three Doshas

Ayurveda 101: The Three Doshas- Vata, Pitta, Kapha

Everything you need to know about Vata, Pitta, and Kapha | Maharishi Ayurveda

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December 2-

Last Sunday, we went over the teachings, morals, and connections of Emperor Kuru and King Pareekshit, and the students worked on the Further Research Task regarding the future of King Pareekshit and Janamejaya after the Mahabharata. We also went over ways to control and release anger.

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Next week, we will be reviewing Ayurveda and its place in the history of Hinduism. We will also be taking online trivia quizzes on both topics.

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The students' homework is to read 4.1-4.4, and research the basic history of Ayurveda with the following links:

• https://www.ayurvedanama.org/history-of-ayurveda

• https://www.livescience.com/42153-ayurveda.html

• The Historical Background of Ayurveda « Ayurveda in Nepal

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Useful links for last Sunday's lesson:

• https://jayarama.wordpress.com/2010/08/19/the-history-of-kurukshetra/

• http://www.apamnapat.com/articles/StoriesFromMahabharata510.html

• https://www.thehindu.com/2003/02/07/stories/2003020700910900.htm

November 18-

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Namaste Parents,

Last Sunday, we reviewed the students homework from last week, and went through the morals, lessons, and connections of King Sagar, King Harishchandra, King Ambarisha, King Yayati & Puru, and King Bharata. We also began working on our timeline with the important Hindu figures we've learned about.

The students' homework is to read 3.4 and 3.5, and the trick questions on p. 41 and p. 51. On p. 41, the students are allowed to choose any 3 characters of Suryavansha to do their research on.

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Attached below is an overview of what we covered, and this information will be on the HATS website.

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As a reminder, there is no class tomorrow due to Thanksgiving break.

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I am planning to start teaching the students about the history of Hinduism via history lesson powerpoints and informative videos next week. I will bring in a map of South Asia representing the birth locations and dates of the prominent Hindu figures, and would also like to explain to them about the spread of Hinduism throughout the world. The students will perform research on a Hindu figure or figures of their choice and present their project during HATS Annual Day.

Please feel free to contact me or the other teachers with questions or concerns on your student's progress.

November 11-

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Namaste Parents,

Last Sunday, the kids had a meditation session with Meditation teacher Nirav Sheth. He talked about the importance of meditation and its effects, and the basis of spirituality. We talked about the 3 goals of Spirituality, the laws and goals of Karma, and the 6 qualities of the Soul that meditation helps enrich. Lastly, we went over the word-by-word meaning of the stotra "Om bhur bhuva svaha" and its deeper connotation.

The students' homework is to read all of Chapter 2 (including the trick question on p. 40 & the further research task on p. 41), and sections 3.1 & 3.2. We will begin a discussion on this next Sunday.

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Attached HERE is an overview of what we covered, and this information will be on the HATS website.

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I wish to tie in the history of Hinduism into this class, and in addition to working on a timeline and map representing the birth locations and dates of the prominent Hindu figures, the students will learn via history lesson powerpoints and videos I will present in class. My plan for next week is to come to class with a timeline and enrich the student's knowledge by increasing participation and, at the end of the year, present, as a class, the completed timeline of the Hindu figures we've learned, and a full-scale map of India with their corresponding birth locations.

The ultimate goal is to have the students demonstrate their knowledge by performing research on a Hindu figure or figures of their choice and present their project during Annual Day at the end of the HATS year.

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Please feel free to contact me or the other teachers with questions or concerns on your student's progress.

November 4-

Namaste Parents,

Happy Diwali!

Last week, the students were taught about 5 important rishis — Rishi Uttanka, Rishi Angirasa, Rishi Saubhari, Rishi Mudgala, and Rishi Satyakama — and their morals and lessons. I also tied in their connections to other important figures we've covered, and the Dharmic qualities they possessed, as an efficient review of the Dharma VII curriculum from last year.

I also went through the Emperors of the Solar Dynasty (Sūryavansha, Ch. 2), the descendants of Sri Rama, and told the story of His children, Lava & Kusha, and the story behind why Sri Rama sent Sita to the forest.

Furthermore, we briefed upon Ch. 3, the Emperors of the Lunar Dynasty (Chandravansha), the descendants of Sri Krishna.

We have finished Chapter 1, and the students' homework is to read the whole of Chapter 2 (including the trick question on p. 40 & the further research task on p. 41), and sections 3.1 & 3.2.

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Attached below is an overview of what we covered, and this information will be on the HATS website. I encourage you all to make it a habit for your students to check it for homework and referral to the previous week's lessons.

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I am planning to tie in the history of Hinduism into this class, and in addition to working on a timeline and map representing the birth locations and dates of the prominent Hindu figures, the students will learn via history lesson powerpoints and videos I plan to present in class. The ultimate goal is to have the students perform research on a Hindu figure or figures of their choice and present their project during Annual Day at the end of the HATS year.

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As a reminder, there will be a meditation session next Sunday, Nov. 11th, that will cover all of Dharma class. Although homework will be due by the 18th, please encourage your students to complete it ahead of time.

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Here are some links to refer back to regarding last week's lessons:

- Why did Rama abandon Sita in the forest?

- The Fate of Lord Rama's lineage — Lava and Kusha

- Monarchs of Suryavansha

- Chandravansha

Please feel free to contact me or the other teachers with questions or concerns on your student's progress.

October 14-

Class Agenda:

• Reviewed the class discussion from the previous week's homework (analyze differences of equality and justice, and compare and contrast both in today's society).

• Went over important characters in the Upanishads, including Yāgyavalkya, Gargi & Maitreya, Nachiketa, Satyakāma, and King Shukadeva. We told stories on Rishi Āruṇi, Satyakāma Jabāla, King Shukadeva, and Rishi Nachiketa.

Homework (for Nov. 4th):

• Finish reading Nachiketa's story and read the rest of Chapter 1, until page 36.

• Read the below stories*, write the morals of each of the stories, make connections to other characters we've talked about, and identify the main Dharmic characteristic(s) that the main character(s) in each story possesses.

*Stories to read for HW:

• Rishi Saubhari

• Rishi Mudgala

• Rishi Satyakama

Extra informative links (not part of Homework):

• Satyakama (begin reading from "A Case of Identity" to "The Return")

• Story of Sukadeva

• Significance of Nachiketa's Kathopanishad

October 7-

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Namaste Parents,

Last week, we taught the students the importance of Mahalaya Paksha (i.e. Pitru Paksha, Shraddham) and how it gained historical prominence through King Karna.

We told them a story on Shabari and her unparalleled devotion to Lord Rama, and a story on Rishi Ashtāvakra and his lesson on discrimination toward others, and the moral that God lives within all of us.

Below are some informative links I'd recommend that the students read, and an overview of what we learned.

*The student's homework is to read p. 20-25. We will go over the class discussion regarding Veda Vyāsa's story on equality vs. justice.

Please feel free to contact me, Sankaran, or Jagdish with any questions, comments, or concerns regarding your student's progress.

Thank you for your understanding!

Links:

• Life of Shabari

• Importance of Pitru Paksha

• Rishi Ashtavakra & Janaka

September 30

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Namaste Parents,

Last Sunday, we covered stories of Rishi Dadhīchi (his lesson being that one must forget old rivalries and sacrifice themselves for a loved one) & Rishi Pippalāda (his lesson to humanity being that God lives within all living beings). We told the students a story about Krishna's headache and the level of complete and selfless devotion of the Gopis in curing his headache. We also covered the upbringing and background of Rishi Vālmīki, and the life and powerful devotion of Sage Markandeya.

I also recited a story regarding Sage Narada and his inspiration to Rishi Veda Vyasa in creating the Bhagavata Purana.

Below are some informative links regarding the influential Rishis we've covered last Sunday.

• No homework for next week, but please encourage your students to read the below links.

More information on the HATS website.

• Sage Markandeya's success against Death

• The Story of Krishna's Headache

• Background of Maharishi Valmiki

• The Story of Maharishi Dadhichi & Pippalada

Please feel free to contact me or Sankaranji with any questions, comments, or concerns regarding your child's progress.

Thank you for your understanding!

September 23

Namaste Parents,

Last Sunday, we went over the previous readings regarding Sage Bharadwaja and Sage Agastya. We went over the morals and life lessons of their stories, and the positive qualities and traits they possessed. We also went over the lessons faced by Rishi Bhrigu, Sage Vashishtha, Sage Vishwamitra, and Rishi Narada. We mainly focused on the greatness of Lord Vishnu, Vishwamitra's learning of the 6 internal enemies, and Sage Narada's realization of the true meaning of devotion to Lord Vishnu.

Lastly, we also compared and contrasted Hindu vs. Western values, and how we perceive them in today's world.

Attached below is an overview of what we learned.

The students have no homework this week except to read the informative links* below during their own time.

*Below are some informative links on the influential rishis we've covered. I would highly recommend that you participate with your students to read these links, as they are all very informative, interesting, and inspiring. Plus, it will really help in discussions in class and will benefit all students equally.

Intro to Rishi Bharadwaja

Bharadwaja Rishi

The Story of Rishi Vashishta

Sage Vishwamitra's Realization & Path to becoming a Brahmana

How Sage Narada inspired Vyasa Raja & Rishi Valmiki

Please feel free to contact me or Sankaranji with any questions, comments, or concerns regarding your child's progress.

Thank you for your understanding!

September 16

Hello Parents,

Today we introduced the main subject of the class, going over the various Hindu Sages, Saints, Kings, and Leaders that have had an influence on today's world.

We also talked about the importance of general cultural respect and proper use of terms (such as murthi as opposed to idol), describing God as one Supreme Being, and the qualities and expectations of Hindu Dharma.

In addition, we talked about cultural differences between the Western and Indian world and focused on preserving the best of both worlds.

Everyone has received a Dharma Level VIII book today.

• Homework for next week: Read Sections 1.1 and 1.2 and work on the review exercises in their book (it is theirs, they are allowed to write in it).

If your student has an extra Level VII book that they forgot to return this morning, please ensure that they return it next week.

September 9

• Introductions

• Recap from Dharma Level VII

- 6 Internal Enemies

- Morals, Ethics, Values

- Intellect/Atma/Mind Chariot diagram

- Bhagavad Gita shlokas

Dhyaayato visayaan pumsah sangastesho upajaayate

Sangaat Sanjaayate Kaamah Kaamat Krodho Bhijaayate

Krodhaat Bhavathi Sammohah Sammohaat Smriti Vibramaha

Smriti Bhramshaad Buddhi Naasho Buddhi Naashaat Pranashyati

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