Sanskar Gurukul Weekly Update
Class Name: Narada
Week# 20: 03/06/2016
General Assembly
Two students from Kanwa class started the GA with three Omkars followed by the Shanti Mantra.
Shivratri is on Monday Mar 7th. People celebrate by fasting and staying up all night worshipping Lord
Shiva. Three students led the chanting of the Lingashtakam. Since Lord Shiva is known for his
compassion and granting boons to his devotees, a few students presented a skit on Bhasmasura to
highlight some takeaways regarding boons.
There was an asura called Bhasmasura who wanted to be the most powerful man in the world. One day
Sage Narada came and told him that the only way to get your wishes fulfilled is by praying to Lord Shiva.
So Bhasmasura started praying and after a long time Lord Shiva appeared before him and asked him
what boon he wanted. Bhasmasura said that he wanted to become the most powerful man and so
whoever's head he touches with his right hand should turn into ashes. Lord Shiva granted Bhasmasura
his wish, but instead of being grateful, the asura started chasing Lord Shiva in order to convert the Lord
into ashes. Lord Vishnu saw this and asked Lord Shiva to hide and said that he would take care of
Bhasmasura. Lord Vishnu changed form into a beautiful girl called Mohini. Bhasmasura came across her
and was enchanted by her beauty and asked if he could marry her. Mohini said that Bhasmasura should
keep his right hand on his head and swear that he did not have another wife. He forgot about the boon he
had just been granted and put his hand on his head and was immediately burnt to ashes.
The takeaways from this story are
* Be careful what you wish for.
* Be generous, but don't give blindly and make sure the receiver doesn't take advantage of you.
* Use your boons wisely.
* Watch out for power. Once you have it, you tend to want to have more of it. Unless you are mindful,
power can lead to your destruction.
Aparna Aunty ended the GA with a short meditation session.
Class
The Gupta period marks an important phase in the history of ancient India. The long and
efficient rule of the Guptas made a huge impact on the political, social and cultural
spheres. Though the Gupta Empire was not as widespread as the Mauryan Empire, the
Gupta dynasty was successful in creating an empire that is significant in the history of
India. The Gupta period is also popularly known as the Golden age of India and for the right
reasons.
Artistically, the Gupta Empire is considered the classical era in Indian history; artists,
writers and builders created the classical Indian styles of poetry, drama, painting and
architecture. The Indian poet and playwright Kalidasa, who was active around 400 AD hold
the same place in Indians regard as Shakespeare does in the English speaking world. The
great Indian literary classics the Mahabharata and Ramayana had been told and retold
orally since at least 600 BC but it was during the Gupta Empire that they were written in the
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version we know today.
During this age, art and education flourished and many great discoveries were made in
science and maths. Aryabhatta and Varahmihira, the two great mathematicians contributed
much during this period in the field of Vedic mathematics. Aryabhatta estimated the value
of ‘Pi’ to the fourth decimal place. Algebra was developed to a great extent and the concept
of zero and infinity were found. The symbols for numbers from 1 to 9 were devised which
was a great contribution for the field of mathematics.
The Gupta Age is also known for its advances in astronomy. During the reign of the Gupta
rulers, astronomers and philosophers proposed the theory that earth was not flat but
round. The theory of gravity was also propounded during this time. The astronomers
made a breakthrough when they found out the different planets and started to make
horoscopes based on the planetary positions. The field of medicine also advanced a lot
during this time and doctors used to perform surgeries during that era.
The Ajanta and Ellora caves were created during the golden age. Panchtantra stories were
written by Vishnu Sharma during this period. The Gupta period was defined by creativity,
flourishing arts, fabulous literature and stupendous scholars.
Following youtube videos can be watched to know more about this Golden Age in India:
Gupta Empire:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RaXWsodnyyg
Ajanta Caves:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVA0Dmi5YLU
Homework
Announcements
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Parents are welcome to attend the General Assembly.
•
If your child is going to be absent, please fill in the absence form on the website.
Please do not send an email.
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If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to email us at
[email protected]
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