Revision (December 2004)

The assignment for this month is to review what we have learned this entire year. It is essential that kids understand the meanings of mantras they recite. As Auntieji suggested, this month kids should go over the mantras they have learned. In addition, please revise the topics we have covered throughout the year. Let kids pick the topic(s) of their choice from this past year and speak about it.

Mantras kids should learn to recite correctly and know the meanings: Gayatri Mantra, Om Vishwani, Om Aasto Maa and Om Trayambhookam. Next year, we will be adding more mantras to the list.

Om Bhur Bhuva Swah; Tatsavitur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dhimahi; Dhio Yo Nah Prachodayat.

O God, Thou art the Giver of life, the Remover of pains and sorrows, the Bestower of happiness. O Creator of the Universe, may we receive Thy supreme sin-destroying light. May Thou guide our intellect in the right direction. This mantra quoted above is called the Gayatri or Guru mantra. This is the principal mantra of the Hindus. It has a purifying effect on the devotee. It has three important ideas:

• God is the Creator of the Universe. He is everywhere and in all beings.
• We meditate on His splendor and divine light.
• We pray for purity of mind and knowledge of truth.

Om Vishwani Deva Savitar Duritani Parasuva, Yad Bhadram Tanna Asuva.

O Lord! the Creator of the Universe, remove all forms of vice and sorrow from us. Give us those qualities that are beneficial.

Om Asato Ma sad Gamaya; Tamaso Ma Jyotir Gamaya; Mrityorma Amritam Gamaya.

O Supreme Spirit! Lead us from untruth to truth; Lead us from darkness to light; Lead us from death to immortality.

Om trayambakam yajamahe, sugandhim pushtivardhanam Urvarukamiva bandhanat mrityor mukshiya mamritat

O God, we offer you sacrifice so that you can shower on us fragrance and strength (good health). Just like a ripe cucumber is effortlessly separated from a dead vine (free from all attachments), similarly relieve us from the bondage of life and death and give us liberation in the form of immortality

“Knowledge alone is the inexhaustible treasure; the more you spend it, the more it grows. All other treasures run out by spending, the claimants inherit their shares as well. Thieves cannot steal this treasure, nor, can anyone inherit it.” Swami Dayannad