Summary of this week’s class:

Class 2A:

The session began with prayers, followed by learning the first 15 names of Swami from the Sri Sathya Sai Ashtotra Shata Namavali and Soham meditation for 2 minutes. We quickly revisited last week’s theme, Giving and Sharing Bring Happiness , and recollected the stories shared.

The story of The Unhappy Crow  was introduced, highlighting how the crow felt discontented by comparing itself to others, believing other birds were happier. This led to a discussion about the importance of being content and happy with what we have. Another story illustrated how our desires often grow endlessly—starting with wanting a car, then a bigger car, then more features—and how these unchecked “wants” can lead to greed, jealousy, anger, pride, and attachment.

The children reflected on Swami’s teachings to control desires, starting with mindful use of basic needs such as avoiding food waste and conserving energy by speaking only when necessary. The session concluded with Sai Madhuram bhajan practice and closing prayers.

Class 2B:

The session began with prayers, followed by learning the first 15 names of Swami from the Sri Sathya Sai Ashtotra Shata Namavali and Soham meditation for 2 minutes. We explored the concept of contentment and how appreciating what we have and limiting unnecessary desires can lead to happiness and peace. The discussion focused on common triggers for discontentment, such as comparisons with others or an excessive focus on material possessions.

This theme was illustrated through stories from Chinna Katha, including The Fisherman and the Businessman,  which highlighted the joy of a simple, contented life, and The Unhappy Crow, which emphasized self-acceptance and appreciating our uniqueness.

The children were given an exercise to identify and write down their desires in their notebooks, helping them reflect on whether their desires were true needs or mere wants. This activity aimed to encourage putting a ceiling on desires. The session concluded with closing prayers and the message: One should be content with what they have and not worry about what they do not have. Only then can they truly be happy and peaceful.