ABK's first field trip to the Underwood Farm

We had a lot of fun! See pictures of the day.

Learning About Dharma

We started this semester of Amrita Bala Kendra (ABK) by learning about dharma. Your dharma is your path in life. A spiritual dharma is influenced by what religion you follow and what you must do to live up to those beliefs. A worldly dharma is what a person must do in life -- sort of like an occupation.

Everyone has their own unique worldly dharma. For example, a boy’s or girl’s worldly dharma is to listen to his/her parents and obey them, participate and try hard at school, respect the other students and the teacher, and respect adults and elders.

A warrior’s worldly dharma is to use force or violence, only when needed, to protect their family, city, or country. During ABK class we discussed the story of Ramayana and how Rama and Lakshmana had to risk their lives in order to follow their dharma and to protect Ayodhya from demons.

D
One experience where I struggled to practice dharma was while I was sitting in bed with a book. Not long ago my brother, Jeev, had asked me to play a game with him. As a big brother, I promised I would. Yet I wasn’t really in the mood for playing a game, and I had waited for this chance to read my book for so long. But because of my dharma as a big brother, I put the book back on the bookshelf and went to tell my brother that I would play a game with him.

Gyan Prayaga
Age 10

See what our other students say about Dharma.

The hand is a "handy" reminder of the 5 Values Amma wishes for all of us to practice in our everyday lives

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Class on Values

Sloka Class

The Teachers

Fun in the Sun

For those who are interested, and have further quetions, please email Chetana.

Directions 3775 Mound View Ave. Studio City, CA 91604

From 101 take the Laurel Canyon exit, go South towards Hollywood Hills.
Pass Ventura Blvd./First R on Maxwellton /first L on Mound View
go 1 & 1/2 blocks.

From 405N to 101 then follow above directions From the South you can take Crescent Heights
(at Sunset Blvd. it turns into Laurel Cyn) over the Hollywood Hills,
pass Fryman and make L on Laurel Terrace then immediate RT
on Mound View

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How It All Started...

While our Dear AMMA was in San Ramon in November, 2005, Santhosh and Jayashree asked AMMA's permission to start Amrita Bal Kendra (Spiritual Class) in Los Angeles. AMMA has given her Blessings to proceed with classes for ABK. AMMA puts a lot of value and emphasis in similar efforts since the children are the flag bearers of the future. It is important that children grow up with the right kind of values and understanding, which will make them stronger to face the future.

The Balkendra class will focus on sharing the values AMMA wants us all to have. There are a few of AMMA's children who have graciously agreed to do this seva. We are immensely indebted to everyone who has offered to help with this program. Once the curriculum has been developed for the first semester, the teachers will be trained before the classes start. AMMA encourages parents and interested adults to attend the classes as well.

Parent/Adult classes will be held at the same time as the children's classes in a separate room. AMMA says that with this approach, the parents are aware of what is being taught and can help their children understand better, should they have any difficulties with the curriculum. As per the instructions from M.A. Center, there will be a nominal charge for these classes. The fees have not yet been decided, but will be set by the M.A. Center to provide coursework material and other classroom expenses. Classes will be held four times a month, at a location convenient to where we have the most children. We will be sharing stories from scriptures and inspirational books that AMMA has suggested.