Ilaxi Patel's Blog: Moms Zone, page 16

Lord Sri Krishna

Hare krsna Hare krsna, Hare ram Hare ram

Radhe Krsna radhe Krsna,Krsna Krsna Hare hare……

“Aham sarvasya prabhavo, Mattah sarvam pravartate

Iti matva bhajante mam, Budha bhava samanvitah” 

“I am the source of all spiritual and material worlds. Everything emanates from Me. The wise who perfectly know this engage in my devotional service and worship me with all their hearts”

Krishna is the origin of everything in both the material and spiritual worlds. All Vedic Literatures agree that Krishna is the source of Brahma, Shiva and all other demigods. The son of Vasudeva-Devki, Krishna is the Supreme Personality,  Narayana. The Vedic Upanisad says ‘In the beginning of the creation there was only the Supreme Personality Narayana. There was no Brahma, no Shiva, no fire, no moon, stars, sky or sun. From Narayan, Brahma is born and Maha Upanisad it is said that Lord Shiva was born from the forehead of the supreme Lord. Thus the Vedas say that is the Supreme Lord, the Creator of Brahma and Shiva, who is to be worshipped.

Narayanah paro devas, Tasmaj jatas caturmukhah

Tasmad rudro ‘bhavad devah, Sa ca sarva-jnatam gath

“Narayan is the Supreme Personality of godhead and from him Brahma was born, from whom Shiva was born”

Krishna has ever been the perfect ‘Avatar’ whose influence on human lives far exceeds that of any other God incarnate. Krishna is depicted as Govinda, who is the prime cause of all causes, the embodiment of wisdom and selfless action as well as a human liberal and practical philosopher with foresight.  Three great works enumerate Krishna’s Teachings : Bhagwad Gita, Anugita and Udhavagita. Bhagwad Gita, like Bible or Koran, for Hindus, is the sacred Book depicting ‘Mahabharata’. The advice Krishna renders to disheartened Arjuna at Kurukshetra, immortalized the Bhagwad Gita, greatly influenced philosophers and continues to inspire millions of people worldwide. Srimad Bhagwad Gita is full of narrations about the relationship between the Supreme Lord and his devotees. In this narration, transcendental nature of the Supreme Lord and his devotees is fully described. Krishna had always been a defender of the oppressed. He killed Kansa to liberate his victims from cruelty. He befriended the poor, the character of Sudama is legendary whose berries he ate. He came to rescue of Draupadi. As a playmate to cowherds at Vrindavan,  a loving and giving soul. Krishna defined dharma (religion) as anything that brought about the good of the individual and society. Krishna’s conversations with Arjun are on transmigration of soul, means of attaining liberation, descriptions of Karma and effects of austerity. Devotion, meditation and other spiritual disciplines reflect in Bhagwad Gita. Krishna also touches upon the psychic powers of yogic practices. The love of Gopis is divine which says of the greatness and divinity of Krishna. He is said to create an air of romanticism, enchanted gopis and impressed them with his flute playing. Krishna responded by dancing with Gopis in Ras Leela. The mystical passage of Krishna’s life with Gopis and love for Radha is the most marvelous expansion of love expressed in that beautiful play at Vrindavana, which no one can understand yet, become perfectly chaste and pure.

Radha’s love for Krishna personifies the aspiration of the living being to merge with God. Krishna’s flute is a call of the divine and Radha responds to his call as human soul. She expresses unconditional love and surrenders to the Divine. As believed, you take one step towards God, he takes ten steps towards you – Radha took a step towards Krishna and he reciprocated with his divine love. For Radha, Krishna is Ultimate. The Gopis are in love with him and unashamedly want him as their husband or lover without inhibitions or care for the consequences of such defiant social indiscretions. When Krishna plays the flute, the Gopis cease their activity, including caring of their husbands, children or family and run madly hypnotically to the flute sound of Krishna. He multiplies himself into many Krishnas to make each gopi feel that he is exclusively hers. In Dwarka, Krishna made each of his 16000 wives believe that he is her husband alone! Thus shows the real Krishna, the embodiment of love and compassion for whosoever relates with him.  Radha’s love for Krishna is pure and divine. The relationship reflect the divine Vrindaban bliss. It is said Radha had descended in Braj a year earlier than Krishna. She appeared in her divine dignity in the palace of King Vrishbhanu in Barsana and Kirti was her mom. She lived in Barsana and Krishna had moved from Gokul to Nandgaon due to King Kans disturbances. Nandgaon and Barsana was  four miles distance.Later Krishna went to Mathura and Dwarika and back to Gokul where Radha and other Brajbasi also went there. However, most of the Krishna Radha Leela took place near Barsana and Nandgaon.  Radha and Krishna relationship is the embodiment of love, passion and devotion. Radha is recognized as the loveliest of all the cowgirls (gopis). She is the wife of Ayana and the daughter of the cowherd Vrishabhanu and his wife, Kamalavati. Their relationship develops on Krishna’s captivating charm and aura of passion as Radha falls into a state of desire for this God. Radha is the soul; Krishna is the God. Krishna is the shaktiman possessor of energy and Radha is his shakti. She is the female counterpart of the Godhead. She is the personification of the highest love of God, and by her mercy the soul is connected with the service and love of Krishna. Radha’s passion for Krishna symbolizes the soul’s intense longing and willingness for the ultimate unification with God. She was Krishna’s most refreshing energy and power. The example of the gopis is very instructive to persons who are trying to be absorbed in Krishna consciousness. One can very easily associate with Krishna simply by remembering his transcendental pastimes. Everyone has a tendency to love someone. That Krishna should be the object of love is the central point of Krishna consciousness. By constantly chanting the Hare Krishna mantra and remembering the transcendental pastimes of Krishna, one can be fully in Krishna consciousness and thus make his life sublime and fruitful. Radha was one of the greatest devotee of Krishna and unlike other Gopis, showered her love for him eternal making her the favourite of Krishna.

Bhagwad Gita says ‘Living entity is is superior prakrti (nature) Prakrti is always under control, whether inferior or superior. The seventh Chapter of Gita explains ‘The material nature is my inferior prakrti and beyond this another prakrti – jiva bhutam, the living entity’ Thus, Material nature has three qualities  – the mode of goodness, the mode of passion and the mode of ignorance. Above these modes, there is eternal time and by a combination of these modes of nature and under the control and purview of eternal time, there are activities which are called karma. The fruits we suffer or enjoy is the result of karma. Radha became eternal with her perfect love & devotion for Krishna, she became a noble soul merged into him and above all to proclaim her selfless love, Radha is said before Krishna  ‘Radhe Krishna’ meaning, the pure love transcending the devotee to love and merge into Krishna and not the material world. The entire world is deluded by the three attributes Satva (good), Rajas (passionate), Tamas (dark) and leave behind Maya, cannot recognize Krishna and those who worship Krishna are able to overcome it. Four kinds of people who worship god are those who desire earthly gains, those who are suffering, those who seek knowledge and those who possess wisdom. Radha is said to possess the wisdom and she became his soul.

Pure devotee is that who always thinks of Krishna without deviation and without considering the time or place. No impediment. “Wherever you are, O lord, there is Vrindavana’ and so did Radha, became an ardent devotee of Krishna as madhurya bhakta, engaged as a conjugal lover of the supreme Lord.

Gita recommends the form of devotion as Bhakti Yoga, the devotee in five different ways : a) santa bhakta, engaged in devotional service in neutrality b) dasya bhakta, engaged in devotional service as servant c) sakhya bhakta, engaged as friend d) vatsalya bhakta, engaged as a parent and 5- madhurya bhakta, engaged as conjugal lover of the supreme Lord. Radha had been constant transcendental loving service and so, she is said to have become his soul.

Krishna and Radha existed some 5000 years ago and is said that Krishna disappeared on 18th February 3602 (Research sources). Some say, he died under a Kalpavriksha tree in form of Samadhi (meditation) It is said that Krishna descends to this planet once in a day of Brahma, or every 8,600,000,000 years as per Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupad of Krishna Consciousness.  Krishna spoke Bhagavad Gita to the sun god some hundreds of millions of years ago and Arjuna was his first disciple who understood the supreme personality of krishna. Krishna is absolute and there is no difference between krishna’s name, krishna’s form, his qualities or pastimes or his affairs with his queens, gopis or radha. This absolute position of Krishna is difficult to understand for any person who is not a devotee of Krishna in the system of parampara and without perfect knowledge of Krishna and Gita , try to banish or kill the krishna concept especially in this Kaliyug. Some mock at the Radha Krishna affair which is total ignorance of their beliefs and misinterpretation, making them see the materialistic world instead of a divine submission to the godhead. Meera is another name that followed later with the popular ‘mero toa giridhar gopal, dusro na koi’ – Though, she could never be a Radha yet, her devotion towards Krishna made her a memorable devotee.   

“Sadhavo hrdayam mahyam, Sadhunam hrdayam tva aham

Mad-anyat te na jananti, Naham tebhyo manag api”

In Srimad Bhagavatam (9.4.68), the Lord says that devotees are always in my heart and I am always in the hearts of devotees. They need not know anything beyond me and I cannot forget them. There is very intimate relationship between me and them. Pure devotees in full knowledge are never out of spiritual touch and therefore they are very much dear to me”

The theme behind Krishna’s life is Karma Yoga, the art of striving for both personal perfection and social efficiency. There is Heaven here on earth and hell too here on earth. It’s in the hands of the humans to lead to the path they sort for. All one need to remember is the the Karma. The very essence of education is “Karma” – our action generates a force of energy that returns us in kind “What we sow, is what we reap” And when we choose actions that bring happiness and success to others, the fruit of our Karma is achieved.  

Like Bhagwad gita says:

“ buddhir jnanam asammohah, ksama satyam damah samah, sukham dukham bhavo bhavo, bhayam cabhayam eva cha. Ahimsa samta tusti, tapodanam yaso yasah, bhavanti bhava bhutanam, matta eva prthag vidhah”

(in short means, the qualities of human beings are all created by the lord Krishna.These qualities of intelligence, knowledge, freedom from doubt and delusion, forgiveness, truthfulness, control of senses, mind, happiness and distress, birth, death, fear, fearlessness, nonviolence, equanimity, satisfaction, austerity, charity, fame and infamy are all to be on guard.)

Ksama, tolerance and forgiveness, should be practiced; one should be tolerant and excuse the offenses of others. Then there is peace, then there is love and when there is love, Miracles Happen!

Krishna is the avatar of perfect love. The word ‘Krishna’ is derived from akarshana which means attraction. So the name itself signifies that Krishna is the Supreme Truth, the absolute, manifest in human form, to attract the whole world towards him. 

(image courtesy: as appeared in my newspaper article – radhekrishna.org

ALL ABOUT KRISHNA – SHLOKES – GITA REVIEW ETC.

The post Lord Sri Krishna appeared first on Newspaper for Kids with Resources for Parents and Teachers Wonderland of Information – Education – Entertainment - kidfreesouls.com.

This Summer, Read Aloud Stories to Kids

Papa, you’ve always been a pal – you bought me my pram, my tricycle, my scooter, my car, my ipad…now I want you to buy me my executive jet aircraft Yes, some parenting flaws are that they’ve given all, scarcely bring up kids and not motivated them for Reading – not explored the world of books together except the academics – the only way to start is to start – go read and encourage reading skills

Reading aloud helps to develop oral language. It teaches children how to listen and how narrative is structured. They also learn vocabulary and how print works and is read from left to right. Well, reading should always be made ‘Fun Learning’ and not let the child have a boring session. I read aloud stories to children as we often have a Loud Reading class following by Story reading session from 5 Minute Fairy Tales or other Fairy tales book. Children sometimes opt to read online stories and I hook them to Kidsfreesouls Fairyland section as they Read aloud the Artie Knapp stories and other tales…..

Reading aloud to children helps them develop oral language. It teaches them how to listen and how narrative is structured.

March has always been a Read Aloud Month Swagat Children Library

Why Read Aloud?

Reading aloud is more than fun – it’s an effective teaching strategy.

Provides an opportunity to share your favorite stories, novels, and poems with the whole class
Provides a chance to address important themes like friendship, courage, prejudice, bullying, etc.
During Reading Workshop, allows to teach strategy mini lessons to the whole class (or stories) since everyone is listening to the same selection (having read the same book in library)
Models fluent reading for students
Introduces students to vivid and specific vocabulary
Offers a chance to use questioning strategies to explore concepts in the selection

Swagat Children Library (http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/index…/Swagat-Children-Library/) conducted ‘Read Aloud’ Sessions. The results are not only amazing, children wanted to read more and even narrated the stories with expressions. Enhanced vocabulary and fluency in reading was found. Also provided stage platform to break stage fear and face the audience. Voice modulation is evaluated. Short stories/lessons to be taken for loud reading. Kids friendly books, magazine articles will spark interest and discussion to add dimension to reading. Reading dramatically will draw interest to kids keeping in mind the phonics and style of reading. To add creativity, add the word cloud theme online. Just go for Creativity online for Projects – A word Art ‘Words as image’ and choose words from read aloud. Word clouds, shapes and different text, colors etc is just fun esp. when images are needed for Projects. I have used this in my Swagat Children Library classroom assignments and kids love to explore online smile emoticon Tagxedo, wordle.net, typoeffects.com and many more….#Parents and #Teachers only need to explore with the children and have fun.

Find more on:

Teach Toddlers to Read

Also Read Aloud

+Kidsfreesouls #reading #Author #children #preschool Guardian of Angels by Ilaxi Patel

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Colours of Love, colours of Life!

Colours of Love, Colours of Life!

It’s the coming Holi Festival and we fill our lives with the colors – Colors of Love, colors of life. Colors fill our world with beauty. We mix and blend our life with colors in various ways. Colorful effects have long lasting impressions on the mind. They excite and add interest to our lives. Nature is at best with colorful flowers, snow peaked mountains, tall green trees, flowing blue rivers, muddy lands, etc. which reflect different colors. Colors serve as means of communication. Artists make their paintings realistic or expressive with use of colors. Names of colors are used to describe moods and feelings too. Different colors mean different things in different countries. Your preferences are all that matters. Colors have an expressive way to reveal your heart’s desire, your personality and character traits. What’s Your Favorite color? Check out your own personality with FS cool wise wisdom predictions forecasting your character like your sun signs. So, next time if someone happens to ask you ‘What is your favorite color?’ Be Alert – You are somewhere revealing your own self, exposing your personality and character traits undoubtedly with your color choice. know how to  ‘Read between the lines!’

RED

Red is the colour for danger, blood, fire and passion. Dashing, an outgoing type. Abrupt mood swings and act on impulse. Red induce feelings of strength and vitality in a person. Compassionate and can trigger optimism. It’s a color of anger too. It is the colour of the Mars, the Roman God of war. Red is a colour of Happiness too!

BLUE

Blue is the color for feeling sad. Check out your blues if you are a teen but blue is also a color for peace and heavenly living! Westerners believe blue as Happy sign Introspective and purposeful by nature. You hold conservative beliefs and under stressful conditions, prefer to withdraw into gentler surroundings. You seem to have a lot of control over your passions and desires, but are sensitive to the needs and feelings of others, nonetheless.

You are a loyal friend and would prefer to lead a sober life.

GREEN

Green is the color of envy, the jealousy for others.

Green is poisonous but amazingly green is the color of Nature. Whoever said green is envious may be forgot the importance

that green sustains life.

A dutiful citizen with community closeness.Honest

and straightforward.

YELLOW

Yellow color reflects cowardice. It makes one weak & sick. However, some believe Yellow is brilliance and brings warmth. In some parts in US, colors are associated with the point of Compass. East with white, north with yellow, west with blue and south with red. Year before, tribal people believed that success came from west which is red, north is blue which brings trouble. Person who loves yellow has vivid imagination. Clear thoughts and well organized. Shy person by nature and a loner sometimes. A reliable friend and a person with much pride.

ORANGE 

This color shows qualities of good-nature and loyalty. Ambitious and motivates one’s creativity. You are sociable but at the same time you tend to be swayed by the opinions of other people. You are a generous soul, sincere at heart. Your gestures are friendly, and inspired by goodwill. Restlessness and nervous breakdown occurs sometimes. Self esteemed people and full of nourishing thoughts.

BLACK & WHITE

Black west is death and Happy souls is white. In some countries, mourners wear white whereas while marriage ceremony is held, wife wears white! Black is bad luck, white is peace; Black is evil, white is virgin; Black is sorrow, white is happiness; Black brings depression; White is dignity and purity. White is revealing of truth, black is worst crime.

PINK

Pink suggest health, happiness and delicacy. Pink is the color of cool radiated joy which brings good luck too. Affectionate person.

VIOLET

Violet is royal. It is mystery. It can be depressive too. Intelligent and quick witted with an eye for detail. Spiritual in nature and creative at heart. Egoist, proud. Organized, self mastery and in search of truth. Cultivate

wealth and strive for comforts in life.

GREY

Grey suggests retirement and quietness. It shows the ageing process. It is more mature, sober, understanding. The color of experience and exposure.

 

Festivals has undergone a sea of change over the years. A look at positive side shows, celebrations with fun and faith, whereas, the negative aspect is that interest and enthusiasm level is taking a plunge every passing year. This Holi Festive season, Paint the Town Red! Fill Life with Colors – Kidsfreesouls way. Check this out!!!

* Every person residing on Planet Earth do not have Luck to be born with a swimming pool! Get a tub, fill with colored water and have cool splashes in your own cozy place. Have Fun. Enjoy any time!

* If you are allergic ‘Spoil me Not’, have fun with Pure H2O, drench yourself cool and splash others too with a hosepipe. Have Fun. Enjoy any Sunday too!

* Have a ‘Code Red’ or Code color Party. Wear Red. Decorations be red, appetizers be red with Tomato juice, food be red like pastas, pizzas, chinese cabbage, fruit be red like apple or strawberry and music too – All red like ‘Code Red, Bad Boys Red, and a music score dancing tune be red like ‘Red Red wine by UB40’

* Make life colorful using fav perfumes, essence of your own self

* Use colors, posters and paintbrush. Be a copy cat – Be M.F.Hussain and modern art the posters. Hang in your study or room wall. Smeal the colors you want on your old garrage, room walls too but hey, be prepared for mom’s shouts too!

* Use only ‘Red’ the Gulaal you call & no other color so as not to effect your eyes or skin – Be carefull the Red gulal doesn’t get into your eyes.

Fill your World with colors any time…Why Holi? All you need is a cool mind and a Big Heart full of Love – Let Love enter your heart and bloom life – Blossom smiles:-)

Check here for Radha Krishna Pages – The blooming couple who played Holi and spread the message of love

click for Holi Info – HAPPY HOLI 

Also find Faith and Spirtuality – Radha Krishna pages

The post Colours of Love, colours of Life! appeared first on Newspaper for Kids with Resources for Parents and Teachers Wonderland of Information – Education – Entertainment - kidfreesouls.com.

Audio Story – The Owl and the Pussy Cat

How do we make children engaged for listening practice? The answer is ‘Loud Reading ‘ without those dull as dish water dialogues. Audio stories spark interest – much needed exposure to 3 Cs – Conversation, Concentration, Confidence.

Comes with phonics, grammar, accent, moral values and a natural voice with natural intonation and expression.

Stimulate the Imagination, the creative use of language and appreciation and love for reading and listening stories.

Listening skills are important like reading skills. Isn’t it?

— Ilaxi Patel

Editor, Kidsfreesouls.com

Here’s an audio visual simple Story for kids – The Owl and the Pussy cat by Edward Lear on Swagat Children Library Page :

http://www.facebook.com/swagatchildre...

on Kidsfreesouls You Tube :

#stories #audiostories #kids #library #literature #edwardlear

The post Audio Story – The Owl and the Pussy Cat appeared first on Newspaper for Kids with Resources for Parents and Teachers Wonderland of Information – Education – Entertainment - kidfreesouls.com.

The Tale of Krishna…..

The tale of Krishna is enshrined in the hearts of all, remembering Krishna, the cowherd, as a beloved God and remembrance of his exploits is a source of joy to all.

Yadava dynasty had their capital in Mathura on the banks of the Yamuna. The Yadavas were a pastoral group. Ugrasena was a king of this dynasty. Kamsa, who was Ugrasena’s son deposed and imprisoned his own father. Ugrasena’s brother was Devaka. Devaka had a daughter named Devaki who was married to Vasudeva, son of Surasena. Surasena was also a Yadava like Ugrasena.

After the marriage of Devaki and Vasudeva, Kamsa was driving the couple to the bridegroom’s house. As the chariot roared past Mathura, a voice was heard from heaven, addressed to the charioteer, Kamsa: “O fool of a king! You are conducting a lady whose eighth son will grow up to kill you.”

Kansa’s impulsive reaction was to stop the chariot, seize Devaki and kill her on the spot. Vasudeva intervened and promised to put into the hands of Kansa all the children of Devaki as soon as they were born. Vasudeva implored Kansa to spare the life of Devaki. Kansa was satisfied with the arrangement proposed by Vasudeva for dealing with Devaki’s children and drove the chariot on without injuring Devaki. As a measure of abundant caution, Kamsa put both Devaki and Vasudeva in a prison under close guard.

Kansa started killing every child as soon as the child was born. He had killed six children in succession. Devaki became pregnant for the seventh time. A miracle occurred. The child in her womb got transferred miraculously to the womb of Rohini, another wife of Vasudeva. Rohini, fearing Kansa, was living at Gokulam on the opposite bank of the Yamuna river. This child conceived in Rohini’s womb was Balarama.

Devaki became pregnant for the eighth time. This eighth child was born at midnight in prison. The Lord appeard in divine form at first and then, the lying-in-chamber in the prison was filled with a dazzling light. Vasudeva and Devaki realized that the born child was no human, but a divine incarnation. They jointly praised the glory of the Lord and counted it a blessing that the Lord had grown in her womb before manifesting Himself. The divine form was shown to the parents and the Supreme Being had assumed the form of a human child.

At the very moment that the Lord was born in the prison cell, the divine Maya or the Power incarnate of the Lord was born, in the Gokulam, as the female child of Yasoda, the wife of Nanda.

A divine prompting came to Vasudeva: “Take your male child across the Yamuna to Gokulam and exchange him for Yasoda’s daughter. Then you can return to prison before anyone learns of the birth of the eighth child of Devaki.” Vasudeva took the child in his arms and the prison doors opened automatically, as the guards had been put to sleep by divine intervention. Vasudeva reached the bank of the Yamuna river which was in a spate. The river parted and made way for Vasudeva carrying the divine child. Vasudeva reached the opposite bank of the river safely and found all the inmates of Gokulam fast asleep. Entering the house of Nanda, Vasudeva placed the child on the bed of Yasoda, picked up Yasoda’s female child and returned to Mathura.

Vasudeva laid the female child by Devaki’s side and the prison doors shut automatically. The guards were now awake and were startled by the cries of the female child. The guards ran to Kansa and announced the birth of the eighth child to Devaki. Knowing that the eighth child would be the cause of his death, Kamsa rushed to prison to execute the child. Devaki pleaded: “O Kamsa, it is only a female child. How can this child do you any harm?” Kamsa ignored Devaki’s pleading, snatched the child from her lap and dashed the child down on a stone slab. The child did not fall down; instead, the child flew up and appeared on the sky as a goddess with eight arms and each arm carrying a weapon, “O fool of a king! You will gain nothing by killing me. The one who will destroy you is elsewhere. Do not kill innocent children, from now on.” With these words, the goddess disappeared. Kansa felt penitent and apologized to Vasudeva and Devaki for the pain he had caused them. He set free Vasudeva and Devaki from the prison.

Meanwhile, there was a great rejoicing in the Gokulam, hailing the birth of a son in Nanda’s household. On the eleventh day of the happy event, priests performed the rites to bless the child and named the child, Krishna. The entire Gokulam wore a festive appearance. The streets were swept clean and all the frontals of all houses were decorated with flags and flowers. Cows were smeared with turmeric and adorned with peacock feathers and garlands. Gopas and Gopis of the Gokulam danced in joy and flocked to Nanda’s house to see the child and offer presents to the Nandas. Rohini was ecstatic and received them all and treated the guests with sweets. The entire Gokulam was rejuvenated and everyone was filled with a sense of oncoming prosperity and joy.

One day, Nanda went to Mathura to pay his tribute to Kansa. When Nanda met Vasudeva In Mathura, Vasudeva enquired: “How are your two sons, Balarama and Krishna? I hope your newborn child, Krishna and Rohini are in good health.” Nanda assured Vasudeva, “Krishna is a source of joy to Rohini and to me and indeed to the entire Gokulam.” As Nanda parted company, Vasudeva uttered a warning, the import of which Nanda could not comprehend: “Brother Nanda! Now that you have paid your tribute to Kansa, get back home promptly. My mind is filled with foreboding that some ominous events are about to occur in Gokulam.”

As Nanda returned home, an ominous event had indeed occurred. A she-demon called Putana had been instructed by Kansa to kill all new-born children in cities, villages and hamlets. Finding that there was a new-born child in Nanda’s household, Putana promptly set about to kill the child. She had the power of assuming any desired form and could fly through air. Putana reached the Gokulam and assumed the form of a beautiful woman. She saw Krishna lying on his bed and smiling at all those who tried to carry him in their arms. Putana went to Krishna, lifted him up onto her lap and began to breast-feed him. She had smeared her breasts with a deadly poison and hoped that the child would consume the poison and die at once. The divine child knew Putana’s tricks; the divine child started sucking the life of the demon along with her poisoned breast-milk. Putana’s vital organs withered, she started rolling convulsively and cried, “Enough! Let me go!” She had suffered so intensely that Putana could no longer conceal her true form. The form of a beautiful faded away and Putana now appeared in her true form as a hideous demon. She died gasping for breath as the divine child lay on her bosom. Gopis who had gathered around were stunned and snatched the child away from the demon’s body. Rohini prayed all the gods for their mercy and grasped the child in her breast. Nanda now understood the meaning of what Vasudeva had told him at Mathura.

On the first anniversary of Krishna’s birth another miracle happened. Nanda and Yasoda were celebrating the birthday with festivities and feast. A cart was loaded with vessels of milk, cheese and butter. The child Krishna was put to sleep below the cart. Gopis suddenly heard some noises emanating from the cart. Krishna had woken up and shattered the wheels and axle of the cart and the cart was overturned spilling milk, cheese and butter on the ground. Gopis saw in utter disbelief that the little child had so much power as to break and overturn the cart. Yasoda tried to explain away the event as the work of some other demon like Putana trying to injure her dear darling child, Krishna.

Another emissary demon called Trinavrita, sent by Kamsa, came to Gokulam. The demon assumed the form a whirlwind and tried to carry away the child Krishna who was playing in the house. The inmates of the Gokulam ran hither and tither as the whirlwind caused havoc in the area. They frantically started searching for Krishna. The demon had carried Krishna up in the sky but he found the child to be too heavy. Krishna clung to the throat of the demon and crushed the demon to death, while still hanging at the neck of the demon. The body of the demon fell crashing to the ground but the child Krishna was unhurt. The Gopis picked up the child and handed over Krishna to Yasoda.

These happenings made Nanda realize that Vasudeva did convey something by talking about his foreboding. Yasoda had also experienced some extraordinary phenomena. One day, Krishna was playing with other children. The children ran up to Yasoda to report that Krishna had put a handful of earth into his mouth. Yasoda ran up to Krishna, “You mischievous! Open your mouth, let me see what you have in your mouth.” Krishna refused and tried to run away from Yasoda. After repeated coaxing, Yasoda made Krishna open his mouth. Behold, Yasoda saw in his mouth the miraculous vision of the entire universe: the earth with its mountains, oceans and continents, the sun, the moon, the stars and all the planets, Yasoda saw her own village there surrounded by the children and Krishna opening his mouth to her. “Am I dreaming?” exclaimed Yasoda and realized that all changing things are rooted in a changeless spirit.

Balarama was fair in complexion and Krishna was dark in complexion. Balarama was strong and Krishna was sprightly and bubbling with energy. The two playful brothers were the darling of the Gopis of the Vraja. The Gopis adored the mischievous pranks of Krishna such as stealing the butter and the cheese from the pots in the kitchen, drinking the milk out of their milkpots and letting the calves loose from their fetters. While they enjoyed such pranks, they also came to Yasoda one day to report against Krishna and his mischievous behavior, “O Mother Yasoda! Your child Krishna is very naughty indeed! He unfetter our calves just before milking-time and when we try to beat him up, he just laughs and runs away. He steals the milk from our kitchen and shared the curds with his friends. When he finds the pots empty, he breaks them and runs away. We tried to keep the pots away from his reach by hanging them from the roof. He gets to these pots standing upon a bench or by piercing a hole with a stone thrown at the hanging-pot. As as the milk leaks down from the hole in the pot, he holds the milk in the hollow of his palms and feeds himself and his friends. Look at him, Yasoda; he stands before you as though he is the most innocent child. What a mischievous kid you have brought into Gokulam, Yasoda. We do not how to cope with this mischievous, Krishna.”

Making these complaints in a tone of mock-seriousness, the Gopis were adoring at the same time the charm and the lovely lips of Krishna. Krishna started running away, “Now I am going, you can tell everything to mom, without fear of my presence!” Gopis sang in unison, “What a darling you have brought into Gokulam, O Yasoda!”

One day, Yasoda had to tie him up to the mortar with a strong rope to stop his childish pranks of breaking and stealing butter from the pot in her kitchen. Krishna started crawling on all fours and dragged the wooden mortar into the garden. The mortar was caught between two trees and as Krishna tried to pull it through, the two trees fell. Two Siddhas emerged from the fallen trees prostrated at the feet of Krishna, “O Krishna! We are the sons of Kubera, the god of wealth, in our previous birth. We were transformed as trees when we were cursed by Narada to reproach us for our pride in our wealth and power. Now, you have freed us. We will adore the mercy of God.”

Incidents like these created a sense of terror in the minds of the inmates of the Gokulam, including Nanda and Yasoda. Extraordinary events had been occurring in the Gokulam which seemed to indicate that demons and evil spirits had settled in the colony threatening the very survival of the Gokulam. Upananda, an old cowherd addressed the inmates:”Let us get out of this place before further calamities strike us. Brindavan forest is nearby. Let us go there.” The Gopas and Gopis agreed and moved into Brindavan, located between the Govardhana hill and the banks of the Yamuna river. Krishna and Balarama enjoyed the sylvan tracts of Brindavan. Krishna would play on his flute and both he and his brother would tend the cows and the calves.

One day, the cowherd boys and Krishna were playing on the banks of the Yamuna. It was a hot day. The cowherd boys drank water from the river and at once fell down unconscious. Krishna revived them and learnt that the poisonous snake called Kaliya had released its poison into the river. Even the birds flying over the river fell down dead because of the poison that had entered into the atmosphere. As the cowherd boys and Krishna started in search of Kaliya, they saw a kadamba tree on the banks of the river. Krishna climbed up this tree and dived into the waters of the Yamuna. A huge serpent emerged from the waters with its hundred black hoods and hanging purple tongues. Kaliya, the serpent, coiled himself around the body of the boy, Krishna. The clouds darkened and ominous portents were seen on the sky. The inmates of Brindavan came rushing to the banks of the Yamuna river and saw Krishna struggling with the serpent. An extraordinary phenomenon occurred:

Krishna had grown in size and the coils wound round his body became tighter. Krishna’s body had now started crushing the body of the serpent. The serpent could not withstand the force of the growing body of Krishna and had to release him from the coils. Krishna now jumped on to one of the hoods of the serpent and started dancing, holding the serpent Kaliya by his tail. Now the snake was dying and the red blood drops from the snake fell on the feet of Krishna and shone like rubies. The entire brood of snakes of the Kaliya vintage came to the surface and prostrated at the feet of Krishna. Krishna stopped his dance. Kaliya and his brood of snakes were now chastened. Krishna asked them to leave the river and move to the ocean. The serpent colony departed and the river Yamuna was rid of the poison in her waters.

It was the day of worship of Indra, the god of clouds and rain. Krishna suggested to Nanda and other elders of Brindavan that on this day learned men and women should be honored, poor people should be fed, the inmates should take their cattle in a procession round the Govardhana hill which was the main sustenance for the entire colony of Brindavan. These suggestions were accepted and the festivities began. Then, there was thunder and lightning in the sky and a heavy downpour of rain descended on Brindavan. The cowherd felt that this was symbolic of Indra’s anger. The rain became severe and evolved into a tempestuous hail-storm hurling stones at the people of Brindavan. “We have done something wrong by deviating from the traditional forms of worship of Indra,” cried the cowherds.

Krishna shouted his command: “All of you go towards the valley where the waters were not too deep.” Krishna plunged into the ravine where the waters were very deep and disappeared. After a while, the people of Brindavan were witness to a miracle. The Govardhana hill was rising like an umbrella revealing dry ground. Krishna was seen at the centre of the dry ground, supporting the weight of the hill on an uplifted finger of his hand. The people rushed into the dry ground. Krishna held up the hill on his finger for seven days until the rains stopped and the floods subsided. Krishna asked the people to move into Brindavan and lowered the Govardhana back into its place.

The Vraja country soon realized that Krishna was God in human form. The call of Krishna’s flute was a call to a life divine. Vraja people knew that the highest aim of their lives was to be devoted to Lord Krishna.

Krishnaleela (exploits of Krishna) were now household stories, everyone in Mathura knew of Krishna’s divine deeds in Brindavanam. The people of Mathura also came to know that Krishna was indeed the eighth child of Devaki and as prophesied will be Kamsa’s nemesis in due time. People were suffering under the oppressive regime of Kamsa and knew that Kamsa’s time was up since Krishna was growing in beauty and strength across the Yamuna in the forests of Brindavanam. People were enjoying hearing the stories of Krishna’s mischief and exploits and counting the days for their deliverance day when Krishna would take on Kamsa. Kamsa had tried to handle Krishna by sending Putana when Krishna was a mere child. Kamsa also sent other demons in the form of a mighty bull, in the form of a wild horse and all these demon-forms perished at Krishna’s hands and gained their deliverance.

Kamsa sent his messenger Akrura to Brindavan announcing a tournament in the capital. Kamsa had confided in Akrura that the plan was to station a mighty elephant at the entrance to the tournament grounds and to drive the animal towards Balarama and Krishna as soon as they entered and crush them to death under the feet of the elephant. If this strategy fails, two wrestlers, Chanura and Mushtika would challenge the two brothers Krishna and Balarama to a wrestling match and kill the latter in the contest. Akrura was no fool; he hated Kamsa like all other subjects of the kingdom and realized that Krishna was god in human form. Anyway, Akrura went to Nanda and extended the invitation of the king Kamsa; at the same time, Akrura also warned Krishna, secretly, of the evil designs of Kamsa. Krishna and Balarama laughed on learning about the plans and actively encouraged Nanda and other cowherds to accept the invitation to the tourney and prepare for the festivities.

Gopis and Gopas were in tears seeing the chariots of Krishna and Balarama pass-by; they could not bear with the departure of these two lads from their presence in Brindavan. Akrura was also accompanying the Brindavan party of contestants. The party rested on the banks of the Yamuna river for a few hours. Akrura dived into the river to bathe and offer prayers. In the waters, he saw Krishna’s form; Akrura floated up and found Krishna also sitting as a charioteer on the ratha. Akrura could not believe his eyes; he again immersed himself in the waters only to find Krishna in the waters; as he emerged from the waters, he found Krishna seated on the chariot. Akrura was wondering what was going on. Krishna appeared before Akrura in the dazzling form in which he was in Heaven before he descended to the earth in human form. “What did you see, Akrura?” asked Krishna. “Lord, you knot it all. There is nothing more beautiful under water or on the earth than yourself.” Nearby villagers had gathered to catch a glimpse of Balarama and Krishna and they wanted to be touched by Krishna, the darling. Finally, Krishna’s party reached the outskirts of Mathura and Akrura was asked to go to his house in Mathura.

The news of the arrival of Krishna and Balarama in the city spread like wild-fire. People of Mathura crowded into the streets, wherever the two brothers went or just tried to get a glimpse of them by looking through the windows of their houses. The beauty and charm of Krishna was just enthralling. The heavenly voice announcing the eighth child of Devaki had also been heard by them. Now they actually saw the divine being in human form, vibrant and filled with energy. Everyone wanted to take the lad into his or her hands, fondle him and kiss him.

In the tournament arena, a mighty bow was kept under security. Krishna took up the bow and broke into two pieces. The security guards tried to take Krishna and Balarama prisoners but could not succeed. The brothers defeated the guards and entered into the wrestling grounds. The wrestlers arrived with a lot of fanfare.

As planned, at the gates of the wrestling stadium, the mighty elephant, Kuvalayapida was set upon Krishna and Balarama. The elephant seized Krishna with its trunk. Krishna slipped out of the hold and hid behind the animal’s legs. Krishna caught hold of the elephant’s tail and the elephant turned around and tried to crush Krishna under its feet. It also tried to gore him to death with its tusks. The tusks broke into pieces. Krishna caught the trunk of the animal, shoved it to the ground and killed it with one of its own tusks.

Armed with the broken tusks of the elephant, Krishna and Balarama entered the wrestling arena. Chamura the wrestler, came to the lads and said, “O sons of Nanda! Welcome to Mathura’s wrestling match. Come, show your skills and please our majesty, Kamsa.”

Krishna responded, “Balarama and I are happy to be here. We are only lads, we are not professional wrestlers. Do you think it will be a fair match?” Chamura told Krishna that he and Balarama were not mere boys, their exploits were well-known all over the kingdom. I will take you on. Mushtika will fight with Balarama.”

The challenge was accepted. The spectators protested that this was an unfair contest between two professional wrestlers and two innocent boys; it was like a contest between rocks and flowers. Kamsa ignored the protests and flagged off the contest.

The professional wrestlers tried all their skills and tricks to down Krishna and Balarama and failed miserably. The boys were agile and smart in their movements and tired out the professionals. The wrestlers were now gasping for breath. Krishna clung to the neck of Chamura and brought him down. Balarama punched Mushtika on his face and chest till the latter vomited blood and fell down.

Kamsa was in fury, “Seize these evil lads. Seize all the visitors from Brindavan. Put them in chains.”

As Kansa drew his sword, Krishna pounced on Kamsa who was now standing in front of his high seat. Krishna seized Kansa by his hair and crushed him to death, dragging him onto the wrestling areana.

The prophesy had been fulfilled. Kamsa was killed by Krishna, the eighth child of Devaki. Ugrasena was brought back to the throne and proclaimed as the king. All those who had fled from Mathura to escape the Kansa’s regime had returned: for example, Yadus, Vrishnis, Madhus, Andhakas, Dasarkas and Kukuras. Peace and harmony had now been restored in Mathura.

Balarama and Krishna were initiated into the Gayatri mantra by their family priest Gargacharya. The boys were students at Ujjain under a renowned guru named Sandipani. They lived in the gurukulam with other students and served the guru with respect and devotion and learnt from the guru all the branches of learning, all the arts and sciences relevant for kings and returned home to Mathura. Many years later, a fellow-pupil named Kuchela visited Krishna at Dwaraka and they recounted their pleasant days learning under the guru Sandipani.

Krishna sent for Uddhava a kinsman and conveyed his message of love to the people of Brindavan. He met Akrura and sent him as an emissary to Hastinapura enquiring about the welfare of the sons of Pandu, Krishna’s cousins, who were now serving Dhritarashtra the king after the death of their father. Balarama and Krishna were now required to be in Mathura to settle scores with Jarasandha, the Magadha king and father-in-law of Kamsa. Jarasandha was assembling his troops to march into Mathura to avenge the death of Kamsa. Krishna’s army fought valiant battles against the troops of Jarasandha and defeated the latter. Jarasandha was vanquished but invaded Mathura again and again, eighteen times. Another invasion was by Kala-yavana, a foreign commander who tried to lay seige to the city of Mathura. Balarama and Krishna wanted to save the people from such repeated invasions. They built an impregnable island city called Dwaraka on the western sea and shifted their capital to this place. People of Mathura moved in large numbers to Dwaraka. The city of Mathura was abandoned to Jarasandha. Later, Bhima and Arjuna fight a battle with Jarasandha. Bhima overpowers and kills Jarasandha, at Krishna’s bidding.

Gokulam was Krishna’s childhood. Brindavan was Krishna’s boyhood. Mathura was Krishna’s youth. Dwaraka was Krishna’s manhood. Dwara remained Krishna’s capital until his life on earth and later it submerged under the ocean. After the Yadavas settled in Dwaraka, Krishna married Rukmini.

Bhishmaka was the king of Vidarbha. He had five sons, the eldest of whom was Rukmi, a cruel prince. He had a daughter called Rukmini. Rukmini had longed for Krishna having heard of his exquisite beauty and charm. All her relatives approved of her choice of Krishna, with the exception of Rukmi who wanted her to marry Sisupala, the king of Chedi. To defeat Rukmi’s evil designs, Rukmini sent a messenger to Krishna, “O my lover! Beloved of my heart! I have dreamt of you as my Lord. Come to me soon and claim me as your wife. I am being married to the Chedi king against my wish. Carry me away after proving your valor. We will be proceeding in a procession to the temple of Parvati outside the city, the day before the marriage day. You wait outside the city of Kundina, the capital of Vidarbha and capture me. If you do not come, I will cast off my body and quit from this world if I do not unite with you in wedlock.” Krishna got the message and commanded his charioteer Daruka to make the arrangements for the journey to Vidarbha. Krishna’s chariot raced towards Kundina with the messenger of Rukmini and Krishna himself.

Preparations for the wedding of Sisupala and Rukmini were apace in Kundina. Sisupala’s allies, Jaransha, Dantavakra, Paundraka were present with their retinue. All were the enemies of the Yadavas. Balarama learnt that Krishna had gone alone to Kundina and assembled a large army to be prepared for all eventualities.

Rukmini was tormenting herself: Did the messenger reach Dwaraka? Did Krishna listen to him? What is the beloved Krishna doing? Will he come? What if he does not come? Amidst these imaginary flights of reflections, the messenger arrived and told Rukmini, that Krishna had arrived in Kundina. Balarama was also around with his army. Now, Rukmini had nothing to fear. Her heart leapt in joy and she thanked the messenger and expressed her gratitude to him, bending down and touching his feet..

All the citizens of Kundina had gathered now to get a glimpse of the famed Balarama and Krishna. They saw them and realized, “We now know why they are called gods. See their dazzling form and beauty! It is a pity that Rukmin will not be marrying Krishna, the prince of Dwaraka; it would have been an ideal match. Rukmini wanted a heavenly swan and is getting a swarthy crow, thanks to her brother’s evil plans. But who can overcome Destiny?”

The bridal procession started. The bride’s companions included many women carrying vessels of gold and silver, carrying gifts and offerings to god, flowers, fruits and coconuts, camphor and incense, scents of sandal and turmeric and many other exquisite perfumes of India. Musicians played with their musical instruments joyous tunes. The royal bands and soldiers were also accompanying the marriage party and enroute were the citizens showering flowers and parched rice on the party, in blessing.

The party reached the temple. Rukmini went into the shrine; her beauty was enhanced in her devoutness and serenity. She worshipped the goddess Gauri and the great god Shiva. “O Mother! O Divine!” Rukmini prayed, “I pray to you to fulfil my desires. I pray that Krishna should be my husband.”

The procession was now ready to return from the temple to the marriage pandal. As Rukmini came out, she was Krishna riding a chariot driven by four milk-white horses. Their eyes met. A thrill passed through the entire body of Rukmini, she looked down to the earth. Before she could wink her eyes, she had been lifted up body from the ground and borne onto Krishna’s shoulder in the chariot. Before the onlookers could realize what had happened, the chariot rolled away, guarded by the Yadava army led by Balarama.

Balarama turned Jarasandha’s army back after a pitched battle between the two armies. Krishna consoled Rukmini, “Fear not, my dear princess. My men will drive the Jarasandha’s army assisted by Sisupala’s in quick time.” Krishna had also to join the fight. He spared the life of Rukmini’s brother as she pleaded with Krishna, “Please spare my brother’s life.” Krishna obliged; the prince of Vidarbha was not penitent, he vowed to kill Krishna and rescue Rukmini in due course.

Krishna married Rukmini in Dwaraka with all fanfare. They were a happy princely couple. Krishna re-established Dharma in the Universe. He played his part in the great war between Kauravas and Pandavas and in the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He pronounced the Bhagavad Gita as the essence of the Dharma.

A brahmin named Kuchela lived in a small village. He was a friend of Krishna. He had been with Krishna in the gurukulam at Ujjain. Kuchela was a learned man; he did not have any attachment to worldly, materialistic phenomena. He had full control over his senses. He was, however, a very poor man. He and his family had to go hungry without food, many a time and could barely cover themselves with clothing. In fact, he was knowsn as Kuchela because of the rags he wore. His wife was devoted to her husband, despite their abject poverty. Kuchela would tell her, “Krishna my friend is god on earth, my dear. He is beautiful, cheerful and charming and also courageous. He was deemed by all the students of the gurukulam as the prince among men. I understand that he is now in Dwaraka.” Kuchela’s wife once told him, “If Krishna is such a good friend of yours, why don’t you go and meet him? Maybe, he will give our family some help.” Kuchela agreed and enquired if there was anything in the house which he can take as a present to Krishna. Kuchela’s wife borrowed from her neighbor a handful of rice-flakes and put it in a bundle and gave it to Kuchela, “Present this to Krishna.”

Kuchela started on foot to Dwaraka, with the precious bundle of rice-flakes in his hands. Dwaraka was a beautiful city of palaces, much grander than Ujjain of his childhood days. He go to the palace of the Vrishni chiefs within which was located the residence of Krishna and Rukmini. The liveried guards led Kuchela into the royal hall which was exquisitely adorned with gold and silk. Krishna rushed towards Kuchela, his old friend and hugged him and introduced him to Rukmini. “Rukmini, Kuchela is our honored guest. Let us treat him to a feast befitting a guest.” Krishna washed the feet of the guest and offered him flowers and fruits. Rukmini fanned the guest with a jewelled fan. The old friends started talking about the pleasant memories of their life together in the gurukulam in Ujjain. They were in tears as they remembered their great guru and the knowledge the guru had imparted them.

Kuchela had been hiding the bundle of rice-flakes under his clothing. He was wondering if it was all right to present this as a gift to a prince. Krishna inquired, “You have brought something for me. Why are you hiding it? Give it to me.” Krishna snatched the bundle from Kuchela’s hands and opened the bundle and started eating the rice-flakes with great relish, “This handful is more precious to me than all the wealth and expensive gifts visitors have given me. This is a gift of love and is superior to all form and ceremony.” Kuchela stayed on in the palace for some days; he enjoyed the warmth of the hospitality of Krishna and Rukmini and was not enamored of the luxuries of the palace.

It was time to leave and Kuchela thanked the prince and Rukmini for their kindness. As he started for home, he realized that he had not asked for anything from his friend, which was one of the objectives of his journey to Dwarka. Anyway, he said to himself, “I have got the love and affection of Krishna, what more do I need?”

Kuchela returned to his village. He was surprised to see a huge mansion in place of his old hut. A lady stepped out of the mansion. She was Kuchela’s wife. “What is going on here?” asked Kuchela. She replied, “Come and see your chidren. Don’t you know what Krishna has done for us? He has given all these riches to our family.”

Kuchela reflected, “My Krishna is like a cloud which does not rain in the presence of the peasant but inundates the peasant’s field while he is asleep. His love is greater than the wealth He has granted us.”

Kuchela lived happily thereafter, but was never infatuated with his wealth and always remembered the charm and affection of his friend and Lord, Krishna.

Do You Wish to Know More on Krishna??

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Britannica Discovery Library

Boom ! Bam ! Crunch ! Crash ! Bang ! Wham !

Children love to make these sounds and chuckle n giggle in a fun n learn way at SCL. Britannica Discovery Library is an all time fav set of 12 Books at Swagat Children Library.It’s not about more on Contents or pics but how these Books are creatively used by the Teacher or Mom. They are well illustrated and influence with activities to build thinking and comprehension skills and a glossary to build language skills.

Britannica Discovery Library has been Chosen as the winner of 2007 Teacher’s Choice Award. This provides the young learner, the wonderful gift of knowledge specifically created for young learners ages 3 – 6. Children are introduced to various texts and genres, including rhymes, narratives, puzzles, and riddles.

Titles Include:

The Me Book

Me and You

Colors

Shapes

Sounds

Words

Numbers

Time

Animals

The World Around Us

People and Places

Just for Fun

#library #books #kids #toddler #learningfun #booksofinstagram #authorsofinstagrams

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Holi – Festival of colors

March had been the first month on the early Roman calendar and was called Martius. Later, the ancient Romans made January the beginning of the year and March became the third month with 31 days and its name honors Mars,  The Roman God of War. In India, Holi is round the corner and on the full moon day of the month of Phalgun when the Ashoka trees and Mango trees are in bloom,

when the foliage buds of leaf almond are long and slender against the blue and when the scarlet plumes of the Palash stand out on its naked branches – Here comes Holi and its Colors of Love, colors of Life. It’s time to paint the town red and spread the message of love – colors fill live with beauty and leave lasting impressions on minds. Your liking for different colors reveal your moods and personality. Check this out and Paint the town Red with Kidsfreesoul ideas – Yeah, but lemme tell you one secret – I never Play Holi;-) Ugh, oh! Holy don’t like the mess around:-(

Happy Holi – Enjoy! Keep the Faith!

ilaxi, Editor, Kidsfreesouls

FOLLOW TILAK HOLI

‘Tilak Holi’ i.e. no playing and messing up instead only offering colors of love and putting pinch of color on forehead to their friends, family.

HAPPY HOLI-HAPPY DHULETI

Antiquity of Holi

The festival of Holi is very ancient. Originally the form of the word was Holaka and from the reference in the Bhashya of Sabara, the purva mimasa sutra, it appears that it was in the ancient times a usage very prevalent in the Eastern parts of Bharata. Holaka is observed by all Aryas. Hola is a special rite performed for the Saubhagya of women and in that rite, Raka (full moon) is the diety.Holika purnima is also called Hutasani. The Phalgun full moon day is said to be known as Phalgunika, as full of boyish pranks and tending to the prosperity of people and another quality, pranks with powder. In Bhavishyottara Purana, Yudhishthira asks Krishna why in each town and village a festival is held on Phalgun poornima, why boys become boisterous in each house and kindle Holaka. Krishna replies him a legend about King Raghu when the citizens approached with a complaint about a certain rakshashini who had god a boon from Shiva that she would not be killed by gods, men nor suffer from arms nor from heat, cold or rain.However, she would be in danger from boys going about crazy. When the king consulted his priest, he was told that on Phalguna 15, the season of cold vanishes and summer starts that people may laugh and enjoy, that boys with bits of wood in their hands may go out of their house, collect a heap of wood and grass, set it on fire with mantras, clap their hands, go around the fire thrice, laugh, sing and by their noise, laughter and homa, the ogress would die. Thus, Holaka died. Holaka prevailed atleast some centuries before christ.

It also tells the tale of Prahlad, son of King Hiranyakashyapa. Prahlad was a great devotee of god and after many attemps the boy did not stop praying. So, Holika, sister of the King Hiranyakashyapa, who was blessed with a boon that fire cannot kill her, sat with Prahlad and the holi pyre was lit. Amazingly, Prahlad was saved and Holika was burnt. This was a triump of good over evil and so, people celebrate Dhuleti.

Holi is also associated with Dol yatra, rocking image of Krishna-radha and in UP, the legendery home of Radha, women go to Nandgaon, home of Krishna and challenge men to throw colours on them. This is reciprocated and also known as Lathmar Holi.

click : HOLI COLORS

 

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10 Lessons to Learn from Tom and Jerry

Go back memory lane to childhood days. 78 + years of Tom and Jerry: How this cat and mouse game played out over the years. Our love for Tom and Jerry is alive as we watch the Cartoon show with our Grand children. Tom and Jerry is more of a routine to watch the comic cartoon series. They ran after each other for their lives, but at the same time they were best of friends too.

Always thrilling and on a joy ride with so much fun to watch the hide n seek game of Tom and Jerry. Sometimes, Parenting is Panic, sometimes Fun. Sometimes struggle n strife. And sometimes, rosy n sweet. Or maybe scary when they have a cranky child. The trick of staying Happy, staying wise is to brush off the blues and Laugh. Together watching the fun Cartoons lightens the heart and brings relationship closer.

Think deeper and the message with Tom and Jerry cartoons is visible which teach important lessons as : 

1. We fight more with people we love

Tom and Jerry continously keep fighting. Be it small fights where Tom will chase Jerry for disturbing his sleep to big fights where Tom landed in trouble because of the mouse – Ultimately, at the end of the day, they are good FRIENDS.

So, forgive and forget – just know the worth of friendship.

2. Trust

Tom and Jerry’s bond of friendship has been built on love and trust. They are mischievous and performed nasty but did trust each other and hence the hide n seek game. Best pranks are played on person you trust. The lesson we learn is

Trust your loved ones and if your friend is genuine, you are blessed with a value friend or even learn some great things.

3. Confidence is the key to friendship

Jerry in all the episodes is full of confidence. Tip toed she will play the mischief and turns to a big cat but when chased, runs like a deer – timidly hides to safe place. Hence, Confidence helps one win in the difficult circumstances.

4. Size matters? Not at all !

Don’t under-estimate the Power of Tiny. Jerry was tiny but fearless and ready to fight out the powerful Tom. Jerry outwitted Tom and there’s a lesson to understand – Be cool, calm, composed and use your wits. Even the powerful can fall

apart.

5. Team spirit

Tom and Jerry always had fights But as we see, in many cases, they unite when they face a common enemy and together form a strong team. As the saying goes, ‘United we Stand, divided we fall’, Tom and Jerry teaches us lessons of Team-

work and compassion too.

6. Learn from mistakes

Tom never used the same techniques to trap Jerry. If he failed, he will change his tricks next time to trap Jerry. As Thomas Edison said, “I came to know about 999 ways which won’t work.” Hence, making mistakes is a part of live but

repeating them is foolishness. Therefore, learn from your mistakes.

7. Sharing and caring

Tom and Jerry were worst of enemies but at the same they shared their emotions. None of them can see the other one sad and hence always tried to keep the other one happy. It teaches a lesson – Give caring a Chance. It will make the

other person happy and this will make you happy.

8. Lifelong friendship

The gift of friendship is valuable and most treasured gift. Tom and Jerry stayed together – in good times, in bad times, forever. Like the song says, “In good times, in bad times, I’ll be there for you forever” value the importance of

relations in your life. They mean a lot.

9. What goes around comes around

As the saying, ‘What goes around, Comes around’ Tom makes devious plans for Jerry, only to fall prey to his own schemes. Hence, Trust in karma and do good. Expectations always dooms.

10. Life throws challenges

Tom and Jerry is full of action. Both face challenges in their own way and find a way to overcome the challenge. A lesson we learn is that what may come, face the challenges in life as you continuously juggle with problems of diverse

situations and some, we least expected it. Everyone goes up and down. No worries as there is a way if you try it – something works, sometimes it don’t.

Some more Parenting Lessons can be found which relate to real life situations of Mom and children. Helpful Parenting Lessons too by Abby 

About Tom and Jerry: 

78 + years of Tom and Jerry: How this cat and mouse game played out over the years

Tom and Jerry is an American animated series of short films created in 1940 by William Hanna and Joseph Barbera. It centers on a rivalry between its two title characters, Tom, a cat, and Jerry, a mouse, and many recurring characters, based around slapstick comedy.

In its original run, Hanna and Barbera produced 114 Tom and Jerry shorts for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer from 1940 to 1958. During this time, they won seven Academy Awards for Animated Short Film, tying for first place with Walt Disney’s Silly Symphonies with the most awards in the category. After the MGM cartoon studio closed in 1957, MGM revived the series with Gene Deitch directing an additional 13 Tom and Jerry shorts for Rembrandt Films from 1961 to 1962. Tom and Jerry then became the highest-grossing animated short film series of that time, overtaking Looney Tunes. Chuck Jones then produced another 34 shorts with Sib Tower 12 Productions between 1963 and 1967. Three more shorts were produced, The Mansion Cat in 2001, The Karate Guard in 2005, and A Fundraising Adventure in 2014, making a total of 164 shorts. Various shorts have been released for home media since the 1990s.

A number of spin-offs have been made, including the television series The Tom and Jerry Show (1975), The Tom and Jerry Comedy Show (1980–82), Tom and Jerry Kids (1990–93), Tom and Jerry Tales (2006–08), and The Tom and Jerry Show (2014–present). The first feature-length film based on the series, Tom and Jerry: The Movie, was released in 1992, and 13 direct-to-video films have been produced since 2002.

Introduced in India by Cartoon Network India in 1996, not only Cartoon shows but games like Hungry Tom, Save the Jerry, Fun with Spike the Bulldog, Catch Tom by His Tail and Catch the Cheese provide a fun environment for children and they also enhance and challenge their mental and physical faculties.

CARTOON FUN – THE FANTASY FUN CHARACTERS

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Happy Teacher’s Day: Teacher Role Models

Adams said ” The teacher affects eternity. One can never tell where his or influence stops” Shower of Roses to all Teachers…May the Roses never fade so that the sweet fragrance fills your heart with pleasure and appreciation that you bloom like a flower throughout the year and spread sunshine into the lives of children. Dr. Radhakrishnan said once “A good teacher must know how to arouse the interest of the pupil in the field of study for which he is responsible. He must himself be a master in the field of study and be in touch with the latest developments in the subject, he must himself be a fellow traveler in the exciting pursuit of knowledge.

As put in the words of Sri Aurobindo ” The aim of education is to help the child to develop his intellectual, aesthetic, emotional, moral and spiritual being.” Childhood years are vital to our total existence. Overloading the child with too much memory oriented learning and formal writing can cripple a child’s sense of wonder. There should be creativity, a ‘Free Progress’ – each child developing and flowering in an absolutely spontaneous, inwardly centered and self directed process. A school makes a break through if it creates a learning environment but it is a parent to make an active choice for kids and to nurture their talents. It is in their hands to recognize their potentialities and offer them an Alternative Education, a commitment, hard work, responsibility, learning the basic skills of reading and writing at own pace with creativity and open minds in open surroundings in tune to environment, blooming naturally!

So, be a helper, be a guide, instill faith, motivate, inspire and encourage!

– ilaxi patel

Editor Online, kidsfreesouls.com

TEACHERS’ DAY
5TH SEPTEMBER

SHOWER OF ROSES TO ALL TEACHERS!
HAPPY TEACHERS’ DAY!

TEACHER’S CONTRIBUTIONS : (As appeared in ‘Freesouls’ – the Kidsfreesouls Print supplement earlier in Sambhaav Newspapers)

http://www.kidsfreesouls.com/category/teachers/teacher-contributions/

Mrs. Ansuyaben Jhaveri – Kidsfreesouls (ilaxi’s) Friend & God Mother Principal, C.U.Shah Prep. School (Jr. & Sr. Kg, GLS)

As Kids Free souls passes through a phase of ‘Experiences’,Exploring Life,  it dives into the memory lane of past years. Ms. Ansuyaben Jhaveri, a name that I take pride to introduce her as a Free soul Godmother – a Guide, philosopher and a Friend. An Educationist who stands most eligible Educator to be conferred a Life Time Achievement Award for her life time contribution in shaping the future of the younger generation.

Eighteen years ago I met Ms. Jhaveri, a determined, dedicated, kind, compassionate, warm and a loving woman, highly experienced and devoted to her profession. She inspired and encouraged me to enter into the field of Education and expose my Carmelite talents to nurture my interest to help the kids to cope up with the educational flaws. Today, we find the same Ms.Jhaveri handling the affairs of the Kindergarten, the most important branch of a much bigger Institute – GLS which has scaled to newer heights. She is still the same enthusiastic woman, kind, caring, cooperative and always on her toes, ready to help others. She manages the school affairs with much ease inspiring and encouraging the teachers and guiding the parents with her kind support and tactful understanding. She builds an environment for the kids with modified activities to encourage, build confidence and influence the kids right from the early age. Ms. Jhaveri is exactly aware of the intellectual growth of the kids and follows a pattern understood by the kids. She never has any expectations all the years but only given her moral and intellectual support with her physical presence found all round the year. Ms. Jhaveri possess a tremendous will power at this age which keeps her going and heavens bless her, she is an angel in disguise who can be a true friend, who stands beside you in your happy or hazy days, ups and down or just thick or thin times.

Ms. Jhaveri, a symbol of  ‘Peace and Humanity’ is a Kids Free soul mentor who heads our mission to spread the message of love, faith, peace and unity among kids. KidsFreesouls wishes all the Best to Ms. Ansuyaben Jhaveri, an angel God Mother  who has sacrificed her life in devotion to GLS and the younger generation shaping their future.

Guardian of Angels: A Practical Guide to Joyful Parenting
(Read Excerpts, Reviews on Kidsfreesouls)

I am happy that a business person turns a Parenting Author. The book contents are fine pieces of advice on Parenting. I recommend my teachers and parents to read the book. —Ms. Ansuya Jhaver, Principal, GLS Kindergarten School

Giving Away Medals & Certificates to children at Annual Day Prize Distribution, N.R. Primary School.(GLS)
Principal Ms. Rita Baker standing beside.

Ms. Rita Baker has ever been my Friend more!

She’s supported Swagat in its Mission and encouraged kids as well as Teachers to participate in various Competitions at Swagat & Freesouls supplements. N.R. School Teachers have written and submitted their Articles (Given Below) for Print media too. We’ve taken Competitions like Swagat-Rasna Environment theme coloring Competition in School, Handwriting,Quotation writing competitions, etc. Also been as Judge various times for Poetry, story telling, etc. competitions.

Rita Baker was appointed as the Principal of NR. Primary School in 1994. She said in an Interview, “Right from the first hour of the first day, I got full co-operation from the Management who never interfered and allowed me to run the school as I desired. At the same time deep in my heart I felt secure that the guidance of my management would always be there.” The stand of N.R. School believes that a creative person is one who creates out a vast wealth of knowledge, conceptual as well as perceptual. The sensory experiences that the students get from the school develop their perceptual knowledge. And the creative students have some attributes, abilities and skills that they use during the process of creativity. Our nation can prosper and progess in real sense only when the educational institutions, right from Kindergarten to University, develop an atmosphere of truth, love and reverence which are essential pre-requisites to a disciplined individual. She further said, “At present what disturbs me most is the fact that discipline has almost disappeared from the educational field. Doing one thing and professing another has become a way of life. The parents also have a tremendous responsibility in imparting the education to their wards. It is heartening to see that some parents are concerned about the kind of education that is given. Mere academic knowledge alone is of no value. Simply competing for a better percentage yields no good results. True education should prepare one for the challenges of life morally and spiritually which is to go beyond the preparation for earning a living. In a nutshell, I can say, I’m thankful to the Almighty for giving me an opportunity to serve this institution which believes in cultivation of human virtues by each person.

MRS. PERIN LALKAKA, Principal, THUMBELINA SCHOOL (PLAYGROUP & JR.KG)

Lifetime Achievement Award to Perin Lalkaka, (Principal, Thumbelina Kindergarten School) by  Eklavya Education Foundation at AMA on 5th September, 2009. Congratulations to Perin Aunty – Many of the Swagat Students had their wonderful kindergarten years at Thumbelina School.

Perin Lalkaka was inspired to take the Educational Training course while she first heard a lecture at St. Xavier’s Loyala when she was teaching as adjustable teacher. She also took private tutions. Later, she ventured into a Kindergarten school with just 2 classes and by 1984, Thumbelina had 15 rooms with full fledged Kindergarten school with Nursery and KG children. She committed herself to full time education and almost gave 50 years of her life devoted to children. She is a successful Founder-Principal of Thumbelina School working with untiring passion even today at this age of 79 and when I met her yesterday, we shared her journey of education all through the years and together, shared experiences of educating children. We talked of parental roles and education institutes to more further, on teaching skills. She focused on ‘Language skills’ and especially on pronunciations. She insisted on enrolling kids at the age of two and a half years age and would not like to overburden children at a tender age with learning too many things at a time. She voiced her opinion to raise the age level of admission to class I as six years. She believed that every child should be well mannered and taught moral science right from the beginning of their schooling. “Girls need to behave like young ladies and whatever clothes they wear, should not act like tomboys,” Perin Aunty said. Here’s Perin Aunty’s pic with her Award. As I shared her success, I gazed at her picture with Mr. Lalkaka (he’s no more) and sure missed talking to Mr. Lalkaka like I always did and am concerned, she must have missed sharing her achievement with him as well!

Mrs. Perin Lalkaka with her Award Founder-Principal, Thumbelina School

Perin Aunty has ever been a very close friend to me and we talk for hours together. Our talks mostly relate to tiny tots and their behavior patterns, eating habits, parental influence and so on! I’ve performed Music Show of Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs at her Nursery School and entertained the kids. Perin Aunty is always open hearted, caring, frank and honest (of coz strict…hmmm…the 2 year old kid knows ‘Perin Aunty’ gives sweets and when they’re naughty, she’s got a ‘stare’ that triggers like a bullet:-)

Guardian of Angels: A Practical Guide to Joyful Parenting

A very insightful read. I recommend every parent of my school to read this book and use it practically. Though I find the language on a higher level, I feel the contents are easy to read as the matter is well placed and topics are well selected.
– Ms. Perin Lalkaka, Principal, Thumbelina Kindergarten School for children

I thank all Teachers, Parents, Readers and all those who believe in me and my Teaching techniques. Since years of my experience teaching kids English and preparing them to face challenges at every step, my main focus has always remained on Reading and their overall Development. Kids never flower to bloom without the support of adults who motivate and encourage them. They need to nurture their talents.

I specifically Thank all the Online Teachers for their regular visits to Kidsfreesouls.com. By making use of the Kidsfreesouls Contents in various Classroom Project, Kidsfreesouls is “NIE-Newspaper in Education” since quite a year. I value your Feedback and look forward for your comments, suggestions and ideas. Do get in touch with me at  Google Educator’s Group  and also contribute your Articles for this Teacher’s Page.

Happy Teachers Day, Happy Teaching…

VISIT SWAGAT CHILDREN LIBRARY 

Swagat : Sit and Read Library for Kids

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Dr. Radhakrishnan

DR. SARVAPALLI RADHAKRISHNAN

(Born on 5th September 1888-1975)

Dr. Radhakrishnan said once:

“A good teacher must know how to arouse the interest of the pupil in the field of study for which he is responsible. He must himself be a master in the field of study and be in touch with the latest developments in the subject, he must himself be a fellow traveller in the exciting pursuit of knowledge”

Dr. Sarvappali Radhakrishnan was an Indian Philosopher and a Statesman. He was regarded as a major interpreter of India’s philosophical and religious traditions to the west. He was Born in Tiruttani, Chittur, Andhra Pradesh. His father was Veeraswami and mother Sitamma. He married Shivakamomma ama in 1909. He was an Educationist too with proficiency in English, French, Sanskrit, Tamil, Bengali, Hindustani and Telugu. He wrote a very important essay during his student life ‘The Ethics of Vedanta and its Metaphysical Presuppositions”. He wrote more than 150 books including ‘The Philosophy of Rabindra Nath’ and ‘The Reign of Religion in Contemporary Philosophy’. He had also served as Professor & Asstt. Professor of Philosophy in Madras, Mysore, Calcutta universities. In 1930, he was as Chairman of the All Asia Educational Conference. In 1936, he was appointed as Professor of Eastern Religion and Ethics at Oxford University, London. He was selected as Fellow of the British Academy in 1939. He recieved ‘Knighthood’ award in 1931 and ‘Bharat Ratna’ award in 1954 and was conferred with several honorary degrees and titles.

His first important post in public office was as India’s first Ambassador to the Soviet Union. He served from 1949-1952. His most political contribution was helping in the smooth transfer of power following the death of India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru in 1964. He was India’s Vice President from 1952 to 1962 and President from 1962 to 1967. Radhakrishnan died on April 15, 1975 in Madras.

TEACHERS’ DAY is celebrated in India on the Birthday of Dr. Radhakrishnan.

In 1962, Dr. Radhakrishnan became the President of India. On his Birthday on 5th September, his students and friends thought of celebrating his Birthday and this is when, he gently told them “Instead of celebrating my Birthday, it would be my proud privilege if September 5 is celebrated as ‘Teachers’ Day.

Since then, Teachers’ Day in India is celebrated on Dr. Radhakrishnan’s Birthday.

Shower of Roses to all Teachers.

Read more about Dr. Radhakrishnan 

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