HONEY-THIEF CURRICULUM FOR SCHOOLS

AN AID TO DEVELOPING A HEALTHY BODY, FOCUSED MIND & MORAL VALUES FOR SUCCESS IN LIFE

INTRODUCTION

Nature Teachers is based on lessons learned by Datta from observing all of nature. King Yadu was impressed by the sight of the youth named Datta. Datta was a vision of bliss and tranquillity. Lord Datta shared the lessons he learned with King Yadu, which resulted in Datta’s peaceful countenance. Lessons learned from the teachers of nature are meant to instill good values in students. The lessons will help students develop understanding and for others and give them tools for facing challenges in life with a positive attitude. His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji says, “The End of Knowledge is Education and The End of Education is Character”. It is hoped that the twenty-four (24) Teachers of Datta will help students build good character and lead them to live pure and peaceful lives. The moral and social values are taken from “Sri Datta Darshanam (Vision of Datta) by Parama Pujya Sri Ganapathy Sachchidanada Swamiji”. Lessons such as patience, forgiveness, serving others, treating everyone equally are lessons that Datta learned from such as the Earth and Water and are included as part of the lessons to help student develop good habits. The episodes from Swamiji’s life have been taken from the biography “Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda”. Other famous short stories are written in a conversational language for easy narration in class. Physical exercises related to nature teachers is included as part of a class to reinforce the lesson of each particular teacher in nature. The physical exercises will also instill discipline and help students to develop physical well-being, focus and concentration of mind. These benefits are achieved by introducing student to the following; 1. Coordination of the breath with the postures, such as slow movements with slow, deep breathing should be practiced with the physical postures,

2. Holding of a posture for ten to twelve seconds for beginners and extending the holding time from thirty seconds to one minute as students become more skillful with the practice.

The physical exercises combined with the breathing exercise help balance the subtle energies within the body.

ii

Physical and breathing exercises are extracted from the following texts “Nadisuddhi Vyayamas Practicing Methods” and “ Abhyasa” by His Holiness Sri Ganapati Sachchidananda Swamiji. Kriya yoga practices as per the Datta Kriya Yoga tradition and modified for children are included in the yoga exercises. Simple and easy and prayers are included for daily practice. The mantras contain seed sounds which will help effect a positive change in the consciousness of the children. If the school encourages all children to chant the it will create a positive environment for growth and studies at the school and within the community where it is practiced. The Grace of a Spiritual Master (Sadguru) ensures that students will in time blossom into brilliant lights in this world with regular practice of the teachings imparted by ancient masters. It is His Holiness Dr. Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda’s wish that all persons should benefit from the teachings of through Nature Teachers, positive musical message videos, seed sounds and most important the practice of the moral and spiritual teachings and yoga exercises. There is no better time to start learning and practicing than as a child and the best place to start is in a school environment that is best suited to growth and accomplishments. I would like to thank my friends and family for help with the all aspects of development of the curriculum for each of natures’ twenty-four (24) teachers. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji (Appaji) for giving me the opportunity to present such a wonderful practice for schools. This book is a small offering at his lotus feet. May His blessings flow to all the teachers and student for success in life.

JAYA DATTA

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DEDICATED TO THE LOTUS FEET OF HIS HOLINESS SRI SRI SRI GANAPATHY SACHCHIDANANDA SWAMIJI A MASTER PERFECTED IN THE ART OF YOGA

KRIYA YOGA (YOGA OF ACTION FOR SELF REALIZATION)

GYANA YOGA (YOGA OF KNOWLEDGE)

NADA YOGA (YOGA OF MUSIC)

BHAKTI YOGA (YOGA OF DEVOTION)

KARMA YOGA (YOGA OF ACTION IN SERVICE TO MANKIND)

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NOTE TO TEACHERS

The teaching for a day includes the lesson learnt by Datta from one of Nature’s Teacher. The following guidelines for instructing a class is recommended;

(i) Begin with an opening prayer as explained later in the curriculum.

(ii) Discuss the lesson learned from the nature teacher for the day e.g. Datta learnt from the honey-thief, that a person should not become a hoarder. One will become depressed if he or she is a hoarder as their peace of mind is easily affected by things they lose.

(iii) A story is then told which reinforces the lesson that Datta learned. This is followed up with a class discussion on the lessons learnt through a question and answer session.

(iv) Physical exercises related to the Nature teacher is then taught to the class. Lessons learned from the Honey-thief has an associated document with physical exercises such as; the bear and bee poses, bumble bee breath, etc.

(v) To relax the children some simple breathing exercises are practiced after the physical exercises.

Note: The details of the physical exercises are included in a separate document on the web page related to the Nature Teachers for that particular class.

(i) The musical message video sayings are then shown to the class. The videos can be paused on the sayings and the class asked to repeat the sayings a few times. At the end of the videos the teacher can ask who remembers the musical message sayings and ask them to come to front of class and say it.

(ii) Children can create a journal to demonstrate how they have applied the lessons learned from each of Teachers of Nature in their daily life. This will further reinforce lessons learned from the classroom session.

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The short stories are written in a manner to be used in the classroom for drama and short skits. Students enjoy acting the story and it helps to develop oration and presentation skills in students.

The physical exercises are developed for a practice over a few weeks. This will help students develop a routine for practicing the exercises. Additional exercises are added, sometimes every week.

The short stories, physical exercises and musical message saying (MMS) video weblinks are included to enhance and help reinforce positive behaviour and attitudes of students.

The physical exercises consist of fun exercises which keep the body healthy, flexible and strong! The coordination of breath with movement will help bring balance and calm to students’ mind, the holding of poses for longer periods as students become comfortable with each pose, will allow for developing focus and concentration of mind. Teachers can use one exercise during the school day as a presence of mind exercise to bring quiet to a restless class.

A recommended format for conducting classes as follows:

Teachers can ask students what they think Lord Datta learnt from the Honey-thief. By prompting the students, they may come up with the correct answers. Then you list all the lessons that was learned from the Honey-thief; for example, one loses their peace of mind if they hoard things as they always need to protect their possessions and will become depressed if they lose their possessions.

The short story can be told which will demonstrate one of the lessons learned. This can be followed by discussions with the students on lessons learned from the story.

The students can then practice the physical exercises related to that teacher in nature. The musical message videos are shown to reinforce the lessons learned. Prayers and songs can be taught during class or any religious instruction classes.

A journal can be kept recording actions performed by the student that demonstrates how the lessons learned are applied in daily life. The journal will encourage students to put into practice lessons learned each week. The journal is a daily recording of practices or reflections that students have learnt from nature. Half an hour can be taken at the start or end of the school day to complete the journal entries for the day.

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HONEY-THIEF CURRIUCLUM FOR SCHOOLS

WEEK ONE LESSON ON THE DANGERS OF HOARDING

HONEY-THIEF CURRIUCLUM FOR SCHOOLS

CHANT THE PRAYER TO THE GURU AT THE START AND END OF A CLASS

Let children look at their hands and ask if they see lines. Tell them that their feet also have special lines. Let them examine the sole of their feet.

Explain to the children about the (i) special lines in the sole of the Guru’s Feet and (ii) the meaning of the lines through the Guru Paduka Shlokam and (iii) the Guru’s thoughts are always with God only his feet remain on the Earth so blessings from God flow through the feet of the Guru. This is reason why the feet of saints are considered as Holy.

We seek the blessings through prayer to the feet of the Guru to help us during our class and yoga practice.

GURU PADUKA SHLOKAM

OM Shree Bhoo-yu-ta Shree Chih-ni-taa-bhyaam

A-gast-ya Ray-khaa-di-bhih Run-chi-taa-bhyaam

Ni-goo-da Beej-aak-sha-ra Mu-dri-taa-bhyaam

Na-mo Na-ma-s Sad-gu-ru Paa-du-kaa-bhyaam

MEANING OF GURU PADUKA SHLOKAM

I bow to those sacred Sadguru padukas (feet of the Guru) on which are seen the lines symbolizing:

Hari the one who sustains the world,

Shree , the one who bestows prosperity in the form of wealth and knowledge

Goddess of the Earth (Bhoo Devi) who is the support of living beings

Agastya (expert in medicinal herbs) and several other sacred and secret lines. ~ 2 ~

Let us learn about Datta and the lesson he learned from the Honey Thief.

Once there lived a person by the name of Datta. He shined with the brilliance of knowledge and truthfulness. He was ever happy, pure, noble and took keen interest in serving others. He observed strict self-discipline.

Datta became known as Dattatreya as he had the three (3) energies to create, sustain and destroy. All three powers of creation, sustaining the world and destroying negative things resided with him.

As the three energies to create, sustain and destroy resided with Datta, artists and artisans sometimes have beautiful depictions showing Datta as possessing three heads and six hands to represent the three (3) Divine qualities.

However, when Datta lived on the earth he had a normal human form. DATTATREYA One day a king named Yadu was passing by and saw Datta seated under a tree.

King Yadu asked Lord Datta, “How do you remain unaffected by troubles, happy and calm? Why do you always seem to be floating in bliss (happiness)? What has made this

possible?”

Lord Datta replied, “O King Yadu I have observed the world closely and obtained a little knowledge from a number of gurus (teachers).

Listen carefully! I will tell you what I have learnt.” ~ 3 ~

Listen to the lesson that Datta learned from the Honey-thief.

Datta said, ““Bees build a hive (home) with much effort. The honey thief contrives to smoke out the bees and steal the honey.

Thus, the strong rob the weak of their wealth. Just or unjust, this is the way of the world."

"I learnt from the honey thief that if a person is stingy and hides his wealth without himself enjoying it or allowing others to share it, he risks being robbed by someone!

OM DRAAM DATTAYA NAMAHA

~ 4 ~

Hoarding vs Saving and Spending Wisely THE DANGERS OF HOARDING

There were two brothers and Santosha. Santosha was married to Jyotir but Tamas never found time to get married, he was busy accumulating wealth.

Tamas owned an electric and auto shop. His business was very profitable and Tamas increased his earning by investing as much money as he could in the stock market, insurance plans, purchasing property and other money-making schemes. Tamas was able to afford to buy a big house, furnish it with expensive items. He had a walk-in closet filled with an assortment of clothes and footwear. He loved vehicles so had purchased as many as he wished and parked them in his big garage.

If anyone came to ask for charity Tamas would say, “Why I am all alone, I do not have excess money, I must save the money I earn to look after myself when I get old.”

The younger brother Santosha had a government job and worked for a small salary. Santosha’s wife Jyotir was an educated young woman and knew how to balance the saving and expenditure of the home. Santosha was very happy with the way Jyotir managed their family life.

Jyotir and a few women in the community would put up a certain amount of money each month. One person would be given the money collected each month, as agreed at the start of the collection. This way Jyotir encouraged the ladies to save money and then use the savings collected to help improve their family lives.

Santosha was a kind person and would not turn away anyone in need of help. Though the couple appeared poor, they were truly rich in heart.

One year, Jyotir collected her cash and told her husband she would like to invite a priest to read the holy scripture and invite musicians to accompany him in songs in praise of the Lord. Santosha was very happy at the thought of hosting such an event in the community. They decided to invite family and friends for the auspicious occasion.

Jyotir had many friends in the community whom she invited. A few neighbours and friends came the day before the festival. They brought vegetables and other items for the prayer. They helped Santosha and Jytoir decorate the place and prepare the vegetables for the meal on the following day. They laughed and chatted as they did all the work and time went by joyfully. The next morning, they returned and helped with the cooking.

~ 5 ~

On the auspicious day, Tamas arrived at noon at Santosha’s home. Santosha asked Tamas to sit with them on the ground for the prayer but he politely declined. The prayer ceremony commenced and everyone in the community participated. They prayed together, sang the holy songs and was steeped in devotion throughout the time. However, Tamas was complaining as the place was small and crowded. There were no modern conveniences of air-conditions, comfortable sofas which Tamas had abundantly at his home.

Tamas wondered, “How can Santosha be happy in a place like this? Why is he spending so lavishly on prayers when he can invest the money and increase his finances?”

After the prayer and singing, some of the neighbours lent a hand serving the dishes that were prepared earlier. They served everyone a nice lunch of vegetables, rice and other tasty dishes. Jyotir and the ladies had prepared and bagged sweets for everyone to take home.

Tamas wasn’t pleased to see so many people eating at his brother’s place. He thought, “I will speak to Santosha, he needs to learn how to manage his money.”

The following afternoon Tamas returned to his brother’s home. Santosha was very happy that his brother had come to spend time with him.

Tamas began his counselling, “Santosha you and Jyotir are living in a small house and there is so much money needed to pay bills and buy groceries and other necessities for your family, do you at least have a savings plan?”

Santosha replied, “Brother I am able to make ends meet with my income. Jyotir manages the home and she does not complain about lack of money or that she is unable to cater to our needs with the money that I earn. She managed to save some money, so we thought it good that we should spend some of the money on the prayer we had yesterday. Is there some problem?”

Tamas replied, “Look Santosha, Jyotir is good-natured, she will never complain. But at least every month you can put some of your money into a money market fund and it will give you good returns which you can use later in life. I have placed money in investment funds and property I am sure to get good returns on my money in 10 years and if I leave it longer the money will grow too!”

Santosha called his wife, “Jyotir look Tamas is advising that we invest some money in money market funds every month, what is your opinion?”

Jyotir answered, “Tamas that it is a very good idea to invest some money. However, we have commitments to meet every month and can only save a small amount at a time. I know about these funds and you must invest a minimum of $500 every month. We cannot afford it right now.”

~ 6 ~

Tamas reproached her, “Santosha said you were able to save and organize the grand affair yesterday. What is the problem with investing into a fund instead?”

Jyotir smiled and replied, “A few of the women put money towards our little savings. It is only $100 or $200 each month according to our budget. Although there is no interest on the money, it is like a saving for us. The money is guaranteed as we know and trust each other. When we receive our saving, it is enough to help with any venture any of us may need in the future. I spent some of the money and with the rest I will start a sewing business at home. This small business will start adding extra funds to help with household expenditures and we can save then.”

Tamas was annoyed, “You want to make small efforts to make money when the banks and investment companies are there to help you get bigger profits. Santosha I thought you would be able to see good senses that is why I spoke to you.”

Santosha calmly responded, “Maybe another time we will consider your offer. Now we cannot afford such grand schemes. Our friends help in any endeavour we start, this way everyone benefits.”

Tamas went away disappointed. He went home and checked his funds before going to bed. His money was safe and growing at a good rate of interest. He slept peacefully.

After two years, Tamas heard the stock markets had crashed and the insurance company he had invested into was going into receivership! It was a calamity! He lost hundreds of thousands of dollars in investment. He cried bitterly over the loss he incurred, after all it was his hard-earned money!

Jyotir was reading the newspaper, “Santosha look the stock market has crashed and there are problems with other banking institutions. Please check on your brother, I hope he did not suffer any great financial loss.”

Santosha went over to his brother’s house. Tamas opened the door with a forlorn face. Santosha asked, “Tamas what is the matter? You look as if you have lost a close relative! Is everything okay?”

Tamas dejectedly replied, “I have lost years of money I earned by investing in the stock market and insurance plans. I will not be able to recover from this loss Santosha.”

Santosha tried to console his brother, “Don’t worry all is not lost you still have your home and you can earn as you have good health still. Jyotir and I are there if you need any support.”

Nothing could help Tamas feel better, he became very anxious and tensed over the entire situation.

Santosha said, “See here, I cannot leave you like this. I will pack your bag and take you home. Jyotir and I would be happy to have you stay with us, it has been a long time since you came over for even a night.”

~ 7 ~

Tamas went to Santosha’s home for a few weeks. He could not sleep at night, inwardly he was crying over the huge loss, he just could not come to terms with the situation. Jyotir and Santosha were very patient with Tamas and attended to his needs.

Little by little Tamas became friends with the ladies who frequented Jyotir’s place to help with the sewing business. In the afternoons, Santosha’s friends would come over and would bring their kids. At first, this annoyed Tamas as he was not accustomed to large groups of people at his home, especially kids. Every evening at six, Santosha and Jyotir would sit together prayer, chant the name of God and sing praises of God. At first Tamas did not participate in any of the activities however, little by little he adjusted to Santosha’s home and started making friends with the visitor who frequented the home. He even started joining them in afternoon prayer.

After a month, Tamas had recovered his mental balance a bit. He thought it was time for him to return home.

Tamas said, “I have been staying here for a long time. I think it is time to return home and look after my affairs. Thank you both for supporting me when I needed help. I always thought if I had enough money things would be fine. I kept everything I earned to myself and ensured no one could take a penny from me. Alas, trying to hold on to the money it was swept away from me by strangers! Still, I am lucky to have such a good family who supported during my difficult time. I am truly blessed.”

Jyotir replied, “You should stay a bit longer the ladies will miss you if you leave. We are always happy to have you. Tamas you are right about saving and investing some money for the future. However, it is equally important to share and not hold on to things too much. Who knows who will enjoy our savings if we do not spend it now for good and noble causes?”

Tamas said, “You are one hundred percent correct Jyotir! I thought your prayer was a useless way to spend money. I thought feeding people was a waste of time and money. After spending time at your home, I can appreciate the simple things in life that can make people happy and sleep peacefully at night. Good friends, sharing and a little charity makes life very pleasant. Whilst hoarding and selfishness will result in unhappiness.”

Santosha chirped in, “Well I think if you must leave, we should invite your new friends over and have a nice meal with everyone. You will stay at least two more days, so we can plan your party nicely.”

Jyotir and Tamas happily agreed to Santosha’s suggestion. It was a splendid idea!

~ 8 ~

Moral of the Story:

 It is wise to save money or invest for a rainy day. However, you should not be like the bee who hoards. Hoarding wealth and being possessive of your belongings will not allow you to sleep peacefully at night.

 One day you will lose what you have saved, others will enjoy it, if you do not use it yourself.

 A hoarder loses his mental and emotional balance if he loses things that he cherishes.

 There should be a balance between saving and acquiring things, sharing and donating towards charitable causes.

LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE STORY

i. Tamas was obsessed with earning money and investing the money so it would grow and yield even more profits.

ii. Tamas never gave a penny to a charity or extended a helping hand to persons in need.

iii. Tamas would sleep peacefully only after he was assured that his money was safe, and he was getting good interest on his money.

iv. Tamas lost all the money he was saving to the banking institutions. Someone was enjoying his hard-earned money. The loss of his money resulted in the loss of his peace of mind.

v. Santosha and Jytoir did not hoard but invested the little they had with people they knew well. They shared their happiness with others and spent their money in organizing a prayer ceremony for the community.

vi. Santosha was contented with whatever he had and was also able to give freely to persons in need. Jyotir was sensible and did not invest in many things at once. She was able to balance her expenses and invest in a small business which she could grow. She had the help of people she trusted to manage her sewing business.

~ 9 ~

vii. Tamas lost his mental balance and was only capable of regaining his peace of mind after a long while. He was fortunate to have the support of his family in his time of need.

viii. Tamas learned that hoarding is a bad habit and resulted in harm to himself. He experienced the joys of sharing and trust in relationships when he stayed with Santosha and Jyotir.

Do not become a hoarder.

Acquire things but do not become obsessed with the things you have in life.

Maintain a balance so you will not lose your peace of mind, either from holding on to things or from losing things.

Stay Calm!

If you are caught in the net of sorrow and overwhelmed by grief, Pray to the Almighty for help.

The Almighty will help you through the Storms of Life.

~ 10 ~

Musical Message Saying MMS for the Week Puttugam Video: Video links are given below with musical messages related to the lessons from the Osprey (Don’t be too attached to things. Give them objects other want if necessary, then seek help from an elder person or a person in authority to recover objects). Show the videos and pause the message and ask students to repeat the message a few times. Find out which student remembers the message and ask the student to say it for the class. Discuss the meaning of the message with the class and what it means to them.

Weblink to MMS

https://vimeo.com/46433284 (Aug 25th, 2012)

Desire Deludes the Mind, Despondency Dries it up

https://vimeo.com/49291589 (Sept 19th, 2012)

Nothing Equals Worry in Wasting Away the Body

https://vimeo.com/48210965 (Aug 28th, 2012)

When You Share Your Good Fortune with Others Your Joy Multiplies

https://vimeo.com/52687865 (Nov 06th 2012)

Give Cheer and Hope to Those Who are in Difficulty

~ 11 ~

Sound is very important and creates vibrations that affect our moods, motivates us and can create either positive or negative changes in individuals and groups.

These seeds sounds are known as Mantra (man is from the root meaning sound; tra means that which protects or defends).

There are SEED SOUNDS that were known to ancient Indian sages. They understood and used these seed sounds for Positive Development of the society.

Here are some seed sounds which when chanted creates vibrations that enhances your energy and alleviates depression of a person.

SHIVAAYA RUDRAAYA NAMAH

https://soundcloud.com/dattapeetham/shivamantra

PRAYER FOR RELIEF OF SLEEP DISORDERS AND BAD DREAMS

अुतं के शवं िवुं हरं सोमं जनादनम्

हंसं नारायणं कृ ं जपेतः दु शाये

ACHYUTAM KESHAVAM VISHNUM, HARIM SOMAM JANAARDANAM

HAMSAM NAARAAYANAM KRISHNAM, JAPETH DUSVAPNA SHANTAYE Meaning

May Lord , who is also known as Achyuta, Keshava, Hari, Janaardhana, Hamsa, Narayana and , protect me from nightmares and let me sleep peacefully.

Children can chant this prayer at bedtime to get a peaceful sleep without bad dreams.

~ 12 ~

Review of Lesson Learned from the Honey-Thief

1) Hoarding results in loss of my peace of mind as I will be constantly worrying about my possessions. 2) If I lose things that I have hoarded, I will lose my balance of mind and emotions. This could ultimately lead to my destruction. 3) Instead of hoarding, I should balance my savings and things I acquire with sharing and spending on noble causes.

Journal for Students with Practical Exercises.

Students can keep a journal and record the following:

1. Yoga exercises practiced each day.

2. The teacher can discuss with the class the reasons why people collect material things and keep them. The teacher can explain the difference between collecting things that are needed and hoarding.

3. Students can be asked to make a list of five things they have at home such as number of toys, story books, cards, pairs of shoes, slippers, shirts, dresses, pants etc. The students can then decide if they need all the items or just some of the items.

4. Students can write ideas of how the extra or old items can be converted so they are useful. If items are not useful to the student, then he/she can write what can be done to declutter.

Usually sharing or giving your possessions to someone who is in need will help you become less attached to material things.

5. Students can write the messages that they learned from the musical message sayings related to the Honey-thief.

~ 13 ~