Class VII

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Chapter 1 - Nature
Balance in Nature 23

Chapter II - Who am I?
Qualities, Values and Attitudes 25

Chapter III - Body
Body-Keep Fit 27

Chapter IV- Mind
a. Impressions on the Mind 29

Chapter V - Mind
b. The CLEANING Process 30

Chapter VI - Intellect
Discipline and Obedience 32

Chapter VII - Life
What is Life? 33

Chapter VIII - Prayer
Pray for God Himself 35

Chapter IX - Guru
The connecting Link 37

Chapter X - The Creator
Creator of Life 38

CHAPTER 1 - NATURE

BALANCE IN NATURE

Objectives
 To understand the balance in Nature and to show the need to restore balance in us
 To understand the functions of each element of Nature
 To emulate Nature’s work
 To know how to bring balance at the physical and mental level

Thoughts for Life
 The works of Nature must be accounted for and recognized by us.
 What else is Nature but God?
 Know the Nature within and without.
 Eat to live and not live to eat.

Lesson Illustrated
 The Balance in Nature: Everything in Nature, which is God’s creation is a wonder in itself. The wonder of it is the orderliness, regularity and systematic functioning. Each and every aspect and act is balanced.
1. Orderliness – the act of orderliness can be seen in the following:
(a) The revolving and rotation of planets.
(b) The movement of ants, one behind the other.
(c) The growth of a plant – seed, root, stem, leaves, vegetables or fruits and seed again.
2. Regularity – Regularity in nature can be seen in the following:
(a) Rising of the Sun and moon, resulting in day and night.
(b) Migration of birds during a particular season.
(c) Production of fruits and vegetables at regular intervals.
3. Systematic – Nature is systematic in the following:
(a) In maintaining balance in food chain.
(b) Spinning of earth on its axis.
(c) The daily schedule of birds and animals.
 Values learnt from Nature
1. Plants – give without expectation.
2. Animals – live by means of natural instinct, loving, sharing and caring.
3. Sun – shines equally on all living and non-living elements.
4. Day and night – represent dualities in our life i.e., joys and sorrows etc.
5. Universe – teaches us time management.
 Imbalance in Man
An important part of Nature is Man. But why some men are not balanced? Let us analyze the reasons and results

REASONS RESULTS IN
Greed Unhappiness
Jealousy Anger
Feeling of I, my, mine Sufferings
Irregular habits Tension
Expectations Anxiety, Agony
Hypocrisy Physical, mental weaknesses
Laziness Diseases
 Ways to restore Balance
1. Learn to function like Nature.
2. Accept things as they come.
3. Do your best but be prepared for the worst.
 How to Balance?
1. Physical Balance is maintained through cleanliness in body, dress, rest, moderate exercise and effective work.
2. Balance in our food habits is maintained through Nutritious Food in right quantity, timely food, not wasting food, eating with love, sharing and thanking God before eating.
3. Simple food helps us to live as nature wants us to live. That is eating what the body needs for its healthy existence and no more. When you sit down to eat, offer the food mentally to the Divine within.
 Balance of Mind
This can be brought about in the following ways:
1. Acceptance of our limitations.
2. Tolerance, Love and patience bring about systematic understanding.
3. Willingness to do any work leads to happiness.
4. Regular self-introspection results in love for the Divine.
5. Empathy towards others

Mind is the most important instrument connecting us to the Nature within and without. If it is in perfect balance, it not only brings about physical well-being, but also helps us to lead a balanced happy life.

Activities
 Collect pictures on Nature and make a chart about balance in Nature.
 Prepare a small skit on how to function like Nature.
 Observe a natural scenery. List out the attributes of Nature from this.


CHAPTER II - WHO AM I?

QUALITIES, VALUES AND ATTITUDES

Objectives
 To understand the factors that affect our balance
 To realize the need for mastering the Self and the way to achieve it
 To practise right values in our day-to-day life

Thoughts for life
 Conquering others requires force, mastering oneself requires inner strength.
 The true value of life is the value of divinised existence.
 Character is the balancing act of the inner and outer (higher and lower) tendencies of existence.

Lesson Illustrated
We balance our inner and outer tendencies of existence by possessing right qualities, values and attitudes. This is essential for mastering our inner-self.
 Right qualities : In general, qualities refer to the normal nature of a person. They are usually inborn and innate in an individual. As a man grows, he can acquire certain qualities from environment. (a) Innate qualities – love, kindness, generosity, compassion, selflessness etc. (b) Acquired qualities – honesty, punctuality, discipline, cleanliness etc.
 Right values : The qualities when expressed and practised become values. Values are priceless, which we adopt for our right living. They are of two types: - (a) The inner values i.e., to love, to be affectionate, to be humble, to be kind, to be polite, to be sympathetic etc. (b) Practised values i.e., to be honest, to be punctual, to be disciplined, to be clean etc.
 Right attitudes : An attitude is the way of thinking or behaving. On the strength of the values developed by every individual, right attitudes are formed. The way of thinking is normally expected to be positive. This we judge from a person’s manners and etiquette expressed in the following ways:
a. Pleasant and neat appearance
b. Right movements, gestures and actions
c. Mode of speech
d. Humble nature, politeness
e. Right conduct before elders and teachers
An individual’s attitude towards his study or work, can make or mar his progress in life. A right attitude towards work will result in success and happiness.
One should have:
a. Love for his work
b. Interest in work
c. Analyzing and understanding the nature of work
d. Proper planning and execution
e. Perseverance
f. Sincerity of purpose
g. Sticking to time schedule
h. Performing the work without expecting any reward [Nishkamya Karma]

Various environmental factors, personality, factors and stages of life affect our inner values as well as practised values.
Environmental Factors : Money, material, wealth, poverty, place of living, type of friends, situations in life, religion, caste
Personality : Bodily statures, [height, weight, shape], complexion, size, beauty, ugliness, disability, intelligence, gender
Stages of Life : Infant, child, teenager, youth, adult.
Expected Right Values : Be humble, be polite, be truthful, be loving, be generous, be open, be smiling, be kind, be sympathetic, be compassionate and be good to others.
By possessing inner values, the practised values are exhibited in our day-to-day life.
Activities
 Class can be divided into groups. Let each group select one or two values and exhibit them in the form of a skit, dialogues, conversation etc.
 Write a sentence about the following:
Your attitude towards food, dress, reading, writing, peers, parents, teachers, guests, elders and school


CHAPTER III - BODY

BODY-KEEP FIT

Objectives
 To maintain body, to keep fit and healthy for the soul to exist and evolve
 To understand the need for exercise to keep fresh/happy and active always
 To learn the effective usage of organs of our body
 To realise the difference between Yoga and Asana and their uses

Thoughts for life
 Sound mind in a sound body.
 The body says what words cannot.
 Human-body is sacred (because of the soul residing in it).

Difference between Yoga and Yogasana
 Yoga: The word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yuj’, which means to bind, join, attach or yoke, to direct and concentrate one’s attention on, to use and apply. It also means union. That is the binding or union of the Jeevatma with Paramatma, or Soul with Source. Yoga is a spiritual term and those who practise yoga are called yogis. Closing eyes and meditating may also be termed as ‘psycho-spiritual’ (mind and soul) practice.
 Yogasana: The term yogasana is different from the word yoga. Yogasanas are exercises meant for bringing stability to the body and poise to the mind. The practice of yogasanas clears the blocks in the tubular channels, brings about firmness to the body, and vitality to both the body and mind. Therefore they are psychophysical [mind and body] practices, to tone up the nerves and strengthen the muscles.
Some of the important Yogasanas are – Padmasana, Chakrasana, Vajrasana, Sirashasana, Sarvangasana, Halasana, Shavasana, Surya Namaskara etc. These asanas must be learnt , under the able supervision and guidance of a guru or tutor. In addition to Yogasanas, exercises for the body and mind are possible by playing games, singing, dancing, walking, jogging, doing acrobatics and gymnastics.
Uses of Yogasanas and other Physical exercises
 They tone-up the body muscles and nerves.
 They activate organs of the body and give freshness, enthusiasm, growth etc.
 They improve the blood circulation and thereby help us to maintain healthy body.
 We derive happiness by performing the exercises with right posture.
 Our acupressure centres get activated.
Some useful guidelines to practise Yogasanas
It is obligatory on our part to learn and perform yogasanas under the supervision of a yoga teacher. The following points may also be borne in mind:
 The ideal time for practising the yogasanas is in the morning (5 am and 7 am) and evening between (5 pm and 7pm).
 Always begin and end the yogic practices with prayer / silence.
 The bowels and bladder should be emptied before the beginning of the yogic practices.
 The asanas should be practised on a cloth, a mat, a long towel or bed-sheet.
 At least 4 hours must elapse between a heavy meal and yogic practice.
 Food can be taken half-an-hour after practice.
 It is better to wear loose, light and comfortable clothing.
 For better and good results, one should continue the yogic practice for a minimal period of six months.
 Yogic practices should not be performed if one is suffering from ailments and should only be performed with regular consultation with doctors.

Activities
 Get the help of a guru and learn various Asanas.
 List out the results as you practise your own set of exercises.
 What is the difference between Yogasana and Yoga?
 There are 4 types of yoga – Karma, Bhakti, Gnana and Raja – discuss and deliberate about them.
CHAPTER IV- MIND

A. IMPRESSIONS ON THE MIND

Objectives
 To find out the cause for impressions formed in our mind
 To analyze the impressions loaded in our mind
 To find out the cause for our unhappiness
 To know how the mind becomes light in nature and refreshed

Thoughts for life
 The heart is the happiest when it beats for others.
 To taste the sweetness of life, you must have the power to forget the past.
 Wasteful work makes us tired and heavy; positive work makes us happy, light and refreshed.
 Think of the past when its remembrance gives you happiness.

Lesson Illustrated
 The "What" and "How" of impressions
a. What is an impression? It is the storage of repeated thoughts.
b. How is it formed? When mind comes in contact with an object, repeated thought on it or repeated actions done in the same line form impressions or samskaras.
c. If one thought is made stronger by thinking over and over again, the impressions become stronger. They form layers after layers, just like lines drawn over and over again in a note book becoming darker, deeper and difficult to erase. Similar is the case of impressions. If left unremoved or uncleaned, it forms samskaras.
 Impressions lead the mind
Bullocks of a bullock cart, when they move on the same route continuously for some days, unmindful of the guidance given by the driver (later or even if the driver goes to sleep) tend to move on the same route in a similar direction. This is because of the repeated action, forming a deep impression in their minds.
The above scene can easily be compared to the effect of impressions on the human mind, which makes its function [good or bad] mechanical. Cleaning the mind of its impressions is the only solution.
 Excessive thoughts or impressions lead to abnormal behaviour:
When there are excessive thoughts, mind is confused and cannot function effectively. Slowly it creates a pressure in the mind, leading to undesirable, unwanted and unacceptable behaviour. This has a comparison to a pressure cooker, which can take up only a particular amount of pressure and anything more will result in its bursting.
 How to minimise the impressions in the mind?
We have wants and desires in the form of thoughts which form impressions. They can be minimised by erasing or cleaning in the following ways: (a) Substitute with right action. (b) Perform and forget. (c) Use strong will power to avoid inappropriate action. (d) Repent and decide not to repeat. Thus we can reduce our impressions, because no guilt remains in our mind.

Activities
 You are taken to a super-market and given the freedom to select items of your choice. List out the items you would select. From the items selected categorize them into needs and wants.
 You are taken to an ice-cream parlour. What are your reflections?
 Wants are different from your needs. Discuss.


CHAPTER V - MIND

B. THE CLEANING PROCESS

Objectives
 To understand the need for a pure mind
 To find out ways of purifying our mind
 To distinguish between persons with pure mind and confused and chaotic mind

Thoughts for Life
 Thought is finer than ether, the medium of electricity.
 If food is pure, thoughts will be pure and results in positive actions.
 Entertain always pure, sublime thoughts.
Lesson Illustrated
 The need for a pure mind: Why should we have a pure mind? How does it help us in our everyday life? Just as a lantern covered with soot, will not give us clear sparkling light, a mind filled with impressions will not help us in clear thinking. It is because of this, that Divinity or the Source of real knowledge within is not clear. When you remove the soot of the lantern, with a cloth or soap solution, you can see the light glowing within. By doing self analysis, you will come to know what you are. This purified mind helps us to have clear thinking and realise the light [God] within.
 Ways of doing the cleaning: Everyday cleaning:
a. At the end of the day thank God for all the good things that have taken place or performed.
b. If you have made a mistake or hurt somebody, apologize sincerely.
c. Repent and promise not to repeat.
This process will help you to remove the day’s impressions.
 Difference between persons with pure mind and impure mind: When your mind is regulated and kept in pure, right and in an orderly condition, you are similar to a house in which the objects are neatly arranged. In such a house it is easy to identify and spot objects with ease. Likewise, a person with pure and regulated mind will have right thinking, leading to right action. He naturally remains calm and cool under all situations.
When a person’s mind is in a chaotic state, it is similar to water kept in motion in a beaker. The stone in the beaker will not be clearly seen. Such will be the state of a person with impure, agitated and chaotic mind and this will prevent him from taking a right decision and performing right action.

Activities
 Do the following experiments: (a) Take a glass and fill it half with water. How will you connect it with the lesson? (b) Take a glass with dirty water and explain the condition with reference to mind.
 Show an object to the students and ask them to observe them for two minutes. Ask them to express as many ideas as possible. Count the number of ideas or thoughts. Then explain to them how these thoughts or ideas are formed in a short span of two minutes. These later on form impressions clouding the mind.


CHAPTER VI - INTELLECT

DISCIPLINE AND OBEDIENCE

Objectives
 To realize that perfection goes together with obedience
 To understand that success is not because of education nor its application; nor its practice, but only because of obedience - the sole factor in Spiritual development

Thoughts for Life
 Success is yours, if you plan well ahead and persevere long enough.
 A person’s true character is revealed by what he does when no one is watching.
 Success often comes to those who dare and act without fear or favour.
 If a man is obedient, his goal is already in sight.
 God helps those who help themselves.

Lesson Illustrated
 Self-discipline and external discipline: One who is disciplined is a disciple. A student is one who is disciplined in all aspects of life. Self-discipline is established when you are in contact with your inner self and this is permanent. The intellect and the mind are partly responsible for external discipline. Sometimes external discipline may be due to fear and temptation and is temporary.
 Inner personality refers to the Divinity within you. It always leads you to the right path bringing about self-discipline. It is nothing but God or Love. This love is your inner personality and it is because of this you are loved.
 When you bear the qualities of honesty, punctuality, regularity, right attitude, orderliness etc., you are externally disciplined. The actions based on these qualities are automatic and everlasting, if the intellect is in contact with your inner self.
 Impact of intellect on obedience: Obedience means free to obey, out of one’s own free-will on account of love. It is a sign of freedom and a symbol of surrender. You are ready to do, whatever you are asked for, because your intellect when in tune with your intuition guides you to understand what others say or do is for your good. Hence you accept, obey and do what they say.
 Impact of intellect on levels of discipline: The intellect is responsible for various levels of discipline, which we should follow. Discipline means a way of life. For example, when you obey the signals of traffic lights on the road, for your own and others’ welfare you are disciplined. It helps your orderly existence in the world, as well as it protects yourself and others. Thus we follow discipline at home, school and society. Moreover, the highest level of discipline is to sacrifice ourselves for the sake of others [service and sacrifice].

Activities
 Write the name of a person who is your Role Model. List out the reasons why you would like to emulate him.
 Discuss the benefits of being punctual.
 Divide the class into groups. Organize a group game. Let each one speak about ten positive qualities, which they possess. Ask them to select one who could be the best role model based on the qualities.


CHAPTER VII - LIFE

WHAT IS LIFE?

Objectives
 To learn, what life is
 To understand the way in which we interact with the outside world
 To realize the qualities of our inner experiences

Thoughts for life
 Life is God’s most precious gift given to us.
 Life should be looked upon as nothing but a field of events and circumstances through which we pass.
 Do not measure your existence by hours and days and minutes. True life is lived and measured in what it achieves.
 Life is not a bed of roses.

Lesson Illustrated
 Definition of Life: Life is a series of experiences between the subject and the object. The subject is ‘you’ and the object is the ‘world’. The world consists of minerals, plants, animals, plants and human beings. ‘You,’ the subject is made up of spirit and matter. The matter again is composed of body, mind and intellect. The spirit is nothing but the soul or life force.
Life

Is a series of experiences between


















 Classification of Experiences: It can be classified as internal and external. Mind is the instrument of the soul, responsible for the interaction with the world outside and the spirit inside.
1. Inner experience: It is subtle, invisible and comes from the heart. This experience helps us to be in contact with the source itself. This experience ‘within’ can only be felt and cannot be explained.
2. External experience: Classified as visible and invisible, verbal and non verbal.
a. Visible : To express joy or happiness we either embrace a person or jump for joy. Smiling, laughing, showing any act of kindness and generosity come under this experience.
b. Invisible : Love, affection and kindness which can only be felt.
c. Verbal : Talking, praising, showering encomiums.
d. Non-verbal : Only through gestures, body language etc.
3. Variations in Experiences: Any interaction or experience will vary from person to person, bringing out positive, natural and negative qualities.
a. Positive qualities – Honesty, sincerity, devotion which are based on situations.
b. Natural qualities – One who has a perfect, balanced and regulated mind and has calm and serene qualities under all circumstances come under this.
c. Negative qualities – Dishonesty, insincerity, lethargy etc. These are the result of one’s undesirable and unpleasant experience, such as greed selfishness and jealousy.

Activities
 “Life is nothing but a field of events and circumstances through which we pass.” Discuss.
 Noble thoughts based on noble experiences lead to noble deeds. Justify
 List out your experiences under the following situations:
 Cruelty to animals, watching horror movies & Discovery Channel.
 Listening to music or lecturing, listening to a story, learning a lesson, writing an examination, going on a picnic etc.,


CHAPTER VIII - PRAYER

PRAY FOR GOD HIMSELF

Objectives
 To establish that we pray for the creator Himself and not for His creations
 To learn what we aspire for while performing prayer and it is beyond everything
 To understand that we need a Guru to guide us in the proper course to pray, since there is a barrier between us and God

Thoughts for life
 Prayer is a call from nature within, to nature outside for the fulfillment of a need of which the self is not consciously aware.
 We certainly have to ask for that which we need, not which we want. We have right to the needs of existence. The wants are created by us.
 Prayer is the way of attracting the grace.
 Prayer should be offered with a heart full of love and devotion.
Lesson Illustrated
Where is God?
 God is divine. He is Omnipresent, Omnipotent, Omniscient. Pray to Him who is most powerful and who knows everything. He is present everywhere which means He is present in your heart also.
 He is smaller than the smallest (Anoraniyan); bigger than the biggest (Mahatomahiyan).
What to pray?
 Most often we pray only for material aspects – money, wealth, health, house, car intelligence, power, position etc. When we do so, we get only a part of Him. But when we pray aspiring for Him, we feel Him, and in the process become like Him. This way, we reach ‘Him’ and also his creation.
 Story: The rich man and the slave: A rich man had 3 sons, and a loving slave to take care of him. At the time of death he bequeathed all his wealth to his slave. His sons could opt for any one part of his wealth. The first foolish son asked for the House. The second greedy son asked for the land. The third sensible son asked for the slave himself and acquired everything.
 Likewise, pray for God Himself and you have everything along with God.
Who can pray?
 Anyone can pray irrespective of cast, creed, community language or religion. The divine does not differentiate anybody and showers His blessings on all equally, just like the sun.
How to pray?
 Pray with your eyes closed and hearts open. Let true feeling of love engulf you. Immerse yourself in that ocean of love and feel itself expanding. When you pray this way, the barriers get removed between you and God. The barriers are the wants and wishes, putting a bar to our advancement.
Note: Make an attempt on the above lines and allow children to experience it.
Who removes the barriers?
 A Guru or Master who has crossed all barriers and has become Divine-like can alone help us by removing our barriers.

Activities
 Experiment – Brasso Bright:
a) Take a dirty brass vessel.
b) Ask the student to remove the dirt by wiping it. They will not be able to do so.
c) Supply them with a brasso and let them clean the vessel. It becomes bright and sparkling.
d) This shows the importance of our external agent, in removing the dirt. Likewise, a Guru is needed to remove our barriers and make us bright and sparkling with love.
 Discuss the terms – Omnipresent, Omnipotent and Omniscient and find out whether these terms can be applied to other natural things in our life.


CHAPTER IX - GURU

THE CONNECTING LINK

Objectives
 To understand the significance of Guru and the way he guides us to acquire knowledge
 To know the function of Guru and how he passes his experience to us

Thoughts for Life
 Guru is God in Human form with a mind and heart. Therefore he is able to understand our needs.
 Guru stands as a connection between God and you to reach the Divine.
 If we can get a Guru who can pump out the poison in us, then only the nectar will remain in us.

Lesson Illustrated
 Who is a Guru? The term Guru derived from Sanskrit, means, “One who removes ignorance and exposes knowledge within”. Eg. like candle light removes darkness and exposes brightness, a Guru removes ignorance and brings about wisdom.
Candle light – Guru Darkness – Ignorance Brightness - Wisdom
 The connecting link: The Guru is the connecting link between the individual Soul and God. Eg. Ladder of Spirituality: Guru is similar to the two poles of the ladder in the human form with divine qualities. The ladder of descent started when the soul separated from the source and came tumbling down by acquiring grossness. Now the ladder of ascent can start only by holding on to the two poles of the ladder called Guru and removing our grossness. It is to be noted that the poles connect the base and the higher levels. Likewise Guru is one who has descended as a human being with an established link with the Divine. A Guru of high calibre is one who has already reached the destination and knows the way. If we cling on to one such a Guru, who will function not merely as a sign post, but will lead, guide and be with us till we reach the highest level.
 Qualities of a Guru: He is a living example. He is loving, kind, compassionate and considerate. He understands our needs and difficulties. He has a mind and heart and fulfills what we deserve. He not only shows the way, but He is with us throughout in our journey towards the Ultimate. He is a Saint and not a mere philosopher. He always does the right type of action, which may sometimes seem strange, but it is only for the benefit of mankind. Guru of high calibre is expected to serve as an inspiration for the spiritual upliftment of His disciple. He should remove the ignorance and guide His disciple to reach the Divine or the Ultimate state.

Activities
 Discuss the qualities one should possess to be a perfect human being.
 Draw two ladders with seven rungs in each.
a. The first is the ladder of descent. List out seven qualities, which bring us down in our life.
b. The second ladder is the ladder of ascent. List out the qualities which take us up in our life.
 Enact a skit representing a meeting between the Jeevatma and the Paramatma.

Stories
Suitable stories can be made use of.


CHAPTER X - THE CREATOR

CREATOR OF LIFE

Objectives
 To learn about the origin of creation
 To understand how soul is present in all creations
 To learn the nature of mind and the reason for its deterioration from purity

Thoughts for Life
 There is no absence of God in the world. Only our lack of awareness of God is there.
 Life is God’s most precious gift given to us.
Lesson Illustrated
 The origin of creation: The original subtle vibration or Kshob, just encircling the centre called God, Nothingness, Powerless power or energy, resulted in creation. The Prakruti or creation is made up of living and non-living things. The first vibration or divine thought formed the mind in human beings. This creation, which was pure in the beginning, became gross because of the effect of the devolution. The human being therefore became grosser in all aspects. He therefore has the Divine in the centre surrounded by mind, intellect and body.
 Creation: Soul (Life-force, divine in nature – inner nature) – Present in all creations
Soul









 Mind: Initially, it was pure and divine. But as desires increased, it became `grosser and grosser, resulting in chaotic, confused and fickle mindedness. This led to its being farther away from the creator although the subtle connection is never broken.
It is because of this, that we find de-generation in character and behavior of the human beings. Character de-generation led to unbearable experiences between two elements (man to man, man to objects).

“God has created the whole universe from nothingness.
But man creates something only out of something.
And one thing that he can never create is the Life-force.”

Activities
 God works in all the unseen realms at the same time, being fully available to each of us. Discuss.
 God is an unfathomable wisdom. Justify.
 Man can create something out of something. Make a list of five items created by man, useful for humanity.