Bhagavad Gita for Children
What’s inside...
Age 3 to 6 years. Bhagavad Gita is one of the most sacred books of India. It is a part of great epic Mahabharata and contains seven hundred verses, which have been uttered by the Supreme Lord Himself in the starting of Mahabharata War when Arjuna did not want to indulge in war seeing all his relatives standing in the enemy army.
Discussion points
What do you think are the most important lessons Arjuna learned from Krishna in this story?
How do you feel about the idea of duty and responsibility as shown in the Bhagavad Gita?
Can you think of a time when you had to make a difficult decision? What helped you decide?
What does the concept of 'Dharma' mean to you after reading this story?
How can the teachings in the Bhagavad Gita apply to your everyday life or challenges at school?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the book, ask your child what they already know about the Bhagavad Gita to gauge their prior knowledge and interests.
While discussing the book, relate the themes to personal experiences or current events to make the teachings more relatable.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the story and its characters, fostering a deeper emotional connection.
Use praise to reinforce your child’s insights as they draw connections or share reflections, building their confidence in discussing complex topics.
After finishing the book, revisit the questions and engage in role-playing scenarios to explore different ethical choices, enhancing understanding through practical application.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of duty and responsibility
Explanation: The book illustrates the importance of fulfilling one's duties and responsibilities through the character of Arjuna, who learns to overcome his doubts and fears to uphold righteousness.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to take responsibility in their own lives, whether it's doing their homework, helping out at home, or standing up for what is right in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The value of selflessness
Explanation: The teachings emphasize putting the welfare of others ahead of personal gain, as demonstrated by Lord Krishna’s guidance to Arjuna on selfless action.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in children’s lives by encouraging them to share, cooperate, and consider the feelings of others in group activities or family settings.
Example Lesson: The power of inner peace
Explanation: The Bhagavad Gita advocates for achieving peace through meditation and understanding one's own mind, as Krishna dispels Arjuna's doubts and fears.
Real-World Application: Children can use simple meditation techniques to manage stress during exams or conflicts, fostering calmness and better decision-making skills.
Example Lesson: Understanding and managing emotions
Explanation: The narrative helps children recognize that it is natural to experience a range of emotions, and teaches them effective ways to manage these emotions without being overwhelmed.
Real-World Application: This can help children navigate their feelings more effectively during social interactions or personal challenges, leading to healthier emotional well-being.
Example Lesson: The importance of knowledge and learning
Explanation: The Bhagavad Gita for Children underscores the pursuit of knowledge as a crucial virtue, shown through Arjuna gaining wisdom from Krishna that enlightens his decisions.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to remain curious and dedicated to learning, whether academically or in other areas of interest, fostering lifelong intellectual growth.