2. Translating knowledge
into good action
Contents
• Why do our kids need Prajna?
• How can Prajna can help our kids?
• Prajna Pledge
• Prajna Curriculum at a glance
• Prajna Modules Overview
• Academic Calendar 2015
• Registration
JET USA - Prajna Overview 2
3. Translating knowledge
into good action
Why do our kids need Prajna? Through Prajna, teachers help the kids build a strong foundation in
our culture. Teachers carefully nurture your kids and grow them (from tender ages of 5) to turn them
into leaders, responsible citizens and productive contributors of this world
JET USA - Prajna Overview 3
Leaders and Responsible
Citizens of the World who
give protection, support,
shade and juicy fruits to
the world through their
productive contributions
Values
Gratitude
Lessons from
history
Introduction
to Vedic
approaches
and practices
Significance
of festivals
Discretionary
ability
Ability to
discern right
from wrong
Understanding
and Tolerance
Respect
for the nature
Respect
for each other
Sense of
identity
Vocabulary Pronunciation Through Prajna Modules
Kids build a strong
foundation in our culture
and heritage, be proud of
it and be able to explain
to othersRight
Knowledge
Righteous
Deeds
4. Translating knowledge
into good action
How can Prajna help our kids?
Prajna is a platform for kids to develop their personalities and become future leaders
JET USA - Prajna Overview 4
Vedas
Itihasas
(history)
Puranas
(always new)
Our Kids
Prajna
Curriculum
(5 Modules –
Slokas, Stories,
Bhajans, Values)
Avadhanam
(Memorization
Techniques)
Platform that
allows kids
to strive towards
EXCELLENCE
Future Leaders
Public Speakers Team Workers
Givers back to
the community
Upholder of
Values
Ones who can bridge Vedic
knowledge with modern science
Understand and
demonstrate
gratitude
Respect one and
another and
mother nature
Management
skills
Consider service
as a privilege
Source: Scientific study to prove chanting helps with improving memory
3
1
11
1
5
to
# Module in which this topic is emphasized Community activities C Thematic Camps
C
1 5to
1 5to
1
5
to
5. Translating knowledge
into good action
Through repeating Prajna Pledge, our kids learn to respect each other, and their community
JET USA - Prajna Overview 5
Oh Mother Earth!
I being your best child and responsible citizen of this world, take this pledge!
I shallrevere my parents, my family, my Gurus and treat everyone with love.
I shallserve my community, my country and those in need.
I pledge to protect the nature by caring for animals, trees and the environment.
I will learn from the experiences of my ancestors and pass it on to future generations.
I, as a studentof Prajna, swear to abide by the universal commandments –
Worship your own and respect all
Serve all beings as Service to God
Jai Srimannarayana!
6. Translating knowledge
into good action
Prajna has a carefully crafted curriculum designed by HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
JET USA - Prajna Overview 6
Modules Recommended
Age
Concepts Learned
Module 1 5 To pronounce Sanskrit words
35 Slokas
Vishnu Avatarams (introduction)
Stories of Krishna
Bhajans
Our festivals
Basic asanas in Yoga
Module 2 6 Pra:tah Smarani:yam - 7 sets of sto:tra:s (Hari Ashtakam, Krishna:shtakam etc.)
Learn how to respect parents, elders & teachers
Meditation
Participate in classroom activities
Module 3 7 Hayagriva Stotram
Learn stories about Goda/Kanta Chatusloki
Guru Parampara
Lakshmi Ashtotaram
Stories related to acharya devo bhava, sneham (friendship), sages and their contributions, festivals, devotees
Module 4 8 Vishnu Sahasranamam
Learn stories about Jnanam
Practice Yoga and Meditation and Matatheeru
Participate in classroom
Module 5 9 Bhagavad Gita – 1st Chapter
Aditya Hrudayam
Learn stories about gratitude, our birth, importance of community service, sages and contributions (2nd level)
Practice Yoga and Meditation
Participate in classroom
Module 6 10 Learn Stories related to Kruthajnatha, Gratitude, Jnanam and Maata Theeru
Bhagavad Gita – 2nd Chapter
Learn about Sages Agasthya and Vasishta
Practice Meditation and Yoga
Participate in activities related to classroom learning
Importance of volunteering
Module 7 11 Learn Srimad Bhagavat Gita – Chapters 3, 4 and 5
Sankhshepa Ramayanam
Learn about sages Viswamithra, Jadabharatha, VedaVyasa, Bharadwaja and Sukha
Practice Meditation and Yoga
Participate in activities related to classroom
Volunteering
7. Translating knowledge
into good action
Prajna curriculum is delivered in a captivating and an easy to follow manner
JET USA - Prajna Overview 7
8. Translating knowledge
into good action
In Module 1, kids learn the importance of gratitude; They also get grounded into our culture
through thematic stories centered around festivals throughout the year
JET USA - Prajna Overview 8
Gratitude
Gurus and
Rushis (1..2,4)
Universal
giver (7)
Rivers (8)
35 Foundational Slo:kas Stories around festivals
Para tathvam (3)
Complete man,
God incranate (5,9,12)
Universal
nourisher (10,11)
Removal of
Obstacles
Bestower of
knowledge
Bestower of
wealth
Wise and
able one
Ganesh / Vighna
Niva:raka
Chathurthi
Sravana
Pu:rnima /
Raksha Bhandan
Janmasthami
Navarathri
Dussera Di:pavali
Gi:ta Jayanti
Dhanur ma:sam
Holi
Yuga:di
Ra:ma
Navami
9. Translating knowledge
into good action
In Module 2, Kids learn Pra:tah Smarani:yam (twilight prayers)
JET USA - Prajna Overview 9
Haryasthakam
Krushna:sthakam
Panchayadha
Sto:tram
Gajendra
Mo:ksham
Slo:ka
Trayam
Paratva:di
Panchkam
Archira:di
Sarana:gathi
Twilight
Prayers
Pray to Lord’s weapons to
strengthen our faith
in God
Pray to the protector
of all living beings
Synchronize mind, speech
and actions in focusing on
the Supreme being
Sing the greatness of the
5 abodes of God
Praise the
giver Of Bliss
Pray to the Lord
uttering whose
Name burns
our sins away
Pray to get
Satsang and
march on the path
Of sreyas (benefit)
Prayer of
submission
10. Translating knowledge
into good action
Module 3 focuses on reciting Hayagriva Sto:tram that helps in significantly improving our oratory skills
JET USA - Prajna Overview 10
Taught Vedas Lost Vedas
Recovered Vedas
and re-taught Brahma
Taught
Vedas as
Hayagriva on
Sravana
Poornima
Lost Vedas
Brahma never lost
Vedas
Source: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23743707
Two main aspects of a horse’s memory are:
1. Sequential memory
2. Long term memory
Consequently, in addition to learning the Vedas, after learning
memorization techniques, lord Brahma never forgot the Vedas
Prayer to Hayagriva in the form of
Hayagriva Stotram
Ability to speak eloquently
Improves memory
11. Translating knowledge
into good action
Module 4 Focuses on Bhagavad Gi:ta Chapter 1
JET USA - Prajna Overview 11
Sorrow Types
Sorrow for my kins
(Dhritara:shtra’s
sorrow)
Sorrow for the world
(Arjuna’s Sorrow)
Sorrow for myself
(Duryodhana’s
sorrow)
Guidance of
an able
counselor
Upliftment of
the World
Upliftment of
the Self
13. Translating knowledge
into good action
Parent’s Responsibility
• 100% attendance
• Attending the class on time and picking them on time
• Parent attending the PRAJNA class along with kid as much as possible
• Make sure kid’s practice at home daily and during vacation.
• Prajna books safe keeping.
• Bring books to every class.
• Volunteering
• Yoga Mats
15. Translating knowledge
into good action
Class Structure
JET USA - Prajna Overview 15
Time (minutes) Activity Description
2 min Pledge The principles of Prajna are reinforced in each class
20 min Slo:ka
Chant slo:kas till date
Slo:ka of the day
20 min Story / Bhajan Story of the day
30 min Yoga/Workbook Every other week we do Yoga or Workbook
1 hr 30 min Each Class Time
Time (minutes) Activity Description
2 min Pledge The principles of Prajna are reinforced in each class
20 min Slo:ka
Chant slo:kas till date
Slo:ka of the day
20 min Story / Bhajan Story of the day
30 min Yoga/Workbook Every other week we do Yoga or Workbook
30 min Cultural Activity Preparation – for upcoming JET USA Events – Raganjali,etc
Every Last Sunday of the Month Schedule – 10AM to 12PM
