KNOWER.CA

Resource Activities

Theme
Our external circumstances and physicality are given to us. Children are taught their nationality, religion, language, family, fears, insecurities, and how they identify.
Even though we grow up believing what we are given, we are so much more.
In this story, we watch a lion cub who, through a twist of fate, is adopted by a sheep. Because of his upbringing Kesari, the lion cub, mistakenly believes he is a sheep and struggles to fit in.
One day Kesari encounters a lion who shows him who he really is and how to claim his greatness. Kesari transforms his given-sheepish nature into his lion greatness with one mighty roar.

Discussion
This story shows that whatever a child is brought up to identify with, that is the lens they view their world.
Children can gain a heightened awareness when they know they have a choice. Perhaps things aren’t exactly what they seem. Through meditation and knowledge of who they are, the Knower within, they can gain the strength and clarity to go toward their well-being.

Dictionary Meanings
Kesari:
1. Lion
•    Sanskrit word for lion
•    boldness and fearlessness
•    long hair
2. Saffron
•    a yellowy-orange colour
•    the autumn crocus flower which grows mainly in northern India
•    a special and rare spice that is extracted from this flower
*In the national flag of India, the top band is the colour saffron, indicating the strength and courage of the country. [FLAG IMAGE]
Ewe:
•    a female sheep
Ram:
•    a male sheep

Suggested Discussion Questions
What did you enjoy about the story?
Why did Kesari believe that he was a sheep?
Why do you think the other lambs were afraid of Kesari?
How did Kesari find out who he really was?
Why do you think Kesari wasn’t afraid of the lion, the king of beasts?
Did Kesari think he was a sheep when he was asleep?
Was Kesari the same or different after he roared?
What remained the same with Kesari after he roared?
Is there something in you that always remains the same?
What is unique about you?

Meditation
Close your eyes and listen to the story. [BUTTON]
Knower Meditation on Breath [BUTTON]
Smile Meditations [BUTTONS]

Pranayama
Pran Chintan [BUTTON]

Mantra
Amaram Hum Madhuram Hum [BUTTON]

Hatha Yoga
Lion Pose Singhāsan  
This fun yoga pose for children is also a breath exercise. It helps children to calm their bodies and relax their minds. It’s also an excellent hip and ankle stretch!
Begin on your knees, then sit back on your heels.
Spread your fingers wide and press your hands onto your knees.
Take a deep breath through your nose.
Open your mouth, stretch out your tongue, open your eyes wide, and let your breath out through your mouth with a loud “ROAR!”

Activities
Word Power
anthropomorphism (an-thruh-puh-mawr-fiz-uhm)
•    The attribution of human characteristics or behaviors to an animal or object.

Word Clouds
King; majestic; power; brave; powerful; magnificent; king of beasts; courage; roar; yellow eyes; fearsome foe;

Sheep Code – Write a poem to describe your own Code of behavior