Harih Om Parents,
Following was taught to your child during Balavihar class on November 22nd, 2020:
- After initial prayers we continued with Bhagavad Gita Dhyana sloka teaching - so far we have taught the children the first three verses.
- Swamiji has completed 8 verses of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 chanting – please have your children practice at home.
- Mahabharatha story episode discussion and analysis continued:
When Duryodana discovered that the Pandavas were alive, he was forced to give them a barren piece of land called Indraprastha. It was made fertile by their hard work; eventually establishing a vast and prosperous kingdom. They performed Rajasuya yagna, which was done with lot of pomp & show. Seeing their wealth, prosperity, and the incredible Maya Sabha, Duryodhana got very jealous. So, he wanted to seek revenge – he planned with his uncle Sakuni to defeat the Pandavas in a game of dice. Dhritharastra invited Pandavas to Hastinapura for the game of dice. Because Sakuni had magical power over the dice he won all the way. Yudhisthira lost everything in a noticeably short time – his kingdom, his brothers and himself became slaves of Duryodhana. In fact, he finally bet Draupadi and "lost" her as well. Draupadi was subject to humiliation by Duryodhana and Dushasana – when the latter tried to disrobe her. She cried for help but none of her five husbands were able to help her. This went on despite Vidura's vehement opposition. The elders Bheesma, Drona, Kripa all were but silent spectators to this horrifying incident. However, she prayed to Lord Krishna who came to her rescue and protected her. God comes to the rescue of people who surrender their will to Him!
- Yaksha story – One day when the Pandavas were in forest a Brahmin requested them to help fetch his Arani sticks which had got entangled on a deer's horn. Arani are special wood sticks used to generate fire for the Agnihotra ritual which the Brahmin performed every day. Pandavas chased the deer but unfortunately could not catch the deer. In search of the deer, deeper and deeper into the forest they went. Exhausted after the grueling chase they rested under a tree and looked for a source of water to quench their thirst. Nakula was asked by Yudhisthira to fetch water for them. He finally found a lake with crystal clear water. When he was about to drink water from the lake, he heard a voice that told him to stop drinking from the lake. The voice said that the lake was his property and that Nakula should first answer his questions otherwise he would die. Nakula looked around but did not see anyone so he ignored the voice and drank water from the lake. He immediately fell down unconscious. Soon Sahadeva was sent in search of his brother he too did not heed to the words and drank the water from the lake. He too immediately fell unconscious. After this Arjuna and Bheema too met the same fate. Finally, Yudhisthira came to the lake in search of his brothers. He saw all his mighty brothers unconscious and in an almost coma like state and got very sad. When he was about drink the water from the pond, a crane sitting on a tree told him that he (the crane) was a Yaksha ( a celestial being) and that Yudhisthira's brothers drank water from his lake without answering his questions. Yudhisthira paid his respects to the crane and said he would try and answer the Yaksha's questions to the best of his abilities. This section of the Mahabharatha were the Yaksha asks Yudhisthira many questions are referred to as "Yaksha Prashna" and are from the "Vanaparvaani Aaraneya Parva of the epic.
- From this lesson on we will be discussing few "Yaksha Prashnas" every class:
- How does one become learned? A – by listening.
We had good discussion about importance of listening; the difference between hearing and listening was explained. Various examples/instances in Mahabharatha especially involving Duryodhana were given to show what happens/consequences of when one does not listen and follow good advice. Knowledge we gain is by listening intently.
Symbolism of Lord Ganesha was explained: His large ears symbolize ability to listen and assimilate knowledge. His large head symbolizes ability to analyze, understand and retain the information. Trunk indicates the ability of mind to discriminate between good and bad; Once information is heard, analyzed and discriminated – it becomes wisdom, symbolized by Lord Ganesha's pot belly. The mouse which is Lord Ganesha's vehicle is representative of our mind that can either create havoc or can be tamed and controlled. A tiny creature like a the mouse can create widespread destruction in for example a granary. The mouse represents our mind which is constantly wandering with numerous thoughts. The subdued mouse sitting at the feet of Lord Ganesha represents the mind which is under control. A person who listens intently, analyses, discriminates and stores wisdom can keep his/ her mind under control. A mind out control is stillness and so it all starts with listening! - How does one achieve greatness? – through tapas (austerity)
Here tapas means hard work, it also implies the necessity to sacrifice certain things in order to achieve our goals. Students must sacrifice playing video games/ watching TV/socializing with friends etc. before exams to get good grades. Similarly, we too must sacrifice certain things we enjoy in order to achieve our career goals. For example, a person who is training to be a Doctor has to undergo years of rigorous training, work through the night shift several times in a month without proper sleep, will have to sacrifice time with his/her family, friends etc. One needs to work hard and give up on to achieve the goals they have set. In order to achieve greatness and success one must not deviate from the pagh of hard work and sacrifice. - How does one become fit to be a companion? We become a good companion when we listen to others and their viewpoints with patience and understanding. Each of us is brought up in a different environment and in a different way. If we can comprehend that all of us are unique then it will enable us to be tolerant towards each other and work in harmony
- How does one become Intelligent? One becomes intelligent by serving our elders. While they are from a different generation, our elders have gone through many more life situations and experiences since they have been in the world for a longer period. By serving them lovingly we can learn more about the world and its ways and through the wisdom that they share with us.