Dear Parents,
Harih Om!
The following material was taught to your child on Sunday, November 8, 2020 during Balavihar.
1. Beginning Prayers
2. The first three verses of Geeta Dhyanam
3. The first six verses of Bhagavad Geeta chapter 2 were taught.
4. We initially focused on analyzing actions of certain characters:
- Shantanu's desire was the reason he married Satyavati (the fisherman's beautiful daughter). However, this was done at the expense of Shantanu's son's (Bheesma's) life being on hold. Since the latter took a vow never to get married or beget children, it led to the ultimate downfall of Hastinapur.
Lesson learned (LL) – one should keep one's desires under control and think of the impact it has on other people's lives as well. We should not be selfish in pursuing and fulfilling our needs alone. - Bheesma's vow: this signifies his love and the sacrifice he was willing to make for his father. He was blessed with many blessings including one of "Icchya Mrutyu" a boon that meant that Bheesma could choose the time of his death.
LL – One should serve their parents willingly - Gandhari's vow: She blindfolded herself since her husband Dhritharastra was blind; however, this decision was taken rather emotionally. If either Dhirtharashtra or his wife had seen the wrongdoings of the Kauravas, they could have corrected them and guided them better. Instead, their parents literally turned a "blind eye" to the actions of the Kauravas.
LL - Do not take decisions without thinking through the consequences, and don't make decisions based on emotions alone. - Kunti's boon: As a young teenage girl, she had served Sage Durvasa and in return she was granted a boon by the Sage. The boon given to her was that she could have a child by just visualizing any man as her child's father. Out of frivolity and curiosity of youth she tested Sage Durvasa's boon imagining Surya to be her child's father and lo and behold gave birth to Karna out of wedlock. She felt scared and her instinct was to abandon him, and she set him afloat in a river. The infant was rescued by a charioteer, Adhiratha and his wife Radha. Later, Karna became a key figure leading to the Mahabharata war.
LL – First, one must have faith in Sage's / Rishi's words. Second, if you commit a mistake you should own up and be ready to face the consequences. Even though one may be punished in the short term, in the long term your conscience will be clear. This will lead to a better quality of life.
5. Continuation of Mahabharata story:
The Wax Palace: Duryodhana loathed the Pandavas because they were sincere, honest, and moral citizens. So, they were extremely popular with the people of Hastinapura. Duryodhana hated Bhima's strength, he hated Arjuna's dexterity. He complained about them bitterly to his father Dhirtarashtra. He worried that Yudhisthira owing to his popularity would be crowned as king of Hastinapura and that soon the Kauravas and their progeny would be but "poor relatives" of the Pandavas. With Shakuni's minister in tow, Duryodhana managed to convince the weak minded Dhirtarashtra to go along with his crooked plan. In the presence of the Pandavas they extolled praise about the beauty of the city of Varanavata that hosted an annual festival in honor of Lord Shiva. Duryodhana convinced Dhirtarashtra to call the Pandavas and ask them to go on a "vacation" to the town of Varnavrata. Accordingly, Dhirtarashtra called the Pandavas and spoke in a loving and affectionate fashion to the Pandavas like a favorite uncle speaks to his little nephews. He told the Pandavas that the people of Varanavata were eagerly awaiting their arrival and convinced them to go and spend a few months relaxing there. Duryodhana plotted with Karna and Shakuni to "kill" Kunti and her five sons at Varanavata. They sent for a minister named Purochana who in turn was sent to Varanavata several months in advance to build a beautiful palace for the Pandavas. Unbeknownst to the Pandavas, combustible material like hay, wax, oil, jute etc. was used in the construction of the Palace. In addition, inviting seats and beds were specially placed in the most combustible areas. The idea was to set fire to the palace when the Pandavas were asleep. The affection and honor at the farewell bestowed upon the Pandavas would remove any suspicion that Kauravas had anything to do with the "accidental burning of the Wax Palace."
As they were taking leave of the elders, Vidura warned Yudhisthira that, "only a wise man who can read the intentions of an astute enemy can escape from harm." He also told him that while "a forest fire can burn every tree down; the fire cannot however hurt a rat that hides in a hole."
The Pandavas reached Varanavata and were welcomed by the people. They stayed with some friends until the palace specially meant for them was ready. Finally, the day arrived and the Pandavas moved into the palace. It was named "Sivam" which ironically meant prosperity. In the meantime, the Pandavas had time to ponder about Vidura's cryptic message. They examined the palace and found that it was indeed made of combustible material. They pretended to enjoy the amenities of the palace but in the meantime had an expert miner dig an underground tunnel leading to the forest. At night, the Pandavas kept vigil but by day they used to go hunting under the pretext of sport while familiarizing themselves with the forest paths. Finally, after some months, Kunti Devi arranged for a sumptuous feast for the Palace guards. As soon as the guards fell asleep, the Pandavas set fire to the Palace and escaped through the underground tunnel. The saddened people of Varanavrata sent the "shocking" news about the Pandavas death to Hastinapura. Duryodhana pretended to be grief stricken but inwardly he was delirious with joy.
The Pandavas in the meantime suffered many difficulties. They met Vyasa on the way who consoled Kunti that "no virtuous person is strong enough to live in virtue at all times, nor is any sinner bad enough to exist in one welter of sin. Life is but a tangled web. Each and every one has to bear the consequences of their actions."
While the Pandavas were living in the guise of Brahmanas in Ekachakrapura, news about the Swayamvara of Draupadi, daughter of King Drupada of Panchala reached them. The Pandavas decided to go to Panchala and try and win Draupadi's hand in marriage. The candidate who would win Draupadi's hand had to lift the bow, string it and shoot a steel arrow through the central aperture of revolving disk at a target placed at a height. Many brave and qualified princes tried but to no avail. When Arjuna approached the bow, he meditated on God and with ease lifted, strung the bow and without any hesitation shot five arrows in succession through the revolving target. Draupadi was elated and approached him and placed garland around his neck. While the other contenders complained to Drupada about Svayamvara not being prevalent amongst Brahmanas, the Pandavas quickly left the hall to reveal the good news to Kunti. Dhristadyumna followed the Pandavas and Draupadi unseen and was delighted to discover their true identities. The wedding of the Pandavas with Draupadi was celebrated by Drupada with great pomp and festivities.
- Duryodhana's actions during the dice game was analyzed – wrong and evil mind will only find evil company, which will result in wrong action ultimately leading to more unhappiness and self-destruction.
Lesson learned (LL) – do not keep wrong company, avoid evil/wrong acts as it will ultimately hurt you more. - Yudhisthira was in his words, deeds and actions an epitome of Dharma. Yet, one weakness/ vice i.e. gambling was enough to bring the man to his knees. It caused significant problems to Pandavas & Draupadi – resulting in loss of their entire kingdom and wealth. To add fuel to the fire not learning from his first loss he gambled again.
LL – even one bad habit can cause lot of trouble for us, refrain from gambling and get rid of all bad habits. - When Draupadi was disrobed by Dushashana in the Kauravas' court, she remembered the Lord and prayed/surrendered to Him. She was rescued by Lord Krishna.
- LL – Bhagawan answers sincere prayers; also, a friend in need is a friend indeed.
6: We also shared the following inspirational videos of Swami Tejomayanandaji. The links for the videos are as follows:
- https://www.facebook.com/SwamiTejomayananda/videos/233497474355748
- https://www.facebook.com/SwamiTejomayananda/videos/465332294392146
We then concluded class with concluding prayers and pledge.
We wish your family and you a very happy and prosperous Deepavali!
Thank you!
Sitaram Kuchibhotla
And
Mekhala Girish (Grade 8 Sunday A.M. sevaks)
