Dear Parents,
As we continue with Virāta Parvā, we would like to start introducing some basic concepts like Dharma, as we approach those principles being applied in the Mahābhārata. This week's schedule was as such:
Opening Prayers:
* Om Sahanā vavatu śloka
* Om Sree Ganeśaya Namaha, Sree Saraswatyai Namaha, Sree Sat Gurubhyo Namaha.
* Daily prayers (as given in the 'My Prayers' book)
Ślokās: Practice of all verses of Mahālakshmyāśtakam
Mahabharata:
While King Virāta was rescued at the southern border by four of the Pandavas, the northern border was under attack by the Kauravas. Taken by surprise, the citizens ran to the palace. Seeing as he was the only one left to defend the border, Prince Uttar Kumar (King Virāta's youngest son), boasted to all and sundry that he would vanquish the invading army single-handedly, and being as powerful as "the Great Arjuna". Hearing his ego trip, Sairendhri (Draupadi) spoke to the Prince of the greatest charioteer Brihannala (Arjuna), who helped Arjuna win during the Khandava forest battle. Uttar kumar was embarrassed that a eunuch would be his charioteer and vetoed her suggestion right away. Sairendhri then rushed to Brihannala, asking for him to help the young prince. After much persuasion, Prince Uttar Kumar agreed to have Brihannala as his charioteer.
As the twosome approached the border, the prince panicked seeing the size and might of the Kaurava army. His escape from the chariot was viewed with amusement by the Kaurava army, while his charioteer ran after him to bring him back. Arjuna spoke of how it was cowardly to run away, and that greater glory came only from dying in a battlefield, as opposed to cowering. He then offered to take over the position of warrior, while the young prince switched to become the charioteer. Arjuna then took the prince to the Sami tree for the weapons, where he revealed himself as Arjuna and also uncovered the identities of his brothers and their wife. The prince was shocked, humbled, yet thrilled that he had the fortune of fighting alongside the greatest warrior ever.
Arjuna twanged the Gandhiva bow. Drona, having already recognized the mighty Arjuna, was pleased to see his favorite student, even if in a woman's garb. Bheeshma and Kripa were also happy to see him alive and well. Bheeshma and Drona, knowing that the 13th year was successfully completed according to the lunar calendar, praised Arjuna's stand and that it wouldn't take him long to rout out the entire army facing him. These words troubled Duryodhana and made the entire army nervous. Duryodhana chided his teacher for being so openly biased towards his favorite, and creating a flutter within the army. Radheya immediately came to Duryodhana's side, proud that he could finally fight against Arjuna, kill him and remove the thorn from his best friend Duryodhana's heart. This angered Kripa, who went on to relate how Arjuna could fit anybody single handedly, while Radheya couldn't. He spoke of Arjuna's prowess at Khandava forest, killing of the Nivatakavachas and Kalakeyas, and also the rescuing of Duryodhana from the Gandharvas when Radheya himself had to run away from the onslaught of the Gandharva arrows.
Ashwattama, known to speak his mind, was disgusted by Radheya's words. He called him a pompous braggart, whose words do not reflect in action. He spoke of the Sun and Wind that did their duties without any fanfare, about Mother Earth who patiently bears the burden of all creatures and protects them, not expecting any praise. He then turned to Duryodhana and accused him of cheating his way to acquire the kingdom, playing a game of dice that was always meant to benefit the Kauravas and also losing all nobility through his jealous actions towards the Pandavas. He put down his bow and arrows and refused to fight his dear and admired friend, Arjuna.
Question: If Ashwattama was openly disgusted with the actions of Duryodhana and Radheya, while also openly admiring the Pandavas, why did he fight on the side of the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war? Does friendship alone justify siding with the wrong?
Bhagavad Gita: Chanted verses 11&12 with Swamiji.
Please have the children do their daily prayers regularly and also practice the ślokas and Gita chanting.
See you all on Friday December 18, 2020.
Pranāms,
Viji Lakshmi and Nivedita
Friday Grade 6 sevikas
