Hariom Parents,
Thank you. Hari OM
VS and PK--
Here is the update from Last class.
Week 10. Dec 18th 2020
We started our class with Likhita Japa Om Namo Narayana and opening prayers. We chanted Dhyana slokas and had a recap of Naama Ramayanam - Aranya kandam.
Ramayana Story Discussion
Wandering around looking for Sita, Rama and Lakshmana came across Kabandha. He had long hands which he used to grab Rama and Lakshmana. They cut off his arms and escaped his grip. He was grateful and told Rama that he was a gandharva who was cursed by Indra and now, being killed by Rama would release him from his curse. He also told Rama that he should go further south to Rishyamukha mountain, and meet Sugriva, who was hiding there out of fear of his brother, the mighty Vali. Sugriva would help him find Sita. A thankful Rama and Lakshmana cremated Kabandha and then went in search of Sugriva.
Seeing the brothers approach the area, Sugriva sent Hanuman, his chief minister, to make sure they were not sent by Vali to kill him. Hanuman disguised himself as a brahman and met with the brothers. He spoke well-chosen and scholarly words, and Rama was very impressed. Lakshman introduced themselves and appraised Hanuman of their mission. Hanuman led them to Sugriva and presented their situation. Sugriva informed Rama of his troubles with Vali.
Vali was the king of Kishkindha and was once challenged by a demon called Mayavi to engage in combat. The fierce battle went on for a long time and at one time, Vali and Mayavi went into a cave. Vali told Sugriva to close the entrance and guard the cave. After a long time, Sugriva heard shouts and saw blood seeping at the entrance. Thinking Vali had been killed, he further bolstered the sealing of the cave and then went back to Kishkinda and reported Vali dead. He then became king of Kishkinda. Vali had killed Mayavi, then got out of the cave with great difficulty and returned to Kishkinda. Seeing Sugriva on the throne, he was furious and accused Sugriva of deceiving him and seizing the throne. He kicked Sugriva out of Kishkinda and took Sugriva's wife Ruma captive. Sugriva took to hiding in Rishyamukha mountains as there was a curse of death for Vali from Rishi Matanga if he ever entered that area.
Rama, recognised Sita's jewelry that the monkeys gathered as they fell around the place and felt very sad! Sugriva promised to help Rama find Sita and asked for help in vanquising Vali. Rama immediately agreed. He asked Sugriva to go and challenge Vali to a fight. Sugriva wanted proof of Rama's strength- Rama struck one arrow through seven Sala trees and Sugriva was awestruck. He immediately went to challenge Vali. Vali's wife Tara cautioned Vali as she had heard of Rama's power. Vali however took on the challenge and he engaged in one on one with Sugriva. Rama was initially unable to distinguish between them and refrained from discharging an arrow. Sugriva, badly bruised, came and asked him why he had not killed Vali. Rama asked him to wear a garland so he could distinguish between the two of them. Sugriva went back to fight Vali and this time, Rama discharged an arrow and killed Vali. Vali, struck and on death's doorstep, was initially upset that Rama had killed him without engaging in open combat with him. But Rama explained to him his right as a representative of King Bharata to uphold the law in these parts of the kingdom.While breathing last he offered his son Angadha under Rama's care, who said Angadha will be the crown prince of the kishkindha kingdom.
After the death of Vali, Sugriva was crowned King and Angadha crown prince of Kishkindha. It was decided that search parties would start looking for Sita after the rainy season, which was imminent. Sugriva had ordered all the monkeys that could take part in the search to assemble after the rainy season ended. However close to the time, he made no efforts to start the search and instead was immersed in enjoying the benefits of being a King. Furious, Lakshmana came to the court to remind of his promise. Afraid to face Lakshmana, Sugriva asked Tara to meet him first and appraise him of the steps taken so far. Tara did so and Sugriva also met with Lakshmana and assured him that the search would start soon. He then called all monkeys to gather at Kishkinda. Once all the monkeys had assembled, he divided them into four groups to search in the four directions and gave them one month to find Sita. The leader of the group searching the southern direction was Angadha, and some of the important members were Jambavan, Nila and Hanuman. Sugriva told Rama that this was the group most likely to succeed. Rama called Hanuman and gave him his ring, as a token that Sita could recognize the messenger was from Rama himself. The group searched far and wide and were exhausted. They entered a cave and got lost in it for a while. They came across an ascetic who revealed herself to be Swayamprabha. They told her about their mission. She said they had spent most of the month there - she transported them back using her powers and they were on the south seashore. Dejected that their time for searching was almost over, with no good result, they were worried and kept on discussing the story of Sita's abduction, the name Jatayu came up. An old eagle that was nearby spoke up- he was Sampati, Jatayu's elder brother whose wings had gotten burnt when they flew too close to the Sun. Sampati thanked them for bringing him news about his dear brother, sad as it was. He told them that he was able to see very far and could see Sita in a grove of trees in Lanka.
Energised with this news, the group discussed who could make the leap across the ocean. Jambavan reminded Hanuman of his father Vayu and his abilities to fly as fast as his father. Hanuman ji gets ready to fly, crossing the ocean.
Today in Ramayana tour, one child presented Kishkindha, along with a beautiful video.
We had a quick monthly presentation discussion. (Planned for 22nd Jan however we plan to record it earlier and just present on that day)
Students are assigned with topics and they're expected to get back (through email, texting) about their work/presentation.
We had a short class as grade 9 had a live presentation and we joined another zoom link. Some of our 7th graders got back to our class link after the shanti mantra and pledge when the 9th grade presentation concluded.
Next Class on Jan 8th, 2021. Have a great Holiday season.
Happy New Years.
Thank you. Hari OM
VS and PK
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Download and Enjoy Chinmaya Bhajans from Google Play , Amazon Music or Itunes Store phones.
