Hari OM,
This week we started our class with prayers followed by a Zoom breakout room preparation for Project#1: Temples. This was followed by a presentation by each of the 4 teams on Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath respectively. The teams presented Significant Facts; Geographical Location, Historical Significance and Association with Hinduism / Chinmaya Mission. All the teams did a great job with their presentations. We also had a Q&A session after each presentation.
This was followed by the conclusion of Virata Parva of the Mahabharata:
- Uttara Kumara tells Virata that a divine being really defeated the Kaurava army, but the Pandavas wait until the next day to reveal themselves. Virata is overcome with emotion and offers his kingdom to Yudhishthira. He also offers his daughter Uttara as the wife to Arjuna's son Abhimanyu.
- There is a grand celebration, and many Kings and relatives arrive at Upaplavya including Lord Krishna. In discussing the next steps, Yudhishthira agrees that they must firmly demand their half of the kingdom, or prepare for war.
- Drupada send his priest as envoy to Duryodhana and the Pandavas begin amassing their army coalition.
- Arjuna travels to Dwarka to seek out Lord Krishna's help, but Duryodhana beats him to it. Lord Krishna offers to help both of them, and he gives them the choice of either his entire army or himself. Duryodhana is satisfied with the army, while Arjuna chooses first and picks Lord Krishna as his charioteer.
This was followed by chanting of verses 13-14 from Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 2. We will send the video of this to the Parents via WhatsApp. We concluded the class with Shanti Mantras and Chinmaya Pledge.
Reminder: Our next class is on Jan 10, 2021.
!!!!HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL !!!!
Pranaams!
Krishna and Vijay
