हरी ॐ
Dear Parents,
With a discussion based class last week, it was interesting to see the viewpoints of the children, in terms of analyzing the characters and the deeper meanings behind their actions. 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:
Hastinapura was buzzing with energy - spies sent in all directions to locate the Pandavas, everybody with their ears to the ground sniffing out every possible lead they had. With no hints of the Pandavas, Duryodhana secretly hoped that they were dead. Despite Drona's warning that the mighty Pandavas couldn't die that easily, and Bheeshma's advice to make peace, Duryodhana swore to keep the kingdom away from his cousins.
The death of Keechaka (regarded to be among the most powerful) came as a shock, but also revealed the might of his killer. This incident, along with the description given by Bheeshma (of the type of place where Yudhisthira would reside), gave the Kauravas ample evidence to locate their cousins, and invade the Matsya kingdom. The Trigarta king Susarma who already had a grudge against King Virāta decided to join forces with the Kauravas, offering to attack the southern side of the Matsya kingdom and steal their cattle.
The cowherds were stunned to see their precious cattle being stolen amidst the constant shower of arrows and javelins. Upon hearing of this, Yudhisthira along with Bheema, Nakula, Sahadeva, Sataanika, Madiraswa and Virāta's sons, set out to vanquish the invader. Even when King Virāta was captured by Susarma, Bheema did not lose heart. He set out to release the captured king, while also enslaving the invading king, Susarma. Yudhisthira, being most forgiving, allowed Susarma to be released. King Virāta was extremely pleased with the outcome and wished to repay them for their kindness and generosity over the last few months.
Bhagavad Gita: Chanted verses 9&10 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 11, 2020.
Pranāms,
Viji Lakshmi and Nivedita
Friday Grade 6 sevikas
