Week 8. Dec 4th 2020
We started our class with Likhita Japa "Sri Ramajayam" and opening prayers. We chanted Dhyana shlokas and Nama Ramayana led by one of the youths.
Ramayana Story: We used the Nama Ramayana chanting to recap the Ayodhya Khanda. Our substitute teacher – Vidhya Iyer - led this portion along with one of the youths to sing along.
Today we started with Aranaya Khanda.
Bharata returned back to Ayodhya to rule the kingdom on Rama's behalf and living a life of Ascetic. Rama was on the move in the forest visiting many sages / rishis, Slaying Rakshaas and saving hermitages and people living around. Ten years pass. Sutikshna's ashram became the base of living.. From there he goes to the hermitage of Agastya. Sage Agastya blesses Rama and gives him a Bow made by Vishwakarma for Vishnu, an inexhaustible quiver and a sword. Agastha advices the prince to spend the rest of his exile at Panchavati.
On the way to Panchavati Sree Rama meets Jataya – The vulture, Brother of Sampati and related to great eagle vehicle of Vishnu. He offers to look after Sita and her safety when Rama goes hunting.
Panchavati was a beautiful place. Rama planned to stay at Panchavati for some time. So, Lakshmana quickly put up an elegant hut and they all settled down.
A student volunteer presented some facts about Panchavati.
We then had some discussion about the forthcoming monthly program. Kids are asked to get back with their ideologies for it. Please discuss with them and share any ideas they may have.
Gita time-- we learned verse 9 and 10 from Chapter 2, following Swamiji's chanting.
We concluded with arathi and pledge along with closing Prayers.
Next Class on Dec 11th
Thank you. Hari OM
Shankar , Purnima and Vidhya
