Dear Parents,
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)
Mahabharata:
Sanjaya's return from Upaplavya, the subsequent identity crisis faced by Dhritarashtra and Vidura's advice and Rishi Sanatsujata's explanations - all of which only caused greater heartache in Dhritarashtra, not lessening his greed or nepotistic tendencies.
Sanjaya approached the Court with the reply from the Pandavas and their allies. He watched as he hurled each accusation (as narrated to him), as guilt, arrogance and a myriad of emotions played out in the faces of those present. Then Bheeshma rose to announce that Arjuna and Krishna were Nara-Narayana is the twin-brother avatar of the God Vishnu on Earth, working for the preservation of Dharma or righteousness. He was upset that Duryodhana was depending on the wrong type like Sakuni, Dusshasana and low born Radheya who was twice cursed - those who could never win him a war. While Radheya, in anger, spoke of his loyalty and promised to slay the Pandavas, Bheeshma reminded him of his cowardice at Dwaitavana and Virāta.
Dhritrashtra feared the oath of Bheema to kill his sons and Yudhisthira's revenge in anger, while Sanjaya pointed his finger at the King and said that he had been a terrible father, and that he was responsible for all the injustices faced by the Pandavas. Duryodhana was confident of winning with many brave warriors like Bheeshma, Drona, Kripa, Ashwatthama, and Karna.
Revealing that the Pandavas wanted to avoid war, and wished to only have 5 cities given to them, Duryodhana got angry and refused even a needle tip of land. Vidura praised Arjuna and Pandavas, of having the support of the gods like Agni (after the Khandava forest burning), receiving weapons from Shiva, Varuna and others, with Hanuman promising to sit atop Arjuna's chariot on the flag. Upset that the dialogue was not in his favor, Duryodhana left the court.
Meanwhile, remembering Krishna's promise to broker peace, Yudhisthira requested Krishna to try his luck at Hastinapura. Krishna, being the most avid supporter of the Pandavas, did not believe that his visit would alter the course, nor bring about any peace to Draupadi, who only wished revenge on the Kauravas. To appease his most beloved cousins and their fervent wish to keep the 18 akshauhinis of warriors from being sacrificed in a mindless war, he took up the task.
Despite the very warm and generous welcome at Hastinapura, Krishna realized that the blind king was only trying to buy his affections and loyalty. Duryodhana's dinner invitation was rebuffed by Krishna, not wishing to eat the food at the home of an unrighteousness person, one who opposed and hated the Pandavas. Krishna, instead, wished to reside in Vidura's palace.
The following day at the Kuru court, Krishna spoke of the benefits of making peace and unifying the family. The glories that could be accrued by giving the Pandavas their rightful share of the kingdom, while winning their favor and support. While Dhritarashtra looked on helpless, Bheeshma, Drona and Vidura showed their support to Krishna. Angered that he was blamed for all that went wrong with the Pandavas, Duryodhana related the events as he saw them. The Pandavas losing the game of dice was not his fault, nor was it his fault that even after the kingdom was returned, the Pandavas returned to play a second game of dice, only to lose everything and their dignity. He would rather die on the battle field a true Kshatriya warrior, than accede to the elders. Krishna, understanding the futility in giving advice, warned the Kaurava brothers of imminent death and destruction.
Bhagavad Gita: Chanted verses 19 and 20 with Swamiji.
Please have the children do their daily prayers regularly and also practice the ślokas and Gita chanting.
See you all on Friday February 5, 2021.
Pranāms,
Viji Lakshmi and Nivedita
Friday Grade 6 sevikas
