Hari OM,
This week we started our class with prayers. This was followed by the continuation of the Mahabharata:
- The ninth day of war begins with Duryodhana optimistic that Bhishma will fight his best. Bhishma fought furiously against the Pandavas, and Arjuna was still hesitant. There are many casualties due to Bhishma and Lord Krishna for the second time almost breaking his vow. Lord Krishna jumps out of his chariot and wields the Chakra, and Bhishma is elated at the thought of welcoming death at the hand of the Lord. However Arjuna quickly catches hold of Lord Krishna and apologizes for his reluctance.
- That night, the Pandavas are in deep sorrow over their losses and inability to defeat Bhishma. Lord Krishna asks Yudhishtra for permission to fight, but Yudhishtra refuses to allow Lord Krishna's name to be defiled. He instead proposes they ask Bhishma himself how he would prefer to be killed. The Pandavas go to Bhishma's tent while others are sleeping and pay their respects. Bhishma welcomes the Pandavas as his favorites and tells them to keep Shikandi in front of him. Bhishma will put down his weapons and subsequently, Arjuna may defeat him.
- On the tenth day, Duryodhana instills an army of protectors to look out for Bhishma, but it is of no use. Ultimately Bhisma falls as predicted at the hands of Arjuna and lays on a bed of 1000 arrows. Both sides intensely grieve. The Rishis descend from heaven and Bhishma says he will only leave his body when Uttarayana comes. Until then, he lays his head on a pillow of arrows and quenches his thirst from Ganga's water directly from the earth, at his request.
- That night, Karna pays his respect to his Grandfather and the two share a warm moment. Bhishma says he will only reveal Karna's true identity to Duryodhana after Karna's death.
This was followed by the Spirit Day activity - Scavenger Hunt. There were 10 clues and children had to guess the answer and find a corresponding object in their home and show it in the Zoom session. We took photos during this activity and will share it in the parents WhatsApp group. After this the class joined the Main Zoom meeting where there were additional activities by senior grades. This was followed by the Chinmaya Pledge.
Pranaams!
Krishna and Vijay
