Dear Parents,
Harih Om!
The following material was taught to your child on Sunday, February 7, 2021
- Geeta chanting verses 21 and 22 of chapter 2 Bhagavad Geeta
- Geeta Dhyanam: the children chanted this fully
- Yato Dharamah tato Jayah: The ten values in life that characterize Dharma according to Manu Bhagavan were reiterated and the remaining five values were discussed in detail as follows:
- Indriya Nigraha: mastery over organs of perception: This determines what we hear, see taste etc. Control over these organs of perception is important as our mind may get agitated or swayed by what we see or hear.
- Dhi: using the faculty of discrimination. There are always two paths available to us. We must always choose the right path even though it may be difficult. When we choose the right path, Bhagavan automatically will give us clarity and determination to proceed in this path and will support us and help us. We should not take short cuts as this leads to short term happiness only.
- Vidya: Knowledge: that we do not need to seek happiness elsewhere or from outside and that happiness lies within us. While the ability to read, write is necessary in order to earn a livelihood and transact in this world, Vidya according to our scriptures has a deeper meaning. True knowledge frees from our entanglements in this world and that is the knowledge of the Self and of God.
- Satya: Truthfulness: always tell the truth because lying will lead to misery, ill health and provides short term happiness. If we are honest then our conscience will be clear, and we can lead a happy fulfilling life. To cover a mistake, we lie and to protect that falsehood, we say numerous other lies. If we lie, it will eventually catch up with us one day and we will be burdened throughout our life because of lying. It is best to admit our mistake and pay for the wrong deed immediately instead of carrying it with us.
- Akrodha: absence of anger: Anger is justified at times for instance a mother reprimanding her child to look carefully on both sides before crossing a road etc. Anger should not overwhelm our mind because we will become slaves to it. We should have control over anger and show discrimination to know when and where to show anger. Anger brings misery and guilt. Peacefully transacting brings happiness!
These ten values must be followed and practiced all the time, every time! For example, if we say we are honest 80% of the time, that means we are being dishonest 20% of the time and so we are not an honest person!
Another aspect to these ten values is that it is possible that we may see others not following these values and still appearing to be doing well. We should however not be affected by what others are doing or not. We should have complete faith in the efficacy of these values and do our best to uphold them at all times and under all circumstances.
4.Yaksha Prashnas:
- What is moha (delusion)? Wrong understanding/interpretation of Dharma is moha. Our intellect deceives us and convinces us that when we do something wrong, it is okay to "occasionally" make mistakes or do wrong to others. Therefore, we misinterpret Dharma and this leads to delusion.
- What is Maana (exaggerated self-respect)?: We should not brag about our achievements or qualities. Remember if we have achieved anything or have won accolades it is due to the Lord's Grace alone. Exaggerated self-respect and pride lead to a person's downfall. Respect is earned and should never be demanded. Remember that even a tiny insect like the mosquito can afford to bring the lion to its knees!
- What is a Aalasya (laziness): To not follow Dharma is laziness. A student's dharma is complete his/her homework and study meticulously for exams. If a student instead wastes his/her time playing with friends or gossiping, then it will comprise his/her grades. This is procrastination/laziness constitutes not following Dharma.
- What is Shoka (grief)?: If we have knowledge of Self then we see God everywhere. When we have this knowledge then there is no grief. Because we see Him in each and everyone and that everyone is but an expression of Him. Would we want to hurt Him?
Thank you!
Sitaram Kuchibhotla and
Mekhala (Grade 8 Sunday AM) Balavihar sevaks
