Hari Om Parents,
The sequence and summary of today's class are as follows:
-Opening prayers and Om chanting
-Recap of previous class.
-Today's lesson
Story of King Bharata - Bharata was the son of Sage Rishabha. After ruling the kingdom for many years, he gives up his kingdom, all riches and power, and goes to the forest to meditate. His son becomes the King, while Bharata builds a small hut on the banks of river Gandaki and starts living there. He meditates on the Lord and many years go by. One day he sees that a deer gives birth to a baby and dies. Bharata picks up the baby deer and takes care of it like his own baby. The fawn grows up to become a beautiful deer, and in the process, Bharata gets so attached to it, that he even gives up his meditation and devotional activities. He is constantly thinking about the deer. Even at the time of his death, he thinks only about the deer.
As a result, he is reborn as a deer. He retains the memory of his past life and strives to meditate on the Lord, but it is impossible to do so in the form of a deer. He waits until he is born again as a human. He is reborn as the youngest son in a wealthy family. He still has the memory of the past two lives. He is careful not to get attached to anything in this life, so he does not speak with anyone, and his mind is always fixed on the Lord. People call him a mad man and ill treat him, but he never reacts to anything and is in his own world.
One day he is captured by robbers and is about to be killed as a sacrifice to Goddess Kali. The Goddess herself protects him. He is so absorbed in God, that he does not even realize what was happening.
Another day, King Rahuguna is going in a palanquin. One of the palanquin bearers gets sick. They see the strong looking Bharata nearby and tell him to carry the palanquin. He starts walking with the palanquin on his shoulder. He does not walk smoothly as he is trying to avoid trampling on any creatures on the ground. The King gets irritated by this. He yells at Bharata and insults him. Then Bharata smiles and talks for the first time. He tells the King that it is the same God in everyone, and who is to command and who is to obey. Hearing such words of wisdom, the King realizes that he was no ordinary man. He becomes Bharata's disciple, and learns many things about God.
We discussed with appropriate examples, how it is important to be attached to the proper things. One has to depend on self to be happy, and not depend on anything or anyone else to be happy. We have to trust God and accept changes or circumstances given by him as lessons to be learnt. It is very important to keep good company. It could be books, friends or movies. We have to choose the right ones, that teach us the right things in life.
Likhita Japa - The kids wrote "Sri RamaJayam" 21 times.
Before we concluded the class we recorded some parts needed for our presentation.
Pledge and Closing prayers
We look forward to seeing the kids next week!
Pranaam,
Vasudha & Neelima
