Hari Om Parents,
Happy Ugadhi and Gudi Padwa to you all…
The class commenced on March 22nd with the chanting of the opening and daily prayers that the kids are getting progressively comfortable with, except a couple of them. So, we practiced by reciting (the one for forgiveness, daily bath and before meals) a few more times to acclimatize the kids with those verses. Then they completed the word search worksheet that listed some of Krishna's names and the significance of each name was discussed.
The concept of attachment to the fruits of one's actions was discussed in detail by the JCHYK teachers, Vinayak and Vishnu, with the narration of the conversation between Narada and Kamsa, in their prior week visit. That notion was further explored with the advice of Akrura, a prominent Yadava clan chieftain, to Kamsa with regards to approaching the fruits of one's action with a balanced mind.
Narada's revelation that the cowherd's true identity to be Lord Narayana himself threw Kamsa's mind into utter turmoil. In a fit of rage, he convened his court and unveiled his devious plan to kill the two brothers. A wrestling match with Kamsa's own prized fighters was announced with the intention of luring the brothers to Mathura, a ploy intended to kill his arch enemies. He instructed his soldiers to station the mighty elephant," Kuvalaypida" at the arena entrance to try and slaughter the boys. To propitiate Lord Shiva, a Dhanuryagna was to be conducted on a grand scale, a spectacle that would surely entice the boys to visit the city and witness the grandeur. Kamsa disclosed his plan to Akrura, one of the trustworthy yadava chieftains and ordered him to lure the boys to Mathura by any means. Akrura, warns Kamsa of the possibility of the occurrence of unforeseen hazards that could impede his lofty plan and pleads for a balanced approach to both success and failure in life.
Akrura boarded his chariot with a mind fully laden with the thoughts of Lord Krishna as he was briefed on the true identity of the little boy by Narada earlier. He was positive that Krishna would grant him impunity for he is none other than a mere messenger. Akrura divulges Kamsa's plan in its entirety to Nanda and the boys who in spite of the malevolence, agree to travel to Mathura to participate in the planned revelry. At dawn, they all departed Vrindavana once Krishna bid farewell to his beloved Mother, Yasodha, and promised to treasure her memories in his heart for eternity. The caravan of chariots stopped on reaching the banks of Manadakini river for the entourage to offer their midday prayers by chanting the Gayatri mantra. Akrura took a dip in the river and was amazed to see Krishna and Balarama in the waters of the flowing river. But, then upon rushing to the banks, he found the boys chatting merrily seated on the chariot. Reassuring himself, Akrura immersed his head under water but then lo, and behold, was stunned to envision Lord Narayana clad in yellow robes, stretched out on the bed of the thousand headed Serpent King, Adisesha. Akrura prostrated before the Lord and proclaimed to Krishna that he had, indeed seen the most amazing vision, that is far more superior all the wonders of the world put together.
The caravan reached Mathura at sundown and Akrura took leave of the entourage to inform Kamsa of their arrival. Krishna and his Yadava friends were offered clothing and beautiful garlands by the people of Mathura. Trivakra, a hunchback girl, humbly presented to Krishna the fragrant sandalwood paste that was intended for Kamsa himself. Krishna amply rewarded her kindness by straightening her bent body that she glowed with exquisite charm and beauty. Thus, the stage is set for the beginning of the end of Kamsa and his atrocious, villainous reign over the kingdom of Mathura.
Once the storytelling part of the class was over, we chanted the Geeta verses and the Mangala Arti that we are learning, as part of the curriculum. We wrapped our session early to watch the First graders perform their skit on Ramayana.--
Warm Regards
Viji Lakshmi & Shivram
