हरी ॐ
Dear Parents,
Thank you for bringing the children in time, keeping us on schedule and giving us a few extra minutes to do a recap. The children were a delight - raising hands to answer, and even remembering characters and locations.
Update:
** Opening Prayers: Śānthi mantra, Vakrathunda mahākāya, Sarasvati namastubhyam, Guru Brahmā, Buddhir Balam. Meditation for 2 minutes to calm down and get ready for the class.
** Geeta Chanting - Verses 65 and 66 were taught, thereby finishing the minimum number of verses to be memorized for Grade 5. We request all the kids to listen and practice everyday.
** Mahabharata - some important characters like Jarasandha were introduced earlier, and that continued with this week.
Yudhisthira is going to perform the Rajasuya - he sends his 4 brothers in different directions to conquer lands and bring back wealth* - the brothers also invite many Kings to attend the Rajasuya - Indraprastha eagerly welcomes all guests to the Rajasuya , including Krishna (the guest of honor), Balarama and the Kauravas - Sisupala, the King of Chedi insults Krishna and berates the Pandavas to have chosen a mere 'cowherd' and 'bride stealer' to sit among powerful monarchs - the tirade against Krishna does not stop even when Yudhisthira intervenes to pacify Sisupala - Krishna watches on patiently, remembering his promise to Sisupala's mother - a promise that Krishna will give Sisupala a 100 chances of forgiveness before he kills him - Krishna then rises to address the assembled Kings and great sages, that Sisupala had more than exhausted his 100 chances, and was now going to be punished at the hands of Krishna, and beheads Sisupala with his Sudarshana Chakra** - Rajasuya ends on a good note, despite the beheading of Sisupala - Kauravas are envious of the Maya Sabha and it's magical architectural design - the story of Duryodhana mistaking a clear lake to be marble floor and falling in while Draupadi laughs at him - Duryodhana feeling insulted and wanting revenge***
Questions Raised:
* Why was Yudhisthira against war? Aren't all Kshatriyas warriors?
** How was Sisupala absolved of all his sins when Krishna killed him?
*** Discussing the black, white and gray shades of Duryodhana's character. How is it
that Duryodhana was a true friend to a few, and a mortal enemy to others?
We will resume Sabha Parvā this week. We will also be starting the Ganesha Stavah Slokas.
Next week, we will have a Balavihar student from Grades 10-12 spend a half hour in our class, engaging the kids in stories and activities.
See you all tomorrow at 7pm.
Pranāms,
Vandana and Nivedita
