हरी ॐ
Dear Parents,
This week we started learning the Ganesha Stavah (Ajam nirvikalpam). Please use the WhatsApp recording and practice. This week also saw us bring a close to Sabha Parva in the Mahabharata.
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 - We request the children to listen, practice and memorize every day, at least till verse 66. The NJ regionals will be held on March 30th at our Ashram. Please register for Geeta Chanting Competition at the following link:
** Mahabharata - continuing with Sabha Parva, this week was more about understanding the characters. The anger and jealousy of Duryodhana was discussed last week, which led us to this week's story of how an important plot was formed.
The Rajasuya brought about more ill feeling towards the Pandavas, leaving the Kauravas in a state of urgency to destroy them. The weak Dhritarashtra, helpless in his love for Duryodhana, agrees to the plan (hatched by Śakuni) to bring Yudhisthira to Hastinapura for a game of dice, knowing fully well that gambling was his weakness. As the ever obedient nephew, Yudhisthira and his brothers, unknowing of the original plan, are invited to Hastinapura. Śakuni and his manipulative scheming ends up with the Pandavas and Kauravas on two opposing teams wagering wealth, palaces, and even kingdoms as bets. Śakuni being the masterful dice thrower manages to win it for the Kauravas at every turn. Just as Yudhisthira is about to admit complete defeat, he is challenged to wager his brothers, which he does as a hopeful last minute win. But the Kauravas have planned this game for far too long to lose it at such a crucial point. The Pandavas are now slaves to the Kauravas. Śakuni and Duryodhana in their final bid to humiliate the Pandavas, challenge Yudhisthira to place Draupadi as their wager. The Pandava brothers erupt, accusing Śakuni and the Kauravas of having no shame. But Yudhisthira, at his wits end, does the unforgivable, and places Draupadi as the bet. This too was won by the Kauravas.
Dusshasana is sent to bring the 'slave' Draupadi to the court. She is humiliated by being dragged in, and the Pandavas vow to seek revenge for that. Dusshasana, adding salt to the wound, tries to disrobe Draupadi of her 'royal finery'. She prays to Krishna, her only refuge, to keep her from further humiliation. As her robes are unwinding from her body, Krishna does the needful. Her distraught appearance is not lost on the court elders, who all try to reason with Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana on the wrath of a wronged woman.
The arrogance of having won it all from the Pandavas keeps Duryodhana from understanding the repercussions of his actions, but his father worries for the lives of his children. Dhritarashtra profusely apologizes to Draupadi and asks her not to curse her children. She, in turn, asks for her husbands' and all their wealth and Kingdom to be returned and the Pandavas and Draupadi look forward to their return to Indraprastha.
Angered by his father's actions, Duryodhana sends word to the Pandavas that another game should be played, where the loser gives up his Kingdom and will be exiled for 12 years. Yudhisthira, in a weak moment, gives in, plays and loses again.
With that Sabha Parva finishes and Vana Parva begins today.
Today, 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 today at 7pm sharp.
Pranāms,
Vandana and Nivedita