Hari Om! Parents,
We started our class with the beginning prayers followed by ,
Bhadram Karne bhih….
This week our curriculum was on Vanaprastha or retired life
The word ‘vanam’ means forest, but here it means Paramatma Brahman. Vanaprastha, means one who intends to abide in Brahman alone. After preparing our life with knowledge as a student, and having matured doing our duties, the Vanaprastha stage comes. Here we detach ourselves from worldly activities and devote most of our time to spirituality.
We showed am episode from Upanishad Ganga which depicted 2 stories showing retired life.
The 1st story was from the Mahabharata. After the war when all the sons of Dhritharashtra are killed, he continues to stay in the palace, despite being ill treated by Bheema. He was so attached to his sons specially Duryodhana, he still continued to live at the palace with the memories of his son. Vidura also advises him to leave the palace and let go of all the memories and emotions. After 15 years he finally leaves the palace along with his wife Gandhari and sister in law Kunti.
Discussed that in today’s current world, Vanaprastha means leading a life of detachment form material happiness and social relations. It is not to run away from social life but let the current generation take charge and guide them when necessary
The 2nd episode was about Bimbisara and Ajatasatru. Ajatasatru was the son of the Magadha king Bimbisara. He was the crown prince. But as long as his father was king he could not be the king. His mission to kill his father fails and he is captured. His father pardons him. But what Bimbisara could not do Ajatasatru does. He imprisons his father. In the jail his doctor converses with Bimbisara. He tells him, had he given the kingdom to his son at the right time, things would have been different. Bimbisara realizes his mistake.
Discussed, retired life makes you look at the bigger picture. When we lead an active life our focus is centered on our family, our work etc. In retired life we realize that the entire society is our family as Vasudeva Kutumbakam.
We have given several topics to the children, which they have learned over the course of the year. The children will have to prepare and speak on their topics for 3 mins. Looking forward to this activity.
Announcement:
Our annual Vrindavan Mela is on June 8th. Please attend the Mela with friends and family. There are various volunteering opportunities available.
Pranams
Nirmala and Purnima
