Hari Om! Parents,
Welcome to our 2nd report for the month of October.
We started class with the beginning prayers followed by meditation.
After a brief recap of the last lesson, we continued about Lord's life in the forest, remembering the main purpose as an Avatara was to kill Ravana.
After crossing the river Ganga, with Guha's help they reached the ashrama of Rishi Bharadwaja. The rishi advised them to live in Chitrakoota, ideally suited for them. They were fruits, water, and beautiful surroundings.
Meanwhile, Sumantra the charioteer went back to Ayodhya and gave them information of the Lord being comfortable and happy in the forest. Dasharatha was heartbroken. He told Kausalya the story of Shravana kumara. He had accidentally killed him when he was young making his blind parents suffer. He knew his karma Phala was activated. He was suffering the pangs of separation from his son just like Shravana's parents suffered.
Dasharatha could not bear the separation from his dear son Rama. He breathed his last. The people of Ayodhya were grief stricken with Rama's departure and the passing of their beloved king.
Bharatha, and Shatrughna were not aware of this. They were in their uncle's house. Rishi Vasishtha summoned them to Ayodhya. They learned of Kaikeyi's doings and were struck with unbelievable sorrow; his fury was uncontrollable. Shatrughna, who was generally calm, grabbed Mantra by her hair, and struck her. They went to Mother Kausalya and begged for forgiveness. She embraced them seeing their grief. They spent time talking of Rama's intense love for all and his generosity. Kausalya was convinced of Bharata's purity.
Bharata and Shatrughna performed their father's funeral according to Vedic rites on the banks of the river Sarayu assisted by Vasishtha. After that, everyone including Kausalya urged Bharata to accept the crown. Bharata did not agree, as his dear brother
Rama was leading the life of an ascetic. He decided to go to the forest and ask Rama's forgiveness and beg him to come back. The next morning, he set out to the forest at dawn accompanied by the 3 queens, gurus, some ministers, and some people from Ayodhya. They traveled for 2 days when they were met by Guha. Guha was happy to know that Bharata was taking Rama back. Bharata then went to Rishi Bharadwaja's ashram and found out that Rama was in Chitrakoota.
In Chitrakoota Rama. Lakshmana and Sita were leading a peaceful life. Lakshmana had built a beautiful hut for them. One afternoon, they were met by Bharata. Bharata begged for forgiveness from Rama. He then told them about their father's passing. Rama was very saddened to hear this. Rama. Then consoled his mother and made customary offerings to the River Mandakini to the departed spirit of Dasharatha. Rama then explained the highest truth in philosophy regarding governing. Bharata was firm on his decision not to be king. He pleaded with Rama to return and be king.
Finally, Vasishtha came with a clever suggestion. He told Bharata to act as Rama's representative for 14 years. Bharata accepted this and with Rama's blessings took Rama's sandals, placed it on his head and returned to Ayodhya.
After Bharata left, Rama didn't want to live in Chitrakoota. The place was known to everyone in Ayodhya. They proceeded to the hermitage of sage Atri and Anasuya. They blessed them and instructed them in their choice to live.
Anasuya took a liking to Sita. She presented her with some clothes and taught her how she could be a support to Rama.
They then moved deeper into the Dandaka forest. It was fearsome, with snakes and wild animals. They later encountered a demon called Viradha. He had a boon that he could not be killed but would endure pain. Rama and Lakshmana, after a fierce battle, wounded him. He then revealed his true form. He was a gandharva, and was cursed to be a demon. Rama liberated him from his demon body.
Then they moved on and met Rishi Sharabhabga and Rishi Sudeeksha. Both of them were so happy to meet the Lord and offered the fruit of their pe ancestors to Rama. Rama with great humility declined them. He told then he had to earn the merits through his own actions. The rishi talked to them about the destructive nature of the demons around there. Rama offered to kill them. With the rishi's permission they lived for some time in the Dandaka forest. They could meet the other rishis in the area and receive their blessings. Yet another chapter was beginning, as they slowly moved more south. They were getting closer to their goal. This was the end of Ayodhya Kand.
Values discussed in class
Lakshmana's -devotion to Rama, his selfless nature. Also,, his negative character of being quick- temperedness
Bharata- devotion to righteousness, his nobility, humility, absence of any greed. His wisdom.
Rama- continued the Lord's traits. Lack of jealousy, nobility, loving nature towards all. Talked about earning punyam through his actions and not taking shortcuts.
The children contributed nicely with the value discussions. They talked about incidents in school, both good and bad and how they could enhance their lives.
Announcements
Nov 11th- Diwali celebrations
Nov-12th Annakuta celebrations
Next Balavihar- Nov 17th
Thank you!
Pranams
Nirmala and Mythili
