Hari om,
We had a short class today. Children performed Saraswathi pooja in the main hall.
We started the class with Om and opening prayer. As there was a long Navaratri break, we recapped from beginning of the story up until lesson 8. (Sita Kalyanam).
Was very glad and happy to see that they were able to remember and reproduce the name of important personnel from the story.
We learnt Saraswathi Namasthubhyam Shloka. Many kids were already knew the shloka.
Chapter 9- Poisonous seed.
-After the wedding all 4 brothers along with their wives lived happily with king and queen in Ayodhya for 12 long years. All 4 brothers helped their father with political and other administrative tasks. Sita was loved by everyone.
-Dasaratha wanted to retire and make Rama as the king of Ayodhya. He called his ministers and expressed his wish. All ministers were so happy and excited about the decision. Although they would be sad to see Dasaratha take a leave, they were very happy to welcome Rama.
-Rama was called to the court and Dasaratha expressed his desire. Rama received the message with great equanimity. Did not jump around and very politely and respectfully said, "father i am duty bound to do as you say".
-Vasistha stated that the next day was very auspicious day and Rama could be crowned the next day. At this time Bharatha and Shatrughna had gone to Kekaya to visit Bharatha's grandparents. However, as the day was auspicious, they started preparing for the coronation.
-Looking at all the preparations, Manthara (Kaikeyi's maid) learned that Rama was going to be crowned the next day and ran to give the news to Kaikeyi.
-Kaikeyi was so happy and elated after listening to the news. She gave Manthara a gift. But Manthara called her a "Stupid Queen" and started poisoning Kaikeyi's mind against Rama and Kaushalya.
-Kaikeyi fell prey to Manthara's plan. Now she wanted Bharata to become king and Rama to go to forest for 14 years.
-she fought with Dasaratha to get these 2 wishes. Dasaratha was devastated. He called Rama and gave him the news.
Even at this time, Rama took the news well without any disappointment or ill feeling.
Kids were asked to reflect on Rama's equanimous quality.
They were asked to practice the same at home, school and with their friends.
With our Guru's Blessings,
Saratha and Kavita
