December 17th, 2023
Hari Om Parents,
We started the class with usual prayers. Subsequently we chanted together Nama Ramayana. Please have them practice this at home. We also did pranayama/breathing exercises for some time.
We continued with our Ramayana story. When Rama and Lakshmana returned to the ashram, they did not find Sitaji. Rama was extremely distraught. He almost behaved like a mad person trying to search for Sitaji going from mountain to mountain, tree to tree, running here and there. Not finding Sitaji he gets extremely angry, to the extent that he wants to destroy the three worlds. Lakshmana talks to Rama, consoles him, and pleads with him to control himself. Tells him that we both can search for sitaji and Finder even if she is hidden anywhere in the three worlds. At this time, they notice some deers pointing to sky start running towards South, they follow the deers. After going some distance, they find Jataayu lying on the ground, destroyed Chariots and weapons around him. Jatayu before dying tells Rama that Ravana took Sitaji. Rama does last rites of Jataayu, as if he was his own father.
As they go through the forest in search of Sitaji, suddenly they see a demon Kabandan who grabs them with each hand. This was an ugly looking demon, who had his eyes and mouth in the stomach, there was no head. After regaining their composure, Rama and Lakshmana cut the hands of Kabandan. Kabandan asked them who they are, Lakshmana tells the story of Ramayana - so far what happened, that they are searching for Sitaji. Kabandan said that he was waiting for them. Previously he used to be a most handsome person. Because of his bad deeds and vanity, he was cursed by sage Sthulasheera and Indra to be in this demon form. He asked Rama to burn his body so that he could regain his divine form. Rama and Lakshmana do the same, he attains his divine form, and asks him to go and visit Shabari in Maatanga forest near Pampa river and she will direct them to Sugriva who is staying in Rshyamukha mountain. With help of Sugriva and vanaras they will be able to get Sitaji back.
Rama and Lakshmana reach Maatanga ashram, and find Shabari. She welcomes them with devotion, offers them asanas and prays to them. She offers fruits to Rama and Lakshmana. Devotional texts very beautifully describe how Shabari gave fruits to Sri Ramji after tasting them individually to make sure the fruits were sweet. Ramji ate those fruits without any hesitation, showing that Lord accepts anything given to him with devotion. After serving Rama and Lakshmana, and showing them around the ashram, Shabari takes leave and goes to the higher worlds. She gives them the direction to go towards Rshyamukha mountain to meet Sugriva.
Seeing the serene atmosphere of Maatanga ashram and the beautiful surroundings of Pampa river, sense of calm comes into Rama's mind, he start feeling positive vibes, and starts feeling confident that they will be able to find Sitaji and get her back.
We spent time practicing aarti in the class. We again played hangman game, involving characters of Ramayana. Finally, we ended the class by chanting Bhagavad Gita verses along with Swamiji's video. Our Grade led aarati and pledge in the assembly.
Pranams,
Vyjayanti
Devender
