Hari Om Parents!
A very happy new year to all of you. Hope you had a wonderful holiday break. We are excited to welcome back our students in the new year.
Please find below the report of the classed held in the month of December ( 12/1 and 12/8)
We start the classes with Opening prayers and then chant Rama dhyana shloka ( Sree ama Rama Rameti) and a few verses from Nama Ramayanam ( we covered upto Aranya Kanda)
We did a quick recap of Aranya kanda Kanda by asking Kids questions about the story, characters, the lessons and values we learnt from the stories of Aranya Kanda. Then we moved to stories of Kishkinda kanda of the Ramayana Epic.
Since Kabandha had instructed Rama to meet Sugreeva, Rama and Lakshmana proceeded through the forest to Kishkinda. Sugreeva was the fugitive Vanara king living on the top Rishyamooka hill. His wise minister, Hanumanji in the guise of a Brahmin approached the brothers respectfully and introduced himself. Rama explained to Hanumanji his motive. Then Hanumanji took both of them to meet Sugreeva. We then covered the details of many incidents that happen in Rishyamook hill and Kishkinda that leads them finally to initiate the search operation for Sita ji
Sugreeva shares his story about how he has forced to flee from the kingdom of Kishkinda: Dundubhi, a demon challenged Sugreeva's brother Vali and was defeated and killed by Vali. Some of his blood fell on the Rishyamooka hill, which was a residence of a Rishi. The rishi cursed Vali and he was barred from entering the hill area . Dundubhi's brother Mayavi then attacks Vali who eventually gets killed by Vali in a cave. Sugreeva who was guarding outside the cave heard a loud cry and saw a blood stream flowing. He assumed that Vali had died and placed a big boulder in the entrance of the cave. The people of Kishkinda grieved over the death of Vali and crowned Sugreeva king. After some time, Vali returns and was furious with Sugreeva. He was banished from Kishkindha and his wife was taken away. Sugreeva is hence a fugitive and takes refuge on Rishyamooka hill as Vali cannot enter due to the curse.
Rama promises to help Sugreeva and demonstrates his strength through this archery skill. Sugreeva being fully convinced of Rama's valor, challenges Vali for a fight. The fight was fierce. The plan for for Ram to shoot an arrow from behind. In the initial fight, he was unable to do so as both the brothers looked alike. Sugreeva was defeated. In the next round, Rama suggested that Sugreeva wear a garland so he could distinguish between them. Vali's wife, Tara feared for Vali's life now. But Vali was adamant and fought Sugreeva. During the fight, Vali was shot by Rama's arrow. Vali was wounded an fell to the ground. Vali realized his wrong doings, lack of compassion and the arrogance that led to his death. He was happy to die in Rama's hands. He requested Sugreeva to protect his wife and son, Angada. Sugreeva promised Vali that he will fulfill his last wish. Sugreeva was then crowned as the king of Kishkinda.
Due to the rainy season and heavy rains, the search for Sita was postponed to begin at the end of the season. While Rama spent the time in grief waiting for the search to begin, Sugreeva was immersed in enjoying the kingship comforts and forgot about the promise he made to his friend. With some reminders from Hanumanji and harsh reaction from Lakshmana, Sugreeva realizes his mistake and finally kicks of the search operation. The search began for Sita. The vanaras formed groups and went in the 4 directions.
The group which went south was led by Angada, Jambavan, Hanuman etc. Rama had special love for Hanuman and trusted his abilities to find Sita. He gave his ring to Hanumanji and asked him to show that to Sita so that she recognizes him as Rama's messenger. Hanuman and team's search ended in vain. Finally, with help of a yogini and her yogic powers, they reached the seashore. The Vanaras met Sampati, Jatayu's brother who learning about Jatayu's story, offered his help to find Sita. With his sharp eyesight, he saw beyond the ocean and was able to spot Sita Sitting in the Ashoka Vana. The vanaras were overjoyed. Now, they had a challenge of crossing the ocean. While the vanaras were had excellent skill and bravery, crossingteh ocean was not possible. Hanuman was quiet all the time. Due to a curse, Hunuman was not selfaware of his extra ordinary strength and powers ( Sidhis) he had. Jambavan reminded him of his glory and the power he has within him. Soon, Hanuman was able to realize his hidden strength and very willingly accepted the task of crossing the ocean and finding Sita. His body expanded and he grew to the size of a huge mountain. His body shone like gold. He was ready for the most difficult task. This brings us to the end of Kishkinda Kanda.
The values we discussed throughout the narration of these stories include :
1. Never act in haste. Always think before we act. Sugreeva locked his own brother in the cave in haste.
2. Vali's drawback was anger, and hence was destroyed.
3. Sugreeva's was too attached to the desire of becoming a king unlike Bharatha who never cared for it. Sugreeva's deep desires made him suffer for a long time
4. Desire and anger are our own enemies
4. Hanuman's unconditional love and devotion for Rama. We will continue to focus on this throughout the kishkinda kanda stories.
Our next Balavihar class is on January 5th 2024
Pranams
Nirmala and Mythili
