Hari Om Parents,
Please find below update from our class on Friday March 15th, 2024.
Class began with Opening Prayers - 3 OMs, followed by the chanting of Sahana Vavatu. Then invoked the blessings of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati and all our Gurus, by chanting..
Śri Ganeshaya Namah!
Śhri Saraswathyai Namah!
Śhri Sad-Gurubhyo Namah!
Shlokas: ( My Prayers Book)
We recited the Daily Prayers ( page#11) in the order of:
• Karagre Vasate
• Samudra Vasane
• Gange cha Yamune
• Sarasvati Namastubhyam
• Brahmaarpanam
• Shubham Karoti
• Kara-charana-krtam vak
- As per our curriculum, we proceeded to learn the Devi Dhyana Shloka (page #39). We recited Mahalakshmi Ashtakam (page 40) all verses in the class. We then continued with our Mahabharata review. We learnt to chant the Mahishasuramardini Stotram (verses 1-7).
Kindly encourage the kids to memorize these and recite them at appropriate times throughout the day. Thus instilling in them, not just the learning part but to put all that they learn, into practice in their daily routine.
Mahabharata Summary: 3rd day of battleOn the morning of the third day, Bhishma arrayed his army in eagle formation and himself led it while Duryodhana and his forces protected the rear. Dhananjaya and Dhrishtadyumna decided in favour of a crescent formation of their army so as to cope with the eagle formation of the enemy's forces. On the right horn of the crescent stood Bhima and on the left Arjuna, leading the respective divisions. The battle began. Dhananjaya's attack was powerful but the enemy stood firm. A counter-attack was made by the Kauravas concentrating on Arjuna's position.
At another point Sakuni led a large force against Satyaki and Abhimanyu. Satyaki's chariot was broken to shivers and he had to scramble up Abhimanyu's chariot and thereafter both fought from the same chariot. They were able to destroy Sakuni's forces. Drona and Bhishma jointly attacked Dharmaputra's division and Nakula and Sahadeva joined their brother in opposing Drona's offensive. Bhima and his son Ghatotkacha attacked Duryodhana's division. Bhima's shafts hit Duryodhana and he lay in a swoon in his chariot. His charioteer quickly drove the chariot away from the scene fearing that the forces would be completely demoralized if they saw that the prince had been disabled. But even this movement created great confusion.
Bhimasena took full advantage of the position and worked havoc among the fleeing Kaurava forces. Drona and Bhishma who saw the confusion of the Kaurava army came up quickly and restored confidence. The scattered forces were brought together and Duryodhana was again seen leading them. Duryodhana was upset with Bhishma and asked Bhishma to honestly say what was in his mind since he loved the Pandavas very much. The chagrin of defeat, and the knowledge that the grandsire disapproved of his ways made Duryodhana speak thus bitterly, but Bhishma merely smiled and said that he had not approved of the war and had tried hard to prevent it. But Duryodhana had rejected his advice. He also added that he was fulfilling his duties to his utmost. Saying thus, the grandsire resumed his operations. The turn of events in the forenoon had been so much in their favour that the delighted Pandavas were now somewhat careless. They did not expect Bhishma to rally his forces and attack them again. But, stung by Duryodhana's reproaches, the grandsire raged about the field like a destroying fire. He rallied his men and delivered the most severe attack yet made on the Pandava army. The latter thought that the grandsire had multiplied himself into a number of Bhishma's fighting at several points: so swift were his movements that afternoon. Those who opposed him were struck down and perished like moths in the fire.
The Pandava army was thoroughly broken and began to scatter. Vasudeva, Partha and Sikhandin tried hard to restore order and confidence, but were unsuccessful. Krishna now reminded Arjuna to attach the grandsire and to be true to his decision not to flinch from his duty to kill Bhishma, Drona and all the other friends and relatives and respected elders. Arjuna agreed and as Dhananjaya's chariot sped on towards Bhishma, it met a hot reception from the grandsire, who covered it with his arrows. But, Arjuna bent his bow and discharged three shafts which broke the grandsire's bow. Bhishma picked up another bow but it too met the same fate. The grandsire's heart was gladdened when he saw Arjuna's skill in archery and he poured shafts on Arjuna's chariot with unerring aim. Krishna was not happy at the way Arjuna met the attack. The grandsire's bow was working fiercely, but Arjuna's hands did not do their best, for his heart was not in it. He had too much regard for his great grandsire. Krishna thought that, if Arjuna went on like this, the army, which had been so badly demoralized already, would be utterly destroyed and all would be lost. Krishna managed the chariot skilfully, but in spite of it, both he and Arjuna were hit many times by Bhishma's arrows.
Janardana's anger rose. He couldn't stand it any longer. Dropping the reins, he took up his discus and jumped down from the chariot and dashed forward towards Bhishma. Bhishma was ecstatic and welcomed Krishna to slain him. Arjuna was distressed to see this and he jumped down and ran after Krishna and entreated Krishna to turn back. Arjuna promised not to flinch again and persuaded Krishna to return. The chariot reins were again in Krishna's hands. Arjuna attacked the Kaurava forces furiously and thousands were slain by him. The Kauravas suffered a severe defeat on the evening of the third day.Bhagavad Gita: Verses 12 - 21 from chapter 4 were taught and rehearsed this week, following our Swamiji Swami Shantanandaji's chanting video.Class Reflection: Please encourage the children to read the chapter summaries posted in google classroom so they become familiar with the characters in Mahabharata, the different techniques and formations that were used during the battle every day.
Aarathi: The second grade children performed a beautiful play as part of their monthly program. We concluded with reciting the pledge.
Please have the children do their daily prayers regularly and also practice the ślokas and Gita chanting.
Pranāms,
Viji Lakshmi Hari and Anupama SivakumarFriday Grade 6 sevikas
