Harih Om Parents,
In the last Balavihar class we taught the following:
- After initial prayers we continued with Bhagavad Geeta Dhyana slokas. We have taught them upto verse 5 of Geeta Dhyanam.
- Bhagavad Geeta Chapter 1: We have taught the children verses 1 through 4. Please encourage your children to practice these verses at home as well.
- Duryodhana's actions during the dice game was analyzed – wrong and evil mind will only find evil company, which will result in wrong action ultimately leading to more unhappiness and self-destruction.
Lesson learned (LL) – do not keep wrong company, avoid evil/wrong acts as it will ultimately hurt you more. - Yudhisthira was in his words, deeds and actions an epitome of Dharma. Yet, one weakness/ vice i.e. gambling was enough to bring the man to his knees. It caused significant problems to Pandavas & Draupadi – resulting in loss of their entire kingdom and wealth. To add fuel to the fire not learning from his first loss he gambled again.
LL – even one bad habit can cause lot of trouble for us, refrain from gambling and get rid of all bad habits. - When Draupadi was disrobed by Dushashana in the Kauravas' court, she remembered the Lord and prayed/surrendered to Him. She was rescued by Lord Krishna.
LL – Bhagawan answers sincere prayers; also a friend in need is a friend in deed. - Yaksha story – One day when the Pandavas were in forest a Brahmin requested them to help fetch his Arani sticks which had got entangled on a deer's horn. Arani are special wood sticks used to generate fire for the Agnihotra ritual which the Brahmin performed everyday. Pandavas chased the deer but unfortunately could not catch the deer. In search of the deer, deeper and deeper into the forest they went. Exhausted after the grueling chase they rested under a tree and looked for a source of water to quench their thirst. Nakula was asked by Yudhisthira to fetch water for them. He finally found a lake with crystal clear water. When he was about to drink water from the lake, he heard a voice that told him to stop drinking from the lake. The voice said that the lake was his property and that Nakula should first answer his questions otherwise he would die. Nakula looked around but did not see anyone so he ignored the voice and drank water from the lake. He immediately fell down unconscious. Soon Sahdeva was sent in search of his brother he too did not heed to the words and drank the water from the lake. He too immediately fell unconscious. After this Arjuna and Bheema to met the same fate. Finally Yudhisthira came to the lake in search of his brothers. He saw all his mighty brothers unconscious/almost coma like state and got very sad. When he was about drink the water from the pond, a crane sitting on a tree told him that he (the crane) was a Yaksha ( a celestial being) and that Yudhisthira's brothers drank water from his lake without answering his questions. Yudhisthira paid his respects to the crane and said he would try and answer the Yaksha's questions to the best of his abilities. This section of the Mahabharatha were the Yaksha asks Yudhisthira many questions are referred to as "Yaksha Prashna" and are from the "Vanaparvaani Aaraneya Parva of the epic.
- From this lesson on we will be discussing few "Yaksha Prashnas" every class:
- How does one become learned? A – by listening.
We had good discussion about importance of listening; the difference between hearing and listening was explained. Examples of Ravana and Duryodhana was given to show what happens when one does not listen and follow good advice. Knowledge we gain is by listening intently. We challenged the kids to 'listen' when Swamiji's Bhagavad Gita chanting came on – and repeat the verses without using their books but through listening.
Example of Lord Ganesha was used – His large ears symbolize ability to listen and assimilate knowledge. His large head symbolizes ability to analyze, understand and retain the information. Trunk indicates the ability of mind to discriminate between good and bad; Once information is heard, analyzed and discriminated – it becomes wisdom, symbolized by Lord Ganesha's pot belly. Mouse represents our mind which is constantly wandering with numerous thoughts. The subdued mouse sitting at the feet of Lord Ganesha represents the mind which is under control. So a person who listens intently, analyses, discriminates and stores wisdom can keep mind under control – so it all starts with listening! - How does one achieve greatness? – through tapas (austerity)
Here tapas means hard work, it also implies the necessity to sacrifice certain things to achieve our goals. Students must sacrifice playing video games/ watching TV/socializing with friends etc. before exams to get good grades. Similarly, one has to sacrifice family time and rest in order to achieve their career goals. For example, a person who is training to be a Doctor has to undergo years of rigorous training, work through night shift several times in a month without proper sleep, he/she has to sacrifice time with his/her family, friends etc. One needs to work hard and unwavering to achieve the goals they have set. They must not deviate from the path of hard work and sacrifice to achieve greatness and success.
and
Mekhala Girish
8th grade Sunday A.M. Balavihar teachers.
