Hari Om! Parents,
Our class began with deep breathing, Om chanting and opening prayers. Followed by the Shri Rama shlokas and the class also chanted all seven daily prayers (ref. My Prayers Book pg.11). Next the children chanted the Guru Stotram (ref. Balavihar Handbook pg.24), followed by Verses 1-16 of the Bhagavad Geeta (ref. Balavihar Handbook pg.15).
We continued with the yuddha kanda of our Ramayana story. Fully aware that he was going to meet his death, Ravana, ten heads fiercely blazing, enters the battlefield. His remaining rakshasa army is pursued by Lord Rama's arrows. It seemed like there were a thousand Lord Ramas, attacking the rakshasas from all sides. Meanwhile, Vibhishana tried to stop Ravana. On seeing Vibhishana, Ravana's anger doubled and he shot a blazing arrow at him. Lakshmana stopped the arrow but was hit by another one. Hanuman brought the medicinal herb and revived Lakshmana again. Pushing his way through the vaanara army, Ravana sought out Lord Rama for battle. They battled, using one after another several powerful and divine astras. The devas watched from above as Lord Rama cut off Ravana's heads one after another. But strangely, a new one emerged to take the place of the cut off heads. Seeing Lord Rama's confusion, Indra sent his divine chariot along with charioteer Maatali. Lord Rama thanked the devas and got on the chariot to resume battle. Even after Lord Rama wounded every limb of his body, Ravana still looked proud and roared with laughter. Maatali whispered to Lord Rama to use the Agastya astra. Immediately Lord Rama aimed the arrow at Ravana's chest, the seat of all his power. The arrow pierced Ravana, who fell with a crash that shook the entire world. Ravana had payed the price for his bad actions. Good had won over evil, and the vaanara army rejoiced, shouting "Jai Shri Rama!". Scented flowers poured down on Lord Rama from the heavens, rishis chanted, gandharvas played music and Mother Earth was relieved of her burden. Meanwhile Vibhishana was sad at the death of his brother. Lord Rama consoled him, saying Ravana died a brave death and would have a place in warrior heaven. After performing Ravana's last rites, Vibhishana was crowned the king of Lanka. Next Hanuman was sent to fetch Sita from ashoka vatika. On seeing the rakshasis guarding Sita, Hanuman wanted to kill them. Sita stopped him saying it was not their fault to follow orders of their king. We spoke about Sita's compassion even towards those who had treated her badly. Bathed and dressed Sita appeared before Lord Rama, who stood stern and straight not taking any step to console his wife. Lord Rama declared that he had done his duty as a kshatriya, but could not take her back and Sita was free to go wherever she pleased. Shocked and insulted by this, Sita ordered Lakshmana to kindle a fire. Everyone watched in horror as Sita entered the fire, but Sita was calm. The fire did not harm her and Agni deva himself emerged. He presented Sita to Lord Rama saying she was pure in her devotion to the Lord. Lord Rama smiled at Sita as he took her hand. Lord Rama, Sita and Lakshmana flew back on the pushpaka vimana as they had completed their exile. Word was sent to Ayodhya about Lord Rama's return after fourteen years and the people decorated the city with lamps and flowers. Bharata welcomed Lord Rama and gave him back the powers of the kingdom. The three queen mothers and Guru Vasishta blessed Lord Rama. Lord Rama was dressed in coronation robes and Sita in her queenly garments. They were seated on the throne and Lord Rama crowned king. Vedic mantras were chanted and holy water sprinkled. Lakshmana, Bharata and Shatrugna stood nearby. Sita gave Hanuman a pearl necklace and he took Lord Rama's blessing. The scene was just like Bhagwan Vishnu and Goddess Lakshmi appearing on earth to bless their devotees. Rama Rajya, the age of supreme contentment and goodness began. We concluded the Ramayana story and sang "Atma Nivasi Ram" bhajan to celebrate Lord Rama's coronation!
Next we played the "I Spy..." game using the Ramayana coloring book. The children had to find the Ramayana character and count how many times they appear in the story. After the aarti, shaanthi mantras and pledge we ended the class. Your child can color lessons 36, 37 and 38 in their Ramayana coloring book. "Rama nama" likhita japa is a very good way to increase focus, so please keep it up. Our Grade 1 class will share their end of year presentation next week to conclude the Balavihar year.
**Reminder:- the E- Balavihar Summer Camp registration is now open. Please consider this unique opportunity, your child will definitely enjoy this experience.**
Jai Shri Ram!
- Rashmi and Uma
