October 8, 2017

Hari Om, Parents

Thanks to all the parents who made it to the picnic Sunday - it was a pleasure to see you you all and do fun stuff ! We did miss quite a few kids and families. Hopefully we can see you all at the next gathering - most likely Thanksgiving Luncheon on Nov 19, 2017. Please mark your calendars, if you have not already..

After reviewing the prior lessons, and going through the 'Five Takeaways' by the kids, (Great job, kids) we introduced Vibhisana Gita and its lessons. Vibhisana Gita is from the 6th chapter of Ramacaritamanas. The renderings of the Vibhisana Gita offers us the Master key to success in our lives.  Vibhisana observed that Ravana, his brother has become totally unrighteous and is persisting in immoral actions despite the repeated advice of Malyavan, Mandodari, and himself besides all the wise people of his kingdom, and hence joined the camp of Rama. In the war Ravana had lost most of his great warriors and it was time for himself to fight Rama One-on-One. He arrived at the battlefield with fully protected armor, in his special war chariot that was equipped with all kinds of sophisticated weapons. On the other side there was Sri Rama standing on the ground without any armor or even shoes, but just his bow and arrows as weapons. Vibhisana felt very concerned for the safety of Rama, and asked him how he would conquer the mighty, and angry Ravana who was equipped with a well armored Chariot, and weaponry. To this, Rama answered that the chariot by which one gains real victory is the chariot of righteousness, which has valor, and fortitude as wheels, Steadfastness in truthfulness, and good character as flags of victory and safety, Strength, Discrimination, self-control and caring for others as the horses, forgiveness, compassion, equanimity as the reins, devotion to God as the intelligent charioteer, dispassion as the shield, contentment as the sword, charity as the axe, understanding as the missile, self-knowledge as the bow, a pure and steady mind as the quiver,  peacefulness of mind, the five noble values of life and the daily disciplines of niyama as arrows, devotion to the Guru and to learned people as the unbreakable armor. There is no other means to gain everlasting victory other than having such a Dharma Chariot. 

The Rama-Ravana battle is the eternal conflict between good and evil, between the noble and the wretched, between the righteous and the wicked, and is constantly waged in the heart of each and everyone. When we overcome with tendencies of hate, anger, jealousy, etc., our behavior reflects the trait of Ravana. On the other hand, when we are full of love, compassion, our conduct is like Rama. 

We also learnt more about the wheels of the Dharma Chariot which are Sauraja or Valor/Courage and Dhiraja or Fortitude/Patience. Courage is not the absence of fear but the mastery of it. When we evaluate a situation falsely, we feel fear; we feel fear of the unknown. Why have fear when all pervading Lord is within us. We fear because we don't know, we don't feel HIS presence with us. Through prayer, Valmiki had the courage to give up his sinful way of life. He washed away his sins and became a saint. We can develop patience by accepting people around, and the circumstances around. 

We also learnt about Adambhitvam - Unpretentiousness and the story of Sudama-Krishna's friendship.

Reminders:

• Please ensure that your child carries a note book, and a folder with Pens/Pencils, along with Slokathon, and 'Values in Bhagavad Gita' Manual.  Taking notes during the class is highly encouraged.
• Homework: 
• Children are asked to pre-read the lessons in the 'Values from Bhagavad Gita' Manual. (Amaanitvam and Adambhitvam were covered so far) and attempt the questions.  Ahimsa will be covered next class.
• Similar to what we did last year, we will do '5 take aways' from each class - due the next class beginning. This is especially important as we are learning new words, concepts etc., Got to say - kids are doing a great job ! Keep it going!

See you next class - Sunday Oct 15, 2017.