Hari Om,
We started our class with chanting OM & Sahana Vavatu. Continuing with the Ramayana we covered chapters 8 & 9
Chapter 8:
As the years passed, King Janaka began to worry. "Who could ever be worthy of his beloved daughter?" he wondered. He remembered an ancient treasure, Rudra's bow, a mighty weapon gifted long ago by the sea god Varuna. It was so huge and heavy that even the strongest warriors could not move it. Janaka had a plan to find the perfect husband for Sita. He announced a challenge for all the princes in the land, "Whoever can lift, string, and bend the sacred bow of Rudra's shall marry my daughter Sita." Princes from faraway lands came with dreams of winning Sita's hand. The next day inside the great palace hall, Rudra's bow rested on an enormous platform. It was so massive that a hundred strong men had to drag it forward on a wheeled cart. Many princes tried, but they all failed to even lift the bow. Some strained and sweated, some even stumbled to the ground. Then Sage Vishvamitra turned to Rama and said "Why don't you try?" As Rama stepped forward, princess Sita, watched from her jeweled balcony with excitement, she remembered how, as a child, she used to play with that very bow as if it were a toy horse. With everyone holding their breath, Rama bowed respectfully to Rudra's bow, honoring it as a gift from the gods. Then, with ease as if he were lifting a flower, he grasped it. Gasps echoed through the hall. He lifted it. He strung it. Then with a thunderous sound that shook the pillars of the palace, the bow snapped in two! The people of Mithila cried out with joy. Princess Sita's eyes sparkled with happiness. She walked down from her balcony, carrying a beautiful garland. She placed the garland gently around Rama's neck, choosing him as her husband before all the world. King Janaka's heart was filled with joy. Wedding celebrations began at once. Soon after king Dasharatha arrived in Mithithla with the rest of his family. King Janaka, declared, "Today let's unite our two kingdoms in love and harmony". Along with Rama and Sita, Rama's three brothers and Sita's sister and cousins also got married. All four weddings were celebrated together: Rama with Sita, Lakshmana with Urmila (Sita's younger sister), Baratha with Mandavi, (Sita's cousin) and Shatrughna with Shrutakirti (Mandavi's sister). The palace courtyard sparkled with lamps and as priests chanted sacred mantras, Rama and Sita circled the holy fire together. The whole kingdom rejoiced with song and dance. Feasts were laid out with plates of sweets, fruits, and fragrant rice. Laughter echoed across Mithila. King Dasharatha embraced King Janaka with tears of happiness in his eyes declaring, "Our families are now one. May this bond of love shine for generations."
Chapter 9:
Ayodhya was overjoyed to welcome back their fours newly wedded princes and princesses. Ayodhya continued to be ruled peacefully by King Dhasharatha with Rama and his brothers helping the king in his work to protect and care for all the people. Twelve years later, one day, Dhasharatha decided he was getting old and that the time was right for Rama his eldest son to be crowned the next king of Ayodhya. Preparation for the coronation began with great enthusiasm. Everyone was happy except one person. Manthara, Kaikeyi's maid had always loved Bharata more than Rama, and when she heard the news, jealousy filled her heart like dark smoke. That night Manthara hurried to Queen Kaikeyi's room. "My queen," Manthara said slyly, "How can you be happy when Rama will be king? What about your son, Bharata? Don't you see? Once Rama rules, his mother Kaushalya will become the most powerful queen, and you will be forgotten. As a king Rama will treat our dear Bharatha like a servant". Kaikeyi, the youngest queen, was known for her beauty and courage. She was also kind and gentle, and she loved all the princes as if they were her own. On hearing Manthara speak these words, Kaikeyi told her, "Manthara, you are mistaken. Rama loves Bharata dearly. Rama will rule wisely and share is happiness with everyone. There will be no problem." But Manthara did not give up. She whispered and argued until her words wrapped around Kaikeyi's heart like vines. Slowly, doubts began to grow where love once lived. Kaikeyi looked troubled. Manthara had succeeded in poisoning Kaikeyi's mind. "What should I do, Manthara?" she asked. Manthara's eyes gleamed. "Remind the king of the two boons he promised you long ago, when you saved his life in battle! Ask for your wishes now. Ask king Dhasaratha to crown Bharatha as king, and demand that Rama be sent to the forest for 14 years." Following Manthara's plan, Kaikeyi went to the king that night. She lay on the floor, pretending to be sad. When King Dasharatha entered, he was shocked.
"My beloved Kaikeyi! What troubles you?" he cried.
"I want you to grant me the two boons you once promised," she said. The king smiled kindly. "Ask for anything, my queen."
Then Kaikeyi spoke the fateful words, "For my first boon I want my son Bharata be crowned king of Ayodhya. For my second boon I wish that Rama be sent to the Dandaka forest for fourteen years."
King Dasharatha was struck with horror. "Kaikeyi!" he gasped. "Why do you want this? Rama is like your own son!" Kaikeyi, mind was deeply clouded by Manthara's poisonous words and she remained firm in her choice of boons. Bound by his promise, the king had no choice. Tears streamed down his face as he agreed. The next morning, Rama went to see this father. As he entered the room he saw Kaikeyi standing tall and King Dhasharatha lying on the ground speechless. He asked Kaikeyi "What happened to my dear father? Kaikeyi replied that his father was in no condition to speak. She informed Rama that as per the king's order he would have to leave Ayodhya and live in the Dandaka forest for 14 years. Meanwhile Bharatha will be crowned the next king of Ayodhya. Showing respect and grace Rama accepted his exile without anger and said, "I will do as my father requested." Foolishly Kaikeyi felt satisfied that her wishes were granted still not realizing that she had been tricked by Manthara. She had gained a kingdom for Bharata but by separating the brothers all the happiness and peace in her family was gone.
Values:
Honor all those who help and guide you. Ram showed respect to his teacher Vishvamitra and to the bow before lifting it. Like Rama, have respect for those who guide you, be confident that you are capable and be grateful for the opportunities you get in life. An everyday example: Remember to say thank you to your parents for packing your lunch, helping you with homework, driving you to school etc… It is the support and love from your parents that gives you the strength to do well at school and in all other activities.
Assignment:
Continue with coloring for homework and spend some time writing Likhita Japa.
Yoga:
We stretched out our arms and legs, walked on tip toes and on our heals and did a few shoulder rotations. We did some pranayama, inhaling for 3 counts and exhaling for 6 counts.
Gita Chanting- Chapter 15:
We recited verses 7 & 8 on page 26 in the handbook. Please continue to practice as a family at home.
Saraswati Pooja:
The children participated in Saraswati Pooja. It was lovely seeing everyone dressed up for the Pooja. The children were given a small book for Likhita Japa.
Communication:
Please check for any messages in our Sun PM Grade 1 WhatApp group. Remember to send us a message if your child will be missing any classes. Our numbers:
Aastha - 551 482 5003
Vijaya - 609 503 1816
Thank you for bringing your children to Balavihar, we really have a lovely class. Our next class is on October 26th. Jai Shree Ram.
Happy Deepavali!
With Guru's Blessings.
Aastha & Vijaya
