Hari Om Parents,
We continued with the Ramayana this week and then gathered in the mandir to watch the 9th grade play. The 9th grades told the story of Valmiki, which was a nice complement to our class, as Valmiki went on to write the Ramayana. We covered two chapters 25 & 26 in class.
Reminders:
- House Sprit Day -Feb 22nd -Parent volunteers needed, please contact us for details
- Shlokaton Contest -March 7th
- Bhajanotsav -May 2nd
- Class Play -Saturday June 13th. Please confirm your child's participation ASAP.
- NO class on Feb 15th
Values:
- Humility & Duty - Prosperity is a greater test of character than adversity. It is easy to be a good person when we are in trouble and need help, but the real challenge is remaining humble and dutiful once we have achieved success.
- Gratitude - Be grateful for all your successes and comforts and with them help others.
An everyday example: Notice how you are behaving when you are happy and doing what you like. Also notice how you are behaving when you are faced with a challenge or you have to do something you don't like. Have an attitude of gratitude in everything you do.
Chapters 25: Vaali
Rama agrees to help Sugriva defeat Vaali and Surgriva promises to help Rama find Sita. Sugriva suggests going straight to the Kishkinda palace gates to confront Vaali. Knowing that Vaali's first reaction would be to pounce on this brother, Rama suggests that he follow Sugriva close by while keeping himself hidden from Vaali. As soon as the brothers start fighting Rama would aim an arrow at Vaali to bring him down. They charted out a detailed plan, and now they were ready to flight Vaali. When they arrived, as planned Sugriva roared loudly to get Vaali's attention. As predicted Vaali came storming out responding with an even louder roar. A gruesome flight began between the brothers. Everything was going according to plan, Rama was quietly watching behind a tree, waiting for an opportunity to strike Vaali. But there was a problem, Rama could not tell the brothers apart. Holding back his bow, Rama waited cautiously. The brothers kept flighting but Vaali was more powerful and Sugriva's strength and energy began to fade. He knew he could not continue anymore so before Vaali could pack another punch Sugriva ran into woods. Sugriva was upset and he felt ashamed that he had to run away. Confused and annoyed he asked Rama, "What happened to you? Why didn't you fire your arrow at Vaali? Are you scared? Understanding Sugriva's frustration Rama responded, "I'm glad you ran out. I was getting worried for your safety. I was ready to take Vaali down Sugriva but I could not tell you two apart. I could not take any chances and risk aiming my arrow at you instead." Sugriva calmed down, he was grateful for Rama's thoughtfulness. Then he asked "What are we going to do now?" Rama had a clever idea, handing him a flower garland, he said, "Put this garland around your neck so I can identify you. Now you can go back and challenge Vaali again. I will protect you and bring Vaali down with a single arrow." Sugriva felt confident the plan would work this time, he ran out again to find Vaali, roaring even loader. Seeing Surgriva running toward him, Vaali charged ahead in rage. The brothers rolled around, battling each other with the bare hands. As Rama released the arrow it zipped through the air piercing Vaali as he was about to pounce on Sugriva. Vaali fell to the ground. Rama, Lakshmana, and Sugriva's came out from behind the trees. Vaali was screaming in pain, then looking up at Rama he realized where the deadly arrow had come from. Confused by Rama's involvement he questioned, "Rama! What have I done to you? Why are you helping Sugriva? Why not flight me face to face instead of hiding behind a tree?" Looking straight back at Vaali Rama said, " I walk the path of Dharma Vaali. You have gone too far with your ardhamic actions. Sugriva made a mistake that is true , but rather than forgive him you choose to terrorize and banish him from Kishkinda. You rule with aggression and pride. A true king should rule with the intention of protecting his subjects and caring for them. Sugriva is my friend, I have promised to help him defeat you so that he may take the throne to protect Kishkinda." Vaali's anger subsided, hearing Rama's words he found clarity and felt a sense of calm. He knew his brother Sugriva could take care of Kishkinda well. Looking into Rama's eyes he said , "Thank you for helping me see the truth. I am grateful to have your darshan." Looking over at his brother Sugriva, Vali reached out his had and said lovingly, "My dear brother, I entrust you to take over Kishkinda, may you be happy always." Closing his eyes Vali bid farewell to the world. As Vali wished, Surgiva was crowned king of Kishkinda.
Soon after, the monsoons rains came storming down, flooding the forest paths, making it challenging to travel anywhere by foot. Rama and Lakshmana took shelter in a nearby cave to protect themselves from the heavy rains. Meanwhile, in the city of Kishkinda, King Sugriva was living a life of luxury. His terrifying battle with Vaali, and the sadness of losing his brother had faded into a dim memory. Sugriva sat on a gold throne, draped in silks, his crown sat crookedly on his head and he spent his days indulging in eating honey drenched fruits and listening to music. His own pleasure mattered more than keeping the sacred promise he had made to his friend Rama. The monsoon rains eventually passed, Rama and Lakshmana had been patient with Sugriva, but time was running out and it appeared that Sugriva had forgotten about is promise to help them find Sita. Rama was disappointment that Sugriva had forgotten about his promise. Lakshmana was furious, with his golden bow slung over his shoulder he stormed up to Sugriva's palace ready to confront the king. Seeing Lakshmana approach, Hanuman quickly intervened by reminding Sugriva about his promise to Sri Rama. Embarrassed by his selfish behavior, Sugriva immediately ordered the war drums to be sounded. At his command, millions of vanara soldiers emerged from every mountain peak and cave within the forest.
Chapters 26: The search begins
Leaping over rivers and swinging through the forest canopy the vanaras arrived ready to carry out Sugriva's orders. Sugriva sent his swiftest explorers to the North, East, and West. Knowing Ravan was seen traveling in his chariot southward, Sugriva chose to send his most trusted pathfinders, prince Angada, the wise Jambavan, and Hanuman to search in the south. Before they departed, Rama called Hanuman aside. Rama looked into Hanuman's eyes and saw not just a soldier, but a soul of pure goodness and love. Taking a ring from his finger, Rama said softy "Hanuman, carry my ring with you. When you find Sita, show her this ring and she will know you are my friend and messenger." Hanuman bowed, pressing his palms together. He didn't see the ring as a mere piece of jewelry, he saw it as a sacred trust. He tucked the ring away, carrying Rama's very breath and will within him. After a month the vanaras who had gone north, east, and west returned to Kishkinda, reporting that Sita was nowhere to been found. As Sugriva suspected, Sita must be in the south. The southern troop traveled through deserts and jungles. They got lost in a dessert, thirsty and exhausted, they walked into a cave, inside, the world transformed, the air grew cool, they saw trees made of gold with leaves carved from emeralds and clusters of rubies hanging as fruits. In the heart of this treasure palace sat Svayamprabha. "Who are you all, and what has brought you to my cave? " asked Svayamprabha. Hanuman narrated the whole story and explained that they were traveling southwards to find princess Sita. Svayamprabha. recognized the nobility of their quest and realized they were trapped by the cave's enchantments. She told them "The ocean is far, and your time is short. I can help you. Close your eyes and think only of your mission." Doing as she asked, they all closed their eyes. Using her magical powers, Svayamprabha transported them all out of the cave. In the blink of an eye, the vanaras felt a rush of salt air. When they opened their eyes, the golden walls were gone. They were standing on the rugged cliffs of the southern shore, facing the ocean. The ocean was deep and mysterious, filled with monsters and unknown creatures. The vanaras sat on the sand, their spirits breaking. "We cannot cross this," some whispered. "We have failed our king." Suddenly, a giant shadow stretched over them. High on the rocks sat Sampati, an ancient vulture whose feathers had been scorched away long ago. He had been watching them, with his sharp eyes. "I am Jatayu's brother." Sampati called out. He told the vanaras how he had lost his wings in his youth, shielding his brother from the sun's burning rays. Though he could no longer fly, his vision remained powerful. Sampati turned his gaze toward the horizon, looking far beyond what any human or vanara could see. "There!" he pointed. "Eighty miles across these waters lies the island of Lanka. I see a garden of Ashoka trees. Beneath sits a lady, her face sorrowful, surrounded by guards. That must be princess Sita." Now they knew where Sita was, but who has the strength to leap across the ocean. Angada admitted he could jump there, but feared he wouldn't have the energy to jump back. Jambavan, the great bear, sighed, "In my youth, I could have circled the world, but time has slowed my limbs." Hanuman sat alone on a rock, staring silently at the horizon, not realizing the power within him. Jambavan walked over to him, "Hanuman! You are the son of the wind! You are a master of the Vedas and a gifted warrior. You have divine powers, there is nothing you cannot achieve. Why do you sit quietly? " As the words hit his ears, Hanuman's heart caught fire. He began to grow. His muscles rippled like the tides, and his stature rose until he reached the clouds. He let out a roar that echoed across the ocean. Holding Rama's ring tightly, having Rama's name in his heart, he pushed off from the Mahendra Mountain. Hanuman soared into the sky, his journey to Lanka would not only be a test of strength, but also a test of character.
Prayers
1) Chanting OM & Sahana Vavatu
2) Gita Chanting - Chapter 12 - Bhakthi Yoga (Yoga of Devotion) Verses 1 & 2
Assignment:
Continue with coloring for homework.
Spend some time writing Likhita Japa.
Practice Ramayana Values.
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
Our next class is on February 22nd (House Sprit Day). We do NOT have a class on February 15th. Enjoy Maha Shivaratri! Happy Valentines Day Weekend! Thank you for your commitment to Chinmaya Mission and Balavihar. Jai Shree Ram!
With Guru's Blessings.
Aastha & Vijaya
Class Supplies Check List:
1. Hand book
2. My Prayers book
3. Bala Ramayana coloring book
4. Crayons / Coloring pencils
5. Pencils sharpened
6. Eraser
7. Scissors
8. Glue
9. Notebook for Likhita Japa
