We began the session with our opening prayers, followed by Likhita Japa, helping the children settle into a calm and focused mindset.
This summary covers 2 classes on Spe 12th and 19th. We covered the following topics in this class:
Overview of the Ramayana
We continued exploring the broad structure of the Ramayana, discussing:
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The different Kāṇḍas that make up the epic
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The many versions of the Ramayana found across regions and cultures
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The numerous languages in which the Ramayana has been translated
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The Dasha Avatāra, focusing on the yuga in which Lord Rama's avatar took place
This helped the students connect the timeline of Lord Rama's incarnation with other well-known avatars such as Lord Krishna, strengthening their understanding of the continuity across Hindu scriptures.
Beginning the Journey of Shri Rama – Bala Kāṇḍa
We then began reading and discussing the early chapters of the Ramayana, starting with the conception and birth of Lord Rama.
1. The Putrakāmeṣṭi Yajna
King Daśaratha, longing for an heir, performs the Putrakāmeṣṭi Yajna.
From the sacrificial fire emerges a divine being carrying a golden vessel of sacred nectar, which is shared among his queens—Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra.
This leads to the divine births of:
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Rama
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Bharata
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Lakshmana
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Shatrughna
Each is born with a special purpose to uphold dharma.
2. Sage Vishwamitra Seeks Help
Sage Viśvāmitra, whose yajnas were being obstructed by demons, approaches King Daśaratha seeking Rama's assistance. Though initially reluctant, Daśaratha agrees upon the wise counsel of Sage Vasiṣṭha.
Rama and Lakshmana accompany Vishwamitra into the forest, where:
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They learn sacred mantras and astras (divine weapons)
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They protect the sage's sacrifices
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Their divine strength begins to manifest through heroic actions
This marks the beginning of their adventurous and dharmic journey.
3. The Story of King Trishanku
We also learned about King Triśaṅku, who wished to reach heaven in his mortal body—against the laws of nature.
Rejected by his family priest Vasiṣṭha, he turned to Vishwamitra. In response, the sage:
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Performs a great sacrifice
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Attempts to send Triśaṅku to heaven
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Creates an entirely new heaven when the gods reject him
This story illustrated the combination of Vishwamitra's intense willpower, spiritual strength, and the complexity of divine order.
Closing
We concluded the class by chanting Bhagavad Gita Chapter 15, Verses 1–2.
On Sep 19th we had House Inaugural and thus the classes ended early
We will meet again for our next session on Friday, Oct 3rd. No Class on Sep 26th
Wishing all families a blessed Navratri and Vijayadashami!
Hariom and Pranams