Hari Om!
Here is the update on what we have been studying in class:
Mahabharata: We have been looking at specific episodes from the Mahabharata and analyzing it through a specific rubric:
- Who is the doer?
- What is the guna (sattva/rajas/tamas) that is driving the action of the doer?
- Would the action be the result or the seed of prarabdha/sancita/aagaami karma (as appropriate)?
We have covered significant turning points like Bhishma's Vow, Duryodhana's plan to kill the wax palace, Draupadi's svayamvara (a testament to Arjuna's consistent practice on his archery skills)and Kunti's command to the Pandavas. The children work in teams to quickly grasp the story, the key character traits that motivate the action of the players and present an episode assigned to them.
It has been a very interactive few sessions doing this with them - discussing the plot, the political motivations, narrative honesty in the storytelling, and of course watching them develop essential soft skills such as teamwork and presentation skills.
Do continue these discussions at home too- this year's curriculum is a rich field for philosophical learnings that will stand them in good stead throughout their life!
Here is a take-away note from one of our students:
RA: In class, we learnt about analyzing karma. We discussed a person doing an action, why they do it, their behavior, and what happens as a result. What I took away from class is that the current situation you're in is a result of the karma you've done previously. For example, if you did something very good in your past, your current situation or life may be great or successful. There are three types of karma. Sancita, all your karma. Prarabdha, your current karma. And Aagami, your future karma. I also learned that you should always follow the path of dharma and perform good deeds not for the results, but for the benefit of others or for a noble cause.
RA: In class, we learnt about analyzing karma. We discussed a person doing an action, why they do it, their behavior, and what happens as a result. What I took away from class is that the current situation you're in is a result of the karma you've done previously. For example, if you did something very good in your past, your current situation or life may be great or successful. There are three types of karma. Sancita, all your karma. Prarabdha, your current karma. And Aagami, your future karma. I also learned that you should always follow the path of dharma and perform good deeds not for the results, but for the benefit of others or for a noble cause.
Bhagavad Gita: We have covered up to verse 10 of chapter 15.
Regards
Abhirami Shrinivas
Partha Turaga
