Hari OM Dear Families,
Here is this week's update.
Om Sree Ganeśaya Namaha, Sree Saraswatyai Namaha, Sree Sat Gurubhyo Namaha.
The King and his courtiers, upon learning of the Pandavas' true identities, served them with utter humility and gratitude. Upon learning that it was Arjuna who defeated the army, the King decided to give his daughter Uttara in marriage to him. Instead, Arjuna decided that his son Abhimanyu would marry her. With much pomp and fanfare, the marriage of Prince Abhimanyu and Princess Uttara took place.
Krishna, Balarama, Satyaki, Drupada, Dhrishtadhyumna, Śikhandi and many other allies visited the Pandavas in the city of Upaplavya in Matsya kingdom offering them their allegiance and vast armies. After the grand celebration of Abhimanyu and Uttara's marriage, the remaining guests including Krishna, sat in Virāta's court, discussing how to proceed now that the exile was successfully completed. Krishna, in all earnest, described every situation that plagued the Pandavas over the years and their calm and collected response to every injustice meted out. His passionate speech was met with great enthusiasm by all, including Balarama who spoke next. His speech was tinged with support for Duryodhana, making it seem as though the entire dice game was orchestrated by Yudhisthira who lost foolishly to Śakuni. After all their opinions were expressed, it was decided to send a messenger for a peace treaty. They chose the Priest of the Virata kingdom to complete the task. Krishna and Balarama go to Dwaraka.
Arjuna and Duryodhana enter Dwaraka with the sole purpose of gaining Krishna's favor in the war. While Duryodhana sat by Krishna's sleeping form, Arjuna stood dutifully by his feet, taking in the divine form of his mentor, friend, and cousin. When Krishna awoke, the sight of Arjuna's loving gaze brought a smile and he asked Arjuna what brought him to Dwaraka. But it was Duryodhana who interrupted the moment, objecting that he arrived first and should therefore be given priority.
Krishna, upon sensing Duryodhana's intentions, informed him that even if Duryodhana had arrived first, it was Arjuna that he saw upon opening his eyes, and also that it was customary to let the younger of the two get preference. When Krishna gave them an option between the Narayana Sena of one Akshauhini warrior and the non combatant self, Arjuna fell at Krishna's feet stating that he wanted nothing but his Lord. Hearing this made Duryodhana happy, indicating his greed for material wealth and power. After Duryodhana's departure, Krishna reconfirmed his stance that he would not physically fight in the war, which has Arjuna reveal that he needed Krishna as his charioteer while entering the battlefield, to rid the sinful world of all evil and injustices.
In the process of collecting allies, Duryodhana heard of Salya's (King of Madra and brother of Mādri) march towards Upaplavya to offer his help to the Pandavas. While in a rest area, Salya was provided with refreshments and comforts. Thinking they were provided by his nephews, he stated that he would reward the person that was so thoughtful in deed. Upon hearing this, Duryodhana revealed himself and asked Salya to fight on behalf of the Pandavas.
Salya then continued on his journey to Upaplavya to inform his nephews of the mistake made unknowingly. The Pandavas received his news well, but Yudhisthira asked him a favor. Although Salya could not fight on their side, he could, as Karna's charioteer,lower his morale and make him ineffective in his fight against Arjuna. Salya readily agreed to the psychological warfare, and was happy to finally be of help to his nephews. Meanwhile the priest arrived in Hastinapura. He gave a detailed account of all the injustices meted out to the Pandavas and also stated that the crown was their birthright. This angered Karna who accused the messenger and also spoke ill of the Pandavas. Unable to withstand such derogatory comments, Bheeshma reminded him of his cowardly act (when he ran from the Virāta battlefield). Dhritarashtra told the Brahmin that he would send Sanjaya with a response in a few days.
Sanjaya arrived in Upaplavya a few days later, with a message that implied unsavory behavior on the part of the Pandavas. The message seemed to undeniably imply that he was being greedy by asking for material wealth and kingdom. With a returning message that, atleast 5 villages from the kingdom should be given to the Pandavas, Sanjaya returned to Hastinapura. Bheeshma stated that Arjuna and Krishna were Nara-Narayana is the twin-brother avatar of the God Vishnu on Earth, working for the preservation of Dharma or righteousness. He was upset that Duryodhana was depending on the wrong type like Sakuni, Dusshasana and Karna, all those who could never win him a war. However, Duryodhana was confident of winning with many brave warriors like Bheeshma, Drona, Kripa, Ashwatthama, and Karna. Revealing that the Pandavas wanted to avoid war, and wished to only have 5 villages given to them, Duryodhana got angry and refused even a needle tip of land.
Yudhisthira requested Krishna to try his luck at Hastinapura. Krishna, being the most avid supporter of the Pandavas, did not believe that his visit would alter the course, nor bring about any peace to Draupadi, who only wished revenge on the Kauravas. To appease his most beloved cousins, he took up the task.
Despite the very warm and generous welcome at Hastinapura, Krishna realized that the blind king was only trying to buy his affections and loyalty. Duryodhana's dinner invitation was refusd by Krishna, instead, wishing to reside in Vidura's palace.
The following day at the Kuru court, Krishna spoke of the benefits of making peace and unifying the family. The glories that could be accrued by giving the Pandavas their rightful share of the kingdom. While Dhritarashtra looked on helplessly, Bheeshma, Drona and Vidura showed their support to Krishna. According to Duryodhana, The Pandavas losing the game of dice was not his fault, nor was it his fault that even after the kingdom was returned, the Pandavas returned to play a second game of dice, only to lose everything and their dignity. Krishna, understanding the futility in giving advice, warned the Kaurava brothers of imminent death and destruction. Krishna's Vishwaroopam:
As the Kauravas fear that Krishna is looking to create trouble, they hatch a plan to bind him up and throw him in prison. Not giving Duryodhana an opportunity to imprison Him, Krishna takes on a glorious form, radiating magnificence in his divine form.
Class Activity: The children were then engaged in a class activity as social media managers - tweeting and updating their status, all related to the lesson learned that session. It was fun and good to see most of them participating and expressing their opinions.
India the sacred land- Kids are working on the given project assignment (that will run all year through) and presentations will start from subsequent sessions.
Gita time - We practiced some important words pronouncing, following a video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2GEEF6qWf8
Our next class is on October 3rd. Please note the following important information:
*Class starts at 9:15am. We will not admit anyone during opening prayers.
*Children should log in with their name and have their videos on and be present in the frame. .
*No eating or drinking beverages during the class time.
Required Materials:
My Prayers book,
Balavihar Handbook-
https://www.chinmayavrindavan.org/balavihar/parents-corner/handbook
and Notebook/loose leaf sheets and folder, pencil/pen.
Please join the class WhatsApp group if you have not already-https://chat.whatsapp.com/KBt5hJbHoobIzFI1M5cIXx
Class blog:
https://cmnjparentportal21-22.blogspot.com
Please feel free to reach out in case you have any questions.Abhirami Shrinivas and Vidhya Aiyer
Grade 6 Sunday AM