Nov 19 , 2021 - Grade 6 (Friday)
Hari Om Parents,
We trust that each and everyone of you is keeping well and staying safe!
Please find below the update from our class, last Friday.
With the Almighty, our Pujya Gurudev and our Swamiji's blessings, our class session went without a hitch and managed to finish our planned lessons and activities.
Class began with Opening Prayers - 3 OMs, followed by the chanting of Sahana Vavatu. Then we invoked the blessings of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati and all our Gurus, by chanting..
Śri Ganeshaya Namah!
Śri Saraswathyai Namah!
Śri Sad-Gurubhyo Namah!
Shlokas: ( My Prayers Book)
The kids, then took turns to recite the Daily Prayers ( page#11) in the order of:
- Karagre Vasate
- Samudravasane
- Gange cha Yamune
- Saraswati Namastubhyam
- Brahmarpanam
- Shubham Karoti
- Kara-charana-krtam vak - kindly encourage the kids to memorize these and recite them at appropriate occasions during the day. Emphasis should be on, not just the learning part but to put all that they learn, into practice in their daily routine.
We proceeded to review the Devi Dhyana Shloka (page#39) and the eight verses of Mahalakshmi Ashtakam (page#39) that we learnt in our previous class. The kids took part in this routine enthusiastically and did a fantastic job in their recitation. Please encourage your kids to memorize all the shlokas taught in class and practice diligently. We then learnt the ninth verse in class and all the kids were called upon to chant so their recitation can be checked and corrected.
A Recap Report Desk was established in our classroom, the whole purpose of which is to recount briefly all the lesson plans that were completed the previous week by a student volunteer. They were also granted special powers to interview their fellow students for their comments or opinions. The kids had so much fun and did a fantastic job with their innovative Q&A session.
As to the Mahabharata portion of our lesson plan, the episodes detailing Lord Krishna's dramatic rescue of Draupadi from the wrath of Sage Durvasa and Yudhishtra's prolonged discussion with the enchanted Pool regarding dharmi principles was discussed in class.
During the Pandavas' stay in the forest, Durayodhana celebrated the Vaishnava Yajna with great pomp and splendor. He initially proposed conducting the Rajasuya sacrifice but was advised against it since the honor belongs to Yudhishtra, that moment in time. Duryodhana was disappointed but grew hopeful, once Karna reiterated his promise to vanquish the Pandava brothers, especially Arjuna. Karna , with much bravado declared his abstinence from wine and meat and his resolve to grant anyone their wish if they approach him with one. Though the event was successfully conducted, the attendees couldn't stop themselves from comparing this to the Rajasuya sacrifice performed by Yudhishtra deeming it inferior to the one performed by the Older Pandava brother. Of course, the court sycophants cheered Duryodhana as a great King and shouted with joy as if the Pandavas had been slain already.
One day, Sage Durvasa, during his travels across the land with his ten thousand disciples, happened to visit Hastinapura and was warmly welcomed by the state officials. Fully aware and wary of the Durvasa's terrible temper, Duryodhana took care of the guest' every single need and was so incredibly lavish in his hospitality, that he earned a boon from the renowned Sage. Though tempted immensely to ask for things to benefit his own personal gain, he advocated that the Sage visit his cousins in the forest and grant them audience. He particularly insisted on a mid-day visit, since he was sure the Pandavas along with Draupadi, would have consumed their meal and the Akshya Patra would have exhausted its merit for that day. The Sage bid his farewell and proceeded towards the Pandavas' humble dwelling in the jungle.
The Pandavas welcomed the Sage and his entire entourage, and offered salutations to him. Sage Durvasa asked them to prepare food to appease their hunger and proceeded to the river to refresh themselves. Draupadi was greatly troubled and prayed earnestly to Lord Krishna to come to their rescue. Krishna appeared in front of her and expressed his intent to eat as well. Draupadi was annoyed thinking that her savior had also joined the enemy's camp instead of delivering her from the wrath of the Sage. Krishna insisted on inspecting the Akshyapatra himself and instructed Draupadi to bring it to him. A tiny piece of cooked vegetable and a grain of rice was sticking to the rim of the vessel and Krishna consumed it readily. He was replete with satisfaction and requested Bhim to escort the Sage back to the hut from the river for food. Though perplexed, Bhima did as he was told but was extremely surprised to see the guest' hunger satisfied that they decided to leave at once.
The explanation is that the whole universe is contained within Lord Krishna and his satisfaction with a single grain of rice satisfied the hunger of all beings in the entire universe at that moment in time, including the Sage.
He, too, was drawn to the glimmering water by his monstrous thirst. As soon as his hand touched the water, a voice bellowed out asking him not to do so, and he instantly gathered it to be a Yaksha's doing. He agreed to the terms of the game and hence the voice started asking a series of questions, one after the other.
Sample of questions…
- What makes the Sun shine everyday? - the power of the Brahman
- What rescues man in danger? - Courage
- What is more nobler than the Earth? - A Mother
- What is higher than the sky? - A Father
- What is fleeter than the wind? - Mind
- What accompanies a man in death? - Dharma
- What is the biggest vessel? - The Earth
- What is that, abandoning which man becomes loved by all? - Pride
- What is that, the loss of which yields joy and not sorrow? - Anger
- What is that, by giving up which, man becomes rich? - Desire
Thus, the Yaksha posed many questions and Yudhishtra answered them all. Pleases, the Yaksha offered to bring one of the Pandava brothers back to life. Yudhishtra pondered for a few minutes, and requested Nakula to be revived out of all, lying on the ground. The Yaksha was curious as to why not revive Bhima who is endowed with the strength of sixteen thousand elephants or Arjuna, the favorite archer of all times, to which the older Pandava answered that to let Madri have a son alive and save her from bereavement of losing both her sons. The Yaksha was pleased with Yudhishtra's impartiality and brought all the brothers back to life. The Yaksha revealed his true form and it was none other than Lord Yama himself, in disguise as a deer and then as the Pool owner, who wanted to meet his son and test his resolve. Lord Yama warmly embraced Yudhishtra and blessed him with a boon that their life in the forest and incognito would go without a hitch.
The class participated in the discussion of the Yaksha's questions enthusiastically and did a fantastic job identifying many of the answers.
Bhagavad Gita video for verses 41 & 42 was shared with the children via screen share in our class. The link to the video presentation is posted in our Google classroom. To facilitate easy access to materials discussed in class, we have established a Google Classroom and the link has already been shared with all of the parents on our class WhatsApp Group.
The session concluded for the evening, with the recitation of the Shanti Mantra and the pledge by our students.
Virtual Class Etiquette for participants:
Important: Our class will start at 7 pm sharp on Fridays with opening prayers. Try to log in 5-10 min early to avoid unpleasant disruption during the prayers
- Please sit at a study desk in a quiet room with a clean background.
- A table lamp is recommended - light should fall on your face so the teachers can see your face clearly
- Use of headset strongly recommended
- All participants will be muted on entry - please raise your virtual hand if you wish to speak.
- Please have your MY Prayers book, handbook, a notebook ( no loose leaf sheets), and pen/pencil ready at hand.
- Kindly avoid bathroom breaks and eating during class hours
- Keep your desk clear of unwanted electronic devices to avoid unnecessary distractions.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or queries you may have. Thank you!
At His Service
Friday Grade 6 Sevikas
Sangita Patankar & Viji Lakshmi Hari