Dear Parents!
Harih Om!
The following material was taught to your child on January 9th, 2022
1. Geeta Chapter 2 chanting: verses 54 and 55: The following children recited it independently: Srividya, Hasini, Vikram chanted verse 54 Satvik, Anwita and Venkat chanted verse 55.
2. We taught the children a new bhajan (the first verse) of "Aao Gurdeva": The following children recited it independently: Srividya and Satvik.
The following was discussed pertaining to Mahabharatha:
3. Reasons for the Kauravas losing the war:
A. Today we analyzed why Kauravas lost the war despite bigger army and more great warriors on their side – we concluded the main reason was that they were on side of adharma while Pandavas were on side of Dharma.
B. When you analyze the characters we find that the Kaurava army was not in the right mental condition to win the war. Bheesma and Drona who were the main pillars of Kaurava army, were split in their loyalties. Physical they were fighting on Kaurava side but their hearts and blessings were with Pandavas. Just before war both Bheesma & Drona blessed Yudhisthira to be victorious in war. Bheesma openly said he would not kill any Pandavas even though he was the leader of Kaurava force. Duryodhana was suspicious of their motives all through – he placed all his hope and trust on Karna, despite Karna shown to be no match for Arjuna in prior encounters (Drupadhi swayamvaram, fight with Gandharvas in forest, Uttara Gokarana fight after Agnathavasa). In addition Karna did not participate during first 10 days of the war because he felt insulted by Bheesma and he also took a vow not to kill any Pandavas except Arjuna! His curses, discouragement by his charioteer Salya and him taking side of adharma ultimately lead to Karna's demise. Finally even Gandhari did not bless Duryodhana with victory, saying victory will always be on the side of dharma.
C. Pandavas on the other hand even though they had smaller army had a clear conscience going into the war that they were on the side of dharma. They did not want war but it was forced upon them by their evil cousins. Everyone was united and had clear vision what their goal and responsibility was – there was no split in loyalty on their side. But the most important reason why Pandavas won was – because Lord Krishna was on their side. He guided them at every step and more importantly they listened to Him.
D. Bheesma and Karna others followed their vows in word and spirit. It seems that they were more interested in individual welfare rather than welfare of the society as a whole. Pandavas also had their share of vows but luckily Lord was there to help them. One incident clearly shows how Lord was helping and guiding them – on 15th day of the battle Karna defeats Yudhisthra who retreats to the camp. Before battle that day Arjuna declared that he will kill Karna in battle that day, but not seeing Yudhisthira in battlefield he goes to camp to check on him. Yudhisthira seeing Arjuna thinks that he killed Karna and came back to the camp; but learns that even Arjuna had to retreat from Karna. So he gets very angry at Arjuna and abuses his valor and his Gandeeva bow. Arjuna then draws a sword to kill Yudhisthira! – because Arjuna had previously taken a vow that he will kill anyone that abuses his Gandeeva bow. Lord Krishna stops Arjuna and tells him that abusing elders is as good as killing them – so Arjuna gets angry and abuses Yudhisthira. Then Arjuna feels bad and wants to kill himself as he abused his elder brother. Again Lord Krishna intervenes and says if one "praises" himself it is as good as killing oneself. So Arjuna praises himself lavishly. After this incident Arjuna goes back to the battlefield and kills Karna. Thus Lord guided the Pandavas through the dangerous river of Kurushestra battle filled with many dangers as an expert navigator.
E. So in conclusion Yatha Krishna, Tato Dharma; Yato Dharma, Tato Jayah.
F. Yaksha Prashnas:
1. By giving up what does one become dear?
By giving up arrogance one becomes dear. If we consider the qualities, we admire in our friend or friends: most of think of humility as a desirable trait in a friend. Do we really admire friends who boast about the size of their home, their talents, or capabilities? When we give up our boastful nature, we become dear to people
2. By giving up what does one become free of grief?
By giving up anger one becomes free of grief. In life we desire many things. When an obstacle comes between the object of desire and the mind, we get feelings of anger in our mind. Because we think that by acquiring these material goods, we will get happiness! Because we are deluded, and not clear about our understanding about what is permanent and what is impermanent, this produces sadness, grief, and anger. We need to understand that there is something higher than our own ego and problems in life come due to false identifications.
3. By giving up what does one become prosperous?
By giving up lust one becomes prosperous. Should we not draw a line and say this is enough? If I am rich, I want to get richer! If I am a millionaire, I now want to become a billionaire! There is no end to desires created by the mind. I become prosperous when I become grateful for all the gifts Bhagavan has given me, if I yearn for more, then I am actually poor!
4. By giving up what does one become happy?
By giving up greed one becomes happy. If I understand and know that every creation in this world is that of the Lord, then I can learn to let go and will not be greedy or envious of others. One should let go and enjoy all the gifts the Lord has given us.
Concluding Prayers were chanted by Yashvi and Pledge by Shrey.
Pranam
Devender Akula
Mekhala Girish