Hari OM All,
This week we started our class with prayers and some class discussion.
This was followed by a continuation of Mahabharata
- Bhagvan SriKrishna set off to his peace mission for Hastinapura, Bhagvan gets a warm welcome in Hastinapur and is received by all elders & Duryodhana. Bhagvan understands Dhritarashtra is trying to influence him with his affection. Duryodhana's dinner invitation was rebuffed by Krishna, not wishing to eat the food at the home of an unrighteous wicked person, one who opposed and hated the Pandavas. Krishna, instead, wished to reside in Vidura's palace.
- The following day at the 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 winning their favor and support. While Dhritarashtra looked on helplessly, Bheeshma, Drona and Vidura showed their support to Krishna. Angered that he was blamed for all that went wrong with the Pandavas, Duryodhana related the events as he saw them. 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. Duryodhana also makes the case that the kingdom was bequeathed by father and should never be given away. He would rather die on the battlefield a true Kshatriya warrior, than accede to the elders. Krishna, understanding the futility in giving advice, warned the Kaurava brothers of imminent death and destruction.
- Krishna's Vishwaroopam - As the Duryodhana fear that Krishna is looking to create trouble, he hatch a plan to bind him up and throw him in prison. Satyaki, upon hearing of the plan, informs Krishna. Krishna tells Duryodhana he is mistaken to think Bhagvan is alone and without power, Krishna takes on a glorious form, radiating magnificence in his divine form with all three worlds in him. Taking Kunti's blessings (who was also residing with Vidura and his wife), Krishna began preparations for war.
- In a last ditch effort to turn Karna away from evil, Krishna sought Karna out. Despite revealing his true parentage and circumstances surrounding his birth, Krishna could not sway Karna. The news of his birth gave him a sense of privilege (that he lacked since birth), but acknowledging that publicly would cost him his best friend Duryodhana. He did not wish to reveal his identity to the Pandavas, fearing Yudhisthira's love and loyalty to his 'older brother - Karna'. With a heavy heart Krishna returned to Upaplavya, knowing fully well the disastrous outcome of the war. At Upaplavya, Krishna narrates the happenings at the court, angering all the Pandavas and their allies. This only strengthens their resolve, that WAR was the only solution to end evil. The seven Akshauhinis were allotted their leaders, formations were discussed, and the Pandava army set out to the scene of the epic battle - Kurukshetra.
- The Kauravas chose Bheeshma to be the Commander of their mighty army. Upon accepting the role, Bheeshma informed Duryodhana that the Pandavas were also dear to him, and that he would not fight with them directly. He also calls Karna ardha-rathi, Karna in anger declares he will fight only after Bheeshma's fall. Not knowing that Krishna had already visited Karna, Kunti also decides to see her firstborn. As a mother, it was her duty to inform her child of imminent danger, and the guilt that ate at her could not let her watch from the sidelines. Her Kaunteya accepted her apology and even basked in the warmth of his mother's lap, but could not give her the only thing she wanted - fight with his 'blood brothers', the Pandavas. He calmly promised her that he would not harm Yudhisthira, Bheema, Nakula or Sahadeva, but Arjuna was fair game. The enmity between the two had grown immensely, not allowing for either egos to give in. His parting words to his birth mot
- Kauravas have assembled 11 akshauhini and Pandavas have 7 akshauhini army. Pandas pick Dhrishtadyumna as their commander, they also decide on code of conduct of war on each day at sunset armies will cease to fight and behave as friends. At sunrise battle will begin anew. They decide on the day to start the war when both armies arrive on the Kurukshetra battlefield.
This was followed by chanting of Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 2, verses 64-65. We then joined the Monthly presentation by Grade 2 students. The class concluded with the Pledge.
Pranaams!
Krishna and Sachin