Hari Om Parents,
Please find the below update from our class on Friday Nov 4th, 2022.
Class began with Opening Prayers - 3 OMs, followed by the chanting of Sahana Vavatu. Then invoked the blessings of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Saraswati and all our Gurus, by chanting..
Śri Ganeshaya Namah!
Śhri Saraswathyai Namah!
Śhri Sad-Gurubhyo Namah!
Kindly encourage the kids to memorize these and recite them at appropriate times throughout the day. Thus instilling in them, not just the learning part but to put all that they learn, into practice in their daily routine.
Shlokas: ( My Prayers Book)
We recited the Daily Prayers ( page#11) in the order of:
• Karagre Vasate
• Samudra Vasane
• Gange cha Yamune
• Sarasvati Namastubhyam
• Brahmaarpanam
• Shubham Karoti
• Kara-charana-krtam vak
As per our curriculum, we proceeded to learn the Devi Dhyana Shloka (page #39). We also recited Mahalakshmi Ashtakam (page 40) verses 1- 4 in the class. We then continued with our Mahabharata review.
Mahabharata SummaryPrince Uttara set out with great enthusiasm and valor to meet the Kauravas in his chariot with Brihannala as the charioteer. But on seeing the Kaurava forces drawn in battle by Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Duryodhana and Karna, he lost all courage and with great fear asked Brihannala to turn back the chariot.
He refused to listen to Brihannala' s encouraging words and got down from the chariot to fly towards the city in panic. Brihannala had to run behind the prince to force him back to his chariot. Drona waspuzzled at the sight, and he was reminded of Arjuna on seeing Brihannala. But Karna and Duryodhana
dismissed his anxiety.
Arjuna consoled the sobbing Uttara and said that he would fight the Kauravas. He asked the prince to drive his chariot. He reminded Uttara that no good came of flight. He lifted the prince back to his chariot, put the reins in his hands and asked him to drive towards a tree near the burial ground. With Uttara's help, Arjuna took down a bag from the tree that contained the arms of the Pandavas. When the bag was opened, the prince saw weapons as bright as the sun. Arjuna then confided his identity as well as the other Pandavas and Draupadi's to the prince. Uttara was amazed and with folded hands expressed how fortunate he was to see Arjuna. Uttara drove the chariot in front of the arrayed Kauravas. Arjuna got down, prayed to God, tied his hair with a cloth,
stood facing east and meditated on his armor. He then stringed his Gandiva bow and twanged the string to send a shrill echo. Hearing the sound, the Kaurava forces immediately knew it was Arjuna. When he blew his Devadatta conch, the Kaurava army was alarmed.
The story of Uttara, who spoke boastfully in the ladies' boudoirs and fled in panic at the sight of the hostile array, has not been introduced in the Mahabharata, merely as a comic interlude. It is in ordinary human nature to look with contempt on lower levels of conduct in ability. The rich scorn the poor; the beautiful, the plain; the strong, the weak. Brave men despise cowards. But Arjuna was no ordinary man but a great soul and a true hero who felt that his duty as a strong, brave man was to help others to rise above their weakness. Knowing that nature had endowed him with courage and bravery at birth, he had the true humility of a great warrior, and he did what he could to put courage into Uttara and make him worthy of his lineage. This was Arjuna's characteristic nobility. He never abused his strength and power.One of his many names is Bibhatsu, which means one who shrank from doing an unworthy act, and he lived up to it.
Drona suggested that the army must be arrayed well since Arjuna had come. Duryodhana mentioned that even if it were Arjuna, if he is exposed then it would mean that the Pandavas would have to go in exile for another twelve years since the thirteenth year has not ended yet. Hence, there was no need for fear or worry. Karna suggested that he would single handedly face Arjuna and win him. Kripa also suggested that they should make a combined attack on Arjuna if they were to succeed in the battle. When Karna sneered at Kripa and Drona, Aswatthama, Drona's son got angry and reminded him that the battle is yet to be won and that he had not found in any sastra that it is honorable for kings to seize kingdoms by cheating at dice. The leaders of the Kaurava army lost their patience and began to argue loudly. Seeing this, the grandsire Bhishma was filled with sorrow and said that wise men do not insult their teachers. He urged that this was not the time to nurse enmity and asked Aswatthama to not mind Karna's offensive remarks. He pacified the Kaurava army and said that they could conquer Arjuna only if they joined together and fought him. He added that the thirteenth year had ended the day before. He asked Duryodhana to reflect before deciding on war. He could still make peace with the Pandavas. But Duryodhana did not wish for peace. He mentioned that he would not give even a village to the Pandavas. Drona suggested that Duryodhana should take away a fourth of the army to guard him and return to
Hastinapura and another fourth of the army should seize the cows. With the rest of the army, the
Kaurava leaders would fight Arjuna.
When Arjuna did not see Duryodhana, he knew that Duryodhana was driving away the cows to Hastinapura. Arjuna moved away from the Kaurava army and went after Duryodhana. As he was passing his teachers, he respectfully greeted them and his grandsire by drawing his Gandiva bow and sending arrows to fall near their feet. He thus reverentially saluted them. Arjuna defeated the marauding forces and recovered the cows. He asked the cowherds to take them to the byres. Arjuna then pursued Duryodhana. Seeing this, Bhishma and other Kaurava warriors rushed to the rescue. A fierce battle ensued, but Arjuna defeated Karna, Drona, Kripa and Aswatthama. He then had a glorious fight with Bhishma which it said that the gods themselves came to see.
Finally, he succeeded and went after Duryodhana and defeated him. But when Arjuna taunted him with cowardice, Duryodhana came back to fight with him again. Bhishma and others joined the fight. Arjuna employed a magic weapon and made them all fall unconscious and snatched away their garments. The seizure of the enemy's clothes was the sign of decisive victory in those days. The whole army returned to Hastinapura after the humiliating defeat. Arjuna instructed Uttara to turn back the horses. The cows had been regained and the enemy defeated. He deposited the weapons as before on the tree and dressed himself once more as Brihannala. He sent messengers in advance to proclaim in the city that Uttara had won a glorious victory.When Virata returned to the capital after defeating Susarma, he saw prince Uttara was not there and the womenfolk told him with much elation that he had set out to conquer the Kauravas with Brihannala as the charioteer. The king's heart sank, and he was overwhelmed with anguish to think that his son
could be dead. He bade his ministers to gather a strong force and rescue Uttara if he was still alive. Yudhishthira, now disguised as the sannyasin Kanka, tried to comfort Virata by assuring him that the prince would come to no harm, since Brihannala had gone as a charioteer. Meanwhile the courtiers arrived from the field of battle with the glad news that Uttara had defeated the Kaurava forces and recovered the cows. The king was elated and made large gifts of precious stones and wealth to the messengers who brought him the good news. The king ordered for the prince to be welcomed in a befitting manner. Special prayers of thanksgiving were offered at all places of worship, the streets were decorated with flags and the citizens lined up to welcome the prince with triumphal music.
King Virata retired to his private apartments and asked Sairandhri to bring the dice. He asked Kanka to play a game with him. The king continued to praise the prince. Yudhishthira again mentioned that his son had the good fortune of having Brihannala as his charioteer. Virata now became very angry. While he was praising his son's victory, Kanka kept mentioning that Brihannala was no ordinary person. The chariot she drove could never see defeat and whoever was in it was sure of success in any undertaking no matter how difficult.
The king in a bout of anger flung the dice on Yudhishthira's face and followed up with a blow on his cheek. Yudhishthira was hurt and blood flowed down his face. Sairandhri who was nearby, wiped the blood with the edge of her garment and squeezed it into a golden cup saying that a sannyasin's blood may not be spilt on the ground and that the rains may fail for as many years as there were drops of blood on the earth.
The gatekeeper announced that Uttara and Brihannala had arrived and were waiting to seek an audience with the king. Yudhishthira whispered to the sentry to only let Uttara to come in and for Brihannala to stay behind. He did this to prevent a catastrophe for he knew Arjuna would be unable to control his anger when he saw the injury on his brother's face. He could not bear to see Dharmaputra hurt by anyone except in a fair battle.
Uttara entered and paid due homage to his royal father. He then turned to Kanka to do obeisance but was horrified to see his bleeding face. The king mentioned that he had hit him because Kanka repeatedly praised his charioteer, the eunuch, and gave victory to him. Uttara was overwhelmed with fear and asked his father to fall at Kanka's feet and ask for forgiveness. King Virata stood puzzled, and the prince bowed to Yudhishthira asking for pardon.
The king then praised his son for his victory and asked him to narrate how he had conquered the Kauravas and recovered the cows. Uttara hung his head and said that he conquered no army. He had the help of a god-prince who rescued him and defeated the Kauravas. King Virata was eager to see the god-
prince and he wanted to give his daughter Uttara in marriage to him. But the prince mentioned that the god-prince had disappeared for the time being, but he would come again soon.
In Virata's assembly, all the leading citizens had gathered to celebrate the King's and prince's victory. Kanka, Valala, Brihannala, Dharmagranthi, and Tantripala also arrived and on entering the hall, to everyone's surprise sat among the princes. On seeing this, the king got furious and lost his temper. The
Pandavas then disclosed their identity to everyone's surprise. The king embraced Kanka in exuberant gratitude and insisted that he should give his daughter in marriage to Arjuna. But Arjuna refused saying that he had taught dance and music and he was her teacher and in a position of father to her. He agreed to accept her for his son Abhimanyu.
Meanwhile envoys arrived from Duryodhana with a message to Yudhishthira that since Arjuna had let himself be recognized before the thirteenth year was over, the Pandavas had to dwell in the forest for another twelve years. Yudhishthira laughed and told the messengers to relay to Duryodhana to make further enquiry and that Bhishma and others learned in the stars would tell him that the thirteen years had been completed before the Kaurava forces heard the twang of the Arjuna's Gandiva.With the thirteenth year coming to an end, the Pandavas left Virata's capital and settled in Upaplavya, another place in Matsya territory. They sent emissaries to summon their friends and relatives. From Dwaraka, came Balarama and Krishna with Arjuna's wife Subhadra and her son Abhimanyu,
accompanied by many Yadava warriors. The Kasi prince, Saibya ruler, arrived with their forces. Drupada came bringing with him Sikhandin, Draupadi's sons and her brother Dhristadyumna. There were many other princes gathered. Abhimanyu's marriage to princess Uttara was solemnized according to Vedic rites. After the wedding celebrations were over, they met in Virata's hall of assembly.
Krishna addressed the assembly and narrated the story of the great deceit, how Yudhishthira was cheated at the board game and deprived of his kingdom and exiled with his brothers and Draupadi to the forest. He asked the assembly to counsel a course which will be in consonance with dharma and
contribute to the welfare of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas. He suggested that they should send an able and upright emissary to Duryodhana and persuade him to a peaceful settlement by the restoration of half of the kingdom to Yudhishthira.
Balarama next spoke and he reiterated in agreement to what Krishna had spoken and suggested that the envoy should convey to Duryodhana, Yudhishthira's wish for peaceful settlement and get the cooperation of Bhishma, Dhritarashtra, Drona and Vidura, Kripa and Aswatthama and even of Karna and Sakuni if possible. Balarama added that Yudhishthira, being fully aware that he was no match for Sakuni, still played the game, staked his kingdom and lost everything. So, Yudhishthira could only plead for the return of what he had lost and that it gave him no right to the return of their kingdom. Balarama did not relish an armed conflict among scions of the same family and rightly held that war would lead only to disaster.
Satyaki, the Yadava warrior on hearing Balarama's words, rose in anger and said that Balarama's words filled him with disgust. He added that anyone who found fault with Yudhishthira did so in cowardly fear of Duryodhana. Yudhishthira did not have to bow and supplicate before Duryodhana now that he had fulfilled his pledges. It was not of his own volition, but because the Kauravas pressed and invited Yudhishthira to the game of dice, did Dharmaputra have to oblige to the unfair game fraught with disaster. To supplicate before the enemy was to incur disgrace. If Duryodhana desired war, Satyaki mentioned that he would be ready for it.Drupada's heart was gladdened by Satyaki's resolute words. He rose and said that Satyaki was right and fully supported him. He added that they should continue their preparations for war and send word immediately to Salya, Dhrishtaketu, Jayatsena and Kekaya. He agreed that they should send a suitable
envoy to Dhritarashtra. A learned brahmana who conducted religious ceremonies in Drupada's court could be sent to Hastinapura with confidence. They should instruct him well on what he should say to Duryodhana and how he should convey the message to Bhishma, Dhritarashtra and Dronacharya.
When Drupada concluded, Krishan rose and said to Drupada that what he proposed was practical and conformed to the kingly code. Dhritarashtra held Drupada in high esteem and Drona and Kripa were his boyhood friends. So, it would only be right for Drupada to instruct the brahmana on his mission of
peace. If he fails to persuade Duryodhana, they should all prepare for the inevitable conflict. The conference ended and Krishna left for Dwaraka with his people.
The Pandavas and their allies went on with their preparations. Duryodhana and his brothers also began preparing for the upcoming conflict and sent word to their allies. Drupada called his brahmana and instructed him to go as emissary of the Pandavas. Drupada asked the Brahmana to show Dhritarashtra, the path of dharma and wisdom. He would find Vidura a great ally in this task. Drupada added that so long as he was in Duryodhana's capital talking of peace, their war preparations would receive a set-back which would be good from the Pandavas' standpoint. Drupada did not expect Duryodhana to agree to a peaceful settlement. Still, to send one on a peace mission would be advantageous to the Pandavas.
Having sent Drupada's brahmana to Hastinapura on the peace mission, the Pandavas sent word to the princes likely to favor their cause to collect their forces and hold themselves in readiness for war. Arjuna went to Dwaraka by himself. Duryodhana also went to Dwaraka to meet Krishna at the same time. They both reached Dwaraka the same day. Krishna was fast asleep. Duryodhana sat on a decorated throne chair at the head of the bed, while Arjuna kept standing at his foot with arms folded in respectful posture.
When Krishna woke up, his eyes fell on Arjuna first and he greeted him. He then turned to Duryodhana and greeted him as well. Duryodhana was the first to mention that since war was imminent, he was there to secure Krishna's support and since he was there first, he (Duryodhana) should be given the first
preference. Although Duryodhana came first, it was Arjuna whom Krishna saw first, so he said that their claims were equal, and he was bound to render assistance to both sides.
In distributing favors, the traditional usage is to begin with the junior-most among the recipients. Krishna offered the choice to Arjuna. He said that he would keep his army, the Narayanas, his tribesmen who were his equals in battle on one side and Krishna would individually stand on the other weaponless and would take no part in actual fighting. Arjuna without any hesitation and with reverence said that he would be content if Krishna were with them even if he was weaponless. Duryodhana was beyond happy for securing the invincible mighty force.
Then Duryodhana met Balarama who confided that he pleaded Duryodhana's case during Virata's daughter's marriage. Balarama added that it would be impossible for him to side with one whom Krishna opposes. He said that he will not help Arjuna and asked Duryodhana to bear himself in accordance with
the kshatriya code if war was imminent.
Duryodhana returned to Hastinapura in high spirits after securing Krishna's army and Balarama's good wishes. He thought Arjuna made a fool of himself asking for Krishna alone, weaponless and unable to fight.
When Krishna asked Arjuna why he chose him over his army, Arjuna replied that his ambition was to achieve glory like Krishna and he desired Krishna to drive his chariot unarmed. Krishna was very pleased with Arjuna and blessed him with success.Salya, the ruler of Madradesa, was Madri's brother – Nakula and Sahadeva's uncle. When he heard the Pandavas were camping in Upaplavya, he set out with his very big army towards the city to join the Pandavas. The army was so large that when they halted for rest, the encampment extended to several
miles. When Duryodhana heard about Salya and his marching force, he decided to persuade Salya to join his side. So Duryodhana instructed several beautifully decorated rest houses to be erected in many places enroute and Salya and his men were treated to wondrous hospitality.
Salya was very pleased with this hospitality, and he thought it was Yudhishthira who had arranged it. But when he realized it was Duryodhana who had provided the kingly hospitality, Salya was moved and asked Duryodhana how he could repay him. Duryodhana immediately Salya that he and his forces
should fight on his side. Salya was stunned but he was tricked to repay the hospitality. He promised Duryodhana that he would be on his side. He took leave and went to see the Pandavas and narrated to them what had happened.
Yudhishthira tried his best to conceal his disappointment, but he asked him that if he ever drove Karna's chariot during the battle, if he would be the cause for Arjuna's death. Salya promised that if that situation ever happened, Karna would go dis-heartened, and Arjuna would be saved. He blessed
Yudhishthira with victory.
Bhagavad Gita: Verses 3 & 4 from chapter 3 were taught and rehearsed this week, following our Swamiji, Swami Shantanandaji's chanting video.
Class Reflection:Then and Now
One of the concepts we discussed was how the modern cinema projects on the screen much that is bad and immoral. Whatever may be the explanation offered by the protagonists of the cinema, evil is presented on the screen in an attractive fashion that grips people's minds and tempts them into the path of wickedness. But that is not the case in the Puranas. Although they do point out that even great men now and again fell into error and committed wrong, the presentation is such as to warn the reader and not to allure him into evil ways. This is the striking difference between our epics and the modern movies, which arises from the difference in the character of the people who produced them.
Aarathi: We assembled at the main prayer hall for aarathi and concluding prayers.
Please have the children do their daily prayers regularly and also practice the ślokas and Gita chanting.
Thank you! See you back on Friday Nov 18, 2022.
Pranāms,
Viji Lakshmi Hari and Anupama SivakumarFriday Grade 6 sevikas
