Hari om parents,
Hope everyone is doing well! Here is the summary of our class (12/18/22)
1. We started our class with 3 OM's and the beginning prayers followed by shlokas for Lord Ganesha, Devi Saraswati & our Gurus.
2. We chanted 6 verses of Guru stotram.
3. Story time - Jaya & Vijaya
Vaikuntha is the abode of the mighty Vishnu. Vaikuntha is said to be a paradise like no other, regarded as the highest spiritual realm that one could attain, according to Hindus.The name itself means 'the abode of eternal bliss'. The entrance to this magnificent realm is guarded by the twin deities, Jaya and Vijaya.
One day, four Kumaras, named Sanaka, Sanandana, Sanatana, and Sanatkumara, arrived at the entrance of Vaikuntha. By virtue of their tapas or austerities, they appeared to be children but, in reality, they were very old and spiritually advanced. Tempted by the world inside, they walked towards the gates. As they were about to enter the spiritual realm, they were stopped by Jaya and Vijaya, the dwarapalakas or gatekeepers of Vaikuntha. Considering them children, Jaya and Vijaya arrogantly declared that they could not be allowed inside the abode of Vishnu. They informed the Kumaras that Vishnu could not be disturbed as he was resting. The duo was unaware that these four Kumaras happened to be the mind-born sons of Brahma.
The Kumaras challenged Jaya and Vijaya's words by saying that they were devotees, and Vishnu is always available for his devotees. Enraged by the slight, they cursed the twin gatekeepers to lose their divinity and take birth in the material world. On being cursed, Jaya and Vijaya let go of their arrogance and pleaded with the Kumaras to revoke the curse. Hearing the commotion, Vishnu enquired. Learning about this incident, Vishnu left his abode to sort out the issue. All present at the gate bowed as Vishnu appeared at the entrance.
Vishnu turned to his gatekeepers and told them that the curse of a Kumara could not be revoked.He told Jaya & Vijaya not to worry because He Himself will come to redeem them so they could return to their immortal forms as his gatekeepers.Jaya & Viajya, in spite of their devotion to the lord, had to suffer the consequences of their wrong doings. Because of this curse, Jaya & VIjaya were born to Diti as Hiranyaksha & Hiranyakasipu.
4. Story time - Hiranyaksha
The story of Hiranyaksha and his brother, Hiranyakashipu, is found in the Puranas. The two powerful demons were the incarnation of Jaya and Vijaya, the doorkeepers of Vishnu, as per Hindu scriptures. Sanatkumaras, who were denied entry into Vishnuloka by Jaya and Vijaya, had cursed them to be born as demons on earth.
Hiranyaksha performed intense austerities and became highly powerful.He defeated the Devas (demigods) and threw them out of heaven. He then jumped into the ocean and thrashed the waves with his club. Soon the earth was inundated. He challenged Varuna, the Lord of the Oceans. But Varuna admitted his inability to fight with the demon and advised him to challenge Vishnu.
Brahma, who realized that Hiranyaksha had become too powerful, meditated on Vishnu to save Mother Earth.Vishnu appeared through the nose of Brahma in the form of a tiny boar. Soon, the boar grew in size, jumped into the ocean and lifted up the submerged earth with its tusks.Hiranyaksha challenged the boar to fight him.After restoring the earth to its original position, Vishnu as Varaha (boar) fought the demon and killed him.
5. Story time - The Old man & Walnut tree
Once, an old Gardener was planting a walnut tree in his garden.The king saw him & asked," Sir, is this your own garden or do you work here?" . The old man replied Sir , this is my garden which I have inherited from my forefathers. " The king said, "Do you know that the walnut tree does not give fruits for a very long time so it may not bear fruits in your lifetime?" The old man said sir I have been eating food from the trees planted by others & it is about time I do something for others. The King was very happy with the gardener and his thoughtfulness.
6. Brainstorming - Attitude of Gratitude
We all need to learn that we are thankful & owe the good life we have to so many people in the world like parents, teachers, friends & even to people who we may not know.
7,We also discussed how Lord Vishnu was the one who knew it ALL! That was surely an interesting topic of discussion
8. We went to the prayer hall for Aarti & closing prayers.
Regards,
Chitra & Rupa.
