Hari Om! Parents,
We started class with the beginning prayers followed by chanting of Rama dhyana shloka and a few verses from Namaramayanam.
After a quick recap from Aranya Kand we moved on to Kishkinda Kand. Since Kabandha had instructed Rama to meet Sugreeva Rama and Lakshmana proceeded through the forest to Kishkinda. Sugreeva was the fugitive vanara king living atop the Rishyamooka hill. His wise minister was Hanumanji. Hanumanji in the guise of a Brahmin approached the brothers respectfully and introduced himself. Rama told.him about his motive and Hanumanji took both of them to meet Sugreeva. They all became friends. Sugreeva then told them the story about him being a fugitive.
Dundubhi was a demon who challenged his brother Vali. The demon was defeated and killed and some of his blood fell on the Rishyamooka hill. A rishi lived there and cursed Vali, so Vali was barred from entering the hill. Dundubhi's brother Mayavi then takes revenge on Vali. Vali chases him and they both enter a cave and engage in a duel. Vali asked Sugreeva to keep watch outside the cave. When Sugreeva heard a loud cry and blood coming out of the cave he assumed Vali had died. He then placed a big boulder in the entrance of the cave. The people of Kishkinda grieved over the death of Vali and crowned Sugreeva king. After some time, Vali returns and is furious with Sugreeva. He is banished from Kishkindha and takes his wife away. Sugreeva is hence a fugitive and takes refuge on Rishyamooka hill as Vali cannot enter due to the curse.
Rama showed his strength to Sugreeva who was then convinced that Rama would destroy Vali. One day Sugreeva challenged Vali for a fight. The fighting was fierce, and Rama was supposed to kill Vali from behind. But both Vali and Sugreeva looked similar, and Rama could not determine who Vali was. Sugreeva was defeated. Rama suggested that Sugreeva wear a garland so he could distinguish between them. Rama asked Sugreeva to challenge Vali for another fight. Vali's wife Tara feared for Vali's life now. But Vali was adamant and fought Sugreeva. During the fight Rama shot an arrow at Vali. Vali was wounded. He asked Rama why he shot him from behind. Rama explained that he ruled the kingdom in adharmic ways and Vali had to pay for this. Vali was convinced and was happy to die in Rama's hands. Cali asked Sugreeva to protect his wife and son Angada. Sugreeva made the promise and was crowned king of Kishkinda.
The search began for Sita. The vanaras formed groups and went in the 4 directions. The group which went south was led by Angada, Jambavan, Hanuman etc. Rama felt a special love for Hanuman. He gave his ring to him so that Sita can recognize him as his messenger.
Hanuman and team searched everywhere and could not find Sita. They were weary and hungry. Finally, they entered a cave where there was water, food etc. It was a beautiful place and looked like a maze. They came across a yogini by name Svayamprabha. She invited them for the food and helped them get out of the maze and transported them with her yogic powers to the seashore. The vanaras kept talking about the glories of Rama, Jatayu etc. An old vulture who had lost his wings hearing their conversation ascended near them. After hearing their Jatayu story, he told them he was Jatayu's brother Sampati. He offered his help to find Sita. He immediately got back his wings due to his service to Rama. With his sharp eyes he could see beyond the ocean and see Sita's whereabouts. The vanaras were overjoyed.
Now the task was how they would cross the ocean. Each of them said how far they could jump. Hanuman was quiet. Jambavan reminded him of his power and Hanuman felt his inner hidden strength come back and was the Chosen One to find Sita. His body expanded. He grew until he was as big as a mountain and body shone like gold. He was brilliant as he had special siddhis and could do the most difficult task.
We then discussed the values from the stories we learned.
1. Never act in haste. Always think before we act.
2. Vali's drawback was anger, and hence was destroyed.
3. Sugreeva's problem was excessive desire, unlike Bharatha. Bharatha never craved to become king whereas Sugreeva wanted to be king and hence suffered
Desire and anger has to be controlled.
4. Last week we learned Shabhari's love and devotion towards Rama. This week we learned of Hanuman's love and devotion to his Lord.
The Lord in turn puts his trust on his beloved devotees and loves them deeply.
This was the end of Kishkindha Kand. We will enter Sundara Kand next week.
Our next Balvihar class is on January 27th
Pranams
Nirmala and Mythili
