Hari Om parents,
Please find the summary of the balavihar class on 1/27.
We stated the class with the beginning prayers followed by chanting of Sri Rama Dhyana and a few verses of Namaramayanam. We spent few minutes mediating to calm our mind and bring back focus to the class.
After a quick recap of Kishkindkand, we moved to Sundarakand story of Ramayana. Kids were very attentive and followed the story along very well. They had great questions that led us to also share the ashta Sidhis of Hanuman. We explained that he also has to power to grant these sidhis to those who worship and pray him
The Sundarakand of Ramayan presents an exciting and inspiring story of the adventures of Hanuman and his quest to find Sita mata.. SundaraKand also highlights Hanuman's physical powers, skill, superior intelligence and wisdom
Lord Hanuman was oblivious about his power and strength until Jambvant praised him and even made him realize his strength. At the moment, chanting the name of Rama, Hanuman assumes a gigantic form and makes a colossal leap across the ocean to Lanka after defeating Surasa, the mother of the nagas, and Simhika, who is sent by the devatas. The Mainak mountain in the ocean offers Hanuman to rest which he respectfully rejects considering that as an obstacle in his journey.
After facing the above three hurdles, Hanuman reaches the Lankan shore. However, he finds a mighty force of demons guarding Lanka. He decides to enter during the night. At night he comes across Lankini who he defeats and releases her of a curse.
Hanuman finds the whereabouts of Sita, comes in front of her and pacifies the agony stricken Sita. Hanuman instills confidence in Sita that her beloved husband Rama will arrive at Lanka to rescue her from Ravan's captivity. With Sita's permission, Hanuman then eats fruit from Ashoka Vatika and also uproots many trees.
Hanuman creates havoc and also kills many demons including Akshaykumara. Next, the demons complain the same to Ravana and he sends his warriors but they all lose in the fight with Hanuman. Hanuman creates a hell like scene in Lanka destroying demons and buildings and creating a terror in the minds of the residents including Ravan
Ravana then sends his son, Meghnath to tackle Hanuman. He is compelled to use Brahmastra against Hanuman and Naagpash to tie him down. Meghnath then takes Hanuman in the court of Ravana. Hanuman there has a dialogue with the demo requesting him to release Siata. He suggests Ravana to escort Sita to Lord Rama and live in peace forever.
Ravana would rather express his anger and order for setting fire to Hanuman's tail. Hanuman happily jumps and wanders hither and thither in Lanka setting the whole city of Lanka ablaze.
Lord Hanuman then meets Sita and asks her permission to head back to the Lord. She gives him her ornaments to present it to her Lord. Taking it, Hanuman heads back to Kishkinda. He meets Lord Rama and Lakshmana and narrates them the entire story. Next, they conduct a meeting with Sugriv to plan their course of action in order to free Sita from Lanka. That brings Sundarakand to an end.
We will start Lanka kand along with Vibheeshana Gita next class. This begins our next segment of the curriculum 'Key to success'.
We also started talking to the kids about the class play and brainstormed ideas on what to present. We will continue that discussion in the next class
Pranams,
Nirmala and Mythili
