We began the class with a recap of the previous class story.
Sita is harrassed by Ravana's Rakshasis until Trijata, a good demoness drives them all away. She tells them that she has seen bad omens that indicate the end of Ravana. She consoles Sita who sits under a tree wondering if she can hold onto hope or if she should take her life. As she is pondering in sorrow, Hanuman begins to softy sing in the story of Lord Rama up to the point where he has seen her. His melodious voice and divine rendition of the story lifts Sita's spirits and Hanuman chooses this moment to show himself to her and humbly bows down before her. Sita's mind see saw between great joy and suspicion that this could be Ravana's maya. Hanuman finally gives her Rama's ring that gives her more confidence. He tells her that Rama is looking for her and will soon come to save her. She tells him that she can tolerate this for a month more after which she will take her life and asks Rama to come as quickly as he can. She also recounts stories to Hanuman that only Rama and she know to instill confidence in Rama that it is indeed Sita that Hanuman has met. While he reassures her that she should hold onto hope, he also offers to take her back with him carrying her across the ocean. Sita refuses for concern for Hanuman's safety but also out of respect for Rama. She wants him to come, kill Ravana and take her back home. Hanuman takes her leaveand decides that he must teach the Rakhasa a lesson. He destroys Ashoka Vana, kills several Rakshsas who come to stop him. Finally Indrajit binds him with the Brahmastra and although the effect of the astra is nullified when the other bind him with physical ropes, he remains bound as they parade him through the city. In the palace, he conveys the message from Sugriva to Ravana, asking him to release Sita and ask for Lord Rama's forgiveness. Ravana orders Hanuman to be killed, but Vibheeshana, Ravana's minister and younger brother advises him to not do so to a messenger. Ravana orders Hanuman's tail to be set on fire. The rakshasas rush to do so and Hanuman grows his tail. As the fire is lit, Sita prays to Agni to not let the fire burn him and Hanuman's tail feels cool. After Hanuman is paraded in the city for sometime, he makes himself small, comes out of the bonds and sets the houses and palaces of Lanka on fire. He douses his tail and panics that he may have burnt Sita in the process. However, the tree under which Sita was sitting is untouched by the flames. Taking her blessings he begins his journey back across the ocean.
We then discussed the examples of devotion to his duty with the kids. Egs were when he initially met Lord Rama and Laxmana, not stopping on the mountain in the ocean, convincing Sita of who he is. We also spoke about his presence of mind when handling situations like getting in and out of the demoness Surasa's mouth.
We also allotted the parts for the skit.
Pranaam,
Sirisha and Prarthana
