Hari Om,
We started the class with a breathing exercise, chanted OM, and recited prayers.
We then started the sixth chapter of the "Key to Success" book. This chapter is called "Vibhishana Gita". Vibhíshana Gíta is from the sixth canto of Srí Ramachararitamanasa, popularly known as the "Tulasí Ramayana" as it is composed by Srí Tulasídasaji. It is written in Avadhí language, which is a dialect of Hindi spoken in Ayodhya. This is a discussion between Sri Rama and Vibhishana on the battlefield just before the final war between Sri Rama and Ravana. On one side was Ravana with fully protected armor, in his special war chariot that was equipped with all kinds of sophisticated weapons. On the other side there was Srí Rama standing on the ground in front of Ravana without any armor or even shoes - all He had was only His bow and arrows as weapons.
When Vibhíshana saw this situation on the battlefield, he felt very concerned for the safety and welfare of Srí Rama and said, "Oh Lord, how will you be able to conquer this Ravana who is so mighty and well-equipped with weapons?"
In response to this doubt, Sri Rama said: " My friend, the chariot by which one gains real victory is totally different. The two wheels of my chariot are valor and fortitude. Truthfulness and good character are the flags on my chariot. Strength, discrimination, self-control, and caring for others are the horses. The reins are made of the ropes of forgiveness, compassion, and equanimity. Bhakthi or Devotion to God is the intelligent charioteer. Dispassion is the shield and contentment is the sword. O friend, a person who has this chariot of Dharma has no more enemies to conquer in this world."
And with his chariot of Dharma, Sri Rama was able to defeat Ravana in battle! The Rama-Ravana battle is the eternal conflict between good and evil, between the noble and the wretched, between the righteous and the wicked, and is constantly waged in the heart of each and everyone of us. Our conduct in the world is either like Rama or Ravana. When we are overcome with negative tendencies of hate, anger, jealousy etc., our behavior reflects the trait of Ravana. On the other hand when we are full of love, compassion, our conduct is like Rama.
After this we chanted verses 28, 29 and 30 of the Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 3 (Karma Yoga). We then joined the rest of the grades in the Temple auditorium for Arati and Pledge.
Our next class is on Apr 2, 2023!
Pranaams!
Vyjayanti and Krishna
