Hari Om,
We started the class with OM chanting followed by prayers.
Next, we started the eighth chapter of the "Key to Success" book. This chapter is called "The Flag''. We discussed what the Flag of Dharma chariot represents: Satya (Truthfulness) and Sila (Good character). Truthfulness means being factually accurate and forthright. Truthfulness is when a person gives his word and fulfills it. In Ramayana, Srí Rama followed the promise that He gave to His mother Kaikeyí and went to forest for fourteen years. King Dasharatha had given a boon to Mother Kaikeyí and when she asked for her boon, King Dasharatha fulfilled her wishes! He had to send Srí Rama to the forest for fourteen years! Keeping up your words is truthfulness.
We then discussed the story of the Wolf and the Shepherd Boy. The shepherd boy was getting bored in the forest. For excitement, he shouted, "Help! Help! Wolf, Wolf!" The first few times people came to help him. Then they figured out he was lying in order to have some fun. Then once, a wolf really came. The boy shouted for help, and no one came! This story depicts the result of lying.
We then narrated the story of George Washington and how as a six year old boy, he spoke truth to his father about cutting his favorite cherry tree. As soon as the father heard the truthful words his anger died and taking the boy tenderly in his arms, he said: "My son, that you were not afraid to tell the truth is more to me than a thousand trees!"
Next we discussed Sila implies good conduct, integrity, and modesty. To illustrate this character, we reviewed the story of Sage Naradaji. Once Naradají went to Vaikuntha and asked Lord Narayana, "Please tell me,Bhagavan, what are the results of being in the company of good people?" The Lord asked him to go meet a parrot and ask this question. As soon as he did this, the parrot died. Disappointed Naradaji went back to the Lord. This time the Lord asked him to go meet a newborn calf and ask the same question. Again the same result - the calf also died. Third time, the Lord asked Naradaji to go meet a foal (baby horse). Same result. Finally the Lord asked Naradaji to go and meet the new born son of the King of Kashi and the Lord assured him that this time he will get an answer to his question. Naradají asked the baby, "O Prince, please tell me what is the result of satsanga?" The baby said, "O sage, have you not understood so far? I was the baby bird whom you questioned. Because of the brief contact with a saint like you, I got released from the tiny body immediately and was born as the calf and then a horse...and now a prince... This is the result of satsanga. I am indeed grateful to you for elevating me to this stage." Naradají's doubt was cleared, and he blessed the prince and went his way singing the Lord's glory. Further to illustrate the power of Sila, we also narrated the story of Sewa Ram and his beloved horse.
Good company inspires us to have good thoughts; good thoughts prompt us to do good actions. Good actions give positive, good results; good results make us happy resulting in good destiny!
After this, the entire class went to the Temple Auditorium and performed Guru Paduka Puja to Gurudev. This was followed by performances by Grade 2, 4, 6 and 8.
Our next class is on May 14, 2023!
Pranaams!
Vyjayanti and Krishna
