Please find below updates from our class on Oct 25th.
We started our class with 3 OMs and the following slokas
Sahana Vavatu
Vakratunda Mahakaya
Saraswathi Namastubhyam
Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu
• Karagre Vasate
• Samudra Vasane
• Gange cha Yamune
• Sarasvati Namastubhyam
• Brahmaarpanam
Back in Hastinapura, Dhritharashtra heard many Brahmins recount the living conditions and the plight of the Pandavas, who had visited and traversed with them. Though partially delighted, the blind king worried over the negative implications of this talk being cast over his sons. He fretted over the greed and covetous behavior of Duryodhana and his followers and regretted his inability to prevent the sinful acts that led to that day. Duryodhana and his posse
were delighted to share in the spoils of the game and applauded each other for their expert cunningness. Duryodhana seemed a bit dissatisfied and expressed his desire to see the Pandavas in their misery in person and provoke their resentment further, by exhibiting their wealth and acquisitions. Karna devised a master plan to get Dhrithrashtra's permission, by announcing an inspection of the Dwaitavana cattle ranch, which was situated four miles from the Pandava camp.
Dhritharashtra reluctantly agreed and the Kaurava entourage set out to the forest. The Kauravas erected their camp and enjoyed games and festivities after completing their inspection and stock-taking of the cattle. They indulged in vigorous hunting trips and on one such occasion, arrived at a beautiful pond with enchanting views. Duryodhana expressed his desire to camp out at that spot and preparations got under way. Chitrasena, the Gandharva King was also stationed at that spot and so the encampment work was halted due to refusal of the aforesaid King. An infuriated Duryodhana ordered the army to march on the intruders and a terrible battle ensued. Chitrasena took Duryodhana captive,bound his hand and foot and threw him on his chariot. The Gandharvas blew their conches to announce their victory, the sound of which reached Yudhishtra's ears. He reprimanded Bhima for his crave assessment of the Kaurava' situation and announced his intent to help their cousins.Bhima and Arjuna rallied the routed karava forces and offered battle to the Gandharvas. Chitrasena showed least interest in battling the mighty warriors, only expressing his desire to teach the arrogant Duryodhana, a lesson in good manners.
The dishonored Kauravas return to Hastinapura in humiliation and shame. A dejected Duryodhana expressed desire to give up his life by fasting to overcome the humiliation suffered at the hands of the Pandava brothers. Sakuni provoked his inner hatred and jealousy towards the Pandavas by stating that defeat should be accepted by inviting the pandavas and handing the kingdom back to them. Duryodhana immediately shirked off the idea of defeat and defiantly declared his desire to fight his cousins to death. Karna reassured Duryodhana by undertaking a terrible vow to forsake meat and wine and promising to fulfill the desire of anyone who approaches him.
Vaishnava Yagna
During the Pandavas' stay in the forest, Durayodhana celebrated the Vaishnava Yajna with great pomp and splendor. He initially proposed conducting the Rajasuya sacrifice but was advised against it since the honor belongs to Yudhishtra, that moment in time. Duryodhana was disappointed but grew hopeful, once Karna reiterated his promise to vanquish the Pandava brothers, especially Arjuna. Karna, with much bravado declared his abstinence from wine and
meat and his resolve to grant anyone their wish if they approach him with one. Though the event was successfully conducted, the attendees couldn't stop themselves from comparing this to the Rajasuya sacrifice performed by Yudhishtra deeming it inferior to the one performed by the older Pandava brother. Of course, the court sycophants cheered Duryodhana as a great King and shouted with joy as if the Pandavas had been slain already.
Krishna's hunger
One day, Sage Durvasa, during his travels across the land with his ten thousand disciples, happened to visit Hastinapura and was warmly welcomed by the state officials. Fully aware andwary of the Durvasa's terrible temper, Duryodhana took care of the guest' every single need and was so incredibly lavish in his hospitality, that he earned a boon from the renowned Sage. Though tempted immensely to ask for things to benefit his own personal gain, he advocated that the Sage visit his cousins in the forest and grant them audience. He particularly insisted on a mid-day visit, since he was sure the Pandavas along with Draupadi, would have consumed their meal and the Akshya Patra would have exhausted its merit for that day. The Sage bid his farewell and proceeded towards the Pandavas' humble dwelling in the jungle.
The Pandavas welcomed the Sage and his entire entourage and offered salutations to him. Sage Durvasa asked them to prepare food to appease their hunger and proceeded to the river to refresh themselves. Draupadi was greatly troubled and prayed earnestly to Lord Krishna to come to their rescue. Krishna appeared in front of her and expressed his intent to eat as well. Draupadi was annoyed thinking that her savior had also joined the enemy's camp instead of delivering her from the wrath of the Sage. Krishna insisted on inspecting the Akshyapatra himself and instructed Draupadi to bring it to him. A tiny piece of cooked vegetable and a grain of rice was sticking to the rim of the vessel and Krishna consumed it readily. He was replete with satisfaction and requested Bhima to escort the Sage back to the hut from the river for food. Though perplexed, Bhima did as he was told but was extremely surprised to see the guest' hunger satisfied that they decided to leave at once.
The explanation is that the whole universe is contained within Lord Krishna and his satisfaction with a single grain of rice satisfied the hunger of all beings in the entire universe at that moment in time, including the Sage.
The Enchanted pool
Once, the pandavas lost track of their surroundings while chasing a deer, they fell exhausted, thirsty and tired. Yudhisthira sent Nakula to find water. He went in search and discovered a lake, and immediately jumped to take a drink of water. A loud voice asked him not to drink the water unless he answered his questions. Nakula paid no heed to the voice, drank the water and fell down dead. Yuthisthira then sent Sahadeva, who also met with the same fate. Arjuna and Bhima also did not listen to the voice and died. Finally, Yudhisthira came to the spot, and was shocked to see his brothers lifeless. But he too was drawn to the glimmering water by his monstrous thirst. As soon as his hand touched the water, a voice bellowed out asking him not to do so, and
he instantly gathered it to be a Yaksha's doing. He agreed to the terms of the game and hence the voice started asking a series of questions, one after the other.
Sample of questions…
1. What makes the Sunshine every day? - the power of the Brahman
2. What rescues man in danger? - Courage
3. What is nobler than the Earth? - A Mother
4. What is higher than the sky? - A Father
5. What is fleeter than the wind? - Mind
6. What accompanies a man in death? - Dharma
7. What is the biggest vessel? - The Earth
8. What is that, abandoning which man becomes loved by all? - Pride
9. What is that the loss of which yields joy and not sorrow? - Anger
10. What is that, by giving up which, man becomes rich? - Desire
Thus, the Yaksha posed many questions and Yudhishtra answered them all. Pleased, the Yaksha offered to bring one of the Pandava brothers back to life. Yudhishthira pondered for a few minutes, and requested Nakula to be revived out of all, lying on the ground. The Yaksha was curious as to why not revive Bhima who is endowed with the strength of sixteen thousand elephants or Arjuna, the favorite archer of all times, to which the older Pandava answered that to let Madri have a son alive and save her from bereavement of losing both her sons. The Yaksha was pleased with Yudhishtra's impartiality and brought all the brothers back to life. The Yaksha revealed his true form, and it was none other than Lord Yama himself, in disguise as a deer and then as the Pool owner, who wanted to meet his son and test his resolve. Lord Yama warmly embraced Yudhishtra and blessed him with a boon that their life in the forest and incognito would go without a hitch.
The Pandavas completed their 12 years in the forest and were preparing for the thirteenth year of exile. They met with all the brahmanas who had stayed with them and informed them that it was time to part with them for they had to spend the next twelve months undiscovered by the spies of Duryodhana. They sought the blessings of the brahmanas that they may escape the notice of those who wish to betray them to the sons of Dhritarashtra.
Daumya consoled Yudhishthira and advised that the Pandavas should disguise themselves. He cited several examples.
Indra, the Lord of gods, when pestered by the demons, disguised himself as a brahmana and lived unknown in the country of Nishadha. Safely concealed thus, he managed to destroy his enemies.
Mahavishu, the Lord of the Universe, became a child in the womb of Aditi, suffered human birth and took away from the emperor Bali, his kingdom for the salvation of the world.
Lord Vishnu, the all-pervading God, descended as the son of Dasaratha and spent long years suffering many sorrows for the sake of killing Ravana.
Daumya blessed the Pandavas that they would conquer the enemies and win prosperity. Yudhishthira took leave of the brahmanas and gave the members of the retinue leave to go home. The Pandavas retired to a secluded spot in the forest to discuss their future line of action. Yudhishthira asked Arjuna for his suggestion on which would be the best place to spend the thirteenth year. Arjuna suggested several charming states including Panchala, Matsya, Salva, Kalinga ,Magadha etc. But his top choice was Matsya, the country of king Virata. Yudhishthira agreed to Arjuna's suggestion. They then discussed what roles each of them would play in the Virata's kingdom to live incognito for a year.
Arjuna was in deep sorrow at the thought of Yudhishthira, the great and guileless king, who had performed the Rajasuya yagna, having to disguise himself and take service. Yudhishthira answered that he was planning to ask Virata to take him to service as a courtier. He would delight the king with his conversation and his dexterity at dice. He would take the garb of a sannyasin and engage himself with astrology as well as Vedas, Vedangas, ethics, politics and other sciences. He would tell the king that he was an intimate friend of Yudhishthira and learnt those things when he had the privilege to be with him.
Yudhishthira then asked Bhima what work he would take. He glorified Bhima's achievements and was in tears as he put the question to Bhima. Bhima laughingly replied that he would take the service as a cook in the court of Virata. He would also delight the king by contending with and defeating the wrestlers who come to his court. Yudhishthira became anxious as he feared that danger might befall them if Bhima engaged himself in wrestling bouts. At once Bhima assured Yudhishthira that he would not kill anyone but only give a bad jolt to any wrestler who deserves it. He would also restrain mad bulls, buffaloes and other wild animals and thus entertain king Virata.
Yudhishthira addressed Arjuna, first praised him for his valor and all his brilliant exploits and asked him what profession he proposed to take up. Arjuna replied that he would hide himself in the guise of a eunuch and serve the ladies in the court. Urvasi had cursed Arjuna with a loss of manhood when he rejected her amorous overtures saying that she was like a mother to him. But through Indra's grace the curse would hold good only for a year and the time would be for him to choose. So Arjuna decided to utilize that opportunity during this thirteenth year and he would teach the women singing and dancing. He would seek service saying that he used to serve Draupadi in Yudhishthira's court. Hearing this, Yudhishthira was in tears.
Yudhishthira then turned to Nakula and asked him what he would engage in, as he thought of his mother Madri, tears rolled down his eyes. Nakula replied that he would work in the king Virata's stables for his mind took delight in training, and looking after horses. He could understand the heart of the horses and had knowledge of their ailments and cure. He added that he would tell the king that he looked after the horses of the Pandavas.
Yudhishthira asked Sahadeva what work he would take. Sahadeva replied that he would tend the cows and guard Virata's cattle from the ravages of disease and attacks of wild beasts.
Finally Yudhishthira turned to Draupadi and could not find words to ask her what she proposed to do. She was a princess, the daughter of a king, nobly born and tenderly nurtured. Yudhishthira felt choked by shame and despair. Draupadi saw his grief and spoke bravely that she would be a Sairandhri in the court of the queen of Virata - the companion and attendant of the princess and would mention that she had served Draupadi in Yudhisthira's court.
When the Pandavas thus decided, Daumya blessed them and advised them that those who are engaged in service under a king should always be vigilant, not talking too much, giving counsel only when asked, and should praise the king on befitting occasions. All things, no matter how small, may be done only after informing the king, who is veritable fire in human form. A servant of the king should ever be active and self-restrained. He should not be excessively elated, nor unduly depressed, by being honored or dishonored by the king. Daumya blessed the Pandavas to live thus in patience for one year, serving the king Virata and after that they will be able to reclaim their lost throne.
The children were very attentive throughout the entire session. When we discussed Yaksha's questions to Yudhishthira, the children answered most of them correctly. We also analyzed the Pandavas characters, how much love, affection and respect they had for each other. When Yudhisthira asked his brothers what role they planned to assume during the 13th year, he praised their valor and their accomplishments before posing the question. The Pandavas did not take each other for granted and the children understood and appreciated that behavior.
After the class, we assembled in the prayer hall and the children led the aarathi and pledge.
There is no class on Friday, Nov 1st due to Deepavali.
Happy Deepavali to you all.
Next class is on Friday, Nov 8th at 7 pm.
Thank you!
Pranāms
Purnima & Anupama
