This November we had 3 balavihar sessions. We began our first session by discussing the concept of One God—the omnipresent and omniscient Brahman—represented by the Om symbol. The class delved into how various deities and idols are manifestations of that one Brahman, helping us connect with divine qualities and values. Students reflected on how these symbolic forms guide our prayers and inspire us to imbibe virtues like courage, compassion, and wisdom in our lives.
We then explored the concept of Karma and its connection to the laws of cause and effect, guided by captivating stories and teachings from the Mahabharata. Each session emphasized the relevance of these principles in our daily lives. We discussed the following events from Mahabharata.
1. Overview and Origins of the Mahabharata
We traced the Mahabharata's origin as Jaya, narrated by Sage Vyasa and scribed by Lord Ganesha. A fun activity mimicking the challenges of being a scribe brought this story to life.
The tale of King Shantanu's marriage to Ganga and the introduction of Devavrata (Bhishma) highlighted how our actions influence outcomes, setting the stage for deeper discussions on Karma.
2. The Great Vow and Sacrifices
This session explored Bhishma's Great Vow, where he renounced marriage and kingship to fulfill his father's wish to marry Satyavati. We analyzed the sacrifices he made and their ripple effects on the kingdom's destiny.
We also examined key events in the Mahabharata family tree, such as:
- Queen Kunti's boon from Sage Durvasa and the birth of Karna, followed by her moral dilemma and decision to abandon him.
- Gandhari's choice to blindfold herself in solidarity with her husband, Dhritarashtra, and its karmic implications.
- The Kauravas' plot to harm Bhima, leading to significant consequences and further illustrating the laws of Karma.
3. From Lac Palace to Heavenly Palace
The Pandavas' escape from the Lac Palace, where the Kauravas plotted to eliminate them, showcased their alertness and strategic thinking, guided by Vidura's wisdom. The discussion emphasized the importance of staying vigilant and resourceful.
Another pivotal event was Draupadi's Swayamvara, where Arjuna's skill in archery won Draupadi's hand. A misunderstanding with Kunti's advice to "share" Draupadi among the brothers led to critical lessons on communication and responsibility.
The session included a fun and educational game to enhance active listening and focus, where students replaced the number 3 and its multiples with "Om" while counting in sequence.
Conclusion
The November sessions emphasized the laws of Karma, the symbolism of deities, and the cause-and-effect dynamics illustrated in the Mahabharata. Students connected these lessons to their lives, understanding how ethical choices and focus influence personal growth and societal harmony.
We also embraced the spirit of community service by preparing Thanksgiving baskets, embodying values of compassion and gratitude in action.
We started chanting and learning Geetha Dhyanam in the class and Listened to the Bhagavad Geeta chanting of Chapter 5 - Verses – 1 to 8 during this period.
We will continue these discussions of cause and effect and the learnings from key Mahabharata events into the next few classes as well.
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Regards and Hariom
Viji and Shankar.
