Hari Om Parents,
Please find below summary updates from our class on Jan 10th.
We started our class with 3 OMs and the following slokas
Sahana Vavatu
Vakratunda Mahakaya
Saraswathi Namastubhyam
Guru Brahma Guru Vishnu
We recited the Daily Prayers ( page#11) in the order of:
- Karagre Vasate
- Samudra Vasane
- Gange cha Yamune
- Sarasvati Namastubhyam
- Brahmaarpanam
- Shubham Karoti
- Kara-charana-krtam vak
We started our discussion on the Mahabharata war.
On the first day of the battle, Duhsasana was leading the Kaurava forces and Bhimasena did the same on the Pandava side. In the forenoon of the first day's battle the Pandava army was badly shaken. Wherever Bhishma's chariot went, it was like the dance of the destroyer. Abhimanyu could not bear this, and he attacked the grandsire. When the oldest and the youngest warriors thus met in battle, the gods came to watch the combat. The Kaurava warriors made a combined attack on Abhimanyu, but he stood against them all. One of his well-aimed arrows brought the grandsire's palm tree flag down and, seeing this, Bhimasena was overjoyed. Great was the grandsire's joy, seeing the valour of the young hero. Unwillingly, he had to use his full strength against the boy. Virata, his son Uttara, Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Drupada and Bhima came to relieve the young hero and attacked the grandsire who then turned his attention on them.
Uttara, the son of Virata, rode an elephant and led a fierce charge on Salya. Salya's chariot horses were trampled to death and thereupon he hurled a javelin at Uttara and killed him. Virata's son Sveta saw Salya slay his younger brother. His anger rose, and he drove his chariot towards Salya. Sveta succeeded in putting Duryodhana's men to flight and he pushed forward and attacked Bhishma. Bhishma's flag was brought down by Sveta. Bhishma, in his turn, killed Sveta's horses and charioteer and finally killed Sveta. The Pandava forces suffered greatly on the first day of the battle. Dharmaputra was seized with apprehension. The brothers came to Krishna who advised them not to fear. Krishna also reminded him that Sikhandin was waiting for his predestined victim Bhishma and thus comforted Yudhishthira.
Uttara, the son of Virata, rode an elephant and led a fierce charge on Salya. Salya's chariot horses were trampled to death and thereupon he hurled a javelin at Uttara and killed him. Virata's son Sveta saw Salya slay his younger brother. His anger rose, and he drove his chariot towards Salya. Sveta succeeded in putting Duryodhana's men to flight and he pushed forward and attacked Bhishma. Bhishma's flag was brought down by Sveta. Bhishma, in his turn, killed Sveta's horses and charioteer and finally killed Sveta. The Pandava forces suffered greatly on the first day of the battle. Dharmaputra was seized with apprehension. The brothers came to Krishna who advised them not to fear. Krishna also reminded him that Sikhandin was waiting for his predestined victim Bhishma and thus comforted Yudhishthira.
On the second day, the Pandava army was most carefully arrayed. The Kaurava army, led by Bhishma, again made a strong attack on the Pandava forces and broke their formation, killing large numbers. Arjuna, turning to Krishna said that if they did not kill Bhishma, their army would soon be totally destroyed by the grandsire. Krishna agreed and rode the chariot straight towards Bhishma's chariot. The grandsire sent his shafts welcoming the challenge. Duryodhana had ordered his men to protect the grandsire. Arjuna made short work of the warriors, who intervened in support of Bhishma. His chariot flashed hither and thither sundering hostile ranks like 'forked lightning-so rapidly that the eye ached to follow its career.
Duryodhana's heart was beating fast as he watched this combat. His confidence in the great Bhishma was shaken and he accused the grandsire that he was not taking steps quickly to destroy Arjuna.The gods came down to watch the combat between Bhishma and Arjuna. Arjuna's wrath rose when he saw his dear charioteer hit and he pulled his bow and sent well-aimed arrows at the grandsire. The combatants were equal, and the battle raged for a long while. At another place a fierce battle was being fought between Drona and his born enemy Dhrishtadyumna, the son of the king of the Panchalas and brother of Draupadi. Drona's attack was powerful, and Dhrishtadyumna was wounded badly. But the latter retaliated with equal vigor. One of Drona's arrows killed the Panchala prince's charioteer. Thereupon Dhrishtadyumna took up a mace and, jumping down from the chariot, went forward on foot. Drona sent an arrow which brought the mace down. Dhrishtadyumna then drew his sword and rushed forward. But Drona again disabled him and prevented his advance. Just then Bhima who saw the Panchala's predicament sent a shower of arrows on Drona and carried Dhrishtadyumna to safety in his chariot.
Duryodhana who saw this sent the Kalinga forces against Bhimasena. Bhima killed the Kalinga warriors in great numbers. When Bhishma saw this, he came to relieve the Kalingas. Satyaki, Abhimanyu and other warriors came up in support of Bhima. One of Satyaki's shafts brought Bhishma's charioteer down and the horses of Bhishma's chariot, left uncontrolled, bolted carrying Bhishma away from the field. The Pandava army was wild with enthusiasm when Bhishma's chariot sped thus out of the field. They took advantage of the situation and made a fierce attack on the Kaurava army. Great was the loss the Kaurava army suffered in that day's battle as a result of Arjuna's deeds of valour.
On the morning of the third day, Bhishma arrayed his army in eagle formation and himself led it while Duryodhana and his forces protected the rear. Dhananjaya and Dhrishtadyumna decided in favour of a crescent formation of their army so as to cope with the eagle formation of the enemy's forces. On the right horn of the crescent stood Bhima and on the left Arjuna, leading the respective divisions. The battle began. Dhananjaya's attack was powerful but the enemy stood firm. A counter-attack was made by the Kauravas concentrating on Arjuna's position.
At another point Sakuni led a large force against Satyaki and Abhimanyu. Satyaki's chariot was broken to shivers and he had to scramble up Abhimanyu's chariot and thereafter both fought from the same chariot. They were able to destroy Sakuni's forces. Drona and Bhishma jointly attacked Dharmaputra's division and Nakula and Sahadeva joined their brother in opposing Drona's offensive. Bhima and his son Ghatotkacha attacked Duryodhana's division. Bhima's shafts hit Duryodhana and he lay in a swoon in his chariot. His charioteer quickly drove the chariot away from the scene fearing that the forces would be completely demoralized if they saw that the prince had been disabled. But even this movement created great confusion. Bhimasena took full advantage of the position and worked havoc among the fleeing Kaurava forces. Drona and Bhishma who saw the confusion of the Kaurava army came up quickly and restored confidence. The scattered forces were brought together and Duryodhana was again seen leading them. Duryodhana was upset with Bhishma and spoke bitterly. Bhisma rallied his men and delivered the most severe attack yet made on the Pandava army. The Pandava army was thoroughly broken and began to scatter. Vasudeva, Partha and Sikhandin tried hard to restore order and confidence, but were unsuccessful. Krishna now reminded Arjuna to attack the grandsire and to be true to his decision not to flinch from his duty to kill Bhishma, Drona and all the other friends and relatives and respected elders. Arjuna agreed and as Dhananjaya's chariot sped on towards Bhishma, it met a hot reception from the grandsire, who covered it with his arrows. But, Arjuna bent his bow and discharged three shafts which broke the grandsire's bow. The grandsire's heart was gladdened when he saw Arjuna's skill in archery and he poured shafts on Arjuna's chariot with unerring aim. Krishna was not happy at the way Arjuna met the attack. The grandsire's bow was working fiercely, but Arjuna's hands did not do their best, for his heart was not in it. Janardana's anger rose. Dropping the reins, he took up his discus and jumped down from the chariot and dashed forward towards Bhishma. Bhishma was ecstatic and welcomed Krishna to slain him. Arjuna was distressed to see this and he jumped down and ran after Krishna and entreated Krishna to turn back. Arjuna promised not to flinch again and persuaded Krishna to return. The chariot reins were again in Krishna's hands. Arjuna attacked the Kaurava forces furiously and thousands were slain by him. The Kauravas suffered a severe defeat on the evening of the third day.
When Bhima raised his mace aloft, Duryodhana's brothers quailed. Duryodhana, who saw this, was exceedingly angry and immediately charged at Bhima with a large force of elephants. As soon as Bhima saw the elephants coming up, he descended from his chariot, iron mace in hand, attacked them so fiercely that they scattered in a wild stampede, throwing the Kaurava ranks into disorder.
Duryodhana, thereupon, ordered a wholesale attack on Bhima, but he stood firm as a rock and presently, the Pandava warriors came up and joined him. A number of Duryodhana's arrows struck Bhima's chest and he climbed up his chariot again. Bhima's arrows would have killed Duryodhana then and there, had it not been for his armour. Eight of Duryodhana's brothers were slain in that day's battle by Bhima. Duryodhana took up a fresh bow and discharged a well-aimed shaft which struck Bhima on his chest with such force that he reeled and sat down. Ghatotkacha, who saw his father sit dazed with the force of the blow, got exceedingly angry and fell on the Kaurava army, which was unable to stand against his onslaught. The grandsire ordered his army to retire for the night. Dhritarashtra, on hearing the narration from Sanjaya, was plunged into great grief. Sanjaya tried to calm the king. He reminded the king that since the Pandavas rested on the strength of a just cause, they won. But his sons, although brave, their thoughts were wicked. They had done great injustice to the Pandavas, and were reaping the harvest of their sins. When the fighting was stopped on the evening of the fourth day, Duryodhana went to Bhishma's tent and, bowing reverently, asked him what was the mystery behind this daily defeat of our army at the hands of the Pandavas, although their army had the best of warriors. Bhishma replied that he had advised Duryodhana to make peace with the Pandavas, but he had disregarded it. Duryodhana had wronged the Pandavas and was reaping the results of his past actions. Bhishma said that the Pandavas were protected by Krishna himself. He reminded Duryodhana that Destruction awaited him if he insulted Dhananjaya and Krishna, who were none other than Nara and Narayana.
At another point Sakuni led a large force against Satyaki and Abhimanyu. Satyaki's chariot was broken to shivers and he had to scramble up Abhimanyu's chariot and thereafter both fought from the same chariot. They were able to destroy Sakuni's forces. Drona and Bhishma jointly attacked Dharmaputra's division and Nakula and Sahadeva joined their brother in opposing Drona's offensive. Bhima and his son Ghatotkacha attacked Duryodhana's division. Bhima's shafts hit Duryodhana and he lay in a swoon in his chariot. His charioteer quickly drove the chariot away from the scene fearing that the forces would be completely demoralized if they saw that the prince had been disabled. But even this movement created great confusion. Bhimasena took full advantage of the position and worked havoc among the fleeing Kaurava forces. Drona and Bhishma who saw the confusion of the Kaurava army came up quickly and restored confidence. The scattered forces were brought together and Duryodhana was again seen leading them. Duryodhana was upset with Bhishma and spoke bitterly. Bhisma rallied his men and delivered the most severe attack yet made on the Pandava army. The Pandava army was thoroughly broken and began to scatter. Vasudeva, Partha and Sikhandin tried hard to restore order and confidence, but were unsuccessful. Krishna now reminded Arjuna to attack the grandsire and to be true to his decision not to flinch from his duty to kill Bhishma, Drona and all the other friends and relatives and respected elders. Arjuna agreed and as Dhananjaya's chariot sped on towards Bhishma, it met a hot reception from the grandsire, who covered it with his arrows. But, Arjuna bent his bow and discharged three shafts which broke the grandsire's bow. The grandsire's heart was gladdened when he saw Arjuna's skill in archery and he poured shafts on Arjuna's chariot with unerring aim. Krishna was not happy at the way Arjuna met the attack. The grandsire's bow was working fiercely, but Arjuna's hands did not do their best, for his heart was not in it. Janardana's anger rose. Dropping the reins, he took up his discus and jumped down from the chariot and dashed forward towards Bhishma. Bhishma was ecstatic and welcomed Krishna to slain him. Arjuna was distressed to see this and he jumped down and ran after Krishna and entreated Krishna to turn back. Arjuna promised not to flinch again and persuaded Krishna to return. The chariot reins were again in Krishna's hands. Arjuna attacked the Kaurava forces furiously and thousands were slain by him. The Kauravas suffered a severe defeat on the evening of the third day.
On the fourth day, Bhishma arrayed the Kaurava forces again. Arjuna watched the hostile movements from his chariot. The battle commenced. Aswatthama, Bhurisravas, Salya, Chitrasena and the son of Chala surrounded Abhimanyu and attacked him. Arjuna saw this combined attack on his son and, with a wrathful lion-roar joined his son where the tempo of fighting flared up. Dhrishtadyumna also arrived with a large force. The son of Chala was killed. Chala himself now joined and he, with Salya, made a strong attack on Dhrishtadyumna. The latter's bow was severed into two by a sharp missile discharged by Salya. Abhimanyu saw this and sent a shower of arrows on Salya and put him in such danger that Duryodhana and his brothers rushed to Salya's help. Bhimasena also appeared on the scene at this juncture.
When Bhima raised his mace aloft, Duryodhana's brothers quailed. Duryodhana, who saw this, was exceedingly angry and immediately charged at Bhima with a large force of elephants. As soon as Bhima saw the elephants coming up, he descended from his chariot, iron mace in hand, attacked them so fiercely that they scattered in a wild stampede, throwing the Kaurava ranks into disorder.
Duryodhana, thereupon, ordered a wholesale attack on Bhima, but he stood firm as a rock and presently, the Pandava warriors came up and joined him. A number of Duryodhana's arrows struck Bhima's chest and he climbed up his chariot again. Bhima's arrows would have killed Duryodhana then and there, had it not been for his armour. Eight of Duryodhana's brothers were slain in that day's battle by Bhima. Duryodhana took up a fresh bow and discharged a well-aimed shaft which struck Bhima on his chest with such force that he reeled and sat down. Ghatotkacha, who saw his father sit dazed with the force of the blow, got exceedingly angry and fell on the Kaurava army, which was unable to stand against his onslaught. The grandsire ordered his army to retire for the night. Dhritarashtra, on hearing the narration from Sanjaya, was plunged into great grief. Sanjaya tried to calm the king. He reminded the king that since the Pandavas rested on the strength of a just cause, they won. But his sons, although brave, their thoughts were wicked. They had done great injustice to the Pandavas, and were reaping the harvest of their sins. When the fighting was stopped on the evening of the fourth day, Duryodhana went to Bhishma's tent and, bowing reverently, asked him what was the mystery behind this daily defeat of our army at the hands of the Pandavas, although their army had the best of warriors. Bhishma replied that he had advised Duryodhana to make peace with the Pandavas, but he had disregarded it. Duryodhana had wronged the Pandavas and was reaping the results of his past actions. Bhishma said that the Pandavas were protected by Krishna himself. He reminded Duryodhana that Destruction awaited him if he insulted Dhananjaya and Krishna, who were none other than Nara and Narayana.
On the fifth day, Bhishma arrayed the Kaurava forces in a strong formation; so did Dhrishtadyumna, the Pandava army. Bhima stood at the head of the advance lines as usual, and Sikhandin, Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki stood behind, securely guarding the main body, aided by other generals. Dharmaputra and the twin brothers held the rear. Bhishma bent his bow and discharged his shafts. The Pandava army suffered greatly under the grandsire's attack. Dhananjaya saw this and retaliated by fierce shafts aimed at Bhishma. Drona's powerful attack on the Pandava army was too much for Satyaki who was meeting it and Bhima, therefore turned his attention to Drona. Drona, Bhishma and Salya made a combined attack on Bhima. Sikhandin supported Bhima by pouring a shower of arrows on Bhishma. As soon as Sikhandin stepped in, Bhishma turned away, for Sikhandin was born a girl, and Bhishma's principles did not permit him to attack a woman. In the end, this same objection proved to be the cause of Bhishma's death. When Drona saw Bhishma turn away, he attacked Sikhandin fiercely and compelled him to withdraw. In the afternoon, Duryodhana sent a large force to oppose Satyaki. But Satyaki destroyed it completely and advanced to attack Bhurisravas. Bhurisravas, who was a powerful opponent, pressed Satyaki himself so fiercely that he was in distress. Satyaki's ten sons saw their father's plight and sought to relieve him by launching an offensive against Bhurisravas, but Bhurisravas killed them all. Satyaki, wild with rage and grief, drove forward at a furious pace to slay Bhurisravas. The chariots of the two warriors dashed against each other and crumbled to pieces and the warriors stood face to face with sword and shield in desperate single combat. Then, Bhima came and took away Satyaki by force into his chariot and drove away, for Bhima knew that Bhurisravas was an unrivalled swordsman and he did not want Satyaki to be slain. Arjuna killed thousands of warriors that evening. As the sun went down and Bhishma gave orders to cease fighting, the princes of the Pandava army surrounded Arjuna and greeted him with loud cries of admiration and victory.
Suddenly, Bhima lost his patience and jumped down from his chariot, mace in hand, and made straight on foot for the sons of Dhritarashtra, in hot haste to slay them. When Dhrishtadyumna saw Bhima's chariot disappear in the enemy lines, he was alarmed and rushed to prevent disaster. He reached Bhima's car, but found it was occupied only by the charioteer and Bhima was not in it. Bhima's charioteer Visoka bowed and said to the son of Drupada that Bhima had rushed forward on foot, mace in hand, into the enemy ranks. Drishtadyumna drove his chariot into the enemy lines in search of Bhimasena. When Dhrishtadyumna found Bhima, he saw him surrounded on all sides by enemies fighting from their chariots. Bhima stood against them all, mace in hand, wounded all over and breathing fire. Dhrishtadyumna embraced him and took him into his chariot and proceeded to pick out the shafts that had stuck in his body. Duryodhana now ordered his warriors to attack Bhimasena and Dhrishtadyumna and not to wait for them to attack or challenge. Dhrishtadyumna had a secret weapon, which he had obtained from Dronacharya and, discharging it, threw the enemy forces into a stupor. But Duryodhana then joined the fray and discharged weapons to counter the stupor weapons of Dhrishtadyumna. Just then, reinforcements sent by Yudhishthira arrived. A force of twelve chariots led by Abhimanyu came upon the scene to support Bhima. Dhrishtadyumna was greatly relieved when he saw this. Bhimasena had also by now refreshed himself and was ready to renew the fight. He got into Kekaya's chariot and took his position along with the rest. Drona, however, was terrible that day. He killed Dhrishtadyumna's charioteer and horses and smashed his chariot and Drupada's son had to seek a place in Abhimanyu's car. At one time, Bhima and Duryodhana met face to face. Duryodhana was hit and fell unconscious. Kripa extricated him with great skill and took him away in his own chariot. Bhishma personally arrived at the spot now and led the attack and scattered the Pandava forces. The sun was sinking, but the battle continued for an hour and the fighting was fierce and many thousands perished. Then the day's battle ceased. Yudhishthira was glad that Dhrishtadyumna and Bhima returned to camp alive.
On the sixth day, according to Yudhishthira's order Dhrishtadyumna arrayed the Pandava army in makara formation. The Kaurava army was arrayed in krauncha formation. Drona's charioteer was killed and Drona took the reins of the horses himself and used his bow as well. Great was the destruction he effected. The formations of both armies were soon broken. Bhimasena pierced the enemy's lines to seek out Duryodhana's brothers and finish them. He was attacked by Duhsasana, Durvishaha, Durmata, Jaya, Jayatsena, Vikarna, Chitrasena, Sudarsana, Charuchitra, Suvarma, Dushkarna and others, all together. The battle raged fiercely.
Suddenly, Bhima lost his patience and jumped down from his chariot, mace in hand, and made straight on foot for the sons of Dhritarashtra, in hot haste to slay them. When Dhrishtadyumna saw Bhima's chariot disappear in the enemy lines, he was alarmed and rushed to prevent disaster. He reached Bhima's car, but found it was occupied only by the charioteer and Bhima was not in it. Bhima's charioteer Visoka bowed and said to the son of Drupada that Bhima had rushed forward on foot, mace in hand, into the enemy ranks. Drishtadyumna drove his chariot into the enemy lines in search of Bhimasena. When Dhrishtadyumna found Bhima, he saw him surrounded on all sides by enemies fighting from their chariots. Bhima stood against them all, mace in hand, wounded all over and breathing fire. Dhrishtadyumna embraced him and took him into his chariot and proceeded to pick out the shafts that had stuck in his body. Duryodhana now ordered his warriors to attack Bhimasena and Dhrishtadyumna and not to wait for them to attack or challenge. Dhrishtadyumna had a secret weapon, which he had obtained from Dronacharya and, discharging it, threw the enemy forces into a stupor. But Duryodhana then joined the fray and discharged weapons to counter the stupor weapons of Dhrishtadyumna. Just then, reinforcements sent by Yudhishthira arrived. A force of twelve chariots led by Abhimanyu came upon the scene to support Bhima. Dhrishtadyumna was greatly relieved when he saw this. Bhimasena had also by now refreshed himself and was ready to renew the fight. He got into Kekaya's chariot and took his position along with the rest. Drona, however, was terrible that day. He killed Dhrishtadyumna's charioteer and horses and smashed his chariot and Drupada's son had to seek a place in Abhimanyu's car. At one time, Bhima and Duryodhana met face to face. Duryodhana was hit and fell unconscious. Kripa extricated him with great skill and took him away in his own chariot. Bhishma personally arrived at the spot now and led the attack and scattered the Pandava forces. The sun was sinking, but the battle continued for an hour and the fighting was fierce and many thousands perished. Then the day's battle ceased. Yudhishthira was glad that Dhrishtadyumna and Bhima returned to camp alive.
The children listened intently to the various happenings in the war. We discussed the vyuha's (formations) that were used by both sides of the army. Which vyuha was best for the particular occasion depended on the requirements of the offensive and defensive plans of the day. We also analyzed the various characters in the Pandava and Kaurava army, and discussed how dharma was slowly declining as the days progressed in the war.
The children chanted the Bhagavad Gita verses 14 and 15 from chapter 5 following our Swamiji, Swami Shantanandaji's chanting video.
Thank you,
Purnima & Anupama
