Dear Parents,Hari: Om!
We began class with 3 Oms and our daily prayers.
We took some time to discuss a few of the roles that needed tweaking for the individual characters for our stage show. Then discussed how we plan on incorporating the Dharma Chariot concept.
We went into a brief recap before diving into the next element of our chariot as there were a few absences and since we had a fun filled Spirit day last week and sort of lost a bit of continuity.
The worry that plagued Vibhīshana about Ravana's armory versus Rama's simple presence at the war front, devoid of any weapons bar his bow and quiver of arrows. Rāma brought to Vibhīshana's attention the importance of Dharma; where Ravana's chariot could be grand and armored with weapons, Rama's metaphorical chariot contained values that encompass the Dharmic way of life.
A few of the kids were able to talk about that the wheels of a chariot symbolize Sauraja (Courage) and Dhīraja(Patience). and that courage is not the absence of fear, and also understanding that a daring action could not necessarily be called courageous. Patience, an important virtue, is typically practiced only when the situation is convenient. It is the ability to keep that fortitude of mind that will help us develop Patience.
We moved on to today's elements, the flags of the chariot. They symbolizes Satya (Truthfulness) and Shila (good character) Truthfulness - how important it is to be as truthful as possible in our lives. If the truth were to hurt others or if the truth were bent to conveniently avoid trouble. Good character comes from Satsangha which brings about good thoughts, actions and habits.
The flag - We began by discussing the significance of why a chariot has 2 flags. Then we went on to what they represent. Satya (truthfulness) and Shila (good character).
What constitutes Truthfulness ? - honesty, and integrity- where the thought, mind and words/action are in line. Truthfulness means being factually accurate and sincere. When a person gives a word he fulfills it. Truth alone triumphs, "satyameva jayate".
Lord Rama and Dasaratha are examples of truthfulness. Sri Rama followed the promise that he gave to his mother Kaikeyi and went to the forest for 14 years. King Dasharatha fulfilled his boon to Kaikeyi and sent Rama to forest though it was heartbreaking. Truthfulness is The key to winning hearts.
We discussed a story about 6 year old George Washington and his hatchet. When he was over enthusiastically experimenting with his new toy, he hacks away at his father's beloved cherry tree. When his father comes to find out what had happened to his tree and angrily yells at everyone, George comes out and says that he cannot lie and tells the truth of what had happened. Hearing the truth, his dad calms down and actually praises him for his honesty.
Good character (shila) implies good conduct, integrity and modesty. In Ramayana, Rama exemplifies good character. When Rama was told that he had to go to the forest, he did not grumble. He told mother Kausalya that he was presented with the kingdom of forest, in a very sweet and composed manner.
Good company inspires us to have good thoughts. Good thoughts give good action. Good actions develop good habits and good character.
An elephant comes under the influence of bandits and starts destroying things and hurting people around. When the association of bandits with the elephant in the late nights was discovered, bandits were caught and the elephant was encouraged to spend the time with good and wise people. Subconsciously, the Elephant gets rid of all its bad habits and becomes friendly again.
poovodu serntha narum manakkum - we discussed this Tamil saying about how the fibers from a banana leaf when used as a thread to tie flowers together to make a garland begin to smell like the fragrant flowers, likewise when we are in the company of good people we get positively influenced.
The narada muni satsang story- Once narad muni went to Lord Narayana and asked HIm, "what is satsang?" The Lord asked him to go to a tree, pointing towards and asking him to put this question on a just born bird at the tree's nest. Narada acts accordingly and the bird dies! A shocked narada gets to the Lord and tells what had happened, The Lord pointing to a cowshed, asks him to repeat the action, now to a newly born baby calf. The calf dies and Narada is further shocked. Again tells the Lord and the Lord makes him to repeat the action - now towards a newly born baby horse at a stable. A hesitant Narada goes and follows the action, alas! The baby horse also dies. Dejected Narada goes to the lord, Who asks him to ask the question now to a new born prince of the king. A shocked Narada denies but the Lord says, his questions will get an answer. Now as he whispers the question to the baby's ears. The baby thanks narada. He says, He was the bird, calf in the next janma, horse in the next and subsequently a human! all because of a short time satsang with narad muni. That's the power of satsang. A good character is determined when the person is involved in a noble group. He is inspired by the good qualities of the members of the group.
We had kids questioning how our mind can change when we are in the company of people with a bad influence. We discussed various scenarios and how it may seem easier to influenced in a bad way as it may seem easier to get results that we want but in the long run, bad influence will catch up to you and if you were the "good" influence to begin with, that is what can help the person who may be bad. So we need to stick with it. Attending satsangs and BalaVihar help us stay on the right path.
We then discussed a story about a man who devoted a majority of his time helping other people. His prized possession was his thoroughbred Arabian horse. Many people had offered him fortunes to buy the horse from him but this man declined all offers. Then this man from a neighboring town conjured up a plan to get his hands on this horse. He decided to fake being gravely ill on the path of the horse owner, knowing that he is compassionate and service minded. The horse owner immediately dismounted his horse and told the sick (looking acting) man to slowly mount his horse so he could take him to get medical attention. Once the actor was on the horse, he took the reins and began to gallop off. Seeing what had just occurred the man called out and told the actor one thing. He begged the man not to tell anyone how he got possession of his horse. The scheming guy laughed but listened. The horse owner's justification was that no one will ever stop to help anyone ever again if they found out that this happened. Hearing the justification, the actor grew a conscience and apologetically returned the horse.
We then had some time to discus of stage performance roles. Please have your kids send us their final drafts. Please try to have your kids attend class, we will try to use class time for practice. Please reach out if you have any questions regarding script/props/costumes.
Practice Schedule:
March 15th 3:30-5p.m
March 22nd 11:30-1p.m.
March 29th 12:30-2p.m.
Stage show is on March 30th
With warm regards,
Rahul and Keerthi
