February 5th 2012, class review

Hari Om,
    We got to a delayed start due to confusion over room availability. We may have a different room next week. The children started with 3 loud oms followed by guru stotrams and daily prayers. We then meditation by chanting Rama, Rama in our minds for two minutes. Some of our friends also tried to count the number of times they chanted.We then moved on to the geetha chapter 12.

verse 11
Athaita-dapya Shaktosi Karthum Madyoga-maashritaha
Sarva-karma Phala Thyaagam Thathah Kuru Yathaathma-vaan

verse 12
Shreyo Hi Gnaanam Abhyaa-saath Gnaanaad Dhyaanam Vishishyathe
Dhyaanaath Karma-phala-thyaagaha Thyaagaat Shaanti-ranantaram


Time to jump, jump and get our jiggles out.  We got up from our chairs and exercised. We did some jumping jacks, wind mills with our folded arms and then folded our upper bodies to make tables. By then our blood was flowing fast from head to toe.

Aunty then continued telling us the Ramanaya. Rama chased and tried to capture the golden deer that had captivated Sita but not before asking the suspicious Lakshmana to watch over Sita. Rama wanted to capture the deer alive for Sita but the deer led Rama further and further away from the ashram. Rama decided to stop the fleeing deer with an arrow. When the arrow hit the deer, it transformed into Marica.

As the raksasa fell down, he shouted for help in Rama's voice. He yelled "Sita, Lakshmana help me...". Rama sensed some foul play. He started to panic when thought of Sita but calmed down by telling himself that he had left Lakshmana to safeguard her.

In the meantime Sita was waiting for Rama, excited at possesing the golden deer and Lakshmana was anxious for Rama. The unnatural stillness of the air was pierced by Rama's cries for help. Sita panicked and urged Lakshmana to go help Rama. Lakshmana stood stubbornly. He said "Rama just cannot be defeated. This is one of the raksasa's tricks. Rama left me behind to look after you.". Sita grew hysterical. She said "I thought you were loyal to Rama. What a snake you have turned out to be. Waiting for Rama to die so you can take me." Lakshmana said "Stop. I have never looked upon you as anything but my mother. Do not force me to leave you and go. This is the raksasa's tricks.". But Sita was emotional and started to gather wood to prepare a pyre. Lakshmana finally said "At the risk of disobeying my brother, I shall go. Do not let any strangers near the ashrama. Look after yourself  mother."

    When Lakshmana left, Sita closed her eyes wearily. She was emotionally drained. When she opened her eyes she saw a sadhu with begging bowl staring intently at her. His gaze quickly turned to something frightening. He grabbed her wrist and said " I am Ravana. The greatest king in the three worlds. Come with me and be my wife". Sita was scared but her purity gave her courage. She said "My Rama is the greatest among men. No one can defeat him. Leave now before he tears you to pieces."

Sita repented sending Lakshmana away. Ravana did not listen to any of her pleas or threats. He resumed his own form and dragged the struggling Sita to his vimana or aerial chariot. As they flew over the trees, Jatayu tried to dissuade Ravana. But Ravana cut off the mighty bird's wings. Ravana then grabbed Sita and took off to Lanka. Sita tried to throw her jewellry down to the people on the ground. But there was no help from anyone. Ravana took her to Lanka. He asked her to marry him and forget Rama. She cursed him and threatened him. He left her in a Asoka Vana telling her that she will have a year to think about it.

Rama was desolate when he found Sita missing. Lakshmana had to calm him and they started searching for her.We ended our class with aarthi in front of the altar.