The Slaying Of Kabandha

Transcription

1 The Slaying Of Kabandha Lesson Message Who is a Kabandha? We are Kabandhas because we, search in vain only to grab at things to eat and fill our stomachs, with the sole objective of enjoyment and with no regard for or thought about the Lord. What do we learn from the episode of Kabandha? It is miserable to be a Kabandha. Therefore, do not be greedy. Learn to share. opening prayer 3 minutes om saha nëvavatu, saha nau bhunaktu, saha víryañ karavëvahai, tejasvinëvadhítam-astu më vidviçëvahai. om õëntiß õëntiß õëntiß. May He protect us both. May He nourish us. May we acquire the capacity (to study and understand the scriptures). May our study be brilliant. May we not cavil at each other. Om Peace Peace Peace. attendance 5 minutes Take attendance, and let each child respond Hariß Om, when his/her name is called. memory Time 10 minutes Chant the following Daily Prayers given in the Introduction; read and explain their meaning.

2 22 Prëtaß kële Upon Waking Bhïmideví namaskëraß Getting Up From Bed Adhyayanët prëk Before Studies Dípadarõane Before Lighting The Lamp öayanasamaye Before Sleeping Topic Of The Day 35 Minutes The topic of the day consists of: Tale: The Slaying Of Kabandha Game: Grab It All Game: No, I Am Not Kabandha Activity: Coloring Tale: The Slaying Of Kabandha 142 We see Rëma surviving one sorrow after another, with calmness and cheerfulness that is unmatched. He moves along, bravely and courageously, assisted by His brother Lakçmaãa, in His attempt to establish good and rid the world of evil. Rëma moves and lives like an ordinary human being, but one who has perfected Himself through great self-discipline. The Lord, having taken a human birth, and having assumed a human body, lives in its limitations of dust and tears. And the play goes on. As they passed through the forest, Rëma and Lakçmaãa were suddenly seized by a hideous looking monster. He had no head and legs, but only two huge, long arms which could stretch out and capture any prey. He had a mouth in the stomach region, thick ugly lips, and long pointed teeth. In the chest, he had one huge and ugly red-eye. Rëma and Lakçmaãa struggled in his clutch and seeing that his sole strength was in his arms, they drew out their swords in a flash and chopped off his arms! The monster, Kabandha by name, fell back in great pain. Then he said to Rëma, Lord, now my memory comes back to me. I am really a heavenly being. But once I frightened a åçi by assuming a grotesque form. He cursed me to remain so till liberated by You. I beg of You to build a fire and burn up this body so that I may be free again. We, living in the world, search in vain only to grab things to eat and fill our

3 stomachs, with the sole objective of enjoyment and with no regard for or thought about the Lord, are Kabandhas. When Rëma chops of our grabbing hands (desires), we come to remember our Divine nature and as we get liberated from our ugly cruel, horrible, terrible-nature, we become divine children. Rëma and Lakçmaãa burned up the ugly rëkçasa s body and from the flames arose a beautiful form which ascended a heavenly chariot. He advised them, Go to the banks of the river Pampë. Seek the help of the vënara king Sugríva. You are sure to regain Sítë. He resides on the æçyamïka hill. So saying, the abominal form disappeared

4 22 Game: Grab It All In this game, children will learn why greed is bad. Materials Required Classroom kit Few items like beans, fruits etc. Directions Make several teams of two children each. They connect to each other by putting their one hand on waist. They move around as a pair, without getting disconnected. Spread many small things (e.g., ruler, book, marbles, beans etc.) on the floor of the classroom. All pairs move around in the classroom and try to pick up as many things as they can. They must carry all items at all times till the game is over. The pair that picks up most number of things is Kabandha. Inference: Now explain to children how difficult it is to grab and hold on to all things. In life also, let us learn not to hold on to things and be a Kabandha. When we act like Kabandha, we become miserable. Game: No, I Am Not Kabandha 144 This game is an extension of the above game. The pairs of children from the above game will now try and give up all they have collected during the above game to someone else. Now, no one probably would want any items as they do not want to be a Kabandha. Inspire them to take items as they are all useful items. For example, a ruler, an eraser etc. are useful items. You want an answer from children that they have enough and they do not want to collect any more items. Or they can just take it and say we will give it to a needy child. Activity: Coloring Give children a line drawing from the Appendix to color. After coloring, they will file it in their folder. Teacher will also color the same line drawing, make a cutout, and glue it on the display. Quiet time 5 Minutes Follow one of the techniques given in the Introduction to make children s mind quiet.

5 closing prayer om sarve bhavantu sukhinaß sarve santu nirëmayëß, sarve bhadrëãi paõyantu më kaõcid dußkhabhëgbhavet. om õëntiß õëntiß õëntiß. 2 minutes May all be happy. May all be healthy. May all enjoy prosperity. May none suffer. Om Peace Peace Peace.