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.SB 9.10.2011 Duty of parents.SB 5.5.812 How KŠa is unaffected by the modes.When Arjuna caught Asvatthama his eyes were blazing like red-hot copper out of anger, but KŠa was described as having lotus eyes although also angry.SB 1.7.34Recommended Focuses of Learning:Und 12-14 (the modes; analogies, etc.)PeA 14 (devotees' experiences of Krishna's protection)ThA 11 (our attitudes towards grihasta life; protecting the weak)SC 8-11 (perceiving Krishna through Hs energies)Possible Learning Experiences:8-11 Class Discussion (Sastra Caksus)We hear how KŠa is the taste of water and the light of the sun and moon.Ask the class for other references of water, or the sun, moon, etc., in relation to KŠa consciousness.Explore the features of each to understand how they relate to the Lord (e.g.the sun maintains the entire universe).Further discuss how we can perceive Krishna through “the ability in man”.What does this mean? Do we have experience?Consolidate by requesting students to keep an eye out for the items mentioned and to see whether they perceive Krishna through them.14(c) Class Discussion (Understanding)Discuss analogies describing various types of boats that can take one across the ocean of material existence.For example: SB 10.14.58, SB 1.1.22, BG 4.36.14(c) Discussion Groups (Personal Application)Discuss how KŠa protects the surrendered devotee and helps him go beyond the modes.Divide into groups.Exchange personal experiences of being saved in times of danger by taking shelter of KŠa.Regroup and have one person from each group share an experience.Ask students to identify what we can learn from what we have heard.Bhagavad-gita Chapter 7, Lesson 3 Verses 15-23Overview/Summary:Liberation from the laws of material nature has been sought by the leaders of mankind with great plans and perseverance for many years.If such liberation is attained by surrendering to KŠa, why don't they adopt this method? Verse 15 describes four types of unqualified persons who do not surrender to KŠa and who sometimes pose themselves as leaders simply for material gain.Verses 16-19 describe four types of persons who surrender to KŠa, and how the wise man is the best because he does not desire some material gain.Verses 20-23 describe less intelligent persons who worship demigods for material gain.Chart No.12 - The Demigod Worshippers (7.20-23)Suggested Reading/Points to Cover:15.* No specified reading MP QT SG(15-16)Four types of impious persons (duskrtinas) do not surrender to KŠa.Their intelligence and efforts are misdirected due to neglecting the plan of the Lord.Being controlled by the material energy all their plans are baffled.lMudhah — hard-working asses.llNaradham — lowest of mankind.Even though socially and politically developed they fail to follow religious principles.Neglecting the opportunity of human life, they fail to understand God and their relationship with Him.llMayayapahrta-jnanah — persons like scientists, philosophers, and scholars whose superior intelligence is nullified by the illusory energy.llAsura — the “demons,” outright atheists.They say God cannot come to this material world, or if He does come He is subordinate to the impersonal Brahman.They also declare themselves or others to be God.l16.* No specified reading QTSukrtinas are those who obey the rules and regulations of scriptures and are more or less devoted to the Supreme Lord.Although desiring something in exchange for devotional service, by association of a pure devotee they also become pure devotees.Such persons are of four types:lArtah — the distressed (Gajendra)llArtharthi — the wealth-seeker (Dhruva)llJijnasuh — the inquisitive (Saunaka Rsi)llJnani — the wise who desire knowledge of the Absolute Truthl(the Four Kumaras, Sukadeva Gosvami)17.No specified reading QTOf all persons who begin to worship KŠa one who is in knowledge of the Supreme Lord, free from material desires and engaged in devotional service is the best.He is very dear to the Lord.18.No specified reading QTThe three sakama devotees are also objects of KŠa's affection because they have come to Him.19.* Read purport (sentence 2 to end of para 1) MP QTDevotional service is rare.For example, after many births a Jnani understands that KŠa is the cause of all causes and everything has a relationship with Him.Realising that there are activities in spiritual life, he engages in KŠa's service.20.* No specified reading MP QT SG(15&20) OHT(20-23)Less intelligent persons who have lost their spiritual sense worship demigods for quick fulfillment of material desires.21-22.Read verses23.* Read purport, para.4The results attained by worshipping the demigods are perishable because the demigods themselves, their planets and their worshippers are all perishable.However, the devotees of KŠa attain eternal, blissful life in the spiritual world by KŠa's unlimited mercy.Suggestions:15-16 Ensure that devotees really understand these categories and can place people accordingly.Beware of inaccurate stereotypes.15&20 In verse 20, note the similarity between hrta jnana, “intelligence stolen by material desires”, and mayayapahrta jnana (verse 15), “knowledge stolen by illusion.”Recommended Focuses of Learning:Und 15-16 (factually understanding these categories - see SG)PeA 15-16 (categorising ourselves - see SG)PrA 19 (jnana culminates in bhakti) 20, 23 (demigod-worship)Possible Learning Experiences:lRole-play (Understanding / Personal Application)lPass out cards with the names of the four kinds of impious and four kinds of pious persons.Devotees will play the parts of these persons.One or more devotees will distribute books to them.The class must guess which part each potential customer is playing.Now, ask each student to individually identify his or her own position.What are our motives for turning towards, or sometimes turning away, from Krishna? Finally, discuss what should be our attitude towards those who are personally motivated in approaching the Lord.(You can ask them to discuss their initial reasons for getting involved with ISKCON, but don't restrict your exploration to this - as if “joining” is a one-off process!).Optionally, draw up a chart showing the class's reasons for turning towards Krishna (and the reasons we distance ourselves).Also, possibly explore whether our desires have been fulfilled.Have our motives changed over time?)
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