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Week 1: Introduction to Dhruva’s World

🗓️ Week 1: Introduction to Dhruva’s World

Series: Raising a Dhruva – Parenting Through the Bhagavatam

Theme: Parenting in Imperfect Families
Scriptural Reference: Srimad-Bhagavatam Canto 4, Chapter 8, Verses 8–14

🎯 Objectives for Parents

  • Recognize that no family is perfect, yet spiritual growth is possible.
  • Reflect on the effects of favoritism and emotional neglect on children.
  • Appreciate Sunīti’s calm, devotional parenting as a powerful response to trauma.

🧩 Class Outline (45–60 minutes)

1. Opening Reflection (5 mins)

Ask: “What kind of family do you imagine when you think of a child who becomes spiritually strong?”

Transition: Dhruva’s story begins not with love and praise, but with rejection and pain — and yet it sparks one of the most inspiring transformations in the Bhagavatam.

2. Verse Reading & Summary (15 mins)

Verses: SB 4.8.8–14

  • King Uttānapāda had two wives: Suruci (favored) and Sunīti (neglected).
  • Dhruva tried to climb onto the King’s lap like his stepbrother, Uttama.
  • Suruci publicly scolded him, saying he had no right to the throne.
  • The King remained silent — and that silence pierced Dhruva’s heart.
  • Dhruva, humiliated and wounded, left crying to his mother Sunīti.
Insight: The deepest wounds aren’t always caused by enemies — sometimes, it’s the silence of those who should have stood up for us.

3. Discussion Prompts (15–20 mins)

💬 Group Questions:

  • Have you seen or experienced favoritism in families? What was the impact?
  • What might Dhruva have felt when Suruci spoke those words? And when his father said nothing?
  • How might our children feel when we don't speak up for them emotionally or spiritually?

🔎 Personal Reflection:

  • Do I ever compare my children — even subtly?
  • Have I unintentionally ignored emotional pain my child expressed?

4. Parenting Takeaways (10 mins)

  • 🪷 No family is perfect — but Krishna can work through any family.
  • 🪷 Parental silence can hurt more than harsh words.
  • 🪷 A spiritually guided child from a painful situation can rise far beyond expectations.
  • 🪷 It’s not about protecting children from all hurt — it’s about helping them turn to Krishna through it.

5. Parent-Child Activity (Homework)

Title: Our Family Tree — Krishna’s Family Too

Instructions:

  • Draw a family tree with your child.
  • Place Krishna in the center as the source of everyone in the tree.
  • Explain that no matter what happens in family life, we all belong to Krishna’s family first.

6. Closing Verse & Affirmation

SB 4.8.14 (summary): After being insulted, Dhruva left the palace and sought comfort in his mother’s arms — the first step on his spiritual journey.

🧘 Affirmation for Parents:
“My child’s pain is not the end of their story. With the right guidance, it can become their path to Krishna.”

📱 WhatsApp Summary (Copy-Paste)

📖 ISKCON Sunday School – Parenting Track (Week 1)
🪷 Raising a Dhruva: Parenting in Imperfect Families
(SB 4.8.8–14)

👑 Dhruva was just 5 when his stepmother crushed his spirit.
And his father stayed silent.

He cried. He ran. But what his mother did next changed his life —
and ours.

🎯 Parenting Takeaways:
- No family is perfect — Krishna can still work through you.
- Silence can harm. Support your child with truth and bhakti.
- Every child has a divine destiny — don't block it with labels.

🎨 Family Activity:
Draw a family tree with Krishna at the center.
Talk about what it means to be part of His family. ❤️

✨ Quote of the Week:
"My child’s pain is not the end of their story. It can become their path to Krishna."

📌 Materials You Can Prepare

  • Printed handout with key insights and activity
  • Chart paper or blank family tree templates
  • A simple visual of Dhruva being scolded by Suruci
  • Verse printouts: SB 4.8.8–14 (in English or Sanskrit)
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