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. OpeningIcebreaker ReflectionActivity: “Silent Scars” (5 mins)

Ask:Ask parents to raise their hand or silently reflect:

• “WhatHow kindmany of family do you imagineremember a moment from childhood when you thinkfelt ofoverlooked aby childan whoadult?”
becomes
• “Was spirituallyit strong?the words that hurt — or the silence?”

Transition:This opens the heart and builds empathy with 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.situation.

2. Story + Verse Reading & Summary (1510–12 mins)

Verses: SB 4.8.8–14 Summary:

• King Uttānapāda hadfavored twoSuruci, wives: Suruci (favored) andneglected Sunīti (neglected).ti.
• Dhruva tried to climbsit ontoon thehis King’father's lap likebut hiswas stepbrother,insulted Uttama.
by
• Suruci publicly scolded him, saying he had no right to the throne.Suruci.
• The King remainedsaid silent — and that silence pierced Dhruva’s heart.nothing.
• Dhruva,Dhruva humiliated and wounded, left cryingfled to his mothermother, Sunīti.broken but determined.

Insight: TheSometimes, deepestwhat woundshurts aren’a child most isn’t alwayswhat causedwas by enemiessaid — sometimes, it’s thewhat silence of those who should have stood up for us.wasn’t.

3. DiscussionGroup PromptsDiscussion: “What Would You Do?” (15–2010 mins)

💬

Scenario: GroupYour Questions:

• What would be the right thing to do — spiritually and emotionally?
• Have you seenever or experienced favoritismbeen in families?such Whata 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?situation?

4. Quiz Time (Quick Show of Hands – 5 mins)

Statement: True or False?

1. Dhruva’s father scolded Suruci for her harshness. (❌ False)
2. Sunīti encouraged Dhruva to fight back. (❌ False)
3. Suruci told Dhruva he must take another birth to deserve the throne. (✅ True)

5. Emotional Self-Check (3 mins)

“On a scale of 1 to 5, how emotionally safe do you think your child feels with you when they are hurt or rejected?”

Let parents raise fingers silently or note in their journal. No sharing required — it's for honest self-awareness.

6. Parenting TakeawaysInsights (105 mins)

• 🪷 No family is perfect — but Krishna can still work through any family.us.
• 🪷 ParentalSilence silencein the face of hurt can hurtwound morea thanchild harsh words.deeply.
• 🪷 AOne moment of spiritual redirection can define a child’s destiny.

7. Journaling Prompt (3–4 mins)

Ask parents to write privately in their notebook:

“What is one thing I can do this week to make my child feel seen, safe, and spiritually guided child from a painful situation can rise far beyond expectations.

🪷 It’s not about protecting children from all hurt — it’slike aboutSunīti helpingdid themfor turn to Krishna through it.

Dhruva?”

5.8. Parent-ChildHome Activity (Homework)

Title: “Our Family Tree — Krishna’s Family Too

Instructions:

• Draw a family tree with your child.
• Place Krishna in the centercenter. asUse theit sourceto ofspark everyonea conversation: “How is Krishna present in the tree.
• Explain that no matter what happens inour family life, we all belong to Krishna’s family first.

6.9. Closing Verse & Affirmation

SB 4.8.14 (summary):14: After being insulted,insulted and abandoned emotionally, Dhruva leftturned theto palacehis andmother sought— comforta turning point in his mother’s arms — the first step on his spiritual journey.life.

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

📖 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."