Understanding the importance of honesty: In the story, Krishna steals butter from his mother's kitchen. Discuss why honesty is important and how Krishna's actions were not truthful. Ask the child to share an instance where they were honest, even though it was difficult.
The consequences of our actions: The story shows how Krishna's actions have consequences. Discuss how Krishna had to face the consequences of stealing and how it affected his relationship with his mother. Ask the child to think of a time when they made a mistake and had to face the consequences.
The importance of forgiveness: Even though Krishna stole butter, his mother forgave him. Discuss the importance of forgiveness and how it can help mend relationships. Ask the child to think of a time when they forgave someone or were forgiven.
Respect for authority: In the story, Krishna's mother is an authority figure. Discuss the importance of respecting authority figures such as parents, teachers, and elders. Ask the child to share an instance where they showed respect to an authority figure.
Gratitude for what we have: In the story, Krishna's mother worked hard to make the butter. Discuss the importance of being grateful for what we have and the effort that goes into making things. Ask the child to think of something they are grateful for and why.
Understanding different perspectives: The story is told from Krishna's perspective. Discuss how different people can have different perspectives on the same situation. Ask the child to share a situation where they had a different perspective than someone else.
Learning from mistakes: Krishna learns from his mistake of stealing and promises to not do it again. Discuss the importance of learning from our mistakes and how it helps us grow. Ask the child to think of a mistake they made and what they learned from it.
The importance of self-control: In the story, Krishna's love for butter made him steal. Discuss how self-control is important in making good choices. Ask the child to think of a time when they exercised self-control.
The value of hard work: In the story, Krishna's mother worked hard to make the butter. Discuss the importance of hard work and how it helps us achieve our goals. Ask the child to share an instance where they worked hard to achieve something.
Compassion for others: In the story, Krishna's mother forgave him and showed him love. Discuss how showing compassion and love towards others can make a difference in their lives. Ask the child to think of a time when they showed compassion towards someone.
Some deeper reflections exercises for older kids and adults but you can try eliciting a response from younger kids too:
The sweetness of Krishna's lila: The Butter Thief Lila portrays the sweet and playfulness of Krishna. Reflect on the sweetness of Krishna's lila and how it brings joy and happiness to the heart. Contemplate on a lila of Krishna that brings you the most joy and how it deepens your devotion towards him.
Krishna as the cause of all causes: As an advanced bhakti yoga practitioner, understand the greatness of Krishna and how he is the cause of all causes. Reflect on how Krishna's stealing of butter is not an act of stealing, but rather a play of love between him and his devotees. Contemplate on how this realization deepens your understanding of Krishna's lila.
Rasa exchange in the story: The characters in the story portray a beautiful exchange of rasa or transcendental emotions. Reflect on the different rasas portrayed by the characters and how it enhances the sweetness of the story. Contemplate on how you can experience these different rasas in your own relationship with Krishna.
The importance of devotion: The Butter Thief Lila emphasizes the importance of devotion towards Krishna. Reflect on how devotion is the key to understanding Krishna's lila and experiencing his love. Contemplate on how you can deepen your devotion towards Krishna and how it transforms your relationship with him.
The power of forgiveness: Krishna's mother forgives him for stealing butter, which highlights the power of forgiveness in bhakti yoga. Reflect on the importance of forgiveness in one's spiritual journey and how it fosters love and harmony in relationships. Contemplate on how you can cultivate forgiveness in your own life.
Reflections questions based on Bilvamangala Thakur’s life:
Who was Bilvamangala Thakur and what was his life like?
What inspired Bilvamangala Thakur to become a great devotee of Lord Krishna?
What challenges did Bilvamangala Thakur face during his spiritual journey?
How did Bilvamangala Thakur's devotion to Lord Krishna help him overcome these challenges?
What can we learn from Bilvamangala Thakur's determination and faith?
Do you think it is important to have a role model in life? Who is your role model and why?
What are some ways you can cultivate devotion in your own life, like Bilvamangala Thakur did?
Have you ever faced a difficult situation where you had to rely on your faith to get through it? How did it help you?
How can we apply the lessons from Bilvamangala Thakur's life to our own lives?
What qualities do you think are important for someone to have if they want to become a great devotee of God like Bilvamangala Thakur?
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