Inference

Ask the kids to think of all the characteristics they associate with death and incorporate them into their art. Death is an inevitable reality. We can observe and contemplate on death to understand life.

Let us narrate a historic incident: Once Vyāsa, the ancient sage of Bharat attended a function. After having a feast at the function, on his way back, he came to a river, which he had to cross in order to reach his ashram, his monastery. He stood before the river and said, 'If I am sincere in my ekādasi fasting, let this river give way so that I may cross over.' Ekādasi refers to the eleventh day of the moon's cycle when normally people fast. The moment Vyāsa uttered those words, the river gave way. Vyāsa crossed it followed by his devotees and they reached the ashram.

Part 2: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8 - Lesson 1 of 8_English_part_2.md

The devotees were astonished and asked, 'What is this? You enjoyed a feast just a few hours back. Yet, when you asked the river to give way on the condition that you have been sincere in your ekādasi fast, the river gave way! How can this be?' Vyāsa replied, 'When you eat with the consciousness that you are not the body, you never feel that you are touched by food. You never feel that you are eating, digesting and living. The body ate; I do not know anything about it.'

Encourage the children to contemplate on this story

Vyasa was living in out-of-body consciousness. Vyāsa says he is fasting after having eaten a feast because he does not feel connected to his body. He does not feel that his body is related to him. He is untouched. His inner space is so pure and filled with bliss, nothing touches him.