Transcript Essentials of Hindu Dharma

Session 6b
Educating Hindus in America
The Critical Role of Education in Hindu Mandirs
Mr. Raghavan Pratiwadi
Trustee and Chairman of Education Committee
Hindu American Temple and Cultural Center (HATCC)
Dr. M.G. Prasad
Member of the Board
Hindu University of America
September 11-13, 2009
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD
Educational Activities at HATCC
• PAST
– Conference on Shastras and Science held in New Jersey
– First Summer Camp at Vraj Bhumi in PA (1990)
– Bhagavad-Gita lecture series by HH Swami Paramananda Bharati
(1991)
– Published book “First Step” by HH Swami Paramananda Bharati
(1993)
• ON GOING
– Classes to teach languages, Shlokas, Yoga and Dance
• CHALLENGES
– Educating the next generation with proper knowledge to meet the
challenges of multi-cultural environment
– Create curricula for various classes offered at temple that can meet
accreditation requirement of High Schools
– Creating a Hindu High School
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD
Critical Role of Education
• Four-fold Goals of Life
– Dharma (Values), Artha (Wealth), Kama (Right desires) and Moksha
(unabated tranquility and joy)
– Life fulfillment is based on these four goals
• Critical role of Mind in achieving four-fold goals of life
– Mind and intellect are the gateways for success
– Training of mind is based on worship, learning, action…..
• Role of Hindu mandir (after the role of home)
– Home is the first place but mandir plays an essential role
– Focus the mind through worship, learning, arts and service
– Pooja-alaya, Vidya-alaya, Kala-alaya and Seva-alaya
– Hindu Mandir is an integrated resource for Hindus
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD
Critical Role of Education
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•
“Pooja of Moorties at home or devaalaya should be carried out with
child-like loving mind by devotees as children play with joy using their
toys as medium” - Yogi-Seer Sriranga Sadguru
•
This love or devotion should complimented with knowledge behind the
rituals, meanings of mantras.
•
“Yadeva Viryaya Karoti Tat Viryavattaram Bhavati”
•
Education should be based on various age groups:
– 3 to 6 (recitation, simple stories)
– 7 to 12 (values, simple rituals, prayers with meanings)
– 13 to 18 (basics of Hinduism, meanings of rituals,service)
– 19 to 25 ( Hindu Philosophy…..)
– 26 to…….( life long learning and teaching)
Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD
Critical Role of Education
• In addition to children and youngsters, Hindu Mandirs
should have educational programs to teach:
– Parents
• Workshops and retreats where parents learn simple ways
to teach their children various aspects of Hinduism
– Priests
• English (oral and written)
• Counseling for devotees
• Basics of other faiths
– Non-Hindus
• Correct interpretations of Hindu concepts and rituals
• Multi-facets of Hinduism such as rituals, culture, arts, science..
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD
Critical Role of Education
• Parents should instill the curiosity of learning (of
Hinduism) to their children
• Trustees of Hindu mandirs should become aware that
educational activities focusing on Hindu rituals,values
and scriptures in are essential to the future of mandirs
• It is essential that Hindu mandirs need to collaborate
with institutions such as Hindu University of America
(HUA) in developing the resources such as:
–
–
–
–
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Development of educational materials
Recruitment of students to study at HUA (on site or web)
Providing publicity to HUA programs
Arranging workshops and short courses
Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD
Conclusion
• Education is critical and essential to transfer not only
Hinduism but also Hindu mandirs from generation to
generation especially outside India
• Education is essential in relating to worship,
philosophy, culture and service for all devotees of all
ages and backgrounds
• Mandirs should collaborate with institutions such as
Hindu University of America (HUA) in strengthening
the educational activities at Mandirs and also
contributing to HUA
• Mandirs are essential for practice of Hinduism and
education is the lamp that should be lit in Mandirs.
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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference
September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD