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Session 6b Educating Hindus in America The Critical Role of Education in Hindu Mandirs

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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Session 6b Educating Hindus in America The Critical Role of Education in Hindu Mandirs

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  1. Session 6bEducating Hindus in AmericaThe 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Critical Role of Education • “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)

  5. 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..

  6. 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: • 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

  7. 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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