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How Temples and Religious Institutions can involve Participation of New Generation

How Temples and Religious Institutions can involve Participation of New Generation M.G. Prasad Chairperson, Education Committee The Hindu Temple and Cultural Society of USA, Inc. Sri Venkateswara Temple (Balaji Mandir) and Comm. Ctr. Bridgewater, New Jersey

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How Temples and Religious Institutions can involve Participation of New Generation

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  1. How Temples and Religious Institutions can involve Participation of New Generation M.G. Prasad Chairperson, Education Committee The Hindu Temple and Cultural Society of USA, Inc. Sri Venkateswara Temple (Balaji Mandir) and Comm. Ctr. Bridgewater, New Jersey

  2. Education of Next Generation about Dharma • Explaining in simple English about Sanatana Dharma principles and practices so that the children, youth and young adults understand and practice. (in weekly ongoing classes) • Exposure (of them) to great personalities of Sanatana Dharma. (in weekly ongoing classes) • Annual Hindu Summer Camps

  3. Explanation of Sanatana Dharma Concepts • Age Groups of 3-7 and 8-12 • Sanatana Dharma • Four-fold goal of Life • Four-fold plan for Life • Obstacles for spiritual development (arishadvarga) • Age Group 13-18 • Law of Karma (cause-effect) • Vedic view of time and creation (yugas) • Age Group 19-25 • Hindu Shaddarshana (nyaya to vedanta) • Upanishadic method for realization of Atman

  4. What does Sanaatana Dharma mean? • Sanaatana is Perennial and Dharma is universal principles and laws that govern life • Refers to the whole process and values of life starting from inception of an idea, activity, results and beyond • Provides a vision and a way for practice in life, both at an individual and collective level.

  5. What are the Objectives of Life (Purushaartha)? Dharma: Laws of Life, Nature and Universe Artha: Wealth, Possession and Power Kama: Desire and Ambition Moksha: State of contentment and tranquility The above order is very important and should not be interchanged.

  6. What are themajor Stages in Life (Ashrama) • Bramhacharya:deals with the younger years of a student’s life (education). • Grihasta:deals with married life (social responsibility). • Vanaprastha:deals with later years of life (contemplation). • Sanyaasa:deals with the senior years of life (renunciation). The above order is general guideline but it is possible to become a Sanyaasin directly from any stage

  7. Exposure to great Hindu personalities • Sages, Personalities and their contributions in Puranas and Shastras in Historical epics in Philosophy and Spirituality in Science , Arts and Literature

  8. Exposure to Great Hindu Personalities • Age Groups 3-7 and 8-12 • Prahlada, Dhruva, Nachiketa….. • Rama, Krishna, Hanuman, Arjuna, Bhishma. • Valmilki, Vyasa….. • Age Groups 13-18 and 19-25 • Adi Shankara, Ramanuja, Madhwa…. • Chanakya, Kalidasa, Ramakrishna,…. • Kapila, Patanjali, Kanaada, Aryabhata…..

  9. Education through Annual Summer Camp • Daily prayers • Yoga postures • Understanding and practice of rituals • Learning about Hinduism through lectures • Doing of crafts related to Hinduism • Playing outdoor games including Indian games • Visit to worship places including other tradition • Youths should give presentations. • Youths should conduct literary games, talent show…..

  10. Concluding Remarks • The goal of Dharma education is to equip next generation with knowledge (with depth and breadth) and practice to be used in their lives and prepare them to the global vision. • Temples and Religious institutions should emphasize and support the educational activities as part of their core objectives.

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