GIVING VEDIC-HINDU CULTURE TO THE NEXT GENERATION
and/or www.mantra.com/jai
Giving Vedic Culture to the Next Generation
Friday, February 12, 2010
Namaste,
An issue that seems to be increasing both in India and the USA is how
to give Vedic culture to the next generation. They do not take up the
culture just because their parents and grandparents do it, but they
want more.
So what to do about it?
Giving Vedic Culture to the Next Generation
By Sri Nandanandana dasa (Stephen Knapp)
http://www.stephen-knapp.com
When I was growing up as a teenager and became interested in the
Vedic teachings, I had to research it on my own. I was not like the
Indian youth who naturally grow up with it in their own families, and
who may also take it for granted as if it is nothing special. I had
to struggle and almost fight to acquire access to the books and
information I needed. There was so little around where I grew up. In
other words, there was no way I was going to take this Vedic
knowledge cheaply once I got it.
The fact of the matter was that I was raised in a Christian family,
which was nice, but gradually I was not totally satisfied with the
spiritual teachings within the faith. I had more questions about life
than it had answers. I found it rather shallow and wanted something
deeper. So I looked at all kinds of religions and spiritual
teachings, but with the question that is typical of most Westerners
when growing up, �What's in it for me?� Plus, "How is it going to
help me, and which spiritual path is going to do the most for me? How
can it make a difference to my growth and understanding."
This is a basic attitude of most Westerners and is spreading to most
of the youth around the world.
With that premise as the basis of my exploration, when I finally
arrived at the Vedic tradition, I was convinced of the depth of its
spiritual knowledge and its comprehensiveness, but from the view of
"What's in it for me?"
Because of having this background, typical of Americans, I can also
understand the position of other young people today, especially those
of Indian descent, who may be asking the same questions regarding
their own culture. Therefore, if they do not get the right answers to
their questions, or the proper guidance to understand the purpose and
meaning of its philosophy and practices, it will not make enough
sense to them to seriously take up the path or fully accept it.
Therefore, I realize how important it is to teach them correctly, and
in a way in which they will find interest in it.
Indian youngsters of today have adopted the American or western
approach to accepting their parent's tradition, which is called
"What's in it for me?
"In other words, if they do not understand something, or if they
cannot relate to it, or if it makes no sense or seems to have little
relevancy to their lives, they will not take it. Gone are the days
when sons and daughters accept something mainly because their parents
or grandparents did. Now they have to be able to see the purpose of
it. They need to understand the meaning and usefulness behind the
tradition.
This is not only the way the next generation of Indians and Hindus
are viewing things in America, but I've seen this same attitude in
the youth in India as well. This is also happening in other cultures
too. So this is a challenge to the parents everywhere. But in some
ways this is good because if the children really understand the
customs and traditions, if they are truly educated in the meaning of
them, then if they embrace them they will sincerely follow them for
life.
So it is up to the parents, teachers and gurus to find the ways in
which the Indian youth of today can understand and learn about the
customs and history of the Vedic tradition in a way that makes sense
to them. They cannot be bored with it. It has to have meaning and be
relevant to their lives.
They can't see it merely as myths, but as legends and history. They
should not see it as mere rituals, but as ceremonies and practices
that uplift and purify the consciousness. They need to recognize the
benefits of it. They should not see the images in the temple as mere
idols, but as Deities that can reciprocate with the devotee to the
degree of sincerity and surrender in which the devotee approaches the
Deity. They need to see that Vedic culture is a dynamic and living
tradition that holds eternal spiritual truths that are as relevant
today as they were thousands of years ago. They need to see that many
of the technological advancements that we take for granted today are
made possible by many of the developments that had been given by the
ancient Vedic tradition.
The youth of today cannot be pushed or forced into something. But
they need to be introduced to the Vedic tradition through methods
that involve their own interests, whether it is technology and
computers, or whether it is through ways of self-expression like
music, dance, art, or even martial arts. All of these avenues have
strong roots in the Vedic tradition and were used in ways of
discipline that would also lead one to higher awareness and refined
realizations.
We need to make the youth aware of the possibilities that can be
attained or learned from the ancient Vedic tradition as it is applied
to the modern age. I recently got a letter from South Africa in which
they explained how they were using an approach from an article I
wrote on how various frequencies can allow a person to kill, heal or
transcend. In it I explained that the numerous frequencies which
exist around us can affect us in various ways, both beneficially or
destructively. It also showed how Russians had been broadcasting
radio frequencies that could control behavioral patterns in people or
even kill them, as well as how the ancients of Vedic culture used the
sound vibrations in mantras to perceive and reach the spiritual
strata and change social cooperation for the better.
When this was presented to the youth in a class, no one was bored,
but they could see how ancient knowledge could be applied for
purposes that could be used today. In this way, children that
displayed no interest in spirituality suddenly had their curiosity
piqued. So we need to know how to develop these kinds of methods.
Furthermore, Hindu temples, being the center of cultural
preservation, also need to find the ways for the youth to get
involved in all age levels.
Even if it is only through association with other youngsters for fun,
games, and youthful activities like camping, boating, swimming,
musical sing-alongs, etc., that can be incorporated to bring them
together. Then stories of the ancient histories can be told wherein
they learn moral values and also the characters and traits of the
Vedic personalities, both old and contemporary. This can be done in a
way that can also explain the history of India and its development.
Or they can learn songs and bhajans as played with modern instruments
like guitars and electric keyboards. The point is to use any avenue
in which their interest can be aroused. It also has to be fun.
Thereafter, classes that teach the more orthodox ways of the culture
can also be introduced, such as the traditional forms of dance, art,
yoga, and philosophy with a modern bent to it. By this I mean how it
has influenced great thinkers of the West, such as Emerson, Thoreau,
and others. Or how in America yoga has become a three billion dollar
business that now has over 16 million people who practice it. Plus,
we can show them how Westerners and people all over the world are
adopting such views as reincarnation and karma, which are thoroughly
rooted in the Vedic tradition. In essence, the youth should feel
proud of their culture, its global acceptance, and how it is
providing upliftment for increasing numbers of people.
So how best can we relate to our children? Using the approach of
emotion or entertainment is one way. Whenever children become bored
with something, such as too much philosophy or intellectualism, what
do they usually do? They go relate with their friends, or put on some
music in their Ipod, play competitive sports, or something like that.
Thus, they go and engage in one of the most basic activities that
there are, which are things on the emotional level. So we need to
perceive that. Find out what activities they would like to do in the
temple. Or what areas of interest in their tradition do they have. Do
they have interest in the heroes or freedom fighters of India?
Chances are the children do not even know of them. But many of the
boys would certainly have their interest piqued if they began to hear
the stories and adventures about the heroes in the Puranic epics, or
the more modern heroes during India's efforts for independence. These
would include the struggles, fights, challenges, sacrifices, all for
the improvement of society and the people of India. There are also
many strong women in Indian history who have worked and even fought
in such a way, which could then also be of interest and provide
inspiration to the girls. So, we have to open ourselves up and find
out how else to reach our children.
Many of these ways of teaching and numerous other techniques are
already being done quite successfully, but they need to be set up and
documented in a way in which they can be duplicated by others who are
also in need of them. When a solution is found, when there is
something that works, it should be made available through the proper
channels to others who could also use it. There are some networks for
this purpose already functioning, but they need to increase their
exposure and cooperation with other Hindu organizations. This lack of
cooperation between various organizations and sects is indeed a prime
issue in the global Hindu community.
Another point is that if parents are going to convey Vedic culture
and Dharma to their children, then the parents also must know what to
say and how to explain things properly to them. And if they don't
know how, then they need to learn. It is not enough to merely send
the children off to someone else to get the necessary information and
guidance. The parents, being our first teachers, must also be
exemplary, enthusiastic, and provide the proper instructions. They
must be educated in their own culture so they can explain it to their
children, and also use it as the basis of their actions.
Otherwise, how will the children understand the purpose of the
ceremonies, or the holidays and customs that are observed? And if
this is the case, why would it make sense to the children to adopt
the Vedic standards and traditions when the answers to the primary
question, "What is in it for me?" has not been answered. And how
inspiring would it be when it seems that their own parents do not
know the purpose behind the traditions, or do not take them
seriously? On the other hand, when the parents regularly bring their
young children to the temple and they join together with other
families and youngsters to joyously observe the eventful holidays, or
the colorful worship or special classes, it can create fond memories
in the minds of the children that will last their whole lives. They
remember their family taking special care and lovingly doing such
things together, and devotedly going to the temple for special
observances, and the uplifting feeling they would get from that.
These are like samskaras or impressions which create memories that
can motivate the children to continue partaking in such aspects of
the Vedic Hindu traditions long after they reach adulthood. And then
they partake of the same traditions and observances with their own
children.
In essence, the youth of today have to know that the practice of the
Vedic tradition is going to improve and enhance their life. They have
to know how it is going to help them reach their higher potential in
today's world, both materially and spiritually. And how it is going
to give them the fulfillment that everyone is looking for. And we
have to provide those answers and insights to them in some way or
other.
Even if the children engage in less activity at school, such as in
sports or various social clubs, there can be an increase in the time
they have for learning about their Indian heritage and culture. After
all, Sanatana-dharma is not only the root of the identity of children
of Indian descent, but it is the foundation for the balance and
guidance and character that everyone can use throughout life.
Children may learn all about and play baseball, basketball, or other
social and sports activities, but how much will they really use such
things later on? So what is the loss in learning about the traditions
and heritage of India, except in not learning it at all? That would
be the greatest loss.
By training our children in the principles of Santana-dharma, they
also learn about the greatness of the Indian identity. Thus, if they
have a difficult time in figuring out whether they are American or
Indian, especially if they are Indian-born but now being raised in
America, this would help them understand their great and
distinguishing ethnic identity. They may still relate to things in
the West, but understanding their heritage, especially the universal,
spiritual standards of Sanatan-dharm, will help them have a balanced
view of life and their real uniqueness than anything else. It would
become the foundation of who they are, and also provide the wisdom
for the decisions that they make long after they have left school.
It has been said that if you ever want to destroy a generation, or
create the demise of a culture, then cause a distancing between the
youth and their previous generations. Then in time, the previous
traditions will be forgotten and will cease to exist. Therefore, it
is imperative that temples need Balavihars, or a school or special
programs to train all children in the ways and meaning of the Vedic
tradition.
They can also engage in fun mock debates on various points of the
Vedic culture in group discussions on why certain things are done in
the temple, or on certain aspects of the philosophy and knowledge
about the Vedic epics.
This way they can understand, remember, and even defend their culture
and be proud of following Sanatana-dharma. This can help remove any
misconception that they have. There may be a time when they know more
than their parents.
As the youth become more enthusiastic and develop with age, they can
also become united through networks that join with other youth groups
from various mandirs and temples from across the country. Then they
can also plan great festivals and get-togethers with a large number
of other youth for engagement in all kinds of fun activities,
culturally oriented traditions, discussions on life and challenges,
resolutions to develop for the future of their culture, and so on.
The youth can also share the experiences with each other that they
have on the spiritual path. Everyone wants to be on a winning team,
and when other youth from the same background see how they are
assisting, encouraging, and relating to each other in a positive and
exciting way, more of the youth will want to join. When they have the
enthusiasm and independence to progress in this way on their own,
there will be no stopping them. They will also become the inspiration
for future generations.
For me, I write books and articles like this one. Admittedly this is
only one of many ways that have to be utilized. But I view books as
tools, not only for educating Westerners, but also for Indian youth
and adults alike.
For example, not long ago I put together a book called "Vedic
Culture: The Difference It Can Make In Your Life." By working with
some of the top writers in different fields of Vedic study today and
letting them write on their main topics of interest, I was able to
produce a book that covers the important ways that Vedic knowledge
can be utilized for assisting a person to reach their highest
potential. The book covers not only the spiritual paths of the Vedic
tradition, as in yoga, but it also covers Vedic science, Ayurved,
Vastu Shastra, Jyotish, Vedic gemology, Vedic environmentalism, etc.
The purpose of this is to clearly show the different ways the Vedic
tradition can help a person sort out various problems or enhance
one's life for reaching one's highest potential and state of
fulfillment. So it is an educational tool for anyone to understand
the wide scope of applications available in the Vedic tradition that
can be used to make a difference in one's life.
This certainly is to help answer the question, "What's in it for me?"
Such a book is meant to assist all Hindus to utilize and to know how
to present the validity of the Vedic tradition to others, even to
one's own children, and shows the value in learning how important the
Vedic knowledge can be.
This is just one aspect of preserving and presenting the great
tradition known as Vedic culture for the benefit of all others.
Another article to read in this connection is:
Vedic Culture: As Relevant Today As Ever
vedic_culture_as_relevant_today_as_ever.htm as found on my website
at: _www.stephen-knapp.com_
( http://www.stephen-knapp.com/ ).
End of forwarded article from Shri Nandanandana das (Stephen Knapp)
Jai Maharaj, Jyotishi
Om Shanti
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hari....@indero.com
from a fellow convert. It might be too late because jay stevens,aka dr.
jai etc. in his recent flirtation with the american christian right
might be about to jump ship again.
""In other words, if they do not understand something, or if they cannot
relate to it, or if it makes no sense or seems to have little relevancy
to their lives, they will not take it. Gone are the days when sons and
daughters accept something mainly because their parents or grandparents
did. Now they have to be able to see the purpose of it. They need to
understand the meaning and usefulness behind the tradition.
This is not only the way the next generation of Indians and Hindus are
viewing things in America, but I've seen this same attitude in the youth
in India as well. This is also happening in other cultures too. "
It is the fastest growing religion in india. It is the "I don't care,
lleave me alone" religion that finds indian youth joining the rest of
the world.
uNmaiviLambi
Jai Maharaj) wrote:
> Forwarded article from Shri Nandanandana das (Stephen Knapp)
> Another point is that if parents are going to convey Vedic culture
> and Dharma to their children, then the parents also must know what to
> say and how to explain things properly to them. And if they don't
> know how, then they need to learn. It is not enough to merely send
> the children off to someone else to get the necessary information and
> guidance. The parents, being our first teachers, must also be
> exemplary, enthusiastic, and provide the proper instructions. They
> must be educated in their own culture so they can explain it to their
> children, and also use it as the basis of their actions.
Great article. The above paragraph is important. Hindus have been
colonised and weakened. So we do not know what our culture is! Parents
should learn and then teach. They cannot ask kids to learn when they
admire SRK and goondas in cinemas