Hari Om,
We began class with students leading the starting prayers. How much
one learns by leading, even if it is a small, familiar chant!
After that, we reviewed the previous week's lesson on gratitude which
one expresses through Pancha Maha yagnas. Deva Yagna, Bhuta Yagna,
Manushya Yagna, Pitr Yagna and Brahma yagna.- all these cover the
range of one's social, emotional, spiritual, ecological duties- oh,
the beauty and largesse of Hindu thought!
This year's curriculum gives each student the opportunity to look
afresh at his/her rich legacy, explore a world view which is
expansive, inclusive , and to question things to develop a clearer
understanding. These ideas are the foundation to understanding the
curriculum of grades 10-12, the Bhagavad Geeta, so encourage your
children to stay with the questions, in the true Hindu spirit.
The class worked on 3 lists- Here are the responses of the class-
Things I love about Hinduism.
1. I really like Diwali
2. I like the various festivals throughout the year
3. I like that the scriptures give good guidance on various things in
life.
4. I like the stories
5. I like the various foods
6. I like the festivals, Garba
7. I like that my faith tells to respect all beings.
8. I like that my faith is flexible, not imposing.
Things I want to change in Hinduism
1. No arranged marriage because I think girls have no say
2. Why girls cannot have upanayanam?
3. Animal sacrifice
4. Caste system
5. Karma theory- how is it fair that a new born dies without getting a
chance to repair the mistakes of the past birth
6. I wish there were a clearer explanation of the ultimate joy that
saints keep hinting at
Things I want to know more about in Hinduism
1. Karma theory
2. Bhagavad Geeta, Purusha Suktam, Medha Suktam
3. Stories
4. Where gods came from
5. Origin of superstitions
The story of Shravan Kumar and Dasharatha was used to illustrate Karma
Theory in action, but still some students felt that it was not right
for Dashratha to face such a curse because it was an accident- he did
nor mean to kill Shravan.More delightful evidence that students are
engaging and thinking deeper.
On May 6, we will be meeting in person at the ashram to do Paduka
Pooja for Gurudev Jayanti (is on May 8. )Also, there are 2 stage
presentations. So do come and participate .
Nirmala and Uma