Mouse
10 June 2008, 10:33 PM
I haven't really posted since my introduction, so I will give a little background here: I am a relatively new devotee of Shiva. I am trying to learn as much as I can. I could probably use a little guidance. I'd really like to visit a temple, but I am not sure where the nearest one is and my Net searches haven't turned up a whole lot very close to Johnstown, PA (where I live). I feel like an infant on this path.
Now for a new wrinkle: My youngest two kids, ages 9 and 3, are completely crazy for Shiva. If they see pictures of Shiva, or I am watching a related video on Youtube, or if I am playing any kind of devotional music, they get very excited. My 9-year-old proudly announces that she's a Hindu (even when noone is asking)-- and that's an identity that she claimed for herself without input from me. I try to answer questions as they come up, and look for answers if I don't know, but I really don't feel confident enough in my own knowledge and perspective for the long term.
I used to have a copy of Dancing with Shiva, and that was one of the things that spurred me on toward this path. I wish I still had it. My 9-year-old is exceptionally bright and a good reader. I think she'd jump on it with enthusiasm.
Any advice for a newbie parent?
Also, another question, completely unrelated and probably trivial: In addition to my interest in Hinduism, I am a bit of a language nut. I have heard that learning Sanskrit is a lifetime pursuit, and that appeals to me. What other languages would be useful to know to some degree (for travel and reading books in the original)? Maybe Hindi and Tamil?
Now for a new wrinkle: My youngest two kids, ages 9 and 3, are completely crazy for Shiva. If they see pictures of Shiva, or I am watching a related video on Youtube, or if I am playing any kind of devotional music, they get very excited. My 9-year-old proudly announces that she's a Hindu (even when noone is asking)-- and that's an identity that she claimed for herself without input from me. I try to answer questions as they come up, and look for answers if I don't know, but I really don't feel confident enough in my own knowledge and perspective for the long term.
I used to have a copy of Dancing with Shiva, and that was one of the things that spurred me on toward this path. I wish I still had it. My 9-year-old is exceptionally bright and a good reader. I think she'd jump on it with enthusiasm.
Any advice for a newbie parent?
Also, another question, completely unrelated and probably trivial: In addition to my interest in Hinduism, I am a bit of a language nut. I have heard that learning Sanskrit is a lifetime pursuit, and that appeals to me. What other languages would be useful to know to some degree (for travel and reading books in the original)? Maybe Hindi and Tamil?