Fashioning a culture of TRUTH

[brahman]

Loved Members,

India nurtured its people through an educational system called ‘Gurukul”, where we had teachers like Sri. Yajnavalkya, Varuni and Vyasa and the students stayed and spent their time at the teacher’s place. And this system was a motivating factor in shaping the character of many a successful Indian. With blazing light of truth focused on, lessons on eternal truth that evolved over the ages and the objective of life lay open before the students. In other words, the tradition and culture of our nation was structured here.

People did think logically and scientifically. But education did not discern them from eternal truth, though they were soon promoted to think more, establish feelings of love, kindness, compassion, and welcome other nations to expand trade and commerce. Into this quiet life, came a day of dominance, especially by the British. A community that was products of intellect was the challenge to them. Lord Macaulay, it is understood, found the abolition of the Indian system of education, a necessity.

Here is an evidence of it from a speech addresses to the British Parliament on the 2nd February, 1835 by Macaulay.
"I have travelled across the length and breadth of India and I have not seen one person who is a beggar, who is a thief. Such wealth I have seen in this country, such high moral values, people of such calibre, that I do not think we would ever conquer this country, unless we break the very backbone of this nation, which is her spiritual and cultural heritage, and, therefore, I propose that we replace her old and ancient education system, her culture, for if the Indians think that all that is foreign and English is good and greater than their own, they will lose their self-esteem, their native culture and they will become what we want them, a truly dominated nation."

The key to his vision was however selfish. On the contrary, we, as a nation, awaited peace and non-violence. The idea of European system of education into the Indian system that existed was soon institutionalized. Though unfortunate, it was a process of progress as a global medium of communication.

Now, a new epoch of cultural rejuvenation, across the nation, is required. It cannot happen immediately. The energies of our men and women should transform the young minds of today into a mass full of passion for our rich heritage.

The real function of our education system should be to prepare OUR CHILDREN for the best exercise of our own culture, and to protect it in an affectionate way. Let us all join together and frame ways to make our tradition reign supreme.

Already been established as a global medium of communication, English language has been helping people across India to facilitate interaction, ignoring the different cultural and linguistic background they are from. That deficiency being fixed, we need to feel lucky enough and endeavour to promote our heritage and values, in a language spoken by so much of our people.


Fusing the medium of English with our culture, why not we fashion a culture and philosophy of our own? Your thoughts please. Love:)

[Eastern Mind]

Vannakkam brahman:

It would be interesting to me to observe the ancient gurukul system more. It is somewhat alive in Brahmin temple communities, I believe. It seemed to me those 'schools' were different than the others in India. I think there would be a lot to learn on teaching methodology.

In many western nations, the British system has been dropped completely in favour of different methods seen more successful. This has been a slow progressive shift. Teachers are no longer seen as lecturers, the sources of all knowledge. Now teachers are considered facilitators, members of the panel, and more. The seating plans, discipline, and much more has changed. The advent of computers and the excess of information has allowed for this. So the gist is to motivate the students how to teach themselves, how to find information, how to read between the lines, and much much more. This is accomplished through working in groups, role-playing, encouraging questions, allowing students to teach each other. Today's classroom looks and sounds far different from the old days. In the old days, noisy classrooms were viewed as undisciplined. Now educators take a close look at noisy classrooms before making judgment. Many noisy classrooms are full of children learning together. Teachers now have to be far more aware of individuals, learning styles, mental development, and more.

Why has the model changed? It's mainly because research has shown time and again that the old model didn't work. Its similar to research in industry that has shown that a fun workplace is a more productive workplace. The 'old boys' club often doesn't believe it, but more and more changes such as implementing exercise breaks into daily routines are happening.

Personally, I think a good first step is to eliminate corporal punishment completely, not just in law, but in practice. Any teacher or principal caught using it should be released. What does this indicate? It incorporates, in action not just words, ahimsa, the first yama ... fundamental to Hinduism. Children should never fear school.

Aum Namasivaya

[brahman]

Dear EM,Your reply is a careful and meaningful thought on the education scenario, as if it has come from your heart.

Often we attempt to end our recommendations and suggestions in the form of mere discussions or debates and committees and seminars and speeches. This failure can be mainly attributed to our disorganized and unsystematic ways of implementation. Let us give it an inspiring picture and bring out the declared objectives by joining our minds and hearts in this knowledge rich HDF.

Educational reforms are a much debated subject in recent years. There is no scarcity for ideas, thoughts or suggestions with regard to this. But then, what do we lack? It is basically the effort to put these thoughts and ideas into action that is lacking; the failure to implement it.
The world of internet has opened up a world of opportunities. Adapt and exploit the technology to spread the voice of our heritage. At all levels, social networking site like Facebook, Twitter, and also the blogging can appropriately be utilized.

The Middle East and Egypt in their struggle for democracy saw the new power of youth inspired by the energy of ahimsa was spread initially through the internet. Our experienced and accomplished senior members should express their support to share with the youngsters, the message of protecting and promoting our tradition and heritage, or act as a guiding force for the youth of today.

We find the youth of today active, energetic and lively. To be fruitful and accomplish a meaningful life in future , they need to be geared to, prepared for , thereby creating an environment that is just conducive for a better tomorrow.


What next, let us comment on what can be done, and let us discuss frequently how to continue to spread this.
Lots of love:)

[brahman]

Dear Members,


The purpose of this note is to facilitate and stimulate discussions on healthy education. This implies preparing a quality learner in each one of us, which I would say is rather unworkable now. As parents, I would call us culturally unskilled, who were unable to create a quality learning community or set high expectation for our children.

So, where did we go wrong? We in our childhood had received little or no training on our rich spiritual heritage. Education for us meant knowledge about a set of topics, and the curriculum neglected the values of spiritual enlightenment. Minimal levels of parental involvement added to this.

Let us now think of our children. We may not have the required tools or experience to teach our children. But, let us be ready to at least initiate a healthy learning environment for our children, which can turn indicative of our land’s cultural proficiency.

Only a preference for these values once created in them impacts how they teach their children later.

We say we have TV generations sitting in classrooms. To further complicate this scenario, internet and video games and animated characters have made them passive observers. I fault ourselves for this. Whenever we were over burdened with work, or were engaged in household activities, we dragged our children from one tactic to the other, abdicated our responsibilities as parents and left our children to the reach of media.

We sat silently for years, as ignorant fathers and mothers. Regardless of the letdown so far, let us respond quickly. Let us soak our children into the glory of the spiritual culture India has. Let us hopefully provide them a library of thoughts, literature on spiritual heritage, stories of gurus and scholars, spiritual principles recorded in the great epics.

The essentials of education should be essentials of our culture. An insight into the essentials of our culture can definitely mould our children into champions of truth, ardent patriots, and missionaries of spiritual heritage.

We know its not there to happen in a day. But, it must remain our strong conviction.

Lots of love:)

[Mana]

Namasté brahman

I could not agree more with you. I feel that education is the foremost important element in the establishing of solid Dharma.

Being from the West I am fascinated to find that in ancient Eastern tradition there is a base of knowledge which is in my opinion light years ahead of Western philosophy.
Although I have recently become aware of some recent development from Western science that is of great interest to myself in order to understand my own failure in the western education system.
The subject is that of left right brain use and its effect on learning and personality type. Now this quite clearly fits the notion of Ida and Pingala.
Given the quantity of children in the United states and Great Britain consuming mind altering drugs to "stabilise their learning". It is quite clear to any one in their right mind that this cannot continue.

The West is currently crying out for help, the form of which can only be education. The first to be educated to my mind should be Western Psychiatry, closely followed by Western Economists.

Ignorance to Dharma is like a plant growing with no gravity or fixed light source.


Om Shanti

[Eastern Mind]

Given the quantity of children in the United states and Great Britain consuming mind altering drugs to "stabilise their learning". It is quite clear to any one in their right mind that this cannot continue.


Vannakkam: As a former teacher, I want to address this just a little. While it is true that some, perhaps many doctors and educators over prescribe drugs like Ritalin (It's the one that gets the most attention.) for ADHD, it shouldn't be gneralised as 'all bad'. Each child's individual brain operates differently. ADHD can be incredibly disabling, making it nigh impossible for a child to focus. When it continues into adulthood, we get Type A personality of the highest degree, and minds with restless trains of thought going helter-skelter.

Do we prescribe insulin for diabetes? Do we treat broken legs, injuries with anti-inflammatories and painkillers? Just because mental conditions are less visible doesn't mean they aren't there, or shouldn't be treated.

In personal experience, I only had maybe 5 students over my 28 years in a classroom where it was obvious, blatantly, that the child benefited from Ritalin. So the problem lies in the assessment, and then the observation after the drug is prescribed. My take was always, 'let's try it for 2 to 3 weeks, and watch carefully' and then reassess. More often than not it wasn't benefiting to a very noticeable degree, but when it was, it was a 'Wow!' moment, mostly coming from the child's own words.

When a child whose parents have absolutely refused treatment because of their anti drug stance, commits suicide out of the frustration, you think twice.

Science should be used to serve humanity, not the other way around.

Aum Namasivaya

[Mana]

Namasté Eastern Mind

I firmly believe that the current collapse of Dharma in the West is the cause of these symptoms. It is arguably a Karmic reaction to the over indulgence of previous generations.

It is true that it is very difficult to treat a symptom in a child when the cause is the surrounding family Dharma.

neuro epigenetic, will I believe show this.

Epigenetics has already shown that predisposition to Diabetes shows an extremely strong correlation to over indulgence or "easy living" of the grand parents at the time of conception of the parents.

I my self am a self cured manic depressive or bi-polar (I hate to use these pseudo medical terms), and can honestly state that to my mind the poor child's suicide may well have been influenced by the narcissism of the parents, grand parents and close role-models any symptoms of this would never have been cured by drugs but only hidden. A great analogy being to use a sock in the mouth to cure a vomiting patient.

I will add here that there are absolutely no physical proof of these "medical illness" the scientific justification being based purely on statistics.

Conciousness is collective we are all connected. As to our own personal awareness of this, that is a different matter.

If egos become black holes there is little energy left for all those who come into close contact with them, the wreckage left in time by these super egos can be seen over generations and generations. Interestingly enough Sigmund Freud's and family are a superb example of this. With suicides in there wake.


Om Shanti

[Mana]

I should add Eastern Mind; My greatest respect to you as a teacher.

This is surly the noblest of trades with the acquisition knowledge being our most prised human endeavour.

[Eastern Mind]

Namasté Eastern Mind

I firmly believe that the current collapse of Dharma in the West is the cause of these symptoms. It is arguably a Karmic reaction to the over indulgence of previous generations.

It is true that it is very difficult to treat a symptom in a child when the cause is the surrounding family Dharma.

neuro epigenetic, will I believe show this.

Epigenetics has already shown that predisposition to Diabetes shows an extremely strong correlation to over indulgence or "easy living" of the grand parents at the time of conception of the parents.

I my self am a self cured manic depressive or bi-polar (I hate to use these pseudo medical terms), and can honestly state that to my mind the poor child's suicide may well have been influenced by the narcissism of the parents, grand parents and close role-models any symptoms of this would never have been cured by drugs but only hidden. A great analogy being to use a sock in the mouth to cure a vomiting patient.

I will add here that there are absolutely no physical proof of these "medical illness" the scientific justification being based purely on statistics.

Conciousness is collective we are all connected. As to our own personal awareness of this, that is a different matter.

If egos become black holes there is little energy left for all those who come into close contact with them, the wreckage left in time by these super egos can be seen over generations and generations. Interestingly enough Sigmund Freud's and family are a superb example of this. With suicides in there wake.


Om Shanti

Vannakkam: It's complicated, that's for sure. I've seen ADHD in families in my observation were better than normal, if there is such a thing, and really intelligent well-adjusted kids from totally dysfunctional families. So its not always the family, but in general, yes, I did see more dysfunctional kids form certain types of families. Poor nutrition was one factor.

I do believe personal karma is another very large factor.

But there are physical things, (poor eyesight comes to mind) where science has been a godsend. If sucked it up as 'just my karma' with my eyes, I wouldn't be sitting here now typing this, that's for sure. Same with some diseases like smallpox, where science has been a godsend.

But I do agree that the loss of dharma has been a tremendous contributor to all of this as well. But I don't see things in black/white terms.

Aum Namasivaya

[Mana]

Oh no not black or white, just crystal clear.

I am not criticising Western medicine but Western psychiatric practise. They are painfully slow at grasping Quantum physics which is finally coming to their attention.


Can you imagine the effect on the soul when in an hour of great spiritual movement.
At a moment when you most need guidance, you even request guidance.

You receive the mantra.


"You are mentally ill it is incurable you must be medicated all your life!"



Aum.

[NayaSurya]

My very Beloved nephew has been on medication since he was very young. He has severe adhd...

Now, my own Beloved sister, and his mother was given diagnosis of Wolfe-Parkinsons White as a very little child and was put on medication called Digoxin for life.

"You have a heart condition and will be on medication the rest of your life..."

It happens for various reasons, the family genetics have this heart condition and most of us have some form...nothing our ancestors could do would bring such things our way...with the one exception of falling in love, getting married and procreating offspring which would then have this flaw.

Our ancestors aside, whatever body we come into may have an issue that is unrelated to our own karma. For my very sick sister, it was my Mother who owned this karma. I watched it my whole childhood playout. One time a specialist was assigned to our family, a doctor of psychiatry and he suggested that my mother was one of the causes for my sister being so desperately ill.

Back to my sweet nephew, prior to this medication he was severely afflicted and this new medication saved his life. He is now fully functional and very very happy. The medication, thanks to very devoted pyschiatric professionals, has been reduced to the most minimal dose to have the best effect and thanks to modern advances, some of the medications are very very goodly now.

The thing that I always think about when these sorts of conversation arises is the fact that Beloved Is Supreme, in all ways...and whatever happens here is ultimately all part of this wonderful drama. If the medicine was meant to work...it will...and being who we are, Beloved knows each of us so intimately that He knows we have to try to ease these sorts of suffering.

Several of my children have PDD as well as my husband, all off any sort of medications. But, my oldest son has a sydrome called Mcardles syndrome and will be on medication his entire life for this...as he is greatly afflicted.

But, thanks to medication he is full time in University and very well.<3

[Eastern Mind]

Vannakkam: Getting back to the OP, ... I saw tremendous positive change in our education system. But it saddens me to see Indians still addicted to MacAuley. We have a private school here in my city ... uniforms, emphasis on memory, all the old stuff Indian and Sri Lankan parents got used to. At 10 000 per year, I see Indian and Sri Lankan and other British Empire trained parents sending them there. In some ways it might be better, but I say that with great hesitation. They are not taught to think, but do have a lot of facts memorized. But in the end, the student, with help from parents, can overcome either system, the public one, or this type.

Sorry, Brahman, for rambling off topic earlier, derailing the thread. If I had the resources, I'd start a Hindu private school.

Aum Namasivaya

[brahman]

Namast&#233; brahman

I could not agree more with you. I feel that education is the foremost important element in the establishing of solid Dharma.

Being from the West I am fascinated to find that in ancient Eastern tradition there is a base of knowledge which is in my opinion light years ahead of Western philosophy.
Although I have recently become aware of some recent development from Western science that is of great interest to myself in order to understand my own failure in the western education system.
The subject is that of left right brain use and its effect on learning and personality type. Now this quite clearly fits the notion of Ida and Pingala.
Given the quantity of children in the United states and Great Britain consuming mind altering drugs to "stabilise their learning". It is quite clear to any one in their right mind that this cannot continue.

The West is currently crying out for help, the form of which can only be education. The first to be educated to my mind should be Western Psychiatry, closely followed by Western Economists.

Ignorance to Dharma is like a plant growing with no gravity or fixed light source.


Om Shanti









Dear Mana I do not 'disagree' with you at all.


Now contents of the thread once again in brief .


This thread has mentions of ancient education system of India (bharat), its benefits,
Western invasion and derailing of the Indian systems and consequences of it,
need for preparing our children towards the ancient education system

-----------------------------------------------------
Ems strong points for the need for these kind of healthy systems

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Various effective methods that can be implemented taking the full advantage of the globalisation practices like social networking and one language (English),
And the need for putting these thoughts into action.

-----------------------------------------------------
Children’s ignorance in the area of the rich heritage of India, its potouri of cultures, customs of people, a repository of learning and philosophical thought as embodied in the ancient universities of Nalanada, taxila and the great Vedas.

and ended up with policy of MKG, “we must be the change we need to see”, that is, we need learn it before we could teach our children.


And hope for a better tomorrow....
---------------------------------------------------------
thats all about it

Where do you disagree with me dear Mana? Please explain it if you have time.
love:)

[Mana]

Namast&#233; brahman

I am in complete agreement with you, I apologise for the way this subject which is sensitive to me and very close to my heart. It can and does carry me away.

I feel that the presence of a balanced enlightened teacher can bring light in to the heart of any child. Children being so much more open their chakra naturally open they instantly understand many things we adults have to relearn.

In the West we teach that all is external, that we must compete and dominate all.

As you are all too aware in India.

The lack of attention that we pay in the West to our intellects emotional origins bears witness to our ignorance.


Sorry for any derailment it is just that to my mind this is of the utmost importance. That it be understood that all can learn from our bad example.


My dear Braman I believe that we are striving for the same thing. India's Dharma is now entwined with that of the West. We can now only forge together using each others influence as our cultures are already entwined. Creating a symbiosis of wisdom and knowledge for a balanced future.

ADHD/Bi-polar/schizophrenia are a natural irritation, a symptom of an aggressive competitive society. Natures way of fashioning superb warriors, Kings and spiritual leaders in competitive times.
mAyA will do as she must.

I can only hope that India's soft motherly influence can further calm this savage beast.

It gladdens me to see the philosophical seeds of wisdom and love that she has already sown in our culture. Responsible for so much good change already.

The balance can return if we so wish.

Love :):):)

[Mana]

Sorry my dear braman,

That is still no real explanation!
I am not so good with the written communication. Preferring the subtleties of speech and emotional contact which are so often lost amongst the black and white text.

Mana

[smaranam]

The real function of our education system should be to prepare OUR CHILDREN for the best exercise of our own culture, and to protect it in an affectionate way. Let us all join together and frame ways to make our tradition reign supreme.

Namaste Brahman

You bring up this precious point from time to time. I think

1. schools like Jnana Prabodhini (http://prashala.jnanaprabodhini.org/) (Dnyana Prabodhini), Pune, Maharashtra should be on this thread as prototypes to be followed alongside
2. the Sunday saMskAr varga and
3. parental home-schooling of saMskArs.

http://prashala.jnanaprabodhini.org/
They are an English Medium school where the kids are not deprived of the modern 10 + 2 education , but revolve around Vedic saMskAr, start the day with 5 Geeta Shlok in the assembly, SaMskRt lessons upto Std 10, cirriculum revolving around ancient Vedic for Language Arts, Literature and Social Studies, Ancient Indian Arts of Rangoli, tabla, other intruments (many schools have the Indian arts).

I am sure there are many such schools all over India, particularly Dehli, Gujrath Tamil Nadu etc. but thought Prabodhini required a mention.

By the way, i am not a fan of the "first we should learn everything and become the Truth before teaching the kids" - surely then we will wait till Kalki arrives.

Give the kids what you can - NOW. Let AntaryAmi guide what to give and what to hold back.

Also, as i type i am looking at a Maharashtra State Board (SSC) 6th standard history textbook - it looks fair to me. Gives a good overview of Harappa, Vedic Civilization, "what are upanishads" , mahajanapadas, evolution of jainism, buddhism ... and there is no trace of the imaginary Aryan Invasion Theory. It goes on to Maurya, Ashoka, kingdoms of North and South.
I like the first chapter - "Need for History" - much needed for a 10-11 year old.


om namo bhagavate vAsudevAya ~
praNAm

[smaranam]

Jnana Prabodhini has pinned its faith on spirituality.


Philosophy cannot be divorced from Science. Whereas Science stops at a certain point, Philosophy goes further into the darkness and extrapolates some postulations, such as, whether the Parabrahma has attributes such as 'Sat, Chit and Ananda', These hypotheses cannot, need not necessarily be tested in a laboratory, or seen through a microscope or heard by a radio-telescope... - Dr. Girish Bapat, School Principal

Upasana at Jnana Prabodhini
- 5 shlok Geeta Geetai at morning assembly
- once a week reading from Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagvad Geeta, bhakti geet by saints,
- school-year beginning and end ceremonies (upakarma, utsarjana)

The text of the Upasana for 5th, 6th and 7th grade students is different from the text for those who have taken the vow of Brahmacharya in the 8th standard or later. On all such occasions, there are readings from the Vedas, the Upanishadas, the Bhagawad Geeta and also songs by the saints of the past and the present.

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While certainly such schools need not affect the State affairs (seperation of religion and State) , some parents prefer to send their children to a secular school and expose them to Ramayan, Mahabharat, Geeta, Bhagvat and bhajans via a Sunday school (saMskAr varga) that is more inclined to their own following - preferably at the Temple/MaTh they attend
OR teach these things at home
OR at bhakti centres - small groups (e.g. Shri KrushNa Leela centre).

There are, of course, day-gurukuls of all sorts of panthas / followings , some only upto elementary/primary level. There is also the Bhaktivendanta Gurukul.

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VEDIC MATHEMATICS

Vedic Mathematics Workbooks (http://www.amazon.com/Vedic-Mathematics-Schools-Book-Bk-1/dp/8120813189/ref=pd_sim_sbs_b_2)

http://www.vedicmaths.org/Home&#37;20Page.asp

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I may be wrong but more needs to be done to assure children (and some parents) that spirituality, and Hindu SanAtan Dharma, is not some old-fashioned thing to be ignored, but to be embraced as one's own.

If parents in India today want to engage children in weekend activities like 'Mad Science' and karate, might as well engage them in a saMskAr varga at the place you feel appropriate, if not send them to a spiritual school.

Jai Shri KrushNa