Topics

[satay]

namaste all,
HDF has been busy with activity lately. Thank you all for making this happen.

I have been thinking of an idea for a while now and want to get your input.

What do you guys think of having a dedicated topic of discussion every month?

I want to start a list of topics that we can/should discuss and out of this list we pick one topic to talk about for a whole month. This topic then becomes sort of like a 'theme of the month' for HDF discussions. The topic could be anything from a tradition to a practice to a word in sanskrit.

The idea is that we use this theme to collect our energy and learn about that topic for the whole month. We can still continue with our adhoc discussions on other topics.

I would also like to encourage members to volunteer each month to get the discussion started. So essentially, we would have a volunteer member research the topic assigned to them and present it to the rest of the members of HDF.

I have some topics on my list already. I encourage you to submit your own ideas and name of the topic that you would like to research and present to the rest of the members. You can submit new topics by posting to this thread or by emailing me or via PM.

What do you guys think?

How about we start this 'theme of the month' with the new calendar year?

Looking forward to your feedback on this.

[satay]

How about we start the new year with the topic of 'maya'?

[Agnideva]

I think featured theme of the month is a great idea, Satay. My mind is drawing a blank right now in terms of topics, but I'll think about it.

[saidevo]

Namaste Satay,

It is a good idea to have dedicated monthly topics sponsored by a member, for intense, coordinated discussions. We already have the topic maya, initiated by Sri yajvan, discussed to a considerable extent in this thread:

Hindu Dharma Forums > Sanatana Dharma > Philosophy > "Maya - the infinite measured out"

We may well take up this topic for further discussion for January 2007. And I think as the sponsor for the topic, Sri yajvan may coordinate by directing the discussions and enumerating the points discussed in a summery post that he may edit as and when a point is to be added. This summery post could serve as a quick reference for the details discussed.

The next topic could be 'karma'. You may perhaps publish a list of topics in a thread of its own which might be added to and finalized by a discussion, perhaps by removing certain topics by a majority consensus, if they are decided to be vague or sensitive to warrant a discussion. In general, a topic could be a specific concept that has repercussions on a person's spiritual life. We may perhaps avoid political and secular topics.

Nice idea, looking forward to learning from the discussions.

[satay]

Maya
Karma
Jyotish
Dharma
Bhakti
Murthi/Symbol Worship
Varna/Caste System
Concept/Importance of Guru
Tapas
How a Grishtha can realize God?
Gunas
Gita
Vedas/Upanishads - an introduction
Indian traditions that are clearly not part of scripture
Samadhi
.
.
.

[yajvan]

Hari Om
~~~~~

Maya
Karma
Jyotish
Dharma
Bhakti
Murthi/Symbol Worship
Varna/Caste System
Concept/Importance of Guru
Tapas
How a Grishtha can realize God?
Gunas
Gita
Vedas/Upanishads - an introduction
Indian traditions that are clearly not part of scripture
Samadhi
.

Namaste Satya (et.al)
I am in favor of this approach. I also would recommend to the forum's most honored members that some guidelines be considered. Here's a few notions for consideration:

Discussions ( vada) to bring out the truth the best we can with the knowledge that is at hand.
Minimize/eliminate polemics (jalpa) where discussions turn into desires for winning an argument i..e my way is better then your way. My teacher has always said ' We are born to bless, this we should never forget'.
Bhagavan says (BG 3.32) ...those that find fault and do not follow my teaching, know them to deluted about knowledge, doomed and senseless.
The point here is no fault finding. - When a person finds fault in others, he/she partakes in their errors.
Apply resaoning (tarka) to the discussions where we limit 'frozen thinking'. The notion of improved thinking , new ideas, that moves ones consciousness closer to Kaivalya.
Not to worry when someone has doubts (samshaya) - as this starts the introspection of beliefs.
Consider drawing conclusions (nirnaya) the best we can and test them with the group.Perhaps none of the points above where really necessary to call out, and are inherent in one's thinking today. Let it be so.
Let me know if you believe this ( with your suggested edits or ideas) approach passes your common sense test.
pranams,

[satay]

Hari Om
~~~~~


Namaste Satya (et.al)
I am in favor of this approach. I also would recommend to the forum's most honored members that some guidelines be considered. Here's a few notions for consideration:

Discussions ( vada) to bring out the truth the best we can with the knowledge that is at hand.
Minimize/eliminate polemics (jalpa) where discussions turn into desires for winning an argument i..e my way is better then your way. My teacher has always said ' We are born to bless, this we should never forget'.
Bhagavan says (BG 3.32) ...those that find fault and do not follow my teaching, know them to deluted about knowledge, doomed and senseless.
The point here is no fault finding. - When a person finds fault in others, he/she partakes in their errors.
Apply resaoning (tarka) to the discussions where we limit 'frozen thinking'. The notion of improved thinking , new ideas, that moves ones consciousness closer to Kaivalya.
Not to worry when someone has doubts (samshaya) - as this starts the introspection of beliefs.
Consider drawing conclusions (nirnaya) the best we can and test them with the group.Perhaps none of the points above where really necessary to call out, and are inherent in one's thinking today. Let it be so.
Let me know if you believe this ( with your suggested edits or ideas) approach passes your common sense test.
pranams,


Yes, I agree with the guidelines presented by you.

I would also like to include the basic guidelines on researching the topic. It would be best if we research the topic as best as possible and from as many sources as possible. When it comes to researching the topic, I personally would prefer actual books as sources instead of just searching the topic on the internet, though internet should also be utilized to the fullest.

[Znanna]

I would be interested in a discussion on artistic representation of Godz. Why, for example, are some depicted in green, blue or black (or is that just on account of what they look like?) ... and is there a pattern to the symbolism of mudras represented ... and what is the association of poses with classic forms of dance... and so forth.

Any takers?


Namaste,
ZN

[Agnideva]

I would be interested in a discussion on artistic representation of Godz. Why, for example, are some depicted in green, blue or black (or is that just on account of what they look like?) ... and is there a pattern to the symbolism of mudras represented ... and what is the association of poses with classic forms of dance... and so forth.
Any takers?
oh yeah, great topic ZN ... iconography and symbolism. I definitely think that would be interesting.

[sm78]

Life, Universe and Everything !!


... or perhaves on the lines of limitations of analytical philosophy and science, problem of self-reference etc...I think we already have a thread on that...

[yajvan]

Hari Om
~~~~~

Namaste Satya, ZN, Agnideva, SM78 (et.al),

Satya, I like the idea of a seperate file folder ( post area) for the subject at hand and the notion of listing the books one may have referenced. That allows others to consider additional reading.

One other consideration for this undertaking... we can start randomly on the subjects of interest. We then can see what the logical next subject makes sense that advances our understanding and keeps our interest too. Like a taylor making a suit , yes? we need to choose the next piece of cloth, that when complete makes the suit. LIke that as we pick the subjects, are they for the same suit we wish to stitch together or do we have a random suit of cotton, silk, burlap, wool, and different size arms, legs, etc.

Perhaps the best way is to just start, and see... Lets all agree on the first topic ( we need to pick one):
Below is just an example outline... nothing firm here - all open to change and improvement>
Say we take up Karma as a topic....
1. It's definition example: karma from 'kr' to act or do or make. The
etymology - root/true meanings from etymo(s) true + logos or word, reason
2. Various permutations :
TYPES
a. Punya - activity for material gain in line with scriptural guide lines
b. Vikarma - against scriptural guidelines
c. akarama - actions/work offered to the Lord (behind the binding force)
KARMA GROUPINGS
a. Sancita karma (then defined)
b. Prarabdha karma (then defined)
c. Kriyamana karma (then defined)
d. etc.
3. What schools of thought are being considered ( if any) i.e. Jain, Buddhism, Yoga, Mimamsa, Advatia, Vaisesika. etc.
4. General Discussion
What types of karma can be influenced or changed?
What are the guidelines ( from Manu or ________?)
Why does it make sense that the universe operate in this manner? Is there ever a time where karma is no longer applicable for the human (burnt up like a roasted seed is how the rishi's say it).
It's said that karma follows the native from life-to-life. How so?
Does any one remember a past birth? What do you think of this karma?
5. What can we conclude from this subject?

just an idea... let me know if this makes sense... we can improvise as the group chooses for max benefit and enjoyment~!

[upsydownyupsy mv ss]

Awesome idea Satayji!!!!!!!
But you forgot the topics:
Kundalini
Bhakti, Karma & Jnana
Pyschic powers in relation to spirituality
Science and Nature
Science and religion
Hindu concept misconceptions
Attack on Hinduism, Omg!!
Advaitha
Dvaitha
V advaitha
and many others, dont put limitations to the list please :).

[saidevo]

namaste Satay.

Congratulations! HDF has crossed the 2,000 members mark. I was watching to see who the 2,000th member was until 11:00 pm yesternight, and this morning at 6:45 am I found the number to be 2,001, so it has happened overnight!

Any statistics you can publish as to the location/country, gender/age, and other details of constitutiion of the HDF membership?

Congrats, once again!

[satay]

Namaste,

Thanks Saidevo. That's quite exciting isn't it? I will post the stats this weekend. Right now, my Internet connectivity is on and off and slow.


namaste Satay.

Congratulations! HDF has crossed the 2,000 members mark. I was watching to see who the 2,000th member was until 11:00 pm yesternight, and this morning at 6:45 am I found the number to be 2,001, so it has happened overnight!

Any statistics you can publish as to the location/country, gender/age, and other details of constitutiion of the HDF membership?

Congrats, once again!

[satay]

namaskar!

The 2000's HDF member is 'patni'. In his profile it says that he is a born hindu and would like to know more about Sanatana Dharma.

Patni, Congratulations for being the 2000's member!

Welcome to HDF!!