Article: New Members - Some Core Ideas for HDF

[yajvan]

hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~

namaste sādhaka

For those joining HDF it is great to have you here. I thought I would share this with you ...Some time ago a handful of members discussed how we can make the forum better, that is to add value , perhaps depth and breath to the offer.

All of the HDF members that wished to participate gave insightful feedback on this matter. Here is what we captured as valuable for the HDF participant to consider when posting.

• Greeting your reader - one simple thing you can consider for infusing this cuture into your actions is starting here with your posts. A 'hello' or namaste , or a saluation of greeting. And at the end a thank you, or praṇām , or dhanyavāda. Why do so? It sets the tone for the conversation.
  We're simple people and we greet each other with respect.These are our customs.

• A key tenet: Reading (something) does not insure comprehension. As you post your ideas, please consider the reader. Helping the reader understand your POV is important. Will they get your idea, concept?
• High on the list of 'unattractive' is cut 'n paste. There is little value to a cut 'n paste from another site that does not add definition, conclusions and points of reason one is to be considering. If one uses cut 'n paste, What does that sūtra, mantra, vallī, etc. mean to you ? to the conversation?
• • If the quoted works come from the wise take a stab at what the parable means, otherwise it is just ink on paper, nothing more. This is how we stretch our thinking , our concepts, our understanding. How will one reach the Infinite if we are content with limits?
• Quality is king - Many see HDF other then a message board. Some great ideas and insights are available to you. So you may consider how one adds value to the conversation, a POV, etc.
• Define your terms - if Sanskrit is offered, or Latin, or other language, provide the English rendition, and maybe root words of its origin, this is for learning purposes.
  That is why you see many posts that have definitions of words attached, embedded to the postings. This is the reason we started the lexicon. We cannot communicate if we do not know the words. Plus it is a relevant learning vehicle for new words.
  • Note too that you run the risk of having your post deleted if you do not define your terms...

• Respect, humble, & openness to others and their ideas... a 'no spanking policy'. Recognize good work. We will do this via compliments, and applause. The intent:- catch people doing something right and acknowledge their good work. Make corrections to thinking, but not at the expense of ones good nature or mental health.
• If there is an issue with another member - this is called jalpa. It will be handled in the proper manner. This post and the conversations contained therein outlines the approach: http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/sho...0527#post50527

praṇām


words & references

• sādhaka - a worshiper; an efficient or skillful person ,especially an adept
• jalpa - a kind of disputation ; overbearing reply and disputed rejoinder ; condescending communication ; insults
• HDF improvements : The posts below outline the initial thinking if there is interest to see the audit trail.
  http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showthread.php?t=1142
  http://www.hindudharmaforums.com/showpost.php?p=9648&postcount=1