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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Session 8cEducation and Integration

Explaining and Teaching Hinduism:Objectives ands Strategies

Kamlesh Kapur

September 11-13, 2009

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Problem statement

• If we do not recognize the problem, we cannot analyze the impact of the problem

• We therefore cannot find any solution or devise a strategy

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Choices parents have

• Given the Freedom of faith and the freedom to follow any set of traditions, we as parents have to decide the choices we are going to offer to our next generation.

• Choices:– Assimilation in the mainstream culture– Becoming another ethic ingredient in the melting pot– Rejecting cultural diffusion and insisting to maintain distinct

identity– Learning about Dharma as a subject

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Keeping converting Missionaries at Bay

• Strategies• Knowing concepts• Explaining rational and scientific aspects of

Hindu Dharma

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Task Ahead

• How to reconnect- that is the subject under discussion– Learning basic concepts– Learning to be Hindus by convictions– Learning to be practicing Hindus– Proving how spirituality meets science in Hindu

Dharma

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Suggestions

• Sequential learning system• Preparation of modules of lessons for

different age groups• Removal of English categories• Teaching our version of history• Explaining Vedic knowledge and its relevance

in the contemporary world• Separating social sciences from Dharma

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Improving Perception of Hindu Dharma and Hindu beliefs

• Who should be the spokes person?• What should we highlight? • Need for an agreed mass of information, uniformity of

content and thematic unity • Steering clear of fault lines• Positive perception is crucial for the self esteem of

our children• How to avoid contradictory depictions on the net and

in print

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Removing Myths and misunderstandings

• Society- myths• Myths in Religions• Myths about Creation• Myths in other religions• Heaven and hell• Often asked questions• Questions you must ask for creating freer

environment

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Strategies

• Being on the defensive or the offensive? Choice– Ask pertinent questions and prepare those questions

– Show your antiquity and demand their’s

– Ask about the myths and unscientific aspects of Christianity

– Make them uncomfortable.

– Be prepared with quotes about their early history

• Never be on the defensive• Have positive idea of your identity• How to build self esteem

– Knowledge about the key concepts and philosophy are crucial to build self esteem

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

Circumventing the Educational system

• Parents have rights• They can circumvent the system• Suggested books for the teachers• Visits to the schools- be a guest speaker• Donating books• Charity to schools for various culture related

programs• Introduce topics such as diversity and

multiculturalism

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Hindu Mandir Executive Conference

September 11-13, 2009, Linthicum, MD

How to reach American student body to clear the fog of their total ignorance

• United front on terms and definitions• Going to schools and colleges• Going to churches and synagogues• Approach the public libraries and demand

books- by law they are supposed to procure the book for research within the next ten days

• Know your rights and privileges.