Contents
MISSION STATEMENT...... 3 MASTHEAD...... 3 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR...... 4 INTERFAITH DIALOG...... 4 EXECUTIVE SECRETARY AND CORE-COMMITTEE MEMBERS REPORTS...... 5 TapanaMishra das, Executive Director & Indira-sakhi devi dasi, Member, Executive Committee...... 5 Hanumatpresaka Swami – Core Committee Member...... 6 NEWS FROM EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIA AND SEMINARS...... 7 2020 ISKCON Global Conference of Devotee Attorneys...... 7 Sixth Annual Bhaktivedanta Medical Association Conference...... 8 REPORTS FROM SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTIONS...... 9 Goloka Community School - New Goloka, Hillsborough, North Carolina...... 9 Goswami Academy – Houston, Texas, USA...... 11 NIOS (North American Institute for Oriental and Classical Studies)...... 13 REPORTS FROM REGIONAL REPS...... 14 North America...... 14 Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador...... 14 BOOKS ARE THE BASIS...... 16 LATIN AMERICAN EDUCATORS...... 17 Heredando Nuestra Cultura Espiritual - Principios Básicos para la Formación de Pequeños Vaisnavas...... 17 CALENDAR OF EVENTS...... 19 NEXT ISSUE...... 19
2 MISSION STATEMENT
Vision statement To provide Krishna conscious education of high quality to everyone through temples, educational institutions and various global initiatives. Mission statement To develop comprehensive educational systems globally, that foster higher spiritual values, fulfil the needs of ISKCON members, and the larger society, bringing about excellence in all areas of human life. We aim to fulfil this mission by 1. Empowering and supporting educational initiatives and collaborations among educators, ed- ucational institutions and professionals 2. Establishing and monitoring high standards of Vaisnava education 3. Supervising the development and execution of educational plans and ensuring they are deliv- ered to high standards and 4. Understanding and fulfilling the educational needs of the Krsna conscious families 5. Making every temple as an educational centre and a centre of excellence.
MASTHEAD
Viplavah is a Journal of the Ministry of Education of the International Society for Krishna Con- sciousness, Founder Acharya His Divine Grace Srila A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Minister of Education: H. G. Sesa Das Executive Director: Tapana-misra Das Core Committee: Hanumatpresaka Swami, Sesa Das, Atul-krsna Das, Rama-giri-dhari Das, Ta- pan-misra Das, Champaka-lata Devi Dasi, Indira-sakhi Devi Dasi, Executive/Issue Editor: H. H. Hanumatpresaka Swami Editorial Board: • H. G. Indira-sakhi Devi Dasi • H. G. Rama-giridhari Das The first issue of the Journal was published Janmastami 2017, publishing four issues each year. It is driven out of North American and the Western Hemisphere but is aimed at serving the educational needs of ISKCON globally. Ministry Web Site: iskconeducation.org For Correspondences: Secretary, [email protected]
3 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE EDITOR
to romance, one to war, also had one dedicated to By Hanumatpresaka Swami education. We submit that education is the key to all success in ISKCON’s growth and productivity. Of course, we realize that anything in ISKCON is education, it is a Sankirtan movement. So, defining the roles of the Ministry of Education at the GBC level, in the intelligence of the Brahmanas, children, Temple Presidents, is always one of our principle challenges. In this issue you will find excellent news from inside the Ministry, and educational initiatives for our communities and others. We hope to hear from our Minister Sesa Das in more detail in the next issue but in a brief note, a few days ago, he gave a precise summary of our workings:
t is now 5.16PM (March 4th ) in grey, overcast, Sesa Das wrote – (Wed, Feb 26) IMurfreesboro, Tennessee. We have been threaten- ing, begging, thanking everyone involved in this Is- Hare Krishna. Thank you for your continued work. sue, including ourselves, to get in their contributions In response I can say that we need to have a con- for this number. ference call. Tapan Mishra Prabhu did a wonderful job in getting together and putting on the Second In- How important is education in any society? We ternational Education Symposium. So good to catch remember that even Ravana, King of the Raksa- up on good news, but we also have some things not sas, who had one head dedicated to drinking, one going so well that need to be discussed.
INTERFAITH DIALOG
By Thomas Brown PhD (candidate)
n this age of a godless civilization, the sages of Professor Ronald A. Messier (http://www.ronmess- “Iworld-recognized religious sects who believe in ier.com/), a profound scholar of Islamic studies God must come out of their secluded places and preach here in the USA. For over two hours we discussed the science of God, the Supreme Will, to the people in many topics on academic and cultural themes, and general. Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and the mem- how to do good for people in the modern world. Of bers of the other sects that have convincing faith in the course, this very much relates to the citation from authority of God must not sit idly now and silently Srila Prabhupada given at the start of this article. watch the rapid growth of a godless civilization. There How can we understand people of different reli- is the supreme will of God, and no nation or society gious traditions and then learn to work together for can live in peace and prosperity without acceptance this common good? of this vital truth.”, Light of the Bhagavata, (Text Six) (https://vedabase.io/en/library/lob/6/#bb1582335) We hope this topic of Interfaith Dialog and re- lated cross-cultural alliances becomes a strong At the beginning of this year, 28th January, 2020, we feature of Viplavah in the future, so please read had the very gratifying experience of sitting with and respond.
4 One thing we especially wanted from Professor faith that can be supported by what each faith Messier was a reading list of books and media that considers to be its revealed scriptures and tradi- can inform our readers about what is Islam. Much tions. It explores Jesus’ birth, his life as a perfect of this first bibliography is from the perspective of servant, his miracles, the events of Good Friday Muslim-Christian dialog, but we feel that the indus- and Easter, the Ascension to heaven, and Jesus trialization that has become a predominating world- coming again at the end of time. One discovers view is very much related to the world-view embed- not only similarities, some of which are quite sur- ded in Protestant Christianity. Thus the education prising, but also differences that are more often we can get from the Muslim-Christian dialog will complementary than contradictory, inviting be- have great utility for people for Hindu, Buddhist, lievers in each faith to reflect on their own imag- native American and Australian traditions that are es of Jesus and, perhaps, expand those images in now capable of seeing things from this industrial- light of what the other has to offer. ized point of view. Agree? All the books and the vi- • A New Introduction to Islam, Daniel W. Brown. A doe are available from Amazon.com. basic introduction to Islam. Professor says 5/5-stars • Faithful Neighbors: Christian-Muslim Vision and • Jesus and Muhammad: Commonalities of Two Practice , Robert S. Heaney. Based on the strong, Great Religions, Daniel Hummel. A basic compar- on-going work of the Center for Anglican Stud- ison. Professor only gives it 3/5-stars feeling that it ies at Virginia Theological Seminary, Faithful is accurate but a little flat in its literary technique. Neighbors outlines an introduction to the ratio- • Muhammad: Legacy of a Prophet (Video). This nale for interfaith work through both theological is the story of the seventh century prophet who and practical viewpoints, using stories from real changed world history in 23 years, and continues experiences of interfaith cooperation to offer en- to shape the lives of more than 1.6 billion people. couragement, inspiration, and practical steps to The film takes viewers not only to ancient Middle do the same. Professor Messier gives it 5/5-stars Eastern sites where Muhammad’s story unfolds, and suggests it as the resource for understanding but into the homes, mosques and workplaces of the necessity of interfaith dialog. some of America’s estimated seven million Mus- lims to discover how they follow Muhammad’s • Jesus: One Man, Two Faiths. Expanded Second example. Professor rated it at 5+++ Edition: A Dialogue between Christians and We have asked him for a good translation of The Muslims, Ron Messier. Jesus, One Man Two Holy Koran, but at the date of publication we have Faiths explores a wide range of views within each not heard back from him
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY AND CORE-COMMITTEE MEMBERS REPORTS
TapanaMishra das, Executive Director & Indira-sakhi devi dasi, Member, Executive Committee
e hope to be of more service to the ISKCON in December 2019. Prabhu is based in Sridham May- Weducation community within 2020. In this is- apur and also takes care of the Vaishnava Care De- sue we would like to share with you some of the de- partment offering invaluable assistance to the elderly. velopments we have undertaken since the last issue. Training Staff We are also happy to announce that the Instruc- First, we would like to welcome our new Office Man- tional Design Training, from HG Urmila Mataji, is ager, HG Nrsingha Tirtha Prabhu. He joined the team now available on the Ministry of Education website
5 in the Courses section [https://iskconeducation. o We constantly seek exciting resources and vol- org/training-courses]. This is the first course that unteers to develop the online offering at the the Ministry has produced, as service to our edu- Ministry and if you can assist then please write cators community. The course is freely available to to us on [email protected] the devotees registered at the Ministry website. We Philosophy of Education request and encourage all devotees to take advan- tage of this course to improve how we design our In an attempt to capture to the wisdom garnered seminars, courses and training. We hope to develop by our seasoned educators such as Rasamandala a couple of more courses within 2020 to serve the Prabhu, Urmila Mataji, etc. we embarked upon devotee community. the project of collecting their papers on what should be ISKCON’s philosophy of education. Symposium We have collected 6 such papers from eminent educators. In 2020, we have re-formed the team As of this report, Indira-sakhi devi dasi and I are fo- to carry this forward. We hope that by Kartik cusing most our energy in organizing Viplavah 2020 2020 we will be able to make the papers avail- along with Nrsingha Tirtha Prabhu. We hope to host able. If you have a philosophy of education for close to 150+ educators from different parts of the ISKCON then write to us. world and over 20 speakers. In our next issue we will share a detailed report on the Symposium. ILS 2020 Participation Technology platform Several devotees associated with the Ministry and its development would be presenting sem- We request devotees to register on the Ministry web- inars at ILS 2020, site and utilize the resources we are gradually devel- • Atul Krsna Prabhu will speak on the re- oping for educators and parents. With respect to our vised standards for Shastric Degrees. technology platform • Srivas Prabhu will speak on Enhancing the Culture of Reading Srila Prabhupada We hope to appoint a full time staff to take care o Books Globally of our new web platform, www.iskconeduca- • tion.org Indira-sakhi devi dasi and Tapana Mishra dasa will address the Educational Founda- tion of ISKCON o Offer a new completely online Krishna Con- scious curriculum for children from reception More on the response from the attendees on these to grade 9 that has been developed by the Avan- topics will presented in the next issue of Viplavah. ti Schools Trust in the UK. Way forward o In the next Viplavah issue, we will share with you a new strategy for development of our web In the next issue we will share with you the various new platform in 2020 projects that we hope to develop in the coming year.
Hanumatpresaka Swami – Core Committee Member
are Krsna! We have been working as Man- 6 June 2020, at ISKCON Houston. Ourselves, Rad- Haging and Executive Editor for this Viplavah ha-krsna Das, Subra Devi Dasi, Gopi-gita Devi for several years now. This is the last year as we are Dasi, Gauranga and Gauranga-darasana Das from getting too old to function in this capacity. We have Govardhana Eco-village, Srivasa Pandita, Hari-li- also been developing the Sastric Education, espe- la Das, Nila-mani Das and even more important cially the Bhakti-sastri etc diplomas. This means educators are expected to be there. It will be for traveling and working in North and South Amer- students and teachers from “womb to the tomb”, ica, India and Spain. To this end we are developing and cover educational administration, teaching a first North American Sastric Studies symposium, and evaluation.
6 NEWS FROM EDUCATIONAL SYMPOSIA AND SEMINARS
2020 ISKCON Global Conference of Devotee Attorneys By Anuj Ghai, Latham & Watkins; London, United Kingdom
he 2020 ISKCON Global Conference of Dev- meet, interact, and network with each other. The Totee Attorneys took place on January 9-12 in various legal and regulatory challenges that ISKCON Gainesville, Florida. The conference was organized has had to face over the past few years demonstrates by a senior disciple of Srila Prabhupada, HG Guru the importance of making full use of the legal talent Gauaranga Das. The conference sessions took place and expertise at ISKCON’s disposal: the Conference in the beautiful Historic Thomas Centre, now home allowed participants to better appreciate the unique to the Gainesville Cultural Affairs Division. This was legal challenges facing ISKCON and their potential the first such gathering of devotee attorneys in ISK- role in helping to confront and address such chal- CON and so the Conference generated much excite- lenges. One of the consistent themes to emerge from ment and anticipation. The Conference proved to the various sessions was the need for ISKCON to be a great success, attracting over 50 attorneys, legal strengthen its legal awareness by being more pro- practitioners and law students from a range of back- active in seeking sound and timely legal advice and grounds and nationalities. representation. A good example in this respect was provided by Guru Gauranga Das who ISKCON’s re- The primary purpose of the Conference was to pro- course to the law helped to prevent the sale of the vide a forum within which devotee attorneys could ISKCON-NYC Temple.
7 From our perspective, one of the most inspiring having to utilize their legal backgrounds and profes- and distinctive aspects of the Conference was the sional expertise to help their local ISKCON centres extraordinary diversity of the participants’ back- navigate different legal and regulatory landscapes. grounds: it was wonderful to be able to meet and in- teract with devotee attorneys from all over the world A particularly attractive feature of the Conference (attendees hailed from the United Kingdom, Rus- was the range of subject areas covered in the ses- sia, Switzerland, Netherlands, Hungary, Lithuania, sions. Speakers, from a variety of backgrounds, cov- Brazil, Nigeria, Uganda, Singapore and the United ered areas such as: Gita values in faith-based conflict States). It was a truly cosmopolitan gathering very management, the near-sale of the ISKCON NYC much in line with the truly global nature of Pra- Temple; Issues of Child Abuse, and ISKCON’s In- bhupada’s movement. It was particularly inspiring tellectual Property. We hope that future iterations of to hear participants recall their own experiences of the Conference will maintain this broad focus.
Sixth Annual Bhaktivedanta Medical Association Conference By Dr. Hansa Medley (Srimati Guru-bhakti Devi Dasi)
n January 17-20, 2020 the Bhaktivedanta Med- the effects of maha-mantra chanting on Oical Association (BMA) held its sixth annual heart rate variability. conference and retreat at ISKCON of Houston for Day 2, structured to encourage and nourish in- the second consecutive year. Based on feedback house devotees, featured a keynote on Bhak- from 2019, the morning sessions were didactic, with tivedanta Hospice, Vrindavan, India by His workshops in the afternoons. Holiness Giriraj Swami as well as a japa Day 1’s topics were broad, suitable for a general au- workshop with His Holiness Romapada dience. His Holiness Hanumat Presaka Swa- Swami. Panel discussions on mental health, mi set the tone with the keynote address, practical applications of Krishna conscious- “Science, Psyche, and Spirituality: Carl ness by devotees & medical students along Jung’s Encounters with the Philosophy of with Ayurvedic practices for self-care were the Bhagavat.” Other presentations included well received. Interestingly, 20% of the at- talks on Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, yoga, tendees had not had any prior exposure to physician burn-out & a published study on Krishna consciousness.
8 REPORTS FROM SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTIONS
Goloka Community School - New Goloka, Hillsborough, North Carolina By Audarya Lila -Director and Early Childhood Teacher
ince its beginning in the fall of 2018, ated a safe, educational, and devotional SGoloka Community School has environment for families and is continu- brought in 23 students ranging from ing to grow and improve with big plans preschool through grade 6. GCS has es- for the future. tablished morning programs across the school as well as community classes that Audarya Lila devi dasi is grateful for the focus on practical and soft skills in addi- chance to combine her love of nature, tion to the academic curriculum. Pro- children and Krsna in service as a teach- grams such as the Transcendental Trunk er and director of Goloka Community or Treat, Devotee Friendsgiving and regu- School. Audarya has previously worked lar gatherings for the mothers and fathers as a lead teacher and coordinator at Mon- at GCS have created a strong community tessori and Waldorf schools. Prior to re- and loving mood between the families. ceiving her Early Childhood teaching GCS is continuing to grow and plans are certification Audarya gained a Bachelors moving forward for a new school build- of Science in Biology minoring in chem- ing. Goloka Community School has cre- istry and focusing most of her course
9 work in botany. Her goal was always to clude mothers and fathers, stepparents, share her love of nature with children. grandparents, foster parents, other rela- tives and caregivers, business leaders and However, after meeting a saintly monk community groups–all participating in on her college campus she realized there goal-oriented activities. was something even more important to discover and share. Many years later she How do parents, families, and communi- has a chance to facilitate a program which ties get involved? teaches simple living, high thinking, and Successful school-parent- community love for the Divine. She is eternally grateful partnerships are not stand-alone projects to Guru, Gauranga, and that saintly monk or add-on programs but are well inte- for guiding her to this special service. grated with the school’s overall mission Parents, Family, Community Involve- and goals. Research and field- work show ment in Education that parent-school-partnerships improve schools, strengthen families, build com- In the past, parent involvement was char- munity support, and increase student acterized by volunteers, mostly mothers, achievement and success. assisting in the classroom, chaperoning students, and fundraising. Today, the old How can we engage more stakeholders? model has been replaced with a much Here are some specific ways that schools more inclusive approach: school-fam- can engage more parents, families, and ily-community partnerships now in- communities in education:
10 ■ Survey educators and families to tions tools that address various determine needs, interests, and family structures and are trans- ideas about partnering. lated into languages that parents/ families understand. ■ Develop and pass family-friend- ly policies and laws [i.e., leaves ■ Hire and train school-community of absence for parents/caregivers liaisons who know the communi- to participate in school or edu- ties’ history, language, and cultural cation-related activities; flexible background to contact parents and scheduling to encourage partici- coordinate activities. pation by diverse families. ■ Collaborate with higher education ■ Provide professional development institutions to infuse parent, fami- on family and community engage- ly, and community involvement in ment for school faculties. education into teacher and admin- istrator preparation programs. ■ Offer training for parents and community stakeholders on effec- ■ Develop an outreach strategy to tive communications and partner- inform families, businesses, and ing skills. the community about school and family involvement opportunities, ■ Provide better information on policies, and programs. school policies and procedures. ■ Regularly evaluate the effective- ■ Ensure timely access to informa- ness of family involvement pro- tion, using effective communica- grams and activities.
Goswami Academy – Houston, Texas, USA By Subra Devi Dasi – Academy Director
Love our community/ Open House Event Health food stores, yoga and exercise centers, UPS stores, including Iskcon n early February Goswami Academy Houston’s Govindas Restaurant, all so Iheld a combined ‘Love Our Com- generously showered us with gift cards munity’/ Open House Outreach Event. and gift certificates for raffles. In addi- Our dedicated parent committee brain- tion, the City of Houston’s Recycling stormed ideas to involve the neighbor- Mascot was present educating and en- ing businesses. It was a wonderful idea! tertaining the attendees both young and
11 old. The Children’s Museum donated ics and caring relationships. It was won- two hundred family passes. derful as the administrator to observe the culture of ‘we are proud of our school’ As new families walked through the resonate with the families enrolled at doors, our volunteer grandparents, par- Goswami Academy. ents, and community volunteers waited enthusiastically in various rooms of the We seek your blessings to venture further school to share information about our and collaborate with community stake- philosophy, values and creative academ- holders to take our school to newer heights.
Father volunteer in STEM LAB with Kindergarten Son
Grandparent of Pre-K Student showcasing our school library
12 Goswami Students with family passes donated by Houston Children’s Museum
NIOS (North American Institute for Oriental and Classical Studies)
By Nitai-gaurasundara Das (Dr. Ravi Singh)
hen H. H. Hanumatpresaka Swam approached us in 2013 about starting NIOS we could see Wthat it satisfied a need in ISKCON. Since then, locally in Nashville, Tennessee, and interna- tionally in India, Spain and South America it has organized programs with prominent cultural and educational institutions, such as National Museum of India, National Library of Peru, and the oldest university in the Western world, San Marcos University. These events continue and symposia are developing in Spain, India, Peru, Argentina, Chile on Education and the Sacred. Maharaja has been doing fascinating, ground-braking work with his investigations of Prof. C. G. Jung and the Bhagavata. Finally, but actually first, NIOS is going into its fourth year of publishing its Inter-cultural Journal, Solaris. It has been so successful that now it is moving to become a bi-annually Indexed journal that will make it formally accredited in the highest levels of university education. Of course, we are struggling and need help in every way. Contact Maharaja personally or through Viplavah and visit our burgeoning website at www.NiosNimbus.org .
13 REPORTS FROM REGIONAL REPS
North America By Balimardana Das – Committee Convener
SKCON Ministry of Education North evaluation based on the Ministry Board of Ex- IAmerica is focusing on the Sastric studies as aminers (BOEX) requirements. well as holistic spiritual education for one and all. We have communicated with many temples MOE North America will be exploring a We- about our program of Bhakti Shastri / Bhakti binar series after Gaura Purnima. This will Vaibhav etc. ISKCON Dallas, Seattle and many enable the broader community to understand more temples are currently looking at opening the values of spiritual education at an early approved centers. We are in the process of their age.
If you want to extend your help in these areas, please feel free to reach out to us at [email protected].
Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador regional representation annual report 2019 Gandharva dasa
his has been a year of hard transformations. Be- Vaibhava certification center in ISKCON Chosica. Tfore growing up, I have suggested ordering ex- The procedures are ongoing and I hope that we will isting programs and results are starting to pay off. be granted approval for the mid next year at most. I carry out my service in the temple of ISKCON Sunday school program is being developed in the Chosica (the only temple of Radha Krsna in South temple of Chosica with the participation and man- America) and I have made it the center of operations agement of parents and supported by teachers. Kids of the representation of the Ministry. are busy and enthusiastic.
ISKCON Chosica: ISKCON San Borja:
Introduction to Bhakti yoga (Bhakta course) is being We will collaborate with the preaching center of San standardized for all temples. For this, a study guide Borja in the development of its educational pro- is being prepared that can be used in each place, the gram. It is a new space and they are starting to attract idea is to introduce this guide in provincial cities people to their programs, so it’s time to cooperate and in Bolivia and Ecuador. I have asked the Board with them. For now they will implement Bhakti Sas- of Examiners to establish a Bhakti Sastri and Bhakti tri and Disciples course online.
14 ISKCON Arequipa: ISKCON Guayaquil (Ecuador):
We are in contact with the preaching center of Areq- The temple authorities are very interested in de- uipa and educational programs are already being or- veloping the Bhak Sastri program. I have already ganized on practical topics at their request (kirtan, had a conversation with the teacher and he has re- deity and festivals cooking, home worship, Vaisnava ceived the support material. In the next days we will etiquette, ayurveda, slokas learning). Next year I will talk about the possibility of developing the Bhakta contact the other centers to evaluate their situation. Course as well. ISKCON La Paz (Bolivia): Devotees in this region are eager to know, to learn I have travelled to Bolivia in june with the purpose and to participate in the growth of Srila Prabhupa- of contacting educators and knowing their situation da’s movement. One year after starting this service, in order to collaborate with the development of their I am better understanding what it is. The scenarios programs. They have received educational material and the people involved are very different but it is (guidelines, formats, courses). The devotees have time to find the similarity points and common moti- appointed local representatives in La Paz and Coch- vations that move us towards the same goal. I ask Sri abamba. In 2020 we will begin using this standard- Sri Radha Madana Vihari to grant me a minimum of ized material for the Introduction to Bhakti Yoga clarity to continue my service. I pray to the devotees course for new devotees who aspire to be initiated. their blessings, too.
15 BOOKS ARE THE BASIS
With this issue we are inaugurating Books Are The Basis. We will include reviews and news of new releases of books useful for educators and students in ISKCON. We have also heard that Srila Prabhupada commented that the library is the heart of the educational institution, so help us to design this section and fill it up.
JUNG IN INDIA, Sulagna Sengupta, Spring Journal, Inc, (2013). Based on archival re- historians of the material they researched. Sengupg- search, Jung in India is ta offers us an incredible view of what India looked an account of Carl Jung’s like in 1937 to the best Western psychologist and relationship with India philosopher. It gives us insight into the character spanning several decades. and perspective of Jung’s myriad of followers in the st It includes amazing de- 21 century and as Sulagna Sengupta says in the con- tails of his visit in 1937-38. cluding chapter, Chapter Seven: Considering Srila A. C. After three decades of exchanges with various Bhakivedanta Swami Pra- Indian scholars, Jung was certain that the phil- bhupada’s commentary osophical approach of India was not similar to in Dialectical Spiritualism his psychology, and unless relative merits of both disciplines were understood and assimi- that among all the West- lated, a fruitful dialog would not emerge with ern philosophers he had the East. He remained hopeful that the intro- reviewed Carl Jung had the most sense, we find an spective attitude of the East would yield a full- excellent resource for His Divine Grace’s followers. er understanding of the psyche, complementing Jung was born one year after Srila Bhaktsiddhanta the one-sided, objective psychology of the West, Sarasvati Thakura and as this book shows, he and his and tht the two streams would one day reach followers were rigorous scholars, practicioners and a plane of shared understanding and affinity.
BHAGAVATA PRAVAHA by Gauranga Darshan Das With its concise narration, simplified summary, practical wisdom and enchanting illustrations, Bhagavata Pravaha by Gauranga Darshan Das ser- ves as an “easy start for young and new readers” and an “enlivening revision for the seasoned readers” of Srimad Bhagavatam.
Amazon Purchase link: https://www.amazon.in/ BHAGAVATA-PRAVAHA-Pristine-Srimad-Bhaga- vatam/dp/9381283729/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bhaga- vata+pravaha&qid=1583332102&sr=8-1
Tulsi Books Purchase link: https://www.tulsi- books.com/product/bhagavata-pravaha-the-pristi- ne-flow-of-srimad-bhagavatam/ Presents a Quick Overview of the Bhagavatam’s stories, Philosophy and Wisdom. Its a Concise and Simplified http://www.vidyapitha.in/pradipika-articles/bhagava- Summary of Srimad Bhagavatam with Life Lessons. ta-pravaha-the-pristine-flow-of-srimad-bhagavatam/
16 LATIN AMERICAN EDUCATORS
Heredando Nuestra Cultura Espiritual - Principios Básicos para la For- mación de Pequeños Vaisnavas
S.g. Janaki D.D. y S.g. Paramesvara D. – Santiago, Chile
Sadhana, el mejor legado!
a vida familiar está llena de ocupaciones y de- Lberes, el costo de la vida sobre todo en las ciu- dades es cada vez más alto y eso nos hace ir a un rit- mo muy acelerado. Intentar llevar un sadhana antes de que nos hiciéramos padres sin duda fue una tarea más simple, sin embargo, ahora tenemos una motivación quizá mucho más fuerte y es la de com- partir la Conciencia de Krsna con estos pequeños de Vaikuntha, Srila Prabhupada nos aconseja a los padres: “Ahora, uds, esposo y esposa, deben tra- bajar juntos con gran responsabilidad para cri- ar a su nuevo hijo de forma ideal en conciencia de Krishna. Los niños aprenden por imitación de los padres, por lo que, si ambos establecen el ejemplo consciente de Krishna, el niño de forma muy natural los seguirá y fácilmente avanzará en la conciencia de Krishna”-Carta a Jagadisha dasa, Julio 9, 1970-.
Debemos trabajar y esforzarnos por establecer un ejemplo adecuado, una muy buena fórmula que podemos aplicar es achar-conducta + prachar- en- señanza, el ejemplo es nuestra mejor herramienta. Una frase de madre Urmila que lo explica muy bien es esta: “Los niños aprenden más a través de la experiencia que de los conceptos, así sabrán más sobre la espiritualidad por lo que somos que por lo que decimos”. Visto desde nuestra experiencia práctica intentar ser ejemplar al criar niños en Con- ciencia de Krsna representa un grado de dificultad alto, sin embargo, muy a menudo, esto se simplifica ya que son ellos con su entusiasmo y su devoción “natural” los que hacen de ejemplo a seguir para no- sotros, ellos se vuelven nuestra inspiración para ser cada día mejores y se forma una simbiosis; una rel- En los primeros años los pequeños necesitan ayuda ación de ayuda o apoyo para beneficiarnos mutua- para despertarlos, bañarlos y vestirles para que es- mente en nuestro progreso espiritual, pero no debe- tén listos para el programa matutino, además de una mos olvidar que somos nosotros quienes lideramos, buena dosis de motivación y entusiasmo, no se trata establecemos el orden y las pautas en todo ámbito. de obligarlos a participar.
17 Estableciendo un Sadhana apto para los niños.
Empezar el día recordando a Krsna, cantando sus glorias y sus nombres, viendo y atendiendo sus Dei- dades es la mejor forma de empezar el día para todos los bhaktas, ¡sin importar la edad! Aunque por su- puesto el Sadhana variará según la edad de nuestros hijos, el programa matutino debe ser a una hora en la que ellos estén 100% descansados, eso es muy im- portante, debemos garantizarles la cantidad de horas que requieran nuestros hijos de acuerdo a la edad, para eso es vital que estén en la cama temprano, le- vantarse temprano dice Srila Prabhupada es la única austeridad que deben hacer los niños.
Aratik Matutino
Quizá implementar Mangal artik cuando los niños están muy pequeños sea muy difícil, entonces po- demos partir con Govinda, dependiendo de la edad, ellos participaran escuchando, cantando y contem- plando (darshan) y, también, con la edad suficiente, les encantará poder hacer la puja.
Lectura del Srimad Bhagavatam
La lectura del Srimad Bhagavatam en un comienzo podría ser de unos 10-15 min aprox. (sólo lectura), ya que los niños tienen periodos cortos de concen- tración, el canto preliminar puede ajustarse corto o más largo de acuerdo a la inspiración y el tiempo que tengamos, conforme hayan despertado el gusto por Enseñarles a cantar japa a nuestros hijos es una escuchar, serán los mismos niños quienes irán pidi- oportunidad y una invitación para mejorar nuestro endo cada vez más. Las recomendaciones de madre propio canto. En palabras de madre Aruddha “Los Aruddha quien educó a sus hijos en casa basándose niños pequeños que son alentados de forma pos- en el Srimad Bhagavatam, es no partir por el primer itiva, aprenderán a cantar japa por imitación a los canto, sino empezar leyendo los pasatiempos como adultos que los rodean” el de Dhruva Maharaja, Prahlada Maharaja, la histo- ria de Gajendra, la historia de Indra y Vritasura y así Claramente es un desafío poder realizar el programa atraerlos, encantarlos con el Srimad Bhagavatam y antes de ir al colegio/trabajo, para esto debemos ser entonces volver a comenzar desde el primer canto. pacientes cuando comenzamos y organizar bien nuestros tiempos; además cada parte del programa El canto de japa matutino se puede simplificar para ojalá llegar a es- tablecerlo todos los días, así crearemos uno de los En casa debe haber un momento del día en que po- mejores hábitos que les podemos regalar a nuestros damos sentarnos con los niños a cantar japa, ojalá hijos y por supuesto, ¡nos beneficiaremos todos al como parte del programa matutino, podemos cantar empezar el día en familia recordando a Krsna! al menos una ronda, tratando en lo posible de mini- mizar las distracciones. Una buena idea es hacer una Motivándonos en comunidad para priorizar a los japa especial para los pequeños con 64 o 27 cuentas, niños y su educación espiritual. así no es una meta tan lejana cantar toda una ron- da, en la medida que vayan creciendo llegaran a una Nosotros siempre hemos educado a nuestros hijos ronda estándar de 108 cuentas. en casa (Homeschool), pero fue sólo hace unos años
18 que nos dimos cuenta que lo más relevante dentro Aparte de nuestros dos hijos mayores, se sumaron de su educación era entregar Conciencia de Krsna y dos niños más, ha sido una experiencia maravillosa- definir eso nos cambió la vida. Buscamos refugio en mente enriquecedora que les ha permitido a los chi- las enseñanzas que nos dejó Srila Prabhupada acer- cos compartir juegos, citas de las escrituras y pasati- ca de la educación y crianza de pequeños vaisnavas empos con conceptos de Aritmética, Lectoescritura, y por supuesto, también en madre Aruddha pio- Historia, Ciencia y mucho kirtana. nera en homeschool. En septiembre del año pasado (2018) viendo que a nuestros niños les faltaba más Proyecto educativo Vaisnava, Escuelita Naimisa- instancias de juego con otros niños devotos, y que ranya 2020 podíamos usar las habilidades y conocimientos ped- Para el 2020 queremos continuar con nuestro proyec- agógicos en servicio, decidimos organizar una ac- to educativo de servicio a la comunidad vaisnava de tividad lúdica en un parque, pensando en que todos nuestro yatra, llevamos varios meses trabajando con los niños pudieran divertirse con actividades consci- una jornada escolar de pocas horas, algunos días a entes de Krsna, la verdad es que fue todo un éxito, la semana, hemos aprendido muchísimo, sobre todo hubo juegos de preguntas, circuitos con obstáculos, ha sido muy significativo ver como de forma gradual ¡kirtana y prasada! Fuimos 50 vaisnavas aproxima- ha ido despertando el interés y la receptividad de los damente entre padres y niños. niños por tópicos espirituales y eso ha sido muy in- spirante, así que pensando en tener más tiempo para Fue tan inspirarte para nosotros que ese mismo día trabajar con contenidos curriculares y devocionales, en la noche, evaluando la actividad, se nos vino a la aumentaremos las horas de la jornada escolar que irá mente un proyecto educativo tipo escuelita pensan- de lunes a viernes, seguiremos esforzándonos y con do en fomentar el desarrollo de lazos de amistad sa- la bendiciones de nuestro Maestro Espiritual Bhak- nos que potencien la vida espiritual, y también como ti-bhusana Swami daremos lo mejor de nosotros una alternativa de educación académica que no vaya para intentar contribuir en la educación de la nueva en detrimento de sus valores vaisnavas. generación de vaisnavas como un servicio a la mis- ión de Srila Prabhupada. Este año 2019, empezamos el proyecto en nuestra casa, literalmente abrimos las puertas de nuestro Nuestras comunidades necesitan espacios y proyec- hogar, habilitamos un espacio para que funcionara tos para que los niños puedan aprender y fortalecer como sala de clases, la metodología que usamos es las bases de nuestra Cultura Espiritual, y si bien es una mezcla de homeschool con escuelita rural mul- un servicio de alto compromiso y lleno de desafíos y tigrado, en Chile es legal educar sin escolarizar, el de esfuerzos, debemos ser visionarios y dar el lugar mineduc brinda muchas facilidades, una de ellas que corresponde a la formación de estos preciados es que los niños rinden exámenes de forma anual. tesoros que hemos recibido de Krsna.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
• 2020 June 5-7, Houston, Texas, 1st Annual North American Sastra Sammela, Contact H. H Hanumat- presaka Swami, H. G. Radha-krsna Das, H. G. Balimardana Das or H. G. Subra Devi Dasi for more details.
NEXT ISSUE Indira-sakhi Devi Dasi has asked to be the Managing Editor but by the time we went to press she was not able to send in a prospectus for the next issue. Let us comment with a little smile, that if ev- eryone who has said in this issue that they will be sending more news in the next issue it should be wonderful.
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