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Dear All,
Religious education to all age groups is an important mission of Hindu Society of Greater Cincinnati. We thank our Gurus who are willing to share time and other resources to give religious and spiritual education for students. We thank Youth Group for Indian Cultures (YGIC), Dayton, Ohio for allowing us to adopt their curriculum.
Thank you
HSGC
What is taught in the class and expected outcomes in Year 1 & 2?
What is the name of Hindu Religion–Sanaatana Dharma
What is Sanaatana Dharma–It means“Way of living”-How one conducts his / herlife from morning to the Evening, when one is awake.
What is OM–OM is the Supreme GOD. All Gods are forms of OM.
Who is the Trinity–Brahma the creator, Vishnu the preserver and Shiva the destroyer.
Who are the consorts–Brahma–Sarasvati, Vishnu–Lakshmi, Shiva–Parvati.
Vahanas-Brahma-Swan; Vishnu–Garuda; Shiva–Bull. The Vahanas (carrier/vehicles) though not considered as human beings are given equal importance and treated like, forms of God. Compassion to every being is the core of the religion.
Shiva and Parvati are considered one. Men and women are equal in Sanaatana Dharma.
Where is God-God is everywhere and is within us. Every life should be treated with respect and compassion.
The God within us is Jeevaatma. Paramaatma is God.
What is a Hindu scripture-Shruti and Smriti Shruti–4Vedas–Came directly from word of God. Smriti–Lot of books written by Seers. Outcomes:Learn foundations of Hindu religion and Hindu practices. Learn about Slokas, Bha-jans, moral stories and universal values.
What is taught in the class and expected outcomes in Year 3 & 4?
Ramayana
Hinduism’s supreme document is 4 Vedas-called Shrutis that came directly from God on how to live.Two great epics of Hinduism are Ramayana and Mahabharata-these are part of Smritis and written by sages.
Ramayana is a description of how evil is won over by truth and righteousness.
Ramayana shows humans and animals can attain salvation alike and can have their own following like Hanuman. It shows attaining salvation is not by birth but by moral values. Ramayana shows how to respect elders.
Rama went to forest to keep up the word of his beloved father.
Bharata ruled the kingdom as a symbolic king with Rama’s sandals on the throne. The family values kept the family going during tough times.
Even when Rama became King he was humble. Powerful and fortunate should be humble and it is their duty to protect the less fortunate (Rama fought Vali for Sugriva).
Rama earned love and respect from everyone, by being calm and truthful, carrying out his duties. Dashavatara.
Vishnu took 9 forms (including Rama) and 10th form is yet to come.
He appears on Earth to eradicate evil and protect the creation.
Even God takes a form and comes on His own, like parents would go out to protect their children by themselves. That is the love of creation. Protection of a common good comes before all the other personal causes.
Outcomes: Learn the great story of Ramayana. Learn how truth always wins. Dasavatara: Learn God could be in any form and treat everyone with respect and try to learn from everything. Learn GOD comes by himself when necessary to help.
What is taught in the class and expected outcomes in Year 5 & 6?
Mahabharata
Hinduism’s supreme document is 4 Vedas-called Shrutis that came directly from God on how to live.
Two great epics of Hinduism are Ramayana and Mahabharata-these are part of Smritis and writtenby sages.
Mahabharata is a description of how life has various aspects of right and wrong that may not appear straightforward. One has to take time to understand the TRUTH behind it or else mistakes can be made very easily.
Draupadi’s laughter on Duryodhana implies: Be careful in making statements or act in a way not to hurt anyone’s feelings. If Duryodhana was not upset by the laughter of Draupadi, war would not have happened. Ego is the cause of all fights.
Lot of people took the side of Duryodhana because of his power. Never make a decision based on the size or power of the person. Choose right over wrong at all times.
When Krishna offered“you want me or my army”,Duryodhana took his army. Choose intelligence over size or quantity.
Krishna offered to take 5 villages to avoid war and destruction. Duryodhana refused to give. Always be willing to compromise.
Once the peace process is all exhausted the decision for war was declared. All the good people joined. Good always come together, though a little late.
Arjuna was confused about fighting his teacher and relatives.“Do your duties, leave the rest to ME. Never worry about the results”,said LORD KRISHNA.
Gita–is an advice given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna during Mahabharata. When there is a time of trying, get solace by finding an answer from the words of Lord Krishna.
Outcomes: Learn the Great epic story. Learn to make a good decision.
What is taught in the class and expected outcomes in Year 7 & 8?
Bhagavatam / Basic Gita
Hinduism’s supreme document is 4 Vedas-called Shrutis that came directly from God on how to live.
Two great epics of Hinduism are Ramayana and Mahabharata-these are part of Smritis and written by sages. Since Gita came directly from Lord Krishna it is considered as Shruti though being a part of Mahabharata. Said and compiled in Sanskrit, Gita has 700verses and 18 chapters.
Bhagavatam is a description of life of Lord Krishna. This is a part of Bhagavata Purana and Krishna is one of Dashavatars of Lord Vishnu.
Gita–is an advice given by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in trying times on battlefield. Arjuna’s innerself–Jeevaatma was fighting him from within on what is right and wrong. Paramaatma (Lord Krishna) advises Arjuna on the duties of Jeevaatma.
He is asking for Jeevaatma to do the duties and leave the results to Paramaatma. Do the duties and not worry about the results.
We learned Bhakti Yoga or Devotion. It is chapter 12 with 20 verses.
- “Focus your mind on Me and let your intellect dwell upon Me alone-through meditation and contemplation. Thereafter, you shall certainly attain Me” (12.08)-Focus on the right things to see the end through.
- “If you are unable to focus your mind steadily on Me, then long to attain Me, O Arjuna, by practice of(any other) spiritual discipline (Saadhana) that suits you” (12.09)–When one needs solace read the Gita.
- “If you are unable even to do any spiritual discipline (Saadhana), then be intent on performing your duty for Me. You shall attain perfection just by working for Me (as an instrument, just to serve and please Me, without selfish motives)” (12.10)-Peace can be attained when things are done with the feeling of duty, service and selflessness.
Outcomes: Learn what Gita means and learn to discuss thoughtfully the subjects which they may understand or not and listen multiple versions of explanations. Learn to ponder version of explanations.
What is taught in the class and expected outcomes in Year 9, 10, 11 & 12?
Indian History
India has recorded history from 3000 BC-Indus valley civilization.
Different religions started in 600 BC. All of them reflect the tolerance of Hindu way of living and its practices. Indian golden period had arts and economy in full swing. It also showed it is very difficult to be number one in the world forever. Different civilizations reached their peak only once in 500 years.
Hinduism [Sanaatana Dharma/Vaidhika Dharma]
Shruti-4 Vedas, deal about Karma/rebirth and self knowledge. It is the supreme document that came directly from God on how to live. Fire ritual called Yagna (Havan/Homa) worship is Vedic way of praying.
Smritis–Manu Smriti & more, 2 epics, 18 Puranas, Shastras (Sciences), 6 Darshanas (Philosophies), 6 Vedangas, 4 Upavedas, 4 Upaangas, Literature. Vedas (=knowledge) lay the foundation for all these works and are written by sages.
Hindu Practices
Samskaras (16 Sacraments), Yagna worship, Prayer by sound (Chanting Slokas/Singing Bhajan),Discussion on Shruti and Smriti (Sath Sang), Meditation (Japa), Giving time and money, Yoga, 16step Pooja, Idol worship, Pilgrimage, Vrathas (Fasting) are all different ways of attaining thespiritual goal. These practices are based on Vedas. Do research on subject of interest.
Outcomes: The students should learn the overall of Hindu religion. Learn God is the conscience within themselves. They should learn to meet the conscience and put it in peace. Curiosity should be sown so that they learn where to go and read more about faith and take up their own subjects of interest. History:Students should know about Indian history and their heritage.
Advanced Gita-Remember the verse of Gita and Principles
What have you lost? Why are you crying? What did you bring with you, which you have lost? What did you produce, which you have destroyed? Whatever was received was received from here Whatever was given was given from here. You brought nothing, when you were born, You are taking nothing with you when you die. Whatever is yours today was somebody else’s yesterday and will be someone else’s to-morrow.Live happily and be helpful to all around-Share what one is gifted with less fortunate–it could be Knowledge, wealth and/or time. This yogic (YoGIC) way of living brings peace of mind. The final goal is for Jeevaatma (inner self) to reach Paramaatma (Supreme God) and attain salvation. That means freedom from cycle of death and rebirth.
Yoga and Meditation
Chanakya–Political scholar. He helped set a vision for Maurya dynasty. Many of his policies have been compiled under the book“Chanakya Neeti”-It is a treatise on the ideal way of life. With astute political skills one can increase their output by many folds.
Astronomy–Learn the length and breadth of unknown. Understand how small we are compared to the universe.
Volunteering
- Planning–By doing a project
- Empathy and compassion. We get to see the less fortunate.
- Responsibility. We understand our role as how we can be a part of common good.
- Learn to network. Learn to achieve bigger projects by planning and coordinating with others.
- Learn to understand the economics of how to use minimal resources to get as much benefits as possible on aproject.
- Learn to build a team of different strengths for a common goal.
- Learn to communicateimpact fully.
- Learn to become satisfied and enjoy what you do.
- Learn to become a better you
By being able to look at others point of view with empathy and compassion, we will start talking about what is in others’hearts and minds. We will able to connect with people at that point. Focus willturn into what is common, and the differences will fade away. We will be able to bring people together to achieve a lot more for all.
Outcomes: The student should become an adult and learn to become a leader. The student should become confident and be able to see the bigger picture. Student should be able to communicate professionally on the content and have an understanding and depth on any subject given. Key is to list and ask questions and appreciate others. When others talk with them, the person should recognize the maturity level of the child. The child should be able to plan and execute a project from start to Finish. The student should plan all the resources and time.
Life Skills
Time Management-Time is a scale–Everyone has to live by it to make it easy on others. It is a basic courtesy to be ON TIME. Asking for more time is like, one team asking extra time to score a goal which can’t happen so learn to do a time audit. Make adjustments to be on time. Learn to estimate time and execute whatever the plan is in that available time. Have a to-do list prepared for the next day.
Problem solving–is all about getting all possible solutions on the table. No solution will sort out every-thing. Just walking through and figuring out the best solution is just a practice.
Creativity-Whatever one does has to have some creativity. If one cannot be creative allow others to be creative.
Decision Making–At the end of the day, a decision has to be made. Learn to break down complex problems into simple numbers that will help make a better decision.
Project Management-When a job looks complex, learn to break it down to tasks. Allot time and budget to each task. Any complex task can be solved and executed in a timely fashion. Whatever the profession is,with better project skills, one’s output will be multifold.
Leadership-Being a good leader is learning to be a good follower. Leadership is not about telling others what to do. It is stepping up when no one does and inspiring everyone to be a part of it by being a role model. Do the right thing selflessly for the common good, and people will call us a leader.
Communication–is all about figuring out the audience and communicating to get the desired result.Talking everything in one’s mind only makes the talker happy. It does not serve the purpose.Communication should be minimal and impactful.
Stress–is going to be a part of life. One has learned a lot of skills on how to mitigate the stress. Yoga,meditation are some of the widely used tools.
Social skills-The first impression is the best impression. Take the time to get the social skills groomed. It gives the turbo effect to one’s goals.
Be good in heart. Work for the common good. How we talk and walk will follow. Happiness will chase us.
Outcomes: Become creative in solutions and understand all projects will have difficulty and understand it with poise and come up with a solution. Be empathetic and look for a way to move forward and not dwell.Any hard solution can be made into steps and follow the steps to reach the goal. Believe in a plan and execute the plan. The student understands for any complex solution there is plan. With other skills of wor king together they will know how to achieve great goals by working as a team. The student should learn there is more than one side to the coin. There is no one right way to do. There is nothing that cannot be achieved by soft skills. Even the best solution is only achieved by the soft skills we learnt this year.
Founding Principles
Compassion should rein Supreme. Any one walks in for help, we should try everything in our power.Gita 12.13
No Discrimination whatsoever between human beings or any creation. Gita 5.18, 9.32
Every creation is created equal, and their legacy will be defined by their actions. Gita 16.1-16.3There should be no place for EGO or the word “ME”. Gita 18.53
There is no place like Earth. Leave the earth a better place than we inherited it. Leave no foot print behind. Gita 7.9, 11.55
Seek truth, standup for right and act for Greater Good. Gita 4.42
Knowledge is exchanged by means of speech, book, exercise, discussion, charity, time, or non-verbalmodes, to and from anyone, irrespective of age, color, or national origin. Gita 13.8-13.12
Knowledge brings greater wisdom. Wisdom brings happiness and fulfillment. Gita 4.39
If fortunate enough, reach the highest potential and use it to make a difference for common Good. Gita3.20
We are all ONE. Gita 6.29, 6.32
Admissions
We encourage parents to focus on religious and spiritual education ofchild as a top priority and recognize the value of teaching these principles in a group atmosphere
Classes: Are virtual via Zoom and will be conducted on Sundays.It will be 11 am 12 noon
Curriculum: We will provide the educational material
Code of Conduct: Rudeness, discussing personal aspects of members and their family members,threatening Persons, spreading information through social media or by writing emails to multiple people about members. We expect to attend at least 20 classes for completing the year.
Gurukul Calendar
2023 -2024
- Sunday, September 10, 2023
- Sunday, September 17, 2023
- Sunday, September 24, 2023
- Sunday, October 1, 2023
- Sunday, October 8, 2023
- Sunday, October 15, 2023
- Sunday, October 22, 2023
- Sunday, October 29, 2023
- Sunday, November 5, 2023
- Sunday, November 12, 2023
Thanksgiving Break
- Sunday, December 3, 2023
- Sunday, December 10, 2023
Semester End
- Sunday, January 7, 2024
- Sunday, January 14, 2024
- Sunday, January 21, 2024
- Sunday, January 28, 2024
- Sunday, February 4, 2024
- Sunday, February 11, 2024
- Sunday, February 18, 2024
- Sunday, February 25, 2024
- Sunday, February 4, 2024
- Sunday, February 11, 2024
- Sunday, February 18, 2024
- Sunday, February 25, 2024
- Sunday, March 3, 2024
Spring Break
- Sunday, March 24, 2024
- Sunday, March 31, 2024
- Sunday, April 7, 2024
- Sunday, April 14, 2024
- Sunday, April 21, 2024
- Sunday, April 28, 2024
- Sunday, May 5, 2024
- Sunday, May 12, 2024
- Sunday, May 19, 2024
Year End
Contact Information:
(Chair) Daksha Munsif – 859-866-8365
(Co-Chair) Raj K Bhatnagar – 513-652-6819
Neetu Verma – 937-475-6453
Jayanthi Ramesh – 513-884-4908
Raman Abbu – 913-706-7228
For sign up, please click on the button below: