` Dharma Award Dharma Bhakta [counselor) Manual ` 9803 Goldfinch Ct E-Mail: info@naha.us Saline, MI 48176 USA www.naha.us Phone: (612) 470-NAHA (6242)
Contents At the end of the program, for a student and/or Saathi to receive an award, you MUST Welcome... 1 L Complete the Bhakta s Comments and Observations on Page 9 and give it to Saathi Dharma program... 2 Step by Step through the Program Step 1: Dharma... 5 Steps = Chapters Step 2: Karma... 6 Step 3: Incarnation... 6 Step 4: Bhakti... 7 Bhakta s Comments and Observation 9 KEY TO SYMBOLS @ Student s Objectives Karmas = Things the student is expected to do. Reference to specific karma to be done in each Step is capitalized. Karmas are numbered same as in Student and Saathi Workbook. v List of items Your role as Bhakta! Emphasize these points. 1 st Published 1983 1 st Revision 1987 2 nd Revision 2001 3 rd Revision 2010 4 th Revision 2011 5 th Revision 2012 6 th Revision 2013 7 th Revision 2015 2015 ` It is illegal to reproduce this workbook or its contents in any form. ASSUMPTION While referring to the Lord, student, Saathi, and Bhakta, male gender is used as a matter of convenience in writing. Lengthy explanations for common Hindu concepts are omitted from Bhakta Manual. If you wish to refresh some concepts, we encourage you to go over the Saathi Workbook as well as discuss these concepts with them. They will learn more and it will clarify these concepts for them even better. Dharma Bhakta Manual
Welcome Welcome to the Dharma program and thank you for volunteering to act as a counselor to the young Dharma Student and his parent or a guardian (Dharma Saathi) You are in a unique position of privilege to guide students and their parents/guardian of varying spiritual background. As they begin their formal introduction to the Hindu faith, please help them learn about the elementary concepts of Hindu faith and integrate these concepts into daily living. Note: Dharma students are typically between the ages of 8 and 13. The youngest to complete the program so far has been 7 years old and the oldest has been 58 years. Please keep your discussions and explanations at the level appropriate to their age and spiritual maturity. You will serve as a role model for this family. Your role is to listen to their questions. It is sometimes difficult for the young to ask or answer questions. Use open-ended questions rather than yes-or-no questions. For example, instead of, Do you understand? Ask, What is it that you have understood? Stimulate their thinking by encouraging them to put their thoughts into words. Take a moment to go over both student & Saathi workbooks. Encourage both to complete the Karmas in their respective workbooks. Encourage the student to be a participant in the learning process. The workbook provides ample opportunity for students to choose a variety of activities. As much as possible, encourage creativity and originality. Please go over both The Student Workbook and The Saathi Workbook. Provide critical but encouraging comments. We hope that you will enjoy guiding the young Dharma student and Dharma Saathi as they complete this program. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We also hope you will encourage other Hindu children to complete this Dharma program. We are sure that such a suddha Karma will be spiritually rewarding with Parmeshwar s blessings. Thank You. Jai Shree Krishna Nayan Hajratwala President North American Hindu Association Dharma Bhakta Manual Page 1
Dharma award The Dharma Program is the first of two Hindu religious growth programs for the youth designed by The North American Hindu Association. (The Karma Program is the second.) Both programs are nonsectarian and non-denominational Hindu religious programs. The Dharma Award is a symbol of recognition to a child for advancement in Hindu religious knowledge and spiritual formation. Recognition Upon completion of the program A Dharma Student (a boy) will receive v a badge The Dharma award is approved by the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Hindu children who are not members of the scout organizations can also earn these awards. The Dharma award is most suitable for grades 3 to 8, or ages 7 to 13. Dharma student should be able to complete this program in four to six weeks. A Dharma Student, (a girl) will receive v a pin. The Dharma program introduces four elementary fundamental concepts of Hinduism known as Steps in this program: v Dharma v Karma v Incarnation v Bhakti Purpose This program is designed to: v Help children become more aware of God's presence in their daily lives, especially within the home and the community. v Introduce the Dharma concept and help them recognize the presence of Parmeshwar in daily life. v Introduce the Karma concept and help them recognize that every karma (action) has consequences. v Introduce the basic concept of Incarnation and help them understand the mortal nature of humans. Dharma Saathi will receive v a pin. Dharma Bhakta You are guiding them and doing so as a suddha karma, that is, without expectation of anything in return. In doing so, you are serving as an excellent role model for your students. However, if the students wish to present you with an award, please accept it graciously. When they successfully complete the Dharma program, they may choose to present you with v a pin. Certificates for the Awards are issued if requested on the Order Form. v Introduce the basics of Bhakti in daily life and set them on a course of spiritual growth. Dharma Bhakta Manual Page 2
Dharma award (Continued) The award is approved for religious recognition of the Hindu faith by both the Boy Scouts of America and the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Presentation of the Dharma award can be made in one of the approved formats listed under Step 4. Overview Typically three persons are involved. 1. The Student, who is working towards his Dharma award. 2. The Mentor, called Dharma Saathi, is the parent or a guardian working side-by-side with the child on the program. The mentor is also considered a student alongside the child. The mentor may elect to complete his Dharma Saathi workbook and earn the Dharma Saathi award as well. 3. The Counselor, the Dharma Bhakta. As a Dharma Bhakta, you are responsible for teaching the course. Typically this is a priest. It is a generally accepted doctrine that a priest associated with a temple should be able to serve as a spiritual counselor. However, a great diversity amongst Hinduism is recognized. We will accept any person knowledgeable in Hinduism and designated by the priest or a parent. Although some Hindu religious traditions require a spiritual teacher to be male and/or Brahmin, for the purpose of this program, any one may serve as a counselor. A counselor should be a practicing Hindu, knowledgeable in Hinduism, and is approved by the parents. Workbook: Each Step in the workbook encourages students to do the following: 1. Discussion Students are encouraged to discuss a selected aspect of the step such as Step 1 Karma 1 (how Parmeshwar shows his love) with the Dharma Saathi and Dharma Bhakta. 2. Reflection Students are asked to reflect on what they learned and how it applies to them or their daily lives. Example: Step 1 Karma 1 f. (What is your Dharma to your family?). 3. Observation Students are afforded an opportunity to observe others fulfilling their dharma, karma, or bhakti. Example Step 2 Karma 2 (What good or bad karma did you see others doing?). 4. Action Finally for every step, students are asked to do an activity. Some activities are a little more involved than others but all are designed with their age and maturity in mind. Example Step 3 Karma 2 ( Cut out or paste a picture of Rama or Krishna or draw one from a book. ) Time Allowed for the Program Most participants complete the program in about two to three months. One step can be completed in about one week. As a Dharma Bhakta, one of your important duties is to make sure that both the Dharma Student and Dharma Saathi keep their appointments and complete this program Dharma Bhakta Manual Page 3
Dharma award (Continued) Your Role as a Dharma Bhakta How much you get involved and how much you expect them to get involved in each step will depend upon the spiritual maturity of the student. 1. At the initial meeting Briefly go over the steps and the level of involvement the Dharma Saathi is willing and able to take. Plan/Propose a minimum of one meeting for every two steps. Our suggested meetings are as follows: v Initial meeting. v At the end of completion of Step 2. v At the end of completion of all Steps. Please keep in mind the age of the child and their writing abilities as well as the busy work schedule of the parents when deciding upon the interval between the meetings. We estimate that each step can be easily completed in one weekend. Thus, a two to three weeks interval between meetings is not unreasonable. You can of course schedule a meeting after every step. Review Student Workbook. Please review Saathi workbook as well if the Saathi has completed it. Saathi is required to complete the workbook ONLY if earning Saathi award. v What has been already done. v The next step(s) that is to be done. v Answer any questions. v Clarify their understanding of religious concepts. Encourage v To do their best. v To write responses in their own words rather than copy. Remind and Show v Remind them that these lessons are not to be forgotten after the completion of the workbook. v Show them how to continue fulfilling their Dharma on a daily basis in life. Sign and date At the end of each step (optional). Recommend A special Hindu ceremony to celebrate the child s achievements. We have presented some guidelines for presentation and puja ceremonies in the Student Workbook. STEP BY STEP THROUGH THE PROGRAM This section presents a very brief outline of each step and the activities in which the Dharma student and Dharma Saathi will be involved. Following are our suggested guidelines for discussion with the student and Saathi. Following are the suggested items for consideration during meeting(s) with Student and Saathi Dharma Bhakta Manual Page 4
Step 1: Dharma Step 1: Dharma (Continued) Begin each meeting with a prayer. We have suggested one in Saathi book. You may select or suggest another. Teach student proper pronunciation. Step 1 - Karma 1: Meeting with Student and Dharma Saathi Step 1 - Karma 4: Thanking God Guide the Student and Saathi in developing a simple and short thank you to Parmeshwar. The key word is simple. You can add details as each step is completed. Show how to thank Parmeshwar in one or all of the three ways: Explain v The concept of Parmeshwar. v Discuss - How Parmeshwar shows His love for them. - How they can show their love for Him. Step 1 - Karma 2: Things to do for the family Explain v Concept of Parmeshwar as a parent v Serving parents equates to serving Parmeshwar. v How to see Parmeshwar in everyone starting with people they know. v Concept of Dharma to family, friends, and the society. Step 1 - Karma 3: Reading (or watching DVD) Scriptures Review our suggestions and select an appropriate one. You may suggest another that illustrates the concept of Dharma. If you do not have enough time, encourage the Saathi to tell these stories to the child. By Tann (body): v Any kind of volunteering in the temple, for the temple, for or during religious occasions would be quite sufficient and meet the requirements. By Mann (mind): v Being able to concentrate on puja without distractions. You may recommend a very simple prayer. By Dhan (wealth): v The concept of donation. KEY TO SYMBOLS @ Student s Objectives Karmas = Things the student is expected to do. Reference to specific karma to be done in each Step is capitalized. Karmas are numbered same as in Student and Saathi Workbook. v List of items Your role as Bhakta! Emphasize these points. Dharma Bhakta Manual Page 5
Step 2: Karma Step 2 - Karma 1: Recording Karmas for one week: Show them how to learn to recognize good and bad karma. Stress that with practice and patience, they will learn to reduce the number of bad karmas to essentially zero. Step 2 - Karma 2: A trip to observe other persons karmas: Review and recommend trip locations Show how same karma can be viewed by different people in different ways. Step 2 - Karma 3: Record of karmas! Emphasize that karmas are an integral part of daily life. How to be aware of doing good or bad karmas. Step 2 - Karma 4: Reading (or watching DVD) Scriptures Select an appropriate story that illustrates the concept of Karma. Step 2 - Karma 5: Thanking God As in the previous step, we are asking both the student and Saathi to thank Parmeshwar. You may wish to recommend adding one more step - such as visiting the temple and then offering thanks to the Lord there.! Please stress the importance of thanking Parmeshwar in one or all of the three ways - that is by tann (body), mann (mind), and dhan (money). Review workbooks Step 3: Incarnation Step 3 - Karma 1: Meeting with Student and Dharma Saathi Explain v The incarnation concept v The mortality of our physical body. v The differences between incarnations of the divine and incarnations of mortals. v The ultimate goal of Moksha. Review answers to the question of what they were in previous life and what they would like to be in the next life. Step 3 - Karma 2: A picture to cut and paste or draw Offer praise for the student work. Step 3 - Karma 3: Naming various avatars: Select or suggest at least one God and one Goddess and go over their avatars. Step 3 - Karma 4: Reading (or watching DVD) Scriptures Select an appropriate story that illustrates the concept of incarnation. Step 3 - Karma 5: Thanking God As in the previous step, we are asking both the student and Saathi to thank Parmeshwar. You may wish to recommend adding one more step - such as saying a simple strotra such as Ganesh strotra and then offering thanks to the Lord there.! Please stress the importance of thanking Parmeshwar in one or all of the three ways - that is by tann (body), mann (mind), and dhan (money). Dharma Bhakta Manual Page 6
Step 4: Bhakti Step 4 - Karma 1: Establishing a Bhakti center and routine. Discuss the concept of Bhakti. Introduce the concept of Bhavna (devotion or faith). Bhakti performed without Bhavna is same as tourist going to visit sites; there is no personal attachment. Please show them what Bhavna means, does, and how to cultivate it. If the Dharma Saathi has not already an established Bhakti routine at home, please assist them in establishing an appropriate routine. Step 4 - Karma 2: Mantra & Meditation Step 4 - Karma 4: Reading (or watching DVD) Scriptures Select an appropriate story that illustrates the concept of Bhakti. Step 4 - Karma 5: Puja At least one religious puja is required of the student. Review our recommendations for puja and then select one or offer another appropriate puja. Discuss with Saathi as to the suitability of the puja you recommend. Guide the Dharma Saathi in selecting a mantra. Not just for Saathi but also for the student. Show them how to practice Dhyan (contemplation or concentration) as an elementary step of yoga.! Although we have asked only for the Niyam (regularity) for one week, please stress the need as well as the benefit of continuing this on a daily basis, well beyond the completion of this program. Step 4 - Karma 3: A visit to another Bhakti center. Hinduism has many paths. It is quite likely that the Dharma Saathi already follows a particular path. Encourage them not only to show and explain their own Bhakti rituals to the young student but also to visit and show Bhakti rituals of other Hindu paths. Step 4 - Karma 6: Meeting with Student and Dharma Saathi This should be the last meeting with the Saathi and the student to conclude the Dharma Program They have completed all the steps in the Dharma program, completed their workbooks, and presented them to you for your comments. Take time to reflect on the spiritual growth of the Dharma student and Dharma Saathi. If it is noticeable and good, please do point it out to them. Make sure that the student is able to recognize all deities that are present in the temple that they frequently visit. Dharma Bhakta Manual Page 7
Step 4: Bhakti (Continued) Please complete the comments page of this manual and give the page to Saathi. You, too, may have benefited to a small extent from the experience of acting as a Dharma Bhakta to them. Please do share your experience with them. If you enjoyed working with them, please let them know. Please also encourage other Hindu children to earn the Dharma award. We appreciate your assistance and participation. Presentation of the Dharma Awards Please guide the Dharma Saathi to organize and plan for the award presentation ceremony. The following are suggested and approved ways to present the awards. 1. A Hindu puja ceremony such as Ganesha Puja, Vishnu Sahasranama, Satyanarayana Katha. Please accept our apologies for any errors or omissions. Kindly bring them to our attention by sending us an e-mail at info@naha.us Please accept our heartfelt gratitude and thanks for guiding a young Hindu child earn the Dharma Award and also for guiding his parent(s) or guardian(s) who acted as Saathi(s). 2. A ceremony or a function held by the scouting unit at their regular meeting, a special function, or a house of worship such as a church or temple. If the Saathi is able to, please encourage them to invite family and friends - especially other young children. Please encourage them to wear their awards proudly. Step 4 - Karma 7: Thanking God As in the previous step, we are asking both the student and Saathi to thank Parmeshwar. Thank You! Please stress the importance of thanking Parmeshwar in one or all of the three ways - that is by tann (body), mann (mind), and dhan (money). Dharma Bhakta Manual Page 8
Bhakta s Comments and Observations: for Date: Student Name Congratulations. Complete this page and return it to the Saathi. Your critical comments about any and all aspects of this program as well as any observation you have regarding the students and Saathis will be appreciated. Some of your comments may be selected for inclusion on our comments section of the website. For students and/or Saathis to be considered for any award, you MUST check the following two items. r I hereby certify that I have met with all the students and Saathis r I have personally looked at workbook(s) submitted for the award requirements. VOLUNTEER TO BE A BHAKTA r I would like to continue to educate other young children in my community by volunteering to be a Bhakta to [ ] Dharma [ ] Karma students. If you check this, the following information about you will be placed on our website under Volunteer Bhakta category. Name, sex, city, state, present experience with this award, and the best way to contact you. Thank you for this Suddha Karma. PLEASE COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING even if you are not volunteering to continue as a Bhakta. Bhakta s Name r Male r Female Address City/State/Zip Email Phone (optional) Dharma Bhakta Manual Page 9
Our other publications of interest L Eeshopanishad A contemporary translation of the great Hindu scripture in English with original Sanskrit Mantras. The only book with clear explanations of commentaries from two great Acharyas, Shree Shankaracharya and Shree Madvacharya. in Pothi Format, 4.25 x 11, b&w, with illustrations Guilded in Gold. A must read and collect Hindu scripture. L My Dada s Book of Karma Supplemental reading for Dharma series, in color Especially helpful for Step 2- Karma for grades 1-5. Ideal for gift giving at children s birthday. 5.5 x 8.5, color, with photo illustrations L Home Temple Set up and Worship at Home Supplemental reading for Dharma series, in color Especially helpful for Step 4 for adults. Ideal for gift to families on auspicious occasions. 5.5 x 8.5, color, with photo illustrations L Jai Hanuman Coloring and Activity Book Supplemental activity book for Dharma series Especially helpful for additional activity for grades 1-5. Ideal for gift giving at children s birthday. 8.5 x 11, b&w, illustrated L Karma Series contains 3 books Student workbook Saathi workbook Bhakta manual All 8.5 x 11, b&w All our books are available at special quantity discounts for bulk purchases for fund raising, educational, and for giving as a gift at special occasions. Please use the code KARMA15 at check out to receive 15% discount on the total order. Visit our website at www.naha.us to order these supplies Dharma Bhakta Manual Page 10