Thursday, October 18, 2007

Feeback from His Holiness Sri.Omkarananda Swamiji, Theni & Pudukottai

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Swamiji in his 'purvasramam' hails from a traditional vedic family. He has done Veda Adhyayanam and is a 'Ganapati' himself. He is also familiar with Sama Vedam as his guru at Veda Patashala was a 'Dwivedi' (master of 2 vedas). We are fortunate to have his view point on this vision document.
Feedback
Do you share this view positively (Partially/Fully)? If not, please elucidate.

Absolutely essential – I agree.

Should ‘Interface’ be Residential?

Yes

What should be the duration of ‘Interface’ (less than 3 years, 4 years, more than that?)

3 years are sufficient. If required, on student’s request duration may be extended by a year.

What should be the subjects / curriculum to be covered in this program?

It is sufficient, if all that has been conceived by you are implemented.

What are the options for the Adhyayi‘s to pursue in the Loukika world apart from Vaideekam such that they are also able to conduct their anushtanam without fail?

Indulging only in Dharmic means of occupation, by the grace of divine power, they should try to induce dharmic practices in all the means of occupations.

What are the special skills required for the above?

Divine grace, would eventually lead to glory.

Would you be interested in further discussions on this issue? Would it be possible to ensure personal participation for discussions?

Yes

Any comments that you might want to add…

Everything has been clearly conceived by you. No doubt, that your vision is a graceful expression of the Sanathana Dharma Devatha.

Heartfelt Blessings!!
With love
‘Om’
Omkarananda

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Feedback from Sri.R.Venkataraman, Chennai

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Feedback
Do you share this view positively (Partially/Fully)? If not, please elucidate.
Yes fully
Should ‘Interface’ be Residential?
Yes! Interface to be residential.
What should be the duration of ‘Interface’ (less than 3 years, 4 years, more than that?)
Aim for the first phase for interface, is to bring Veda Adhyayis to 10th or 10+2 level. Now the TN Government is proposing to streamline the pattern of education.(Matric/ SSLC/10+2 etc). Hence for the forth coming students, four year duration of coaching / training will suffice.
Depending on the response, viz no of students, the augumented course of further studies and availability of full-time/part-time faculty members and infrastructure availability the duration can be enhanced.
The duration for the present can be very well assessed by school teaching staff instead of others- whom though they are interested in this.
What should be the subjects / curriculum to be covered in this program?
For the first phase, aiming at 10+2 level,
English, Samskritham and Tamil
Science, Maths, Commerce/Accountancy
Computer application and internet
Meditation/Yoga (just to relax the students) occasional, say weekly once, discourses on Vedas by scholars, to keep the students in touch as a refresher course.
In the second phase, if deemed fit, advanced courses/applications can be imparted depending on strength of such aspirants.
What are the options for the Adhyayi‘s to pursue in the Loukika world apart from Vaideekam such that they are also able to conduct their anushtanam without fail?
Teachers/professors in schools and colleges in samskritam or in the stream he has chosen his further studies (English/Economics/Accounts etc)
Chartered Accountants / Auditors / Accounts staff
Bank Officers and Tally jobs
Draughtsman – civil/ electrical etc
Own business of any kind
The above shall not interfere with his attending the advanced Adhyayanam, continuing the Veda dharma he studied and at time imparting the accumulated knowledge with the students at interface.
They boys to be stressed, while in their stay at interface that they must devote some time in bring up the interface and the Adhyayis by extending assistance. (Not mere financial assistance)
What are the special skills required for the above?
Computer applications
Arrangement (in the 2nd and subsequent phases) for lectures/demonstrations by experts regarding the present situation of advanced technology (by sponsors only)
Would you be interested in further discussions on this issue? Would it be possible to ensure personal participation for discussions?
Yes

Any comments that you might want to add…
This will all depend on the initial setup and further development in co-ordination with the demand.

Feedback from Gr.Cpt. R.Natarajan

INTERFACE : Feedback

Do you share this view positively (Partially/Fully)? If not, please elucidate.
Fully subscribe

Should ‘Interface’ be Residential?
If residential the subscribers will be limited. To cover up more population, Internet / CD s / distant education methods are suitable.
Gurukul type of ambience is not the order of the day. Boys are self disciplined and self motivated given the right briefing by the parents


What should be the duration of ‘Interface’ (less than 3 years, 4 years, more than that?)
Short / crash courses will be well received. It is very difficult sustain the interest and motivation in long duration. Like IIM / Computer certification courses it can be for 3 / 6 months initially. Specialization can be for longer duration 1 / 2 years.

What should be the subjects / curriculum to be covered in this program?
The curriculum should be application oriented towards science and technology. Needs deliberation with veda / Sanskrit researchers / professors.


What are the options for the Adhyayi‘s to pursue in the Loukika world apart from Vaideekam such that they are also able to conduct their anushtanam without fail?
It should be amalgamated with day - today essentials / entertainment of life. HOW? Need to think and deliberate more.


What are the special skills required for the above?
Apart from Vedi’s , radical thinkers/specislists from different fields are mandatory.


Would you be interested in further discussions on this issue? Would it be possible to ensure personal participation for discussions?
I am interested in implementation.

Any comments that you might want to add…
Let us plan the schedule of action

Feedback from Sri.K.Suresh

Do you share this view positively (Partially/Fully)? If not, please elucidate.
I accept the view partially. When the person opts for Veda Adhyana, (whether by compulsion by parents or willingly) what is his/their objective in pursuing Veda adhyana to be clearly defined. They have to be filtered at the admission level itself considering your/elder's view. Otherwise, dropouts from the Pataskala which is very high in vaideka population make a mess in the believers, which is the present condition.

Should ‘Interface’ be Residential?
It can be like a school for which the participant can pay, but with full facilities could be offered like in a crash course. This cannot be free, since everything has its own cost. Further this is for the benefit of the participant/vaidikas.

What should be the duration of ‘Interface’ (less than 3 years, 4 years, more than that?)
It can be for 2 years and can be imparted after basic Veda samhita is finished in the patasala. This cannot be done parallel/ simultaneously during Veda adhyayana unless those people are very bright and having interest.

What should be the subjects / curriculum to be covered in this program?
It can consist of English, Sanskrit grammar, mathematics, needhi sastras, Kala vidhana, panchanga and basics of astronomy (not astrology).

What are the options for the Adhyayi‘s to pursue in the Loukika world apart from Vaideekam such that they are also able to conduct their anushtanam without fail?
This depends on their qualification and ability. Otherwise they can do small business like book shop, investment in shares, teach Sanskrit or moral instruction class in schools etc. They can teach Veda sincerely in morning or evening to their aastikas depending on his time. If they involve in other works, then they cannot concentrate in his own/basic works.

What are the special skills required for the above?
They have to be thorough in their subject and they should practice truth. They will get everything they require.


Would you be interested in further discussions on this issue? Would it be possible to ensure personal participation for discussions?

I can give more inputs through mail though I cannot participate personally since I am away from Chennai.

Any comments that you might want to add…

The attitude of the vaidikas could be changed, so that they mingle with normal people who are ignorant. The vaidikas to impart the required knowledge to the grahastas in such a way that, they will come to a particular level of understanding. The vaidikas to concentrate on the work for which he has come and to be punctual in his timings like a professional and command respect. Now the vaidikam is depending on how much a sastrigal speak in favour of grahastas without considering what is required.

Further, there is no identity of level of education among the vaidikas. Many school drop outs, unemployed or retired person who does not know Sanskrit, no knowledge about Veda has come to upadhyayam. The Grahastas does not know about this. What they know is a male wearing panchagaja with or without kudumi/sikha and who can speak well and charge less for a homa/japa. These vaidikas do not know to chant the Veda mantra with sandhi or does not know to split the sandhi pada or vaakya in difficult situations. They were assistants for a vaidika and by hearing the mantra in split form, they also become a sastrigal. The pathetic situation is, after acquiring the name "sastrigal" in grahasta world, they don't want to upgrade themselves to be fit enough and employ ghanapati or learned pundits in function under their command and treat in a different manner. So the problem is of two types:

(i) To identify a correct person as a sastrigal and (ii) treatment of learned pundits among the vaidikas. Once it is done, then there are chances that Veda will be protected to some extent without deterioration.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Feedback from Smt.V.Savithri, Chennai

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Feedback

Do you share this view positively (Partially/Fully)? If not, please elucidate.
Fully!!

Should ‘Interface’ be Residential?
Yes

What should be the duration of ‘Interface’ (less than 3 years, 4 years, more than that?)
3 years

What should be the subjects / curriculum to be covered in this program?
I am 60 and too old to comment on this aspect.

What are the options for the Adhyayi‘s to pursue in the Loukika world apart from Vaideekam such that they are also able to conduct their anushtanam without fail?
Brahmins should accept Daanam and should give Daanam. It is imperative, that Brahmins should make money – for himself, his family’s well-being and also ‘yatha-shakti Daanam’. Let there be no hypocrisy about this and there should be no misgivings also. It is therefore obvious, that if the means are Dharmic and in line with the shastras, (as outlined in the question itself) any activity to his capability can be taken up. The occupation that they would eventually take up obviously would be in line with his ‘vaasana’.

What are the special skills required for the above?
All necessary skills to make a decent living and samskarams to mellow down his negative ‘vaasanas’ to lead a dharmic life

Would you be interested in further discussions on this issue? Would it be possible to ensure personal participation for discussions?
Yes

Any comments that you might want to add…
Even the Rishis who offered the Vedas and the Upanishads confirm that they are only mantra drashtas (mantra perceivers) not mantra karthas (mantra composers). They confirm that the Vedas existed even before them. Vedam therefore was / is ever existent. We should not/can not ‘Protect it’ per say by having few erudite scholars as ‘exclusive Palakaas’ and all other brahmins being ‘exclusive Poshakaas’.
Vedam should/can be promoted in the spirit “let’s learn/ practice Vedam to be the guiding force and derive goodness and all round prosperity out of it”. ‘Interface’ surely is an encouragement to learn Vedam in this spirit. - All the very best.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Feedback from Smt.R.Vidhyapriya, Chennai

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Feedback

Do you share this view positively (Partially/Fully)? If not, please elucidate.

Fully
Should ‘Interface’ be Residential?
Depends on the convenience and capability of the student

What should be the duration of ‘Interface’ (less than 3 years, 4 years, more than that?)
Minimum of 3 years

What should be the subjects / curriculum to be covered in this program?
General Knowledge, Abacus, English speaking, computer applications and all the academic subjects for passing out 8th, 10th, 12th with flying colors
What are the options for the Adhyayi‘s to pursue in the Loukika world apart from Vaideekam such that they are also able to conduct their anushtanam without fail?
Diploma in engineering, Charted Engineers, Charted Accountants, Laboratory Assistants, Librarians, Teachers especially languages and computer science, Private tutorials for kids, home tuitions, net tuitions, Ayurveda and Homeopathy doctors, consultants to firms (after experience)
What are the special skills required for the above?
Open school for passing out of candidates (10th, 12th and further studies)
Scout for like minded industrialists / business houses who can further train the Adhyayis to their specific needs (the business houses should be accomodative for anushtanams of the boys)

Would you be interested in further discussions on this issue? Would it be possible to ensure personal participation for discussions?

Yes

Any comments that you might want to add…
Both parents and students should cooperate to make interface a successful program. “Be the change you want to see”

Feedback from Dr.Sri.T.Vasudevan, Cuddalore

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Feedback
Do you share this view positively (Partially/Fully)? If not, please elucidate.
Yes
Should ‘Interface’ be Residential?
It could be both residential and non residential though the desired result could be only obtained fully if residential.

What should be the duration of ‘Interface’ (less than 3 years, 4 years, more than that?)
it could start even before they finish the veda adyayanam. it could think of arranging programs for the anadyayana days with willing vedic schools. The participation could be
1.creating a outline/sylabus.
2.providing sources material/ human
3.pracaram of the concept.
as there is an urgency for the boys to start earning anything more than 2 years after veda adyayanam may not be sustainable.

What should be the subjects / curriculum to be covered in this program?
1. speaking samskrit, english
2. writing in tamil (or mother tongue) samskrit and english.
3. ability to type in the above languages and basic computer operations
4. ability to do day to day relevant mathematics and accounting.
5. ability to do do pravacanam, homam properly.

What are the options for the Adhyayi‘s to pursue in the Loukika world apart from Vaideekam such that they are also able to conduct their anushtanam without fail?

travel and attending "fixed-time" office are the main stumbling blocks for observing anushtanam. so any job- preferably self employed- where one can determine the days of work and timing can work; translation work, DTP, teaching are some that spring to mind.

What are the special skills required for the above?
apart from he above mentioned subjects in the curriculum creating a mind set is very important. we should create a lot of confidence in the person that he can and will make a living as envisaged.

Would you be interested in further discussions on this issue? Would it be possible to ensure personal participation for discussions?
yes.

Any comments that you might want to add…We should think of taking part time veda classes for the laukikas. Apart from making them learn some basic parts of veda it will sustain an interest in veda in the society and families that come in touch with such classes will have interest and much less inhibition if their children are to learn veda.

Feedback from Dr.Smt.Kamala Chidambaram, Chennai

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Feedback

Do you share this view positively (Partially/Fully)? If not, please elucidate.
Fully

Should ‘Interface’ be Residential?
Yes, so that the students can have undivided attention on what they do as they have only a short time

What should be the duration of ‘Interface’ (less than 3 years, 4 years, more than that?)

At least 3 years

What should be the subjects / curriculum to be covered in this program?
The subjects chosen should be such that later on life, they can prosper at the secular field also.

What are the options for the Adhyayi‘s to pursue in the Loukika world apart from Vaideekam such that they are also able to conduct their anushtanam without fail?
Law, C.A, teaching and some engineering subjects like architecture etc., where they won’t have much of field work

What are the special skills required for the above?

I am not competent to answer

Would you be interested in further discussions on this issue? Would it be possible to ensure personal participation for discussions?
Not responded

Any comments that you might want to add…
You have a very good idea. It should and will work out correctly. I can envisage a INDIA which will be populated with real human beings.

Feedback from Sri.Sankara Iyer, Chennai

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Feedback
Do you share this view positively (Partially/Fully)? If not, please elucidate.

Fully.
Should ‘Interface’ be Residential?

Positively and essentially.
What should be the duration of ‘Interface’ (less than 3 years, 4 years, more than that?)
At least 5 years including one year of active participation in training entrants.
What should be the subjects / curriculum to be covered in this program?
All absolutely essential to prepare for successful completion of +2 CBSE or State Board with group chanting of the Vedas daily and participation in Veda related events like Yagyas, Temple Kumbabhishekam etc.

What are the options for the Adhyayi‘s to pursue in the Loukika world apart from Vaideekam such that they are also able to conduct their anushtanam without fail?
Do mail order business, tender chasing, and advertisement follow-up. Legal, accountancy, medical, civil, electrical and electronic, transport related servicing, chemical specialties such as tempil sticks (temperature indicators), corrosion resistant chemicals etc

What are the special skills required for the above?
Attitude so positive that they should primarily be Brahmins who can spare some time in house or occasionally out door to earn minimum Annam, Vastram and Vasam but not “keeping up with Joneses”!

Would you be interested in further discussions on this issue? Would it be possible to ensure personal participation for discussions?
Emphatically – yes. But at my convenience and others patience to shout and reason out with a Vedantic frame of mind. (I am 75+)

Any comments that you might want to add…
We should not be impatient if responses are painfully slow but be persistent and consistent in the firm belief that HE will always guide us step by firm step.

Saturday, October 13, 2007

Request Tamil Version of Vision document -'Orunginnaipu'

To have the tamil version of the Interface vision document mail to interface@indiamail.com.
The tamil version shall be mailed to you immediately in .pdf format.

Feedback Format

Do you share this view positively (Partially/Fully)? If not, please elucidate.




Should ‘Interface’ be Residential?



What should be the duration of ‘Interface’ (less than 3 years, 4 years, more than that?)



What should be the subjects / curriculum to be covered in this program?






What are the options for the Adhyayi‘s to pursue in the Loukika world apart from Vaideekam such that they are also able to conduct their anushtanam without fail?




What are the special skills required for the above?




Would you be interested in further discussions on this issue? Would it be possible to ensure personal participation for discussions?


Any comments that you might want to add…



Please mail to Dr.S.Venugopalan,
No.3, 8th Street, Vaishanavi Nagar, Chennai: 600109.HP No. 9444208277
Email: interface@indiamail.com

Contact

Kindly let us have your valued views, constructive criticism so that the vision ‘Interface’ is realized at the shortest. A short questionnaire is attached herewith for easy compilation of feedback. Kindly forward the same to the following address:
Dr.S.Venugopalan,
Reader- Sanskrit - Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Vishwa Mahavidhyala, Enathur, Kanchipuram

Address for correspondence: No.3, 8th Street, Vaishanavi Nagar,
Chennai: 600109. HP No. 9444208277
Email: interface@indiamail.com

Interface

Here are few notable differences among most fresh passed out Veda-Adhyayi‘s and the school read children.
Communication skills
English, Tamil and samskritam as means of communication
Exposure to modern scientific development including being computer and internet savvy and be able to put them to practical use
General knowledge and present affairs
Modern history
Geography
Formal education of 10th, 12th standard
(It’s a different issue that not all school read children are well-versed in all the above aspects.)
On the contrary, none of the school read children would possibly ever have the capabilities and qualities inculcated as in a Veda-Adhyayi.)

The idea of ‘interface’ is to equip the interested Veda-Adhyayi to have all the above listed points as his skill sets/capabilities. This would give all the important worldly wise knowledge base on platter from a single forum. This would enable him to face the modern world more confidently. ‘Interface’ would also offer career counseling and direction for further education.

Primarily this forum would impart the knowledge with a missionary zeal with Aasthikam and Brahmaniyam as its focal point. It is imperative that Adhyayi would recite Vedam daily, do daily anushtanam as in Vedapatashala.

‘Interface’ is expected to provide a fully residential, targeted, concise, all encapsulating program so that Adhyayi is given a positive direction in the shortest period of time. ‘Interface’ would ensure a Veda-Adhyayi to clear 10+2 (under the open school scheme). It is expected that ‘Interface’ would need to keep the Adhyayi in roll for approximately 3~4years. During this valuable period they shall be groomed such that each one would radiate and propagate Aasthikam among his family, friends and others. He would in nut-shell make others around him feel that

“Veda-Adhyayanam is relevant and worth the effort”
“Dharmo rakshati rakshithaha”

Agenda

We have abundant, clear explanations from our elders, tapasvis’ and great pundits on relevance and importance of Vedic studies by Brahmins.

However, it is very difficult in implementing them though we have great faith in the proponents of the thought. Everybody would recall Mahaperiaval’s painful observation during his life-time that there is only a handful to pursue Adhyayanam in Patashala’s not owing to penury.

It is felt that if the freshly passed out Veda-Adhyayi s’ are offered a good ‘interface’ to the modern world, the admissions and turn-outs of Adhyayi s’ would be better - quantitative and qualitative. They shall have options of livelihood by pursuing Vaideekam or other opportunities or both.

That the fresh passed out Veda-Adhyayi s’, would have the basic moorings of Aasthikam, Vedic Practices, practices of fooding and dressing, it is sure that they can

Become ambassadors of the Vedic community among his family and friends.
Become inspirations to ‘fence – sitters’ category among family and friends.
Mingle among the Vaideekas and the absolute Loukikas with equal ease and would bridge the huge gap prevalent now.
Perform most anushtanam outlined in the shastras and create healthy situation for others in his family and friends circle to show inclination in performance of anushtanam s’.
Creating a satsangam more frequently in the family and place of work to look beyond this fast, modern and materialistic world.

Issue

Earlier Veda-Adhyayanam was the natural and eventual course of action after Upanayanam for a Brahmin boy. Now it is never an option. In fact it carries little relevance to the boy or his parents.

Now Veda-Adhyayanam is a vociferous “WHY” for any Brahmin family.

It is natural for the boys, parents, grand parents and well wishers to ask
“What is the future”?
How would he make a living? He would miss out all fun in life!!
Why should we learn Vedam at all? We don’t want our boy to be a Shastrigal!!
How would he be relevant to the society?
Would he not be a misfit in the present scenario and developing world?

Present situation

Consider the inputs according to one Vedic pundit. (Data not authenticated)
Break-up of vidyarthis joining Veda-Adhyayanam:
80% join because their parents have poor affordability / no family support or similar reasons
15% join because their father themselves have undergone Vedic studies and hence have no or little inhibition and it is natural for them. (It is to note that not all the children of Veda – adhyayi’s take up Adhyayanam.)
5% (The fence sitters???) join for reasons apart from the above; for the pure reason – to follow ‘sva-dharma’ and ‘self-upliftment’.
Break-up of qualifications pursued:
‘A’ - 30% drop-out with in couple of years of joining the course
‘B’- 50% go on to finish the 1st stage viz ‘kramantham’ or equivalent
‘C’- 15% go on to finish the 2nd stage viz ‘Ganantham’ or equivalent
‘D’- 5% learn Bashyam and other specialties
Entire ‘A’ opts for Vaideekam as their source of livelihood.
‘B’ opts for Vaideekam and Vedaparayanam as their source of livelihood.
‘C & D’ do Vaideekam, Vedaparayanam and special Homams.
Miniscule interesting population from the above, after completing basic Veda-Adhyayanam has taken up other profitable profession also. They are teachers, chartered accountants, clerks, discourse specialists, HR/Management consultants and others.

Introduction

We broadly agree that Vedãs are the basis of the Sanathan Dharma. It is basis for existence of all ‘lokãs’; including the ‘Bhu-lokãa where we all reside.

It is also the duty (‘Rinam’ – debt) of the Brahmin for having born thus that he has the duty to learn, practice and propagate Vedãs. This has been carried out for time immemorial - from the ages of the Rishis even to this day.

It is understood and confirmed by various elders that traditionally our fore-fathers had done niyama-adhyayana, carried out vocation and have successfully reared their families to the appropriate living standards at that time.

Due to various compulsions of time, like regular foreign invasions, English rule and man-made blunders, the concept of Veda -Adhyayanam has declined steadily.

Very great tapasvis like our Mahaperiyava have had great fore-sight and have done long standing arrangements in establishment of institutions who encourage Veda–Adhyayanam and champion related activities. Only because of such foresight, Vedam has got relevance and reverence to us even now. We still hear instances about our immediate fore-fathers, distant relatives, acquaintances who have done their ‘Veda-adhyayana’.

Vision

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Sri Gurubhyo namah
Sri Ramajayam

This a forum to discuss and constructively plan to make Veda Adhyayanam practical TODAY. All issues pertaining to Veda Adhyayanam may be discussed in this platform.
The need, the difficulties, solutions, the present situation, encouragement, future action plan (short term plans, mid term, long term plan) may be discussed. Macroscopic and microscopic ideas and discussions thereof to popularise Adhyayanam and make it relevant today is the purpose of this blogspot.
Let us make "Interface"happen and let Veda Mata guide us in this endeavour.
Few of the many feedbacks generated is put up here. Few feedbacks in tamil have been translated in english for making 'web-posting' easier. (Hopefully, they bring the same impact that the person was intending??!!)