Changes

Recent studies on the [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347947464_Beneficial_effects_of_Gayatri_mantra effect of Gayatri mantra] on today's youth point to an improvement in the cognitive and cardiovascular parameters when the mantra was chanted. Mantra chanting, specifically Gayatri Mantra has become one of the modern tools to achieve "mindfulness or calmness". A preliminary investigation of this approach to use ancient methods in improving quality of life has shown promising results as evidenced by the [https://pediatrics.medresearch.in/index.php/ijpr/article/view/366/730 pilot research study in school children in Kerala]. Studies on brain using imaging techniques (such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are underway in many laboratories around the world to prove the positive effects of chanting mantras in people in different areas of life such as students, the elderly, [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342704865_Effect_of_Gayatri_Mantra_Chanting_on_Attention_Memory_Anxiety_and_Mental_State_in_Young_Athletes_A_Prospective_Study?_sg=dsVSa18th46wVPN_3vYbnpk-OPFH5KqpXN71XWIQUlZ6M9A6XrF1qFQsg4s8WU2oYkWzZ0bZiawpy38 athletes], office goers so on and so forth.

Recent studies on the [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/347947464_Beneficial_effects_of_Gayatri_mantra effect of Gayatri mantra] on today's youth point to an improvement in the cognitive and cardiovascular parameters when the mantra was chanted. Mantra chanting, specifically Gayatri Mantra has become one of the modern tools to achieve "mindfulness or calmness". A preliminary investigation of this approach to use ancient methods in improving quality of life has shown promising results as evidenced by the [https://pediatrics.medresearch.in/index.php/ijpr/article/view/366/730 pilot research study in school children in Kerala]. Studies on brain using imaging techniques (such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging) are underway in many laboratories around the world to prove the positive effects of chanting mantras in people in different areas of life such as students, the elderly, [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342704865_Effect_of_Gayatri_Mantra_Chanting_on_Attention_Memory_Anxiety_and_Mental_State_in_Young_Athletes_A_Prospective_Study?_sg=dsVSa18th46wVPN_3vYbnpk-OPFH5KqpXN71XWIQUlZ6M9A6XrF1qFQsg4s8WU2oYkWzZ0bZiawpy38 athletes], office goers so on and so forth.

Problems related to behaviour and sexuality manifest at the onset of teenages. Affection, guidance and role models such as of the teachers along with the practices mentioned in the sacraments help in handling sensitive behavioural issues in children. Budding sexuality, hormonal imbalances, sensual attraction towards opposite sex, homosexuality and other such aspects arise in young children in their teens. Anger, rage, peer pressure, and other severe psychological disorders are a cause of school drop outs. It is important at this point in children, that they are guided into a meaningful course of life better able to handle emotional and psychological pressures. Instructions from teachers as those given at the Shamsana ritual, practices of samidadhana, meditation on the Gayatri mantra, and Brahmacharya life in the Gurukula was once effective in handling such emotional and psychological aspects of children. Sadly in the modern education system the one-on-one attention given to the student by the teacher and the respect that students had for the teacher are rarely observed. The [[Special Attire of a Student during Upanayana (उपनयने विशेष-परिधानम्)|special attire that students had]], the instructions they had to follow, the rules of [[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharyaashrama]], the [[Nitya Karma (नित्यकर्म)|nityakarma]], all these aided to control the sense organs and thus develop good character. A student should be away from dice, glamour, lies, women, intoxicatong drinks, pleasures, all of which excite the young mind. He should sleep alone and wake up early in the morning. He should serve the teacher and take him as a model for his future. Idle mind is a devils workshop is a saying in the present times; the essence of which was well known to the ancient seers long ago. Acharyas followed the [[Principles of Education (शिक्षणसिद्धान्ताः)|principles of education]] and devised many ways to keep a student mentally and physically fit. Along with the routine duties they were given chores and activities to challenge themselves and excel in not just bookish knowledge but in many areas of life itself. Attitudes are never static, they change with experiences. They become a part of the behaviour of an individual. Imitation and suggestions are psychological tools to mend the attitudes. Students imitate their seniors, [[Acharya (आचार्यः)|Acharyas]] and [[Guru (गुरुः)|Gurus]], and those were the times when they were the role models not just for their students but also the common man.<ref name=":1" />

Problems related to behaviour and sexuality manifest at the onset of teenages. Affection, guidance and role models such as of the teachers along with the practices mentioned in the sacraments help in handling sensitive behavioural issues in children. Budding sexuality, hormonal imbalances, sensual attraction towards opposite sex, homosexuality and other such aspects arise in young children in their teens. Anger, rage, peer pressure, and other severe psychological disorders are a cause of school drop outs. It is important at this point in children, that they are guided into a meaningful course of life better able to handle emotional and psychological pressures. Instructions from teachers as those given at the Shamsana ritual, practices of samidadhana, meditation on the Gayatri mantra, and Brahmacharya life in the Gurukula was once effective in handling such emotional and psychological aspects of children. Sadly in the modern education system the one-on-one attention given to the student by the teacher and the respect that students had for the teacher are rarely observed. The [[Special Attire of a Student during Upanayana (उपनयने विशेष-परिधानम्)|special attire that students had]], the instructions they had to follow, the rules of [[Brahmacharyashrama (ब्रह्मचर्याश्रमः)|Brahmacharyaashrama]], the [[Karma (कर्म)|nityakarma]], all these aided to control the sense organs and thus develop good character. A student should be away from dice, glamour, lies, women, intoxicatong drinks, pleasures, all of which excite the young mind. He should sleep alone and wake up early in the morning. He should serve the teacher and take him as a model for his future. Idle mind is a devils workshop is a saying in the present times; the essence of which was well known to the ancient seers long ago. Acharyas followed the [[Principles of Education (शिक्षणसिद्धान्ताः)|principles of education]] and devised many ways to keep a student mentally and physically fit. Along with the routine duties they were given chores and activities to challenge themselves and excel in not just bookish knowledge but in many areas of life itself. Attitudes are never static, they change with experiences. They become a part of the behaviour of an individual. Imitation and suggestions are psychological tools to mend the attitudes. Students imitate their seniors, [[Acharya (आचार्यः)|Acharyas]] and [[Guru (गुरुः)|Gurus]], and those were the times when they were the role models not just for their students but also the common man.<ref name=":1" />

Games and physical activity was equally important along with learning the life skills such as pottery, self defense, carpentry, agricultural techniques to name a few. Psychological training was intertwined in the activities leading him gradually to perception of self. As the child grows older he learns to turn his mind on self realization.  

Games and physical activity was equally important along with learning the life skills such as pottery, self defense, carpentry, agricultural techniques to name a few. Psychological training was intertwined in the activities leading him gradually to perception of self. As the child grows older he learns to turn his mind on self realization.