Education on Sanatana Dharma

Education on Sanatana Dharma is a page on the prospective educational steps that may be undertaken by an individual to initiate oneself, or the future generations into the concept of Sanatana Dharma. The table here, explains the Varna specific responsibilities of individuals in different stages of life, as well as an enumeration on personal role in the process of following these steps.

Age group	Responsibilities as per Varna
गर्भपूर्वावस्था ॥ Before Conception Understanding the Varna Dharma or Svadharma as explained in the Bhagavad Gita. Acquiring knowledge, strengths and skills as per one's Varna and building habits accordingly. Following Yama and Niyama.	ब्राह्मणवर्णः ॥ Brahmana Varna Taking steps necessary to become a teacher. Being disciplined in Svadhyaya (स्वाध्यायः), understanding the knowledge obtained from Svadhyaya and taking efforts to understand the various elements of the society from a point of view that is practical and relevant to the times. Learning by heart stotras like Ekatmata Stotra. Studying the current cultural map of India. Understanding and enabling explanation of the history of India's geography. क्षत्रियवर्णः ॥ Kshatriya Varna Undertaking things essential for protection. Trying to better one's own health, strengths and war skills; creating an association or joining an association in this regard. Learning by heart stotras like the Ekatmata stotra. Studying the current cultural map of India. Understanding the geographical history of India. वैश्यवर्णः ॥ Vaishya Varna Taking efforts to fulfill the monetary, infrastructural and resource related needs of the teachers and protectors. Aligning with military organisations. Learning by heart stotras like the Ekatmata stotra. Studying the current cultural map of India. Understanding the geographical history of India.
गर्भावस्था ॥ During Pregnancy In this state, the mother plays a prime role with the father lending a supportive hand. All those activities prescribed for the stage of 'before conception' that can be performed now, should be continued with the permission of a medical adviser. The foundation of Yama and Niyama explained in the Ashtanga Yoga should be laid in this stage. Internalising Yama and Niyama is indispensable for all the varnas.	ब्राह्मणवर्णः ॥ Brahmana Varna Reading Bharatiya Shastriya Sahitya. Constantly thinking and contemplating on them. Discussing the subject matter in these texts with people of different age groups. Looking out for people who are keen to acquaint themselves with this knowledge and guiding them. Making use of stories in this regard while engaging children. For eg. The story of Yudhisthira. Learning by heart stotras like the Ekatmata stotra. Studying the current cultural map of India. क्षत्रियवर्णः ॥ Kshatriya Varna Reading and teaching the stories of Samrats and the protectors of Dharma. Aiming at improving physical strength, health, war skills with due care for the state of pregnancy under the guidance of a medical adviser. Acquiring the company of upholders of Dharma. Learning by heart stotras like the Ekatmata stotra. Studying the current cultural map of India. वैश्यवर्णः ॥ Vaishya Varna Acquiring the company of upholders of Dharma. Donating money, providing time and facilities. Reading and teaching the stories of Raja Raghu and Harshavardhana. Learning byheart stotras like the Ekatmata stotra. Studying the current cultural map of India.
शैशवम् ॥ Childhood (Until the age of 5years) Here too, implicitly, the main role is of the mother. While the father, and the other members of the family will lend a helping hand. Ensuring the practice of Yama and Niyama.	ब्राह्मणवर्णः ॥ Brahmana Varna Showing the Cultural map of India to the child. Making images of Veda Vyasa, Yajnavalkya, Madhvacharya Vidyaranya, Tukaram, Ramdas, Guru Govinda Sinha; making the child bow to them; telling their stories to them; making them dress like them; thereby inspiring them to become like them. Getting them to learn by heart the explanation of the terms Bharata and Hindustan. Getting them to learn byheart stotras like the Ekatmata stotra. Showing them the cultural map of India and making them draw it. क्षत्रियवर्णः ॥ Kshatriya Varna Showing the Cultural map of India to the child. Telling them the valorous stories of Samrats, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Telling them the stories of Raja Raghu, Harshavardhana, Bappa Raval, Shivaji, Ranjit Singh, etc. Inspiring the child to build strength by telling them the stories of Hanuman, Bhima, etc. Getting them to learn byheart stotras like the Ekatmata stotra. वैश्यवर्णः ॥ Vaishya Varna Showing the Cultural map of India to the child. Telling them the stories of Raja Raghu, Harshavardhana, Bhama Shah, Damaji, etc. Getting them to learn byheart stotras like the Ekatmata stotra.
बाल्यम् ॥ Childhood (From the age between 6 to 10 years) Here onwards, the role, though not explicit, of the father as well as the guru who is referred to as Manasa Pita is of prime importance. Mother and other family members lend a helping hand. This age is extremely conducive to inculcation of good habits. In this regard, the following are suggested. In this phase, reprimanding according to the need is accepted. Getting them to chant stotras like the Ekatmata stotra everyday. Having meals collectively. Telling them stories of Sambhaji, Banda Bairagi, Bala Hakikat, Sikh Guru putras. Making them read and recite stories of great and valorous women like Anasuya, Lopamudra, Gargi, Maitreyi, Kunti, Draupadi, Satyabhama, Sita, Savitri, Bharati, Rani Rudramba, Rani Channamma, Tarabai, etc. as also of revolutionaries, Veda Vyasa, Yajnavalkya, Madhvacharya Vidyaranya, Tukaram, Ramdas, Guru Govind Singh, etc. Making them read and recite stories of Indian scientists like Kanad, Kapila, Varahamihira, Bhaskaracharya, Nagarjuna, etc. So also of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. Making them aware of India's glorious past and her pioneering status.	ब्राह्मणवर्णः ॥ Brahmana Varna In the light of the points mentioned for बाल्यावस्था, explaining the nature of great brahmanas, kshatriyas and vaishyas; thereby inspiring them to become a great brahmana. क्षत्रियवर्णः ॥ Kshatriya Varna In the light of the points mentioned for बाल्यावस्था, explaining the nature of great brahmanas, kshatriyas and vaishyas; thereby inspiring them to become a great kshatriya. वैश्यवर्णः ॥ Vaishya Varna In the light of the points mentioned for बाल्यावस्था, explaining the nature of great brahmanas, kshatriyas and vaishyas; thereby inspiring them to become a great Vaishya.
कौमारम् ॥ Adolescence (Age between 11 and 15 years) Here too, the role, though not explicit, of the father as well as the guru who is referred to as Manasa Pita is of prime importance. Mother and other family members lend a helping hand. This is the age where children begin to use their intellect. Therefore, it is essential to logically explain the term 'bharatiya'. Explaining the importance of working, behaving and taking responsibities as per one's varna. Motivating them to study, think and contemplate on books like Bhagavad Gita, Ekatma Manava Darshana, Satyartha Prakasha, etc.	ब्राह्मणवर्णः ॥ Brahmana Varna Studying the current cultural map of India. Understanding the geographical history of India. Contemplating on the role of a brahmana in this context. The aim is to provoke thoughts on 'What is my role as a brahmana here' Gathering friends of a similar thought process inclined towards brahmana vrtti. Joining associations with similar thoughts. Accumulating strength and training in the various forms of defence like Niyuddha, Danda yuddha and rifle shooting. क्षत्रियवर्णः ॥ Kshatriya Varna Studying the current cultural map of India. Understanding the geographical history of India. Contemplating on the role of a kshatriya in this context. The aim is to provoke thoughts on 'What is my role as a kshatriya here' Gathering friends of a similar thought process inclined towards kshatriya vrtti. Joining associations with similar thoughts. Accumulating strength and training in the various forms of defence like Niyuddha, Danda yuddha and rifle shooting. वैश्यवर्णः ॥ Vaishya Varna Studying the current cultural map of India. Understanding the geographical history of India. Contemplating on the role of a Vaishya in this context. The aim is to provoke thoughts on 'What is my role as a Vaishya here' Gathering friends of a similar thought process inclined towards Vaishya vrtti. Joining associations with similar thoughts. Accumulating strength and training in the various forms of defence like Niyuddha, Danda yuddha and rifle shooting.
यौवनम् ॥ Youth (Age between 16 and 25 years) At this stage, a youth is capable of doing a lot of things as per his/her free will and understanding. Keeping one's behaviour conducive to the Varna. Presenting oneself to take up greater responsibilities as well as aiming for lokasangraha (integration). This is the phase in which one may contribute to the educational, governmental and progressive systems. Contributing to the teaching and learning facilities within Bharatiyata, Islam, Christianity and communism. Taking efforts towards preserving the identity of Bharatiyata through formulation of laws, security, etc. Providing aid in keeping away those people and associations with an anti-national viewpoint.	ब्राह्मणवर्णः ॥ Brahmana Varna Studying the Bhagavad Gita; Studying the Kuran, Hadis, Old testament, New testament (Bible), etc. Understanding Bharatiyata, Islam and Christianity and making people aware. Understanding that their difference from the Bhagavad Gita is their distinguishing factor and spreading awareness about these distinguishing factors in a logical way. Acquiring skill in various forms of defence like Niyuddha, Danda yuddha and rifle shooting. क्षत्रियवर्णः ॥ Kshatriya Varna Studying the Bhagavad Gita; Studying the Kuran, Hadis, Old testament, New testament (Bible), etc. Understanding Bharatiyata, Islam and Christianity and making people aware. Understanding that their difference from the Bhagavad Gita is their distinguishing factor and spreading awareness about these distinguishing factors in a logical way. Acquiring skill in various forms of defence like Niyuddha, Danda yuddha and rifle shooting. Providing services in the army, police, National intelligence agencies, etc. वैश्यवर्णः ॥ Vaishya Varna Studying the Bhagavad Gita; Studying the Kuran, Hadis, Old testament, New testament (Bible), etc. Understanding Bharatiyata, Islam and Christianity and making people aware. Understanding that their difference from the Bhagavad Gita is their distinguishing factor and spreading awareness about these distinguishing factors in a logical way. Acquiring skill in various forms of defence like Niyuddha, Danda yuddha and rifle shooting.
गार्हस्थ्यम् ॥ Householder's phase (Age between 26 to 60) The well being, not only of the society but of all the movable and immovable things rests with a Grhastha (householder). In this view, a very far flung responsibility of providing condusive facilities and environment for the fulfillment of the responsibilities enumerated for all the stages of life from गर्भपूर्वावस्था to वृद्धावस्था, taking efforts towards lokasangraha belongs to a Grhastha. One step that could be implemented is to discuss these subjects as a part of conversations within the family that clears these concepts to the younger generations. In this phase, one may contribute to the educational, governmental and progressive systems. Facilitating teaching and learning within Bharatiyata, Islam, Christianity and communism. Taking efforts towards preserving the identity of Bharatiyata through formulation of laws, security systems, etc. Providing an aid in keeping away those people and associations with an anti-national viewpoint and helping those activities complementary and supplementary to the upliftment of the society.	ब्राह्मणवर्णः ॥ Brahmana Varna Studying the Bhagavad Gita in greater detail; Studying the Kuran, Hadis, Old testament, New testament (Bible), etc. Understanding Bharatiyata, Islam and Christianity and making people aware. Understanding that their difference from the Bhagavad Gita is their distinguishing factor and spreading awareness about these distinguishing factors through talks and writings. Creating literature. Starting classes for acquiring skill in various forms of defence like Niyuddha, Danda yuddha and rifle shooting with the co-operation of the judicial system as per necessity. क्षत्रियवर्णः ॥ Kshatriya Varna Studying the Bhagavad Gita in greater detail; Studying the Kuran, Hadis, Old testament, New testament (Bible), etc. Understanding Bharatiyata, Islam and Christianity and making people aware. Understanding that their difference from the Bhagavad Gita is their distinguishing factor and spreading awareness about these distinguishing factors through talks and writings. Contributing to creation of literature. Starting classes for acquiring skill in various forms of defence like Niyuddha, Danda yuddha and rifle shooting. Forming security forces for sustained security of the nation. वैश्यवर्णः ॥ Vaishya Varna Studying the Bhagavad Gita in greater detail; Studying the Kuran, Hadis, Old testament, New testament (Bible), etc. Understanding Bharatiyata, Islam and Christianity. Understanding that their difference from the Bhagavad Gita is their distinguishing factor. Taking the financial responsibility of lectures, skill classes, publication of write-ups or any legal procedures in this regard.
प्रौढं वार्धक्यं च ॥ Old age In this phase too, one may contribute to the educational, governmental and progressive systems. Facilitating teaching and learning within Bharatiyata, Islam, Christianity and communism. Taking efforts towards preserving the identity of Bharatiyata through formulation of laws, security systems, etc. Providing an aid in keeping away those people and associations with an anti-national viewpoint and helping those activities complementary and supplementary to the upliftment of the society.	The youth filled with enthusiasm should take initiatives. However, those initiatives should be bold and not overconfident. Guiding them in this regard, is the responsibility of the elderly. Taking care of all the administrative and backend responsibilities. Playing the role of a social caretaker. Restricting one's responsibility to being an adviser. Taking efforts, according to needs, in such a way that, the youth benefit from one's experience. Guiding the youth and householders of one's Varna. And building strength behind all National efforts in this regard.

Personal Role

There are two main points as far as an individual's personal role in following the responsibilities as enlisted above is concerned.

• Deciding one's role keeping in mind one's age and performing the prescribed activities therein.
• Staying clear of any trouble by avoiding those activities whose execution is beyond one's capacity.

This is the crux of the understanding expected off one who aims at executing the responsibilities vested in one's hands through the different stages of life.

To Sum up

This entire exercise will bring to our attention that in this Curriculum of life provided by the Indian tradition, the subject matter covered will total up to give us a coursework for all stages of life beginning with the गर्भपूर्वावस्था to वृद्धावस्था.