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| == गर्भपूर्वावस्था ॥ Before Conception == | | == गर्भपूर्वावस्था ॥ Before Conception == |
− | *Understanding the [[Varna Dharma (वर्णधर्मः)|Varna Dharma]] or Svadharma as explained in the [[Bhagavad Gita (भगवद्गीता)|Bhagavad Gita]]. | + | *Understanding the [[Varna Dharma (वर्णधर्मः)|Varna Dharma]] or Svadharma as explained in the [[Bhagavad Gita (भगवद्गीता)|Bhagavad Gita]]. For, Svadharma relates to Samskrti and Svabhava relates to Prakrti. |
| *Gathering knowledge as per one's Varna and cultivating appropriate habits. | | *Gathering knowledge as per one's Varna and cultivating appropriate habits. |
| *Following Yama and Niyama (as explained in Ashtangayoga). | | *Following Yama and Niyama (as explained in Ashtangayoga). |
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| === ब्राह्मणवर्णः ॥ Brahmana Varna === | | === ब्राह्मणवर्णः ॥ Brahmana Varna === |
− | *Following the steps necessary to become a teacher. | + | * The responsibilities of the brahmana Varna in this stage include engaging discussions, creation of intellectual groups, behavioural independence, increasing one's ability to read and teach. |
− | *Being disciplined in self-study (स्वाध्यायः) and understanding the knowledge gathered through self-study.
| + | * In order to facilitate teaching, the atmosphere at home should be such that there is constant presence of Shastra Granthas, deity worship, [[Yajna (यज्ञः)|yajna]], etc. |
| + | * Chanting and listening of shlokas and Mantras. |
| + | * Using mothertongue in its pure form (so as to aid translations in the future). |
| + | * Giving charity. |
| + | * Volunteering in social welfare activities. |
| + | * Introducing Anuloma and Viloma Pranayama techniques. |
| + | * Making or facilitating the creation of pictures, dramas and games in accordance to the brahmana varna. |
| + | * Describing the qualities of the Brahmanas, the Bhagavad Gita says, |
| + | <blockquote>शमो दमस्तपः शौचं क्षान्तिरार्जवमेव च ।</blockquote><blockquote>ज्ञानं विज्ञानमास्तिक्यं ब्रह्मकर्म स्वभावजम् ॥१८- ४२॥<ref>Bhagavad Gita, [https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%97%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83 Chapter 18].</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''śamo damastapaḥ śaucaṁ kṣāntirārjavameva ca ।''</blockquote><blockquote>''jñānaṁ vijñānamāstikyaṁ brahmakarma svabhāvajam ॥18- 42॥''</blockquote>Meaning: Serenity, self-restraint, austerity, purity, forgiveness and also uprightness, knowledge, |
| + | |
| + | realisation and belief in God are the duties of the Brahmanas, born of (their own) nature.<ref>Swami Sivananda (2000), [https://holybooks-lichtenbergpress.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/BHAGAVAD-GITA-By-SRI-SWAMI-SIVANANDA.pdf Bhagavad Gita], Uttar Pradesh:The Divine Life Society, The Yoga of Liberation by Renunciation.</ref> |
| + | *Following the steps necessary to become a teacher and being disciplined in self-study (स्वाध्यायः) and understanding the knowledge gathered through self-study. That is, to keep the process of learning and teaching in continuity. |
| + | *Attaining one pointed concentration through spiritual practices and reading for attaining the aim of moksha. |
| + | *To keep up a balance in reading and teaching, performing Yajnas, charity, firmness (being resolute at times of distress), renunciation, etc. thereby, nurturing resilience, wisdom (सत्-असत्-विवेक-बुद्धि), the art of using knowledge for the overall good. |
| *Trying to understand the different components of the society through practical and time relevant techniques. | | *Trying to understand the different components of the society through practical and time relevant techniques. |
| *Learning byheart stotras like the Ekatmata stotra. | | *Learning byheart stotras like the Ekatmata stotra. |
| *Studying the current cultural map of India. | | *Studying the current cultural map of India. |
| *Understanding and enabling explanation of the history of India's geography. | | *Understanding and enabling explanation of the history of India's geography. |
| + | *Reading Bharatiya Shastriya Sahitya and contemplating on it. |
| + | *Discussing the subject with people of different age groups. |
| + | *Gathering people willing to know more and guiding them. |
| + | *Making use of stories for kids in this context. For example: The story of Yudhisthira. |
| === क्षत्रियवर्णः ॥ Kshatriya Varna === | | === क्षत्रियवर्णः ॥ Kshatriya Varna === |
| *Doing things necessary for protection. | | *Doing things necessary for protection. |