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. Gathering knowledge as per one's Varna and cultivating appropriate habits. Following Yama and Niyama (as explained in Ashtangayoga). It is said that, प्रजनार्थं स्त्रियः सृष्टाः संतानार्थं च मानवः । तस्मात्साधारणो धर्मः श्रुतौ पत्न्या सहोदितः । । ९.९६ । । prajanārthaṁ striyaḥ sr̥ṣṭāḥ saṁtānārthaṁ ca mānavaḥ । tasmātsādhāraṇo dharmaḥ śrutau patnyā sahoditaḥ । । 9.96 । । Meaning: To be mothers were women created, and to be fathers men; religious rites, therefore, are ordained in the Veda to be performed (by the husband) together with his wife. While giving the girl in marriage, the father, or in his absence the guardian, addresses the bridegroom with the following words: धर्मे चार्थे च कामे च नातिचरितव्या त्वयेयम् । dharme cārthe ca kāme ca nāticaritavyā tvayeyam । Meaning: You shall not transgress Dharma in the attainment of Artha and Kama. The bridegroom accepts the condition with these words: नातिचरामि | nāticarāmi | Meaning: I shall not transgress Dharma, in matters of Artha and Kama. This aspect is brought out in the 'Saptapadi', (the ceremony of taking seven steps) at the end of which there is a declaration that the couple become life long friends. The seven steps are: First step- For nourishment of each other. Second step- To grow together in strength. Third step- To preserve our wealth and become rich. Fourth step- To attain happiness and harmony. Fifth step- To care their children, in-laws and relatives. Sixth step- For Long life togetherness. Seventh Step- Life long loyalty unity and all goodness forever. All grhya sutras speak about seven steps only. अन्योन्यस्याव्यभिचारो भवेदामरणान्तिकः । एष धर्मः समासेन ज्ञेयः स्त्रीपुंसयोः परः । । ९.१०१ । । anyonyasyāvyabhicāro bhavedāmaraṇāntikaḥ । eṣa dharmaḥ samāsena jñeyaḥ strīpuṁsayoḥ paraḥ । । 9.101 । । It is mentioned here that mutual friendship and fidelity is the highest Dharma to be observed by husband and wife, throughout their life. And the family in which husband and wife have mutual affection and respect always secures happiness and prosperity.	ब्राह्मणवर्णः ॥ Brahmana Varna Following the steps necessary to become a teacher. Being disciplined in self-study (स्वाध्यायः) and understanding the knowledge gathered through self-study. Trying to understand the different components of the society through practical and time relevant techniques. Learning byheart stotras like the Ekatmata stotra. Studying the current cultural map of India. Understanding and enabling explanation of the history of India's geography. क्षत्रियवर्णः ॥ Kshatriya Varna Doing things necessary for protection. Trying to improve one's health, strength and war skills. Creating or joining groups. Learning byheart stotras like the Ekatmata stotra. Studying the current cultural map of India. Understanding the history of India's geography. वैश्यवर्णः ॥ Vaishya Varna Being in the company of upholders of Dharma. Giving monetary donations, time and infrastructure. Reading and teaching stories of Raja Raghu, Raja Harshavardhana, etc. Learning byheart 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 definition of Dharma as Dashalakshana Dharma in Manusmrti is widely accepted. That is as follows. धृतिः क्षमा दमोऽस्तेयं शौचं इन्द्रियनिग्रहः । धीर्विद्या सत्यं अक्रोधो दशकं धर्मलक्षणम् । । ६.९२ । । dhr̥tiḥ kṣamā damo'steyaṁ śaucaṁ indriyanigrahaḥ । dhīrvidyā satyaṁ akrodho daśakaṁ dharmalakṣaṇam । । 6.92 । । Meaning: Contentment, forgiveness, self-control, abstention from unrighteously appropriating anything, observance of purity, restraint of desires, cultivation of wisdom, knowledge [of the supreme Reality], truthfulness, and abstention from anger, [form] the tenfold law. These are the 10 lakshanas of Dharma. 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 upholders 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. Giving monetary donations, time and infrastructure. 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, the main role will be 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 which in today's context translates to a simple life with sparing use of natural resources. This is nothing but दम, अस्तेय and इंद्रियनिग्रह (self-control, abstention from unrighteously appropriating anything and restraint of desires. It is said that, ईशा वास्यमिदं सर्वं यत्किं च जगत्यां जगत् । तेन त्यक्तेन भुञ्जीथा मा गृधः कस्य स्विद्धनम् ॥ १ ॥ īśā vāsyamidaṁ sarvaṁ yatkiṁ ca jagatyāṁ jagat । tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā mā gr̥dhaḥ kasya sviddhanam ॥ 1 ॥ Meaning: All that we find in this ephermeral world is created by God. Let us use them only to the minimum extent and let us not snatch the wealth belonging to another.	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 acquire strength. Telling them 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. The quality of Paropakara or Service should be inculcated. It is said that, परोपकाराय फलन्ति वृक्षाः परोपकाराय वहन्ति नद्यः । परोपकाराय दुहन्ति गावः परोपकारार्थमिदं शरीरम् ॥ paropakārāya phalanti vr̥kṣāḥ paropakārāya vahanti nadyaḥ । paropakārāya duhanti gāvaḥ paropakārārthamidaṁ śarīram ॥ Meaning: The trees bear fruits to serve others. The rivers flow to serve others, Cows give milk to serve others. This human body is meant to serve others. This value inspires every individual to serve society through every profession or a vocation. It is inspiring that rivers serve others, animals and plants serve others, and are not selfish; man being the highest form of life should not lag behind in serving others; not merely human beings, but all living beings. Other responsibilities include, 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 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 would be most appropriate to explain 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. The teaching that is of prime importance in this stage of life as described in the Taittiriya upanishad (First Adhyaya, 11th Anuvaka) is as follows: सत्यं वद । धर्मञ्चर । स्वाध्यायान्मा प्रमदः । आचार्याय प्रियं धनमाहृत्य प्रजातन्तुं मा व्यवच्छेत्सीः । सत्यान्न प्रमदितव्यम् । धर्मान्न प्रमदितव्यम् । कुशलान्न प्रमदितव्यम् । भूत्यै न प्रमदितव्यम् । स्वाध्यायप्रवचनाभ्यां न प्रमदितव्यम् ॥ १॥ satyaṁ vada । dharmañcara । svādhyāyānmā pramadaḥ । ācāryāya priyaṁ dhanamāhr̥tya prajātantuṁ mā vyavacchetsīḥ । satyānna pramaditavyam । dharmānna pramaditavyam । kuśalānna pramaditavyam । bhūtyai na pramaditavyam । svādhyāyapravacanābhyāṁ na pramaditavyam ॥ 1॥ Meaning: Speak the Truth. Perform Dharma. Do not neglect your daily Study. Offer to the Teacher whatever pleases him. Do not cut off the line of progeny. Do not neglect Truth. Do not neglect Virtue. Do not neglect Welfare. Do not neglect Prosperity. Do not neglect Study and Teaching. देवपितृकार्याभ्यां न प्रमदितव्यम् । मातृदेवो भव । पितृदेवो भव । आचार्यदेवो भव । अतिथिदेवो भव । यान्यनवद्यानि कर्माणि तानि सेवितव्यानि । नो इतराणि । यान्यस्माकं सुचरितानि । तानि त्वयोपास्यानि । नो इतराणि ॥ २॥ devapitr̥kāryābhyāṁ na pramaditavyam । mātr̥devo bhava । pitr̥devo bhava । ācāryadevo bhava । atithidevo bhava । yānyanavadyāni karmāṇi tāni sevitavyāni । no itarāṇi । yānyasmākaṁ sucaritāni । tāni tvayopāsyāni । no itarāṇi ॥ 2॥ Meaning: Do not neglect your duty towards the Gods and the Ancestors. Regard the Mother as your God. Regard the Father as your God. Regard the Teacher as your God. Regard the Guest as your God. Whatever deeds are blameless, they are to be practised, not others. Only the good practices are among us are to be adopted by you, not others. ये के चारुमच्छ्रेया सो ब्राह्मणाः । तेषां त्वयाऽऽसनेन प्रश्वसितव्यम् । श्रद्धया देयम् । अश्रद्धयाऽदेयम् । श्रिया देयम् । ह्रिया देयम् । भिया देयम् । संविदा देयम् । अथ यदि ते कर्मविचिकित्सा वा | ye ke cārumacchreyā so brāhmaṇāḥ । teṣāṁ tvayā''sanena praśvasitavyam । śraddhayā deyam । aśraddhayā'deyam । śriyā deyam । hriyā deyam । bhiyā deyam । saṁvidā deyam । Meaning: Whatever Brahmins there are superior to us, should be honoured by you by offering a seat. Gift should be given with shraddha, it should not be given without Shraddha, should be given in Plenty, with Modesty, with Awe, with compassion. ये तत्र ब्राह्मणाः संमर्शिनः । युक्ता आयुक्ताः । अलूक्षा धर्मकामाः स्युः । यथा ते तत्र वर्तेरन् । तथा तत्र वर्तेथाः । अथाभ्याख्यातेषु । ये तत्र ब्राह्मणाः संमर्शिनः । युक्ता आयुक्ताः । अलूक्षा धर्मकामाः स्युः । यथा ते तेषु वर्तेरन् । तथा तेषु वर्तेथाः । एष आदेशः । एष उपदेशः । एषा वेदोपनिषत् । एतदनुशासनम् । एवमुपासितव्यम् । एवमु चैतदुपास्यम् ॥४॥ ye tatra brāhmaṇāḥ saṁmarśinaḥ । yuktā āyuktāḥ । alūkṣā dharmakāmāḥ syuḥ । yathā te tatra varteran । tathā tatra vartethāḥ । athābhyākhyāteṣu । ye tatra brāhmaṇāḥ saṁmarśinaḥ । yuktā āyuktāḥ । alūkṣā dharmakāmāḥ syuḥ । yathā te teṣu varteran । tathā teṣu vartethāḥ । eṣa ādeśaḥ । eṣa upadeśaḥ । eṣā vedopaniṣat । etadanuśāsanam । evamupāsitavyam । evamu caitadupāsyam ॥4॥ Meaning: As the Brahmanas who are competent to judge, adept in Duty, not led by others, not harsh, not led by passion, in the manner they would behave thus should you behave. Then as to the persons accused of guilt like the Brahmanas who are adept at deliberation who are competent to judge, not directed by others not harsh, not moved by passion, as they would behave in such cases thus should you behave. This is the Command. This is the Teaching. This is the secret Doctrine of the Veda. This is the Instruction. Thus should one worship. Thus indeed should one worship. आचार्यात् पादमादत्ते पादं शिष्यः स्वमेधया । सब्रह्मचारिभ्यः पादं पादं कालक्रमेण च ॥ ācāryāt pādamādatte pādaṁ śiṣyaḥ svamedhayā । sabrahmacāribhyaḥ pādaṁ pādaṁ kālakrameṇa ca ॥ Meaning: one fourth from the teacher, one fourth from own intelligence, one fourth from classmates, and one fourth only with time. Brahmacharyashrama : After the completion of childhood (around eight or nine years), an individual was required to take to higher education and to maintain celibacy to conserve physical, moral and mental energy and to devote himself to the studies for a period of about twelve to fifteen years. During this period the main obligation of an individual was to acquire knowledge and to increase his knowledge by research. This ashrama was not only intended to earn knowledge to earn for a comfortable life, but also to enable the discharge of one of the pious obligations, 'Rishiruna' ( debt due to teachers) namely acquisition and dissemination of knowledge. An individual was also required to cultivate moral character and discipline which would enable him to develop his personality so that he would not only be useful to himself but also to the members of the family and to society as well. In today's times, education including physical fitness and moral education during the first period (Studentship).	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.