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In this book, we analyze the psycho-social consequences faced by Indian American children after exposure to the school textbook discourse on Hinduism and ancient India. We demonstrate that there is an intimate connection—an almost exact correspondence—between James Mill’s colonial-racist discourse (Mill was the head of the British East India Company) and the current school textbook discourse. This racist discourse, camouflaged under the cover of political correctness, produces the same psychological impacts on Indian American children that racism typically causes: shame, inferiority, embarrassment, identity confusion, assimilation, and a phenomenon akin to racelessness, where children dissociate from the traditions and culture of their ancestors.


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Rsipañcami-vrata

From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia

By Swami Harshananda

Saptarṣis, as per General Belief[edit]

The Saptarṣis or the seven sages are the highly revered figures in our tradition. They have obliged us by revealing spiritual knowledge and wisdom through the Vedic mantras. They are:

  1. Kaśyapa
  2. Atri
  3. Bharadvāja
  4. Viśvāmitra
  5. Gotama
  6. Jamadagni
  7. Vasiṣṭha

Saptarṣis, as per other belief[edit]

According to another tradition, they are:

  1. Marīci
  2. Atri
  3. Aṅgiras
  4. Pulastya
  5. Pulaha
  6. Kratu
  7. Vasiṣṭha

Rṣipañcami-vrata[edit]

  • The Rsipañcami-vrata is dedicated to honoring the Saptarṣis.
  • The vrata can be performed by men of all the varṇas.[1]
  • Worship can be offered to the images of the sages.
  • Subsisting on vegetables and observing celibacy are very important in this vrata.
  • Freedom from sins and troubles and increase of good fortune are the promised results.
  • Women observing this vṛata are promised good bodily form, beauty, happiness and progeny.
  • It may be observed for seven years.[2]
  • The seven images along with the seven kalaśas should be donated to seven brāhmaṇas.
  • Though it is meant for all, it has somehow become a vrata observed mostly by women.

References[edit]

  1. ↑ It is for all practical purposes, castes.
  2. ↑ They are Seven Rṣipañcamīs consecutively.
  • The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore

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