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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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Upāya

From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia

By Swami Harshananda

Upāya literally means ‘means or method’.

This is a general term with several shades of meaning. It can mean any method by which we can attain what we want.

Classification of Upāya[edit]

According to one version, it can be classified as:

  1. Laukika - It is a secular method. The wheel and the stick used in preparing a mud-pot are laukika-upāyas.
  2. Alaukika - It is a non-secular or spiritual method. Performing a sacrifice like the Jyotiṣṭoma to attain heaven is alaukika-upāya.

Upāyas for King[edit]

A king has to use one of the four prescribed upāyas in subduing or getting rid of his enemies. They are:

  1. Sāma - negotiation by peaceful means
  2. Dāna - a policy of give and take
  3. Bheda - maneuvering a split in the enemy ranks
  4. Daṇḍa - warfare, fighting

Upāyas for Creditors[edit]

A creditor can get back his money from the debtor by using any of the following upāyas:

  1. Dharma - by negotiation through mutual friends and well-wishers
  2. Vyavahāra - by helping the debtor to establish himself in a profitable job and get back his money when he prospers
  3. Balātkāra - by forcibly taking away the debtor’s property

Upāyas for Spiritual Progress[edit]

In certain schools of Śaivism, five upāyas are recommended for spiritual progress. They are:

  1. Vāsacaryā - leading a pure life
  2. Japa - repetition of divine name
  3. Dhyāna - meditation
  4. Rudrasmaraṇa - remembering Lord Rudra or Siva
  5. Prapatti - surrender to God

References[edit]

  • The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore

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Deval Sancheti

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