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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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Vipra

From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia

By Swami Harshananda

Vipra literally means ‘one in whom the seed of dharma has sprouted’.

Vipra as per Ṛgved[edit]

A brāhmaṇa is known by several names. One of them is the word vipra. The Ṛgveda[1] uses this word as applied to the deity Gaṇapati. Etymologically, it means one in whom the seed of dharma has already sprouted.

Vipra, a Brāhmaṇa[edit]

In a more technical sense, he is a brāhmaṇa who has undergone the necessary sacraments and is also endowed with the vidyā or knowledge of the scriptures. He is expected to discharge six duties:

  1. Yajana - performing a sacrifice
  2. Yājana - conducting a sacrifice for others
  3. Adhyayana - studying the scriptures
  4. Adhyāpana - teaching the scriptures to others
  5. Dāna - giving gifts to others
  6. Pratigraha - accepting gifts in accordance with dharma

Vipra, a tree[edit]

These six are called the ṣaṭkarmas for a brāhmaṇa. The tree Aśvattha[2] is also known by this name and considered worthy of worship like a brāhmaṇa.


References[edit]

  1. ↑ Ṛgveda 10.112.9
  2. ↑ Aśvattha is Ficus religiosa.
  • The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore

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