Yoga, Meditation and Practical Philosophy for Youth

July 26, 2011 • Children & Youth, Hinduism

Blog Image

Our 2nd day of camp and the youth are enjoying themselves. Our morning started with Hatha Yoga. It was Dandapani’s turn to teach the girls and Muni’s turn to teach the boys. Immediately after Hatha Yoga we did 20 minutes of guided meditation.

The meditation that I (Dandapani) conducted was structured in a way that it would keep the interest of children while still teaching them how to visualize and feel plus move their awareness through various areas of their mind. More than half the girls class were able to stay concentrated through the whole meditation and get to know the inner realms of their mind. It was an inwardly rewarding morning!

In my class today we continued our study from the book “Gurudeva’s Toolbox for a Spiritual Life”. The topic today was about marriage – exploring the areas of arranged or assisted marriage, inter-racial marriages, same and mixed religion marriages.

We also continued the exploration of the topic of “Hindu Parenting”. This has been by far the most liveliest topic of the camp. Advice on good Hindu parenting by children….now I’ve heard some amazing insights and solutions to good parenting today. Perspectives from 1st generation American born Hindus. These children have shared insights and solutions that are fair, just, wise and loving. We are compiling these thoughts and will share them with you soon. But I’ll leave you with one piece of advice from a young camper.

Dandapani: “Can anyone give advice on good Hindu parenting methods?”
Camper: “Parents should not get angry with their children.”
Dandapani: “Ok. If parents should not get angry with their children, do you have an alternate solution?”
Camper: “Thoughtful reasoning!”

Dandapani teaching youth yoga and meditation

Dandapani leading the group in chanting "Om" at the begining of our Hatha Yoga class.

Morning Hatha Yoga class

Morning Hatha Yoga class

.

Dandapani teaching

Dandapani teaching the under 14 years old group

Hindu Parenting class

The topic of Hindu parenting sparked great participation from the youth

Hindu parenting

We covered many important topics such as how parents should speak to their children

Manasa (right) is one of the two head counselors of the camp. Rupa on the left was our photographer today and is responsible for taking all the beautiful photos of camp events featured on today's blog.

.

.

Muni teaching one of the classes.

Blog Image
Happy Diwali 2017

Diwali or Deepavali is the Hindu Festival of Lights and it celebrates the victory of light over darkness. It is a day of Hindu solidarity. Hindus all over the world celebrate this festival and it is a joyous time for families. Families and friends get together, gifts are exchanged, new clothes ar...

Read More
Blog Image
Hindus winter solstice celebration of Ganesha

It’s the time of the year in the Hindu Vedic Astrology when the sun ends its southward movement (dakshinayana) and begins its movement north (uttaranayana). Winter solstice is a festive time for many cultures around the world. Hindus celebrate Pancha Ganapati, a five-day festival to the Hin...

Read More
Blog Image
Happy Diwali 2014!

Happy Diwali or Deepavali to all those of you who are celebrating it around the world. Diwali is the Hindu Festival of Lights. But not only Hindus celebrate this festival. Jains and Sikhs are among other faiths that dive into the celebrations with great fervor. The festival falls between mid-Octo...

Read More
Blog Image
Happy Pancha Ganapati 2013!

Happy Pancha Ganapati everyone! We continue with our five-day celebration of Pancha Ganapati. Today, is the final day of the celebration, and Gurudeva shares from his book “Loving Ganesha” DECEMBER 25, ORANGE The family sadhana for the final day of Pancha Ganapati is to bring forth lo...

Read More
FREE Weekly Insights
Sign Up for my newsletter and receive insights, teachings and spiritual tools for living a life of purpose and joy.
Subscribe
We promise not to sell your email address to other monks, priests, religious organizations, angels, God or the Devil.
By checking this box you agree to our privacy policy and, terms and conditions.
FREE Weekly Insights
Sign Up for my newsletter and receive insights, teachings and spiritual tools for living a life of purpose and joy.
By checking this box you agree to our privacy policy and, terms and conditions.
Subscribe
We promise not to sell your email address to other monks, priests, religious organizations, angels, God or the Devil.