Vallabh vidya mandir 

1.0      General:

 

VVM’s mission is to offer religious and cultural education based on Vedic Sanatan Dharma. This education is generally not available through normal academic programs at regular public and private schools.  The normal academic school programs prepare us professionally and impart the knowledge to make our chosen career and earn money.  But, it does little in terms of the education of life, and the art of joyful, peaceful, stress-free, balanced living.  In the past, the life education, and cultural and spiritual education was available through the elders in the family who were readily approachable in the joint family system. The joint family system is rare. Now the family nucleus or the family structure has changed.  Individual families, both young parents being career oriented and working full time to make money, parents themselves having the lack of knowledge to feel comfortable in teaching their children, lack of resources, and more importantly lack of time (full time working parents have little time to spend on such activities), etc. result in our youngsters starving for this education.  We all value Education, and want to give the best education to our children, but do we know the value of Education?  Do we know the values that we must teach and educate our children with?  Where do we get the education of our culture based and reason-based values?   VVM then steps in, and tries to fill this void. Therefore, there are schools like VVM for social and community service and to educate our next generation so that our children are not deprived of much needed cultural education.
 

VVM’s primary mission is to offer a unique learning program to develop an appreciation for India’s rich cultural heritage, a sound value system, and a variety of life skills to the children for a more productive and well-rounded, balanced life​. 

 

Our vision is to prepare well-balanced, competent, and compassionate citizens of tomorrow who are proud of their roots, heritage, culture, history, and religion and are ready to build a brighter tomorrow.

 

With this view, when we tell the stories, discuss religious episodes, and talk about a role model character, our focus is (a) to teach the children to extract the morale and/or lesson to be learned, and (b) to highlight how we can apply the same characteristic, quality, trait, or value in our modern day to day living in order to make our life more joyful and harmonious.  

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Mass Celebrations of major festivals, including Janma-Ashtami, Navratri, and Diwali with Puja and other activities with all the students, parents and all families are arranged for increased awareness and appreciation of our cultural traditions.

 

2.0      The curriculum for the mandatory or required classes

 

Pre-K:  (Age: 3-4 years)

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Main idea is to provide a nurturing and loving environment to remove the fear the child might have in going away from home to a new environment.  We will help the kid to get used to schooling, to enjoy learning while having fun, and to enjoy the company of new friends.  We may also use flash cards and video clips to facilitate learning. 

Our topics will include:

• Basic knowledge of Hindu culture through games, arts and crafts, and other nurturing techniques

• Coloring and Painting

• Playing indoor games in a group

• Songs and stories, and Basic prayers with meaning and moral understanding

• Reading and writing Alphabets, numbers, and small words; associate words or names with pictures or images

• More importantly, our focus will be on teaching them caring and sharing, how to make friends and feel happy.

While the class is not a substitute for a Montessori school or kindergarten class, it is an aid in preparing the kids for those classes in a familiar and loving environment.

Mothers are not expected, but are welcome to the class.  Their voluntary help will be appreciated, and we can arrange it on a rotational basis.

 

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Introduction to Religion:  (Age: 5-6 years)

 

Primary focus will be on teaching basically good behavior and moral values.  We will present the religion not at rituals, but as our duties to self and others in the family and society, to care for and respectfully serve each other, so that we all can live peacefully, safely, securely, and in harmony. 

The topics in the class will include:

• Tell stories- scriptural stories, life stories of renowned characters, tales from Panch Tantra, and popular western stories, as well; show videos, and short movies;  play creative games

• Train them to develop a habit of extracting lessons to be learned from the stories and videos presented, and how to apply these qualities in our own routine, normal life. We will teach them simple, good, basic, daily habits, such as getting up and getting ready on time, eating on time, praying regularly, helping parents, respecting elders, and teachers, etc.

 

 

Religion 1:  (Age: 6-7 years):

 

• Introduce basic Sanatan Dharma and fundamental beliefs

• Learn and understand meaning and significance of Prayers, Names and forms of God, Guru, and Goddesses, through interactive projects, stories, and activities

• Talk about Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh; Saraswati, Lakshmi, Parvati (Durga, Kali, Shakti)

• Talk about Ten incarnations of Vishnu, and focus on Krushna

• Talk about Guru and his place in our life (teaching and guidance, proper interpretation of scriptural messages as well as our traditions, rituals)

• Tell as well as enact religious stories in the class and emphasize what we learn from them; may devise a small skit or play, songs, and dances, and let the kids participate and learn from role playing

• Introduce festivals and perform ritualistic celebrations in the class, enacting the stories, showing the images, videos, and pictures of celebrations

• Show the pictures and images of pilgrimage places and temples, introduce the beauty and talk about holy places

• Teach them importance of faith in God, believing in God, and loving God

• Teach them who God is, and why parents and teachers should be loved and respected as Gods, or equivalent to God’s living representatives or messengers

• Include reverence for nature, and impart habit of protecting the environment

• Introduce other religions, their significant principles, and their signs, icons, and symbols with meanings.

 

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Religion 2:  (Age: 8-9 years):

 

• Through structured curriculum, this interactive class is intended to instill the value, awareness, and appreciation of Sanatan Dharma and India’s rich cultural heritage.

• Selected stories from epics Ramayana and Mahabharat

• Will include enacting the story episode, role playing, skit, play, songs, dance

• Introduction to our Saints, sages, Gurus and Aacharyas

• Characters and life stories of our heroes and role models

• Introduce India, its culture, sight-seeing places, rivers, temples, currency, etc.

• Main festivals in our religion and culture, legends of the festival, significance, ways of celebration, and special message

• Whenever appropriate at least a 10-minutes discussion on current major festival will be included.  Major festivals for Pushti-Marg are:   Krushna Janma-ashtami, Rama-navmi, Hanuman Jayanti, Narsinh Jayanti, Navratri, Deepawali festivals, Vallabhacharya Jayanti (Pragatya Utsav), Vaman Jayanti, and Gosaiji Pragatya din. 

 

 

Religion 3:   (Age: 10-11 years):

 

Through detailed discussion, quizzes and homework, and group projects, students will learn about Sanatan Vedic Dharma, Tenets of Hinduism, and Philosophy or religion and spiritual practices.   Will engage the students in higher and deeper level discussions.

The topics will include:

• Selected stories from epics Ramayana and Mahabharat, and Bhagwat Purana;
  key points will be to emphasize the community service for a good, safe, and secure neighborhood, and Seva/service towards the family with a view to build a healthy support system.

• Selected stories from Krushna-leelas, Radha-Krushna, and Gopis

• Will include enacting the story episode, role playing, skit, play, songs, dance

• Introduction to our Saints, sages, Gurus and Aacharyas, heroes and role models

• Introduce India, its culture, sight-seeing places, rivers, temples, currency, regional traditions, and variations, etc. and contributions of Indians to the world, as well as spreading the Indian religion and value system in Southeast Asia and China.

• Main festivals in our religion and culture, legends of the festival, significance, ways of celebration, and special message; presentation by our class children at the assembly

• Whenever appropriate at least a 10-minutes discussion on current major festival will be included.  Major festivals for Pushti-Marg are:   Krushna Janma-ashtami, Rama-navmi, Hanuman Jayanti, Narsinha Jayanti, Navratri, Deepawali festivals, Vallabhacharya Jayanti (Pragatya Utsav), Vaman Jayanti, and Gosaiji Pragatya din. 

• Introduction of Pushti Marg and code of daily conduct as preached by our Guru; Introduce ShreeNathaji, Yamunaji, Mahaprabhuji, Gosaiji, and Ashta Sakha and their contributions (not too many details)

• Four Purusharths-  Dharma, Artha, Kaama, and Moksha as duties of Vaishnav;  true definition of these Purusharths to develop a person with wisdom and steadfast intellect;   Definition of a Vaishnav, Duties, and responsibilities of a true Vaishnav.

• Introduction of other major world religions with a view to have respect for all religions, understand the main doctrine or principles, look for good commonalities in all religions, while empowering to be proud of our own religion, culture, basic beliefs, and tenets.

 

 

Religion 4:   (Age:  12+ years)

 

• Bhagwad Geeta-   Children’s version and from children’s point of view

• Selected shlokas, how to recite them, and the meanings, applicability in our modern life

• Background of Geeta, Concept of Aatma (soul), Meditation, Qualities of devotees, Divine and demonic qualities, Concept of Theory of Karma, Bhakti or devotion, and its importance/value in life;  our responsibilities and duties, Recognize and appreciate God’s help in our lives,  value of charity, forgiveness, liberty, freedom of choice, and justice based on Geeta’s principles

• How to apply Geeta’s teachings in our life

• We may also add significant stories from Bhagvat and talk about prominent and renowned national and international characters of community leaders who are or could be role models for us. 

• In depth discussion of festivals and their significance; methods, meanings, and purpose of celebrations

• Introduce twelve Jyotirlingams, temples and pilgrimage places;  show pictures, images, videos of the beauty, sculpture, architecture,  and celebrations at those places

 

 

Adult Religion:  (Age:  18 and above)

 

The class is intended for adults of ages 18 and above.

 

Primary purposes are twofold:  (a) Parents will know about our culture and value system so they can engage in conversation with their children on an informed basis, and teach them, and train them, and (b) Demonstrate to the children that this type of education is important for the kids as well as for parents as well;  Children will learn better from the examples set.  The idea is to teach the children via conversation as well as demonstration.  Thus, parents become a good role model, and demonstrate by example and personal behavior that cultural and religious education is important to learn our value system and the art of peaceful living.  Further, the parents will get some hints and learn techniques on how to practice the lessons learned, how to share the concepts and principles of a good, harmonious life with their families, engage with children, and ultimately raise a good family with noble, virtuous children.

 

The class is interactive, and we have frequent peer to peer group discussions as well.

 

We are always open to constructive suggestions.

 

We will use literature and books that relate to the current era.

 

What we discuss in the class includes:

 

• The Art and Science of Joyful living for the path to real prosperity and fulfillment in life

• Understand the true and intrinsic nature of self (to be eternally peaceful, blissful, balanced, in equilibrium)

• The faculties of mind and intellect; the functioning or working of mind

• What moves us-   our thoughts, feelings, emotions, choices, actions, habit patterns, and Sanskaaras and their interactions and sources or roots; how they are related in developing our habit patterns and personality or character.

• Importance of Ashtang Yogas-  Yamas, Niyamas, Introspection and self-reflection

• Meditation-   Learn meditation, its prerequisites, methods, techniques, and process, its benefits, importance of regularity and consistency; why Sewa, reflection, and meditation help us to quieten our mind, reflect within, and continuously grow spiritually, and how to surrender to Lord Krushna.  How spirituality teaches us to focus our mind, to keep the disturbing thoughts away, to quieten the mind, and to feel relaxed. With a quiet and relaxed mind, we can balance our life easier, get the fulfillment out of our daily life, and remain poised and stress-free in all adversities.

Some studies done on young children have proven that those who meditate have increased concentration, can focus easily with one pointedness, and have better retention power as well.

• For the past two years we focused on the study of our current nature or personality, the perception of self. That includes our character, habit pattern, our positive and negative emotions, our behavior, and how to deal with that with selfless loving and meditation.

  • To know Krushna in true form, how to connect with him and establish a constant relationship with him.

  • The concept of true love, and the concept of ‘11’ in true love

  • How to manage stress in life, and make the life more enjoyable; how to keep the mind stable, focused, balanced, and quiet so that we can juggle and tackle all tasks, one task at a time, or while multi-tasking at the same time.

 

• Our aim is to understand the basic issue of the purpose of life, and how to achieve the same.
  Our scripture says we should stay in our True nature (same as Lord Krushna’s true nature). It is defined as Eternally Peaceful and balanced. For day-to-day life emphasis must be placed on a balanced life.

  

• Two important thing we put weight on:

  • Our body is temple. And Lord resides in center of our heart. The definition of body from spiritual point of view includes our physical or gross body, our subtle body, mind (thoughts, feelings, emotions), breath (the vital energy), ego (the driving force behind every action), and intellect. We need review all of them and figure out how to keep them healthy, pure, and balanced (in equilibrium in all situations)

  • In our daily interaction How do I Pay attention without judgment, without trying to control or change. We must focus on changing what we are capable of changing, understand what we cannot change or control, and know the difference between the two. We need serenity, strength, and wisdom.

• Now our focus is on our most revered scripture, Shreemad Bhagwad Geeta, the celestial song by Lord Krushna.

  • Geeta’s philosophy from devotional point of view, as well as perennial psychology point of view. We will be studying from two books- (a) Bhagwat Geeta as is by Swami Shree Prabhupada of ISKCON, and (b) Perennial Psychology of Bhagwat Geeta by Swami Rama of the Himalayan Institute.

  • Applications and adaptability of Geeta’s principles in daily life; how Geeta’s teachings can help us with our interaction with our family including our children and elders;  highlight how Geeta’s principles are used for business management classes and leadership skills training in the industry. We will be exploring messages given by Lord Krushna, its explanation by our Guru Shree Vallabhaacharyjee, and how to apply them in our conventional, normal, routine, modern, householder’s lifestyle while trying to live our life peacefully and balancing between our personal and professional lives.

  • Why Geeta’s knowledge is universal, beyond time and space, and applicable to the whole humanity regardless of the religion practices; how it makes a better person

  • Relate Geeta’s principles to current events and highlight them in the class

  • How the foundation of Geeta in our life can help us mold and shape our life, improve, and enhance our daily lives; and how it can help to imbibe good habits in our children.  While talking about our real-life day to day examples, we will emphasize how to apply Geeta’s teachings and principles in our family life, and how to deploy them in training our children. 

  • The goal of life is to live actively, and enjoy peaceful and balanced life.  We must live an active life and have a purpose in life, especially true and the most important for all seniors. Krushan Bhagwan through Geeta teaches us why it is necessary, and how to achieve it.

  • Review teachings of Vallabhacharyajee and principles of Pushti Marg, and relate what we learn in the class to the doctrine of Pushti Marg.

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3.0      The Curriculum for Elective classes:

 

Gujarati:  (Age group:  5 and above)

 

• Speaking Conversational Gujarati language (for beginners)

• Reading and Writing: Alphabets, small sentences, asking questions, responding to simple questions; main emphasis on mastering the skills of listening and understanding, and then speaking and responding, with little lower level emphasis on reading and writing.

• Simple words:    Names of colors, family relationships, food articles, household items, Feelings and emotions, action verbs

• Counting, Numbers

• Stories, songs, poetry-     understanding and reciting

• Words, sentences, and dialog emphasized through games and homework.

 

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Hindi:    (Age group:  5 and above)

 

• Beginners to speaking Conversational Hindi language

• Reading and Writing: Alphabets, small sentences, asking questions, responding to simple questions; main emphasis on mastering the skills of listening and understanding, and then speaking and responding, with little lower-level emphasis on reading and writing.

• Simple words:    Names of colors, family relationships, food articles,  household items, action verbs

• Counting,  Numbers

• Stories, songs, poetry-     understanding and reciting

• Words, sentences, and dialog emphasized through games and homework.

• Good class for non-Hindi speakers at home.

 

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Arts and Crafts:   (Age group:  3 and above)

 

• Taught by semi-professional or professional, experienced instructors

• Coloring and Painting

• Rangoli

• Making decorative objects and articles, posters, banners, torans, Rakhees, Greeting cards

• Making/decorating items used in Sewa:   Garlands, Ornaments, God’s clothing, Swastik, Deep, Aarti (decorator plate), Kalash,  Flags, Flowers, Leaves, Plants, Trees, etc.

• Making paper objects and articles

• Students utilize creativity and artistic exploration to develop skills and self-confidence.

 

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Yoga for Adults:   (Age:  18 and above)

 

• What is Yoga?    (Connection of Aatma with Parmaatma is the real definition.   It requires sound and stable mind for which a sound body is also required.  Yoga emphasizes physical exercises and Pranayam in the class)

• Pranayam and Rhythmic breathing, Deep diaphragmatic breathing

• Simple stretching exercises and relaxing techniques

• Muscles flexing and toning (Hands, arms, legs, neck, shoulders, head, hips, back)

• Not vigorous exercising, but some postures and basic Aasanas

• Sun salutation.

• Students will help themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually.

• Targeted benefits:   Boost or increase immunity, Increase flexibility, Mental peace and stability to help get ready for meditation and relaxation.

 

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Folk Dance class:   (Age group:  8 and above)

 

• In our culture, originally the dances were intended to be a worship of God, to please God, offer our best talents and skills to God.  We do Raas and Garbas at Navratri for this purpose.  In modern life, after Bollywood movies’ style, dances are meant for entertainment as well as to express your inner feelings by body language and gestures. in addition to spoken words.  Dances include hand and leg gestures, as well as eyes, smile and facial expressions.

• Though there may be a small influence of classical dances, and a flavor of classical gestures (mudras), the main purpose of this class is to teach popular folk dances from many different regions of India (Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and South India).

• Emphasize teaching Raas and Garbas

• Teach aerobic dances for exercise

• Teach Bollywood style dances, Bhangaras, and free-form dances

 

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Debate and Speech:   (Age group:   9 and above)

 

• Introductory class to increase the communication of ideas and thoughts for public speaking; present succinctly, crisply, concisely, and to the point.

• Presenting Pros and Cons arguments; reinforce and rebuttal

• Help students with their school activities; help develop them socially; help develop their confidence in self-expression.

 

 

Coding:   (Age group:  9 and above)

 

• Simple basic coding using Scratch, HTML, and CSS languages.  We will lean towards web development (HTML, CSS, etc.) as it is more intuitive, more creative, and more about trial and error rather than problem-solving. Of course, as the year progresses, we would have the students transition into Python and Java, so that children are not overly challenged or overwhelmed to the extent that they may lose interest, or get disappointed. Again, the web development is about creativity and fun; it would be an excellent resource for them to tie in religious teachings.  The knowledge or religion as well as knowing web development, we feel, are both essential life skills.  We will focus more on both the order and the method in which we teach the languages to the students.  

• Simple, Basic Animation techniques and Graphics

• Students will make their creative presentations at festival celebration gatherings

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Kirtan Class:  (Age group:  18 and above)

 

• Introduction to Haveli Sangeet and Pushti Marg Kirtans

• Introduction to various Ragas- Sarang, Malhar, Bilavar, Todi, etc.

• Learn at what times, and during what seasons, certain kirtans should be recited.

• Learn Badhaaiis and Holi Rasiya Kirtans

• Learning and reciting Kirtans, and singing at the VPSS haveli for major festival celebrations, major occasions, and at the visits from the Vallabh Kula Aacharyas.

• Through commitment and practice of Pushti Marg Bhajans, students will deepen their understanding and knowledge of our religion.

 

 

4.0      ADDITIONAL MATERIAL COVERED IN ALMOST EVERY CLASS:

 

4.1  CHARACTER TRAITS, VALUES, VIRTUES AND DEVELOPING GOOD HABIT PATTERNS:

 

In addition, in every religion class, we devote certain time to talk about character traits, values, divine qualities, and virtues, as well as developing good habit patterns so as to make us a good, noble, virtuous, gentle, and kind human being.  We also talk about the strengths and faculties we need to develop to apply our value system in daily life. This can include the power to sustain, endure, let go, and tolerate; power to adjust, accommodate, compromise, and accept; capacity to discern, discriminate, and to know right from wrong; capacity to gain knowledge: power to judge, evaluate, decide, and act with diligence and commitment; power to face adverse situations; quality of resilience, and power to resist; power to withdraw; and power to cooperate and collaborate; etc.  We augment this teaching by giving examples from current time and era.  

 

4.2  REINFORCING THE FAITH IN GOD:

Further we spend time through demonstration, examples, and talking about phenomena which strengthen our belief and faith in the existence of super-natural power and/or energy, which we call God-  the element or faculty that wakes us up from sleep and gives us our memory back, the system that digests the food, and nurtures the physical body by giving physical, mental, and emotional strengths, and the faculty that grants us peace and sleep to rejuvenate energy and refresh every day.  This is to strengthen our faith in God, surrender to Him, and receive His guidance and inspiration through prayers and meditation in every situation in our life.

 

4.3  IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON HEALTH AND CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT:

           

Social media has a big effect on child’s development. We are planning to incorporate this in our plan to teach children how to effectively use the social media in a positive way while averting and avoiding certain pitfalls. Outside of VVM also, there is a big movement on the subject of “Impact of Social Media on Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health”.  We will address this from the viewpoint of well-being of our community. 
How to avoid pitfalls is a big discussion topic. 

 

Obsession with social media means broken or injured relationships, too much wastage of time, academic studies suffer or are compromised, children develop bad habits of ignoring or putting of important and high priority items, in order to get publicity and visibility, people resort to heinous acts of violence, hate crimes spread, theft, burglary, and mugging incidents increase, and reading about such bad incidents, innocent citizens live in fear, and/or develop anxiety and depression.
However, if deployed properly, it is also a very powerful tool. It can be used successfully for information retrieval and sharing, social interaction, to help with study, for empowering participation in good and life enriching activities, such as religious discourses and Sunday cultural and religion school programs, to build social network and support system which would increase the mental strength of the people.

Smart phone, iPad, Tablet, Laptop, and PCs can be used in a positive way as well as negative way. Will they help us or deter us?  We are developing means to teach a very tender young age what is right and what is to be avoided. We will incorporate this in our curriculum.

 

5.0      PARENTS’-TEACHERS’ CONFERENCES:

 

In addition to the classes, we arrange for two parents-teachers conferences during the year. One conference to be scheduled some time between fourth and seventh week of starting of each semester. The purpose is to facilitate interaction with teachers, understand the methods of delivery and set the expectations on parts of teachers as well as parents and students.

 

6.0      VVM’S ASPIRATIONS AND WISH-LIST FOR THE FUTURE:

 

We aspire to initiate/launch a few other programs later in the school year, depending upon the availability of resources.  At present, this is only our wish list, and future vision.  We think of courses and workshops of value to our community; however, we can fulfill our dream only if we get the help and support from the community.  We need support from skilled volunteers to implement such programs.  We cannot promise what we cannot deliver, and we cannot deliver if we do not have resources.   Because of the limited resources, we CANNOT offer all programs every year, nor can we offer the program for the whole year.  It is possible that we may have a few workshop type sessions only two to three times during the year, and not on a regular basis every week, for a few selected items.  It will depend upon available resources.

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Such programs may include:

 

1. Demonstration to teach how to perform Seva at home, how to put Shringars and adorn God’s icons/deities or pictures.

2. How to write Jay Shree Krushna and Shree Krushnah Sharanam Mama in Hindi (DevaNagari) and Gujarati scripts.

3. Yoga class for children on Saturday (outside of VVM school hours), once a month.

4. Children’s class to teach them Bhajans, Kirtans, Stotras, and Prayer Shlokas.

5. Workshops for simple basic carpentry, cooking, Rangoli, Decorating Aarti Thali, etc.

6. Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) training
   Preparatory classes to assist students with SAT; develop learning and test taking habits.  Comprehensive analysis, questions breakdown, and step by step solutions to typical problems, and prepare students for tackling this important College Admission Examination.

7. Seminars by invited professional therapists and experts to talk about how to cope with stresses in family situations, and how to enrich living style or life with values to develop close bond within family and support system among family members leading to safe and secure, harmonious, and joyful living.

8. We would love to invite other communities to celebrate their events at VVM with VVM families, so that we all can learn about different regional cultural traditions from each other and learn to celebrate together in one setting with all communities included.