Itihāsa (History): The Role of Storytelling in Modern Times

Satsangam

Professor of Sanskrit & Classical Indian Religions Fred Smith, joins Dr. Ramkumar & Dr. Welch to talk about "itihāsa" or, "history". Itihāsa also is used to specifically refer to the two monumentally influential epic poems of ancient India: the Mahābhāratam and the Rāmāyaṇa. The very fact that the word, "history" is used in a context where, in the West we might use "mythology", “epic”, "story" or, "poem" can lead us into curious conversation. Hopefully this will be the case.

Theyyam: Carrying the Deity with Pepita Seth

Satsangam

Theyyam is an ancient form of worship found only in northern Kerala in India.  A designated theyyakkaran – "a Theyyam man (or woman)" – calls the formless deity down from heaven and ‘carries’ the deity by providing him – or her - with a body and therefore the ability to interact with their devotees. Pepita Seth has lived with and studied the people and practice of Theyyam for 20 years and shares experiences and wisdom around this with Drs. Ramkumar & Claudia

Hitāyu & Sukhāyu: Psychology of Wellbeing & Happiness

Satsangam

Dr. Mala Kapadia, Director, Interdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Anaadi Foundation, Palani, Tamil Nadu, Bharat joins Drs. Claudia Welch & Ramkumar--and the Vedic Threads community to discuss how the pandemic era has created, unveiled and exacerbated mental health concerns that persist. It has been a strong wake-up call to humanity. In the post-Covid, “new normal”, we are prompted to evaluate the strength of our health, happiness and immunity, and question how we are living and what indeed is and supports these things.

Vāstu Śāstra Introduction

Radhasharandas Rajesh Shinde ji will join Drs. Claudia Welch & Ramkumar and the Vedic Threads community to introduce us to India's ancient art of geomancy and help us consider how to apply some of this knowledge in our modern lives.

The Role Of Paramparā & Dṛṣṭi In Education

Join Drs. Anuradha Choudry, Ramkumar and Claudia in Vedic Threads to explore the role of paramparā (tradition) & dṛṣṭi (perspective, worldview, vision) in ancient vs. modern education, to consider what has been lost, and what we might wish to restore.

Dharma within Sanātana Dharma: Eternal Duty in Service and Life

In this session, we welcome Hanuman Dass, founder of Go Dharmic, a non-profit organization engaged in humanitarian and environmental initiatives. We will explore the concept of dharma within Sanātana Dharma, focusing on its role as a guiding principle for ethical conduct and service. Go Dharmic's activities, such as establishing school libraries and computer labs in India and Nepal, distributing meals globally, and environmental conservation efforts like planting mangroves in the Sundarbans, provide practical contexts for discussing how dharma influences personal and communal responsibilities. This discussion aims to enhance understanding of dharma's impact on individual actions and societal welfare.

Sattvāvajaya: Healing Trauma with Yoga and Ayurveda

Following Anjali Deva’s exploration of trauma in the previous Vedic Threads session, her father, Arun Deva will present sattvāvajaya, a therapeutic approach rooted in the integration of yoga and Ayurveda, to heal and balance the mind. This session will focus on practical methods for restoring mental clarity and emotional well-being, providing tools to address the impact of saṃskāra, vāsanā, and prajñāparādha on our lives. Participants will learn how to cultivate sattva—purity and balance—through specific treatments and practices.

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