varnasrama dharma seminar in bali
TRANSCRIPT
VARNASRAMA
DHARMA
SEMINAR IN BALIAuthor : Sriman Bhagiratha das
E-Mail : In Memory
Date Produced : August, 2009
Edited : RP Bhakti Raghava Swami
Serial No. : 19 of 54
BALI – INDONESIAYAYASAN GAURA HARI
August 1 & 2, 2009Sri Sri Radha Madhava Mandira
GLOBAL VARNASRAMA MISSIONThe Global Varnasrama Mission Seminar was conducted at the Sri Sri Radha Madhava Temple in Bali on August 1 and 2, 2009 with close to 100 delegates attending the two day function.
A total of seven speakers graced the occasion from different parts of Indonesia.
CONTENT
A- Topics of the Seminar
B- Speakers at the Seminar
C- Abstract of Topics Presented
D- Special Guests
E- Various Scenes
F- Conclusion
A- TOPICS AT THE SEMINAR Overview of Varnasrama Global Mission Four Waves of ISKCON Varnasrama Social Structure Traditional Education – Five Basic Principles Bali Tradition in relation to Varnasrama Varnasrama Projects in Indonesia Land and Cows, Basic Principles of Varnasrama Comparison of Islam and Hindu Traditional Education National Educational in Indonesia Gita Nagari Baru Project in Sumatra Gurukula Traditional Education
B- SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR
1- His Holiness Bhakti Raghava Swami (Canada) [M.Ed]
2- Sriman Mahesvasa Dasa (Bali) [B.Ed]
3- Sriman Visvambhara Dasa (Bali) [Ph.D]
4- Sriman Surya Locana Dasa (Yogyakarta) [M.Ed]
5- Sriman Sadbhuja Gauranga Dasa (Lampung) [B.Ed]
6- Sriman Kisora Krsna Dasa (Bali) [Sthapati]
7- Sriman Bhagiratha Dasa (Bali) [Bhagavat Sastri]
H.H. Bhakti Raghava Swami, M.Ed.In Cambodia Brief Profile
His Holiness Bhakti RaghavaSwami Maharaja hails fromCanada. He has been activelypreaching in Indonesia sinceover 15 years as well as Indiaand Cambodia. He helps tooversee various varnasramapreaching projects indifferent parts of Indonesia.He is presently pursuing hisPh.D. on the subject matter ofvarnasrama dharma.
Sriman Mahesvasa Dasa, B.Ed.Brief Profile Speaking at Bali Seminar
Sriman Mahesvasa prabhu isfrom Bali and considered anexpert on traditional Balinesecustoms and habits. many ofwhich are closely connectedwith the Vedic traditions ofvarna and asrama. He attendsvarious seminars to explainthe value of these ancienttraditions. He is muchrespected due to his profoundknowledge and realizations.
Sriman Visvambhara Dasa, Ph.D.Brief Profile Speaking at Bali Seminar
Sriman Visvambhara prabhudid his post-graduate studiesin India and presently headsone of the Hindu institutes inBali. He has recently beenawarded the esteemed andrare title of “Professor”. Hespecializes in topics related toreligion and is oftenrequested to speak at publicfunctions and on television.
Sriman Surya Locana Dasa, M.Ed.Speaking at Bali Seminar Brief Profile
Sriman Surya Locana prabhuis originally from Java and hascompleted his Master’sdegree in Education at theState University ofYogyakarta. He is based inYogyakarta and helps overseethe local Youth Hostel[Narayana Smrtih] whilegiving guidance to generalstudents who come to consultabout their research work.
Sriman Sadbhuja Gauranga, B.Ed.Brief Profile Speaking at Bali Seminar
Sriman Sadbhuja Gaurangaprabhu graduated from theUniversity of Unila in Lampungand is presently one of theleaders at the Gita Nagari Baruvarnasrama project in Sumatra.He is one of the pioneers whohelped to introduce Youthpreaching by establishingPrahlada & Kunti Asrama. Heand his wife are both primaryschool teachers in the Provinceof Lampung.
Sriman Kisora Krsna Dasa, SthapatiBrief Profile Mekong River * Cambodia
Sriman Kisora Krsna prabhuis the Temple President ofAsrama Gaura Hari in Bali.He is a Master Sculptor andhas also taken up Yoga studiesin India. He oversees thevarnasrama preachingactivities in Indonesia and healso regularly travels to bothIndia and Cambodia.
Sriman Bhagiratha Dasa, B.ShastriBrief Profile Performing Homa
Sriman Bhagiratha prabhucompleted his traditionaleducational training at theBBT sponsored SrimadBhagavatam Vidyapitham inGovardhan, India. He thusobtained the title “BhagavataShastri”. He oversees thenewly established Gaura HariVarnasrama College in Bali, aforerunner to the proposedMarkendeya Gurukula.
C- Abstract of Topics Presented1. Overview of Varnasrama Global Mission2. Four Waves of ISKCON3. Varnasrama Social Structure4. Traditional Education – Five Basic Principles5. Bali Tradition in relation to Varnasrama6. Varnasrama Projects in Indonesia7. Land and Cows, Basic Principles of Varnasrama8. Comparison of Islam and Hindu Traditional Education9. National Educational in Indonesia10. Gita Nagari Baru Project in Sumatra11. Gurukula Traditional Education
1. Varnasrama Global Mission Presented by H.H. Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaja,
the module “Overview of Varnasrama GlobalMission” explained how varnasrama was a majortheme in all of Srila Prabhupada’s books, conversationsand lectures (2,300 references in the folio).
Varnasrama remains one of the most controversialthemes among our devotees and for the generalsociety, hence a need to seek clarifications.
Srila Prabhupada has given a standing order… 32 yearsago… to implement varnasrama…the next phase ofour movement.
2. Four Waves of ISKCON Presented by H.H. Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaja, the
module “Four Waves of ISKCON” summarized the fourmovements identified by Srila Prabhupada:
1. Sankirtan Movement (The Holy Names & Books)
2. Temple Worship Movement (Installing Deities)
3. Spiritual Initiation Movement (Congregations)
4. Classless Society Movement (Daivi Varnasrama)
3. Varnasrama Social Structure Presented by H.H. Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaja, the module“Varnasrama Social Structure” explained how varnasrama isthe ideal social system which is meant to best help meet the fourbasic needs of all individuals within society , beginning with:
(1) the physical bodily needs such as food and shelter,
(2) the mental needs,
(3) the social needs and
(4) the spiritual needs.
The Power Point was prepared by Jiva Tattva prabhu whooversees a varnasrama project in Spain.
4. Traditional Education Five Basic Principles
Presented by H.H. Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaja, themodule “Traditional Education, Five Basic Principles”can be summarized as follows:
1. Varëa education is based on “aptitude based learning” which leads to “aptitudebased occupations”.
2. Äçrama education teaches “phased lifelong learning”, from gradual awakeningof consciousness to full self-realization.
3. Varëäçrama education is meant to be the norm in society.
4. The five principles in traditional education are: (1) Definition, (2) Disposition,(3) Delivery, (4) Design and (5) Direction.
5. Bali Tradition in Relation to Varnasrama
Presented by Sriman Mahesvasa prabhu, the module “BaliTradition in Relation to Varnasrama” gave an overviewof the ancient customs and practices in Bali where one stillfinds the classification of varnas and asramas.
The one missing element has been the role of sannyasisalthough the Balinese people still know about those whoare described as “bikshu” or in the renounced order of life.
Due to having been disconnected with Indian culture formany centuries, some of the present Bali traditions havebeen mixed with other traditions from other Asiancountries.
The Balinese practices and customs today, however, stillreflect the high respect for dharma.
6. Varnasrama Projectsin Indonesia
Presented by Sriman Kisora Krsna prabhu, the module“Varnasrama Projects in Indonesia” covered the variousrural projects on the islands of Irian Jaya, Kalimantan,Sumatra, Java and Bali, all of which have one or morevarnasrama based projects.
A total of approximately 25 cows are being protected inthese various projects with self-sufficiency developing atdifferent rates in different projects.
The newest project is located on the island of Sumatra andcovers an area of some 400 hectare of land.
The largest number of cows being maintained are at LalitaPura Seva Kunja Asrama on the island of Kalimantan.
7. Land and Cows Basic Principles of Varnasrama
Presented by H.H. Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaja, themodule “Land and Cows, Basic Principles ofVarnasrama” covered the basic components which canhelp establish the varnasrama mission.
The basic pillars of varnasrama begin with well protectedcows and natural farming using the help of trained ox.
When this is in place, the brahminical culture can beestablished and maintained with brahmanas nicelyoverseeing the affairs of the varnasrama mission.
This will then allow for all members to become self-realized.
These three elements are essential: (1) land and cows, (2)brahmanas, (3) self-realization or Krishna consciousness.
8. Comparison of Islam and Hindu Traditional Education
Presented by Sriman Surya Locana Dasa fromYogyakarta, the module “Comparison of Islam andHindu Traditional Education” demonstrated howthe present Islamic system of Pondok Pesantren wasadapted from the traditional system of Gurukula,known then in Indonesia under the name “Mandala”.
The presentation was a summary of the Thesisprepared a few years ago by H.H. Bhakti RaghavaSwami Maharaja A Comparative Study of Gurukula andPondok Pesantren Traditional Educational Systems.
9. National Education in Indonesia Presented by Sriman Visvambhara Dasa from Bali, the
module “National Education in Indonesia” explainedhow the values presented under the varnasrama educationseminar were very vital to help re-assess the nationaleducation policies in Indonesia where there were someserious shortcomings in both the performance of teachersas well as students.
There is presently a move to distant oneself from “religion”and concentrate more on “spirituality” recognizing thedangers which are there in wanting to promote someparticular religion over another religion.
The Pancasila principles given by sages of yore remain aspillars to help guide present day national educationalpolicies but they are not always applied properly.
10. Gita Nagari Baru in Sumatra Presented by Sriman Sadbhuja Gauranga Dasa, the
module “Gita Nagari Baru in Sumatra” gave anoverview of the village community established since1999 with the help of graduate students from UnilaUniversity in Lampung.
The community now has over 100 residents comprisingof 30 families, with its own temple, school, town hall,clinic and various other facilities for the residents.
For the devotees of Indonesia, the Gita Nagari Barucommunity is the first officially recognized village bythe Indonesian Government.
11. Gurukula Traditional Education Presented by Sriman Bhagiratha Dasa, the module“Gurukula Traditional Education” explained the basicconcepts and principles behind traditional education.
Especially stressed were the five components of thetraditional education underlying the need for studyingmaterial from traditional sources, the need for studyingunder qualified teachers who are devotees and the need fora sattvik environment away from congested areas.
Students from such an educational background will thenbe ideal persons to help establish the varnasrama mission.
D- SPECIAL GUESTSGurukula in the Making Sriman Dhrita Atma Dasa
Sriman Dhrita Atma prabhu hasbeen one of the earlier pioneersto help introduce Krishnaconsciousness all over Indonesiagoing back many many years. Hehas brought hundreds of peopleto devotional service andcontinues to inspire newcomersto Krishna consciousness. Theseyoung boys took part in the Baliseminar attending the MangalaAratika program and learningthe chanting of the holy names.
SPECIAL GUESTSSriman PundarikaVidyanidhi Dasa
MC at Bali Seminar
Sriman Pundarika Vidyanidhiprabhu is a full time teacherin one of the local schools ofBali. He is one of the templecommittee members involvedin overseeing the affairs ofthe Gaura Hari Asrama. Hehelps in translating classesgiven by visiting Sannyasis.He agreed to be Master ofCeremony at the seminar.
SPECIAL GUESTSSriman Sarva Darshi Dasa Movies in the Making
Sriman Sarva Darshi prabhu hasbeen producing videos fordevotees since many years. Hespecializes in special events andsingle-handedly records andinterviews devotees involved inspreading the holy name. Hiscollection of photos, recordingsand videos is a treasure house ofdevotional service for theBalinese devotees.
SPECIAL GUESTSEnthusiastic as Ever Sriman Prana Krishna Dasa
Although now in his eighties,Sriman Prana Krishna prabhuattends to important functionsand is one of the activeparticipants always sharing histhoughts and ideas. Heexpressed his great appreciationfor the varnasrama seminarclaiming that the concept ofVedic life-long education(asramas) will one day be arevolutionary concept for thepeople of Indonesia.
SPECIAL GUESTSSriman Krsna Prema Dasa Visiting Gita Nagari Baru
Sriman Krsna Prema prabhu is agraduate in agriculture from theUnila Univesrity, Lampung. Heoversees the activities ofPrahlada and Kunti Devi Asramawhich was established in theyear 1997. Sriman Krsna Premaprabhu has travelled to bothMalaysia and Cambodia to assistin the varnasrama mission. Hewill soon travel to India to learnmore about village technologiesand traditional farming.
SPECIAL GUESTSReceiving Certificate Sriman Sumana Dasa
Sriman Sumana prabhu hasbeen a full time student atPrahlada-Kunti Asrama inLampung. He graduated in2009 from Unila Universityand he will now undertakeintensive training in variousvarnasrama projects inIndonesia. He attended theBali Seminar as part of histraining.
E- SEMINAR SCENESREGISTRATION SEMINAR BANNER
SEMINAR SCENESLEARNING TO CHANT SOOTHING BHAJANS
SEMINAR SCENESFULL DANDAVATS COMPUTERS AT WORK
SEMINAR SCENESGOOD ATTENDANCE GURU PUJA
SEMINAR SCENESJAYA MAHA PRASADAM! LEARNING MRDANGA
SEMINAR SCENESMRDANGA LESSONS SRI SRI RADHA MADHAVA
SEMINAR SCENESRECEIVING CERTIFICATE PARTICIPANTS
SEMINAR SCENESBOOK INAUGURATION THE CERTIFICATE
F. CONCLUSION The Bali Varnasrama Global Mission Seminar held on
August 1st and 2nd – 2009 attracted devotees from differentparts of Indonesia including Bali, Java, Sumatra, Lombokand Kalimantan. Close to 100 delegates attended the twoday seminar with 7 Speakers giving their respectivepresentations.
The occasion also commemorated the launching of the newbook VARNASRAMA EDUCATION (PENDIDIKANVARNASRAMA) in the local Bahasa Indonesia language.
The organizers also officially announced the opening of theGaura Hari Varnasrama College to be headed up byBhagavat Shastri Sriman Bhagiratha Dasa.
By Lord Krishna’s mercy and the mercy of the devotees, theevent was a grand success. Hare Krsna!
FINAL CONCLUSION
HARE KRISHNA HARE KRISHNA
KRISHNA KRISHNA HARE HARE
HARE RAMA HARE RAMA
RAMA RAMA HARE HARE
Sriman Bhagiratha das
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Name Sriman Bhagiratha das
Age and Gender 30, Male
Country/Province of Origin Indonesia, Bali
Educational Degree and Year Bhakti Sastri, Bhagavat Sastri/2006
Educational Institution Srimad-Bhagavat Vidyapitham/Govardhan
Professional Work/Experience Teacher
Affiliation with ISKCON Since 1998
Present Service in ISKCON In Memory 19-04-12
