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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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Niyama

From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia

By Swami Harshananda

Niyama literally means ‘that which restrains’.

Niyama as per Yogasutras[edit]

In the most general sense, the word ‘niyama’ means a rule or discipline. This includes things that are ordained or prohibited, especially during the observance of vratas or religious vows. In the Yogasutras of Patañjali[1] it forms the second of the eight steps of yoga and comprises these five disciplines:[2]

  1. Śauca - cleanliness
  2. Santoṣa - contentment
  3. Svādhyāya - study of scriptures
  4. Tapas - austerity
  5. Īśvara praṇidhāna - devotion to God and dedication of the fruits of work

Niyama as per Hathayogapradīpikā[edit]

The Hathayogapradīpikā[3] gives a longer list of disciplines under niyama. They are:

  1. Tapas - austerity
  2. Santoṣa - contentment
  3. Āstikya - faith in God
  4. Dāna - giving gifts, charity
  5. Īśvarapujana - worship of God
  6. Siddhānta-vākyaśravaṇa - listening to the statements of the scriptures
  7. Hrī - modesty
  8. Mati - discerning mind
  9. Japa - repetition of mantras
  10. Huta - sacrifice, oblations in duly consecrated fire

Niyama as per Sanskrit Grammar[edit]

In Sanskrit grammar it refers to a restricting rule as prevailing over a general rule.


References[edit]

  1. ↑ He lived in 200 B. C.
  2. ↑ Yogasutras 2.32
  3. ↑ Hathayogapradīpikā 1.17
  • The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore

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Deval Sancheti

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