The presentation Dharma Shastri prepared by H.H. Bhakti Raghava Swami Maharaja is a series of five Modules that introduce the basic principles for social reform and curriculum design from a varnasrama perspective:
- Overview
- Introduction
- Varnashrama Dharma
- Bhagavat Dharma
- Practical Application.
The Overview Module provides a brief understanding of the content of the entire seminar, which consists of five parts. Reference books and websites for further study are listed at the end of each presentation.
The Introduction Module explains the terminology and key principles. One of these principles is the two characteristics of Sanatana Dharma, Varnashrama and Bhagavata Dharma. The presentation also explains in detail the place of the system of Daiva Varnashrama Dharma in the context of Sambandha, Abhidheya, and Prayojana Jnana.
The Varnashrama Dharma Module explains the concept of the four movements of ISKCON. It also explains the role of the dvijas, i.e., brahmanas, ksatriyas, and vaisyas, specifically their qualities and duties. The presentation then introduces the Catur Vidya, or the four Vedic sciences, which are basically the curriculum for each of the varnas, especially for the dvijas mentioned above.
The Bhagavat Dharma Module deals essentially with the topic of tattva as found in our main Vaisnava literatures such as Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and Bhakti Rasamrita Sindu (Nectar of Devotion). It also summarises the works of Srila Jiva Goswami and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura in the matter of tattva in their books, Sat Sandarbha and Dasa Mula Tattva.
The Practical Application Module provides a guide to applying the teachings of Daiva Varnashrama Dharma to ISKCON in general, to urban temples, to rural projects, to individuals, and to society at large. The importance of the essential components of the Varnashrama social system, such as traditional Gurukulas, Varnashrama Colleges, and rural communities, is explained in this presentation. The presentation concludes with six action ideas for sustainability that are applicable to both individuals and local communities.
The Bhagavat Dharma Module deals essentially with the topic of tattva as found in our main Vaisnava literatures such as Bhagavad-gita, Srimad-Bhagavatam, and Bhakti Rasamrita Sindu (Nectar of Devotion). It also summarises the works of Srila Jiva Goswami and Srila Bhaktivinoda Thakura in the matter of tattva in their books, Sat Sandarbha and Dasa Mula Tattva.
The Practical Application Module provides a guide to applying the teachings of Daiva Varnashrama Dharma to ISKCON in general, to urban temples, to rural projects, to individuals, and to society at large. The importance of the essential components of the Varnashrama social system, such as traditional Gurukulas, Varnashrama Colleges, and rural communities, is explained in this presentation. The presentation concludes with six action ideas for sustainability that are applicable to both individuals and local communities.