Scriptural Topic - 12 Simple techniques to practice for a healthy memory explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - Simple techniques to sharpen our memory explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - How to expel negativity from your mind explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - Signification of Symbolism explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - A contrast between two avatars explained by Hersh Khetarpal Shri Ram & Shri Krishna https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - Essential doctrine in Sanatan Dharam Ahimsa / Vegetarianism explained by Hersh Khetarpal Core Principles of Ahimsa. The Three Forms of Violence: Himsa (harm) is committed in three ways, and Ahimsa seeks to avoid all of them:Physical: Causing bodily harm or killing.Verbal: Harming others through harsh words, gossip, or insults.Mental: Harboring ill-will, anger, or malicious thoughts towards anyone. The Foundation of Dharma: Ahimsa is considered the highest duty (Ahimsa Paramo Dharma). It serves as the very first Yama (moral restraint) in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.Contextual Violence and Protecting DharmaIn Sanatan Dharma, Ahimsa is a principle of "least harm," not absolute pacifism. It makes a crucial distinction between violence born of greed/malice and necessary violence used to uphold Dharma (righteousness): Dharma Yuddha: Protecting the innocent, defending the nation, or stopping evil is a moral obligation. If peaceful negotiations fail, taking up arms to fight injustice is the righteous path, as illustrated in the epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Everyday Practice Vegetarianism: Abstaining from meat is a major expression of Ahimsa, as it deliberately avoids causing pain and death to animals for personal pleasure.Environmental Harmony: It encourages protecting the environment, as recognizing the divine in all creations leads to a deep respect for nature. https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

YSA 05.20.26 Scriptural Topic - How can we improve our spiritual life according to Bhagavad Puran explained by Hersh Khetarpal https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - Essential doctrine in Sanatan Dharam Ahimsa / Vegetarianism explained by Hersh Khetarpal Core Principles of Ahimsa. The Three Forms of Violence: Himsa (harm) is committed in three ways, and Ahimsa seeks to avoid all of them:Physical: Causing bodily harm or killing.Verbal: Harming others through harsh words, gossip, or insults.Mental: Harboring ill-will, anger, or malicious thoughts towards anyone. The Foundation of Dharma: Ahimsa is considered the highest duty (Ahimsa Paramo Dharma). It serves as the very first Yama (moral restraint) in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.Contextual Violence and Protecting DharmaIn Sanatan Dharma, Ahimsa is a principle of "least harm," not absolute pacifism. It makes a crucial distinction between violence born of greed/malice and necessary violence used to uphold Dharma (righteousness): Dharma Yuddha: Protecting the innocent, defending the nation, or stopping evil is a moral obligation. If peaceful negotiations fail, taking up arms to fight injustice is the righteous path, as illustrated in the epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. Everyday Practice Vegetarianism: Abstaining from meat is a major expression of Ahimsa, as it deliberately avoids causing pain and death to animals for personal pleasure.Environmental Harmony: It encourages protecting the environment, as recognizing the divine in all creations leads to a deep respect for nature. https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/

Scriptural Topic - 4 Ashrams & 16 Sanskaars explained by Hersh Khetarpal The four stages of Hindu life, known as ashramas, are traditional, age-based phases designed to guide individuals toward balanced living and spiritual liberation. They include the student (Brahmacharya), householder (Grihastha), retired/forest dweller (Vanaprastha), and renunciate (Sannyasa) stages, fostering duty, family life, and detachment. The Four Ashramas (Stages of Life): 1. Brahmacharya (Student Stage): Focuses on education, celibacy, and learning discipline under a guru. This stage prepares the individual for future life responsibilities through academic and spiritual training. 2. Grihastha (Householder Stage): Begins with marriage and focuses on pursuing a career, raising a family, and contributing to society. This is considered the backbone of social life, balancing duty, pleasure, and wealth. 3. Vanaprastha (Retirement/Forest Dweller Stage): Involves gradual withdrawal from material life, often starting when grandchildren arrive. It is a time for reflection, advisory roles, and transitioning focus from material pursuits to spiritual ones. 4. Sannyasa (Renunciate Stage): A stage of total renunciation of material desires and social obligations, focusing solely on spiritual enlightenment and liberation (moksha). The individual may live as a wandering ascetic 16 Sanskars In Hinduism, the 16 Sanskars (also known as Shodasha Samskaras) are sacred rites of passage that mark significant transitions in an individual's life, from before birth to after death. Deeply rooted in the Vedas and Dharmashastras, these rituals are designed to purify the soul, refine character, and guide a person toward spiritual and moral growth. I. Pre-Natal Sanskars (Before Birth) These rituals focus on the parents' health and the mental well-being of the mother to ensure a virtuous and healthy child. 1. Garbhadhana (Conception): A prayerful ritual performed by a married couple before conception to invoke a noble soul into the womb. 2. Pumsavana (Fetus Protection): Usually performed in the 2nd or 3rd month of pregnancy to ensure the physical and mental health of the fetus. 3. Simantonnayana (Hair-Parting): A baby shower-like ceremony held in the 7th or 8th month where the mother is honored to ensure her mental peace and a safe delivery. II. Childhood Sanskars (Birth to Early Learning) These milestones celebrate the child's entry into the world and early developmental stages. 4. Jatakarma (Birth Ritual): Performed immediately after birth; the father welcomes the baby, often whispering sacred mantras and offering a drop of honey and ghee. 5. Namakarana (Naming): Held on the 11th day or later, where the child is given a formal name based on their birth star (Nakshatra). 6. Nishkramana (First Outing): Conducted in the 4th month, when the baby is formally introduced to nature, the sun, and the moon. 7. Annaprashana (First Solid Food): Usually in the 6th month, marking the transition from breastfeeding to solid foods like rice. 8. Chudakarana (Mundan): The first head shaving ritual, typically between ages 1 and 3, symbolizing a fresh start and the removal of impurities from past lives. 9. Karnavedha (Ear Piercing): Performed between ages 1 and 5; it is believed to have health benefits and increase hearing competence. III. Educational Sanskars (Adolescence and Study) These rites initiate the student into formal education and spiritual discipline. 10. Vidyarambha (Commencement of Learning): Celebrated around age 5, the child is initiated into writing the first letters, often beginning with "Om". 11. Upanayana (Sacred Thread): One of the most significant rites, marking the "second birth" into spiritual discipline and the start of formal schooling. 12. Vedarambha (Vedic Study): The formal beginning of studying the Vedas and scriptures under a Guru. 13. Keshanta (First Shave): A coming-of-age ceremony for boys (shaving the first beard) or the first period for girls (Ritushuddhi), signaling puberty. 14. Samavartana (Graduation): Performed after the completion of studies when the student is ready to return home from the Gurukul and enter adult life. IV. Adult and End-of-Life Sanskars The final stages focus on family duties, retirement, and the soul's transition. 15. Vivaha (Marriage): Considered the most important social and spiritual ritual, establishing a lifelong partnership for shared growth and duty. 16. Antyeshti (Final Rites): The funeral rituals performed after death, return the body to the elements and release the soul for its next journey. https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/scripturalreadings To join these live classes followed by Q & A with Hersh Khetarpal send a request at the email below for the zoom link, Attention to Gina Loftus yogsadhanashramusa@gmail.com https://www.yogsadhanashram-usa.org/