When I first became a mother, I found myself facing a question I never expected: What will I teach my children about our faith, our culture, and our heritage?

 

At that point, I realized that my knowledge of Sanatana Dharma or Hinduism, its scriptures, and rituals was incredibly limited. Growing up in India, I had some basic understanding — a few prayers, a general sense of our festivals — but nothing deep enough to pass on to my children.

 

I began to panic. 

 

How could I teach my kids about Hinduism when I barely understood it myself? 

 

My spiritual knowledge was practically zero. But this realization, though unsettling at first, soon became the spark for my own path of discovery.

 

The Spark of a New Beginning

 

The turning point came when a friend, who had grown up in the U.S., shared something that would change everything for me. She told me about a Vedic Heritage Teaching Program offered by Arsha Vidya Gurukulam, an ashram in Pennsylvania. This program was designed to help children learn about Hindu culture, values, and rituals in a way that was accessible and engaging. 

 

In those pre-internet days, gathering information wasn’t as simple as a Google search. My friend had to call the ashram and request the teaching materials, and soon after, a set of three books arrived in the mail. There was one for elementary school children, one for middle school, and one for high school. These books became my first real resource for understanding on a deeper level. 

 

With these materials in hand, I had an idea: Why not start a ‘Gurukul’ — a traditional school — for our community? We were living in a small town in Indiana, and there were about 40 Hindu families. My friend and I decided to give it a try. 

 

We found a meeting room in a local mall that would let us use the space for free, and we began offering classes. It was a small start, but it felt powerful. My friend and I taught the kids, with me focusing on the younger ones and her working with the older children. 

 

It was around this time that the Harry Potter books were just becoming popular, and reality TV shows like Survivor were all the rage. It was a challenge to make ancient teachings feel relevant to kids raised in a completely different cultural environment, but I found creative ways to bridge the gap. We tied the lessons from our shastras (sacred texts) to these modern-day stories and events. For example, we used the Survivor series to teach kids about the importance of values — those who strayed from the path of dharma were eliminated, while those who followed it were rewarded.

 

It was a fun and interactive way to connect the dots for the kids, and they loved it. Over time, I could see that they were not only learning the stories and values but also internalizing them. That was the beginning of my deeper connection to my own heritage.

 

Meeting Swamiji: A Life-Changing Encounter

​

As I continued teaching, I was introduced to Swami Dayananda Saraswati (Swamiji) through the Vedic Heritage Teaching Program. The more I learned from him, the more my understanding of Hinduism shifted. Swamiji’s ability to explain complex spiritual concepts in such a logical, accessible way was revolutionary for me. He had a way of presenting the shastras — the Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads — that was both profound and practical. 

 

For the first time, I experienced a deep sense of reverence and respect for our tradition. It was like a veil had been lifted, and the teachings, which had once seemed distant or confusing, now felt like a living, breathing part of my life. Swamiji would often say, “The truth is simple, but not always easy.” This resonated with me deeply. The wisdom of the shastras wasn’t just about abstract concepts or spiritual ideals — it was a practical guide to living a meaningful, purposeful life.

 

Overcoming Doubt and Skepticism

 

Growing up in India, I had always been surrounded by conflicting views of gurus and spiritual leaders. Some people revered them, while others were openly skeptical. I had experienced this firsthand when a friend’s family, who were ardent devotees of Kanchi Swamiji, went through a difficult period. The controversies surrounding spiritual leaders and the media’s portrayal of them made me question everything I’d been taught. Like many others, I was skeptical. 

 

But Swamiji’s teachings helped me to slowly overcome this skepticism. He didn’t ask me to believe blindly or unquestioningly. Instead, he encouraged us to let the teachings work through us. To experience them for ourselves. This was a crucial shift for me. As I began to immerse myself more deeply in his teachings, I found that the doubts I had harbored were slowly fading away. I was finally able to approach the tradition with a sense of trust and reverence — something I had never thought possible.

 

A Slow and Steady Transformation

 

My journey wasn’t overnight. 

 

It was a slow and steady process, one that unfolded over many years. But teaching the children, learning from Swamiji, and applying these teachings in my own life all played a part in my transformation. I started to see Hinduism not just as a religion or a set of rituals, but as a complete way of living — a framework for understanding life, our purpose in it, and how to navigate its inevitable ups and downs.

 

Through Swamiji’s teachings, I began to learn that Hinduism is a Darshana, a “view” — a lens through which we can understand the world, and a “vision” — a perspective that shapes how we engage with ourselves, others, and the universe. 

 

This vision provided me with a sense of equanimity and balance in my own life. I could face challenges with more calmness and clarity, knowing that the teachings of the shastras were not only relevant but essential for living a harmonious life in the modern world.

 

Passing It On

 

Today, my passion is to pass on the wisdom of our ancestors to anyone who is open to learning. The beauty of Hinduism is that it is not bound by time, culture, or geography. The teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads are universal and can help anyone navigate life’s challenges — whether they are deeply involved in rituals or simply seeking guidance on how to live with greater peace and understanding. 

 

I encourage others to embark on their own journey of discovery. Hinduism offers tools for mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being that can benefit anyone. Even if someone isn’t practicing the rituals or following the traditional paths, they can still benefit from the values and wisdom that Hinduism teaches. These teachings are timeless, practical, and available to all who are willing to open their hearts and minds.

 

Why Hinduism is Relevant Today

 

In today’s fast-paced, often chaotic world, many people are searching for meaning and stability. Hinduism offers a way to navigate the complexities of life with wisdom and grace. The tools it provides — tools for mental clarity, emotional resilience, and spiritual growth — are more relevant now than ever before. Hinduism teaches us how to face life’s challenges with equanimity and wisdom, helping us to stay grounded even when the world around us seems to be in turmoil.

 

For me, the journey of rediscovering Hinduism has been life changing. Through these teachings, I have found a way to reconnect with my roots, embrace my heritage, and pass on a rich, timeless tradition to the next generation.

 

This is why I encourage others to embark on their own path of discovery. Whether you are a young child or an adult, the wisdom of Hinduism offers something valuable for everyone. It’s a way of living that has the power to transform the individual, the family, the community, and the world.