Experience of Portraying Hinduism in Schools in London

January 28, 2002

Again I share my experience of Portraying Hinduism in

schools in London.

This morning I was asked to make a presentation on

'Relevance of Religions' to the sixth formers (17-18 year olds)

at Edgware School in North London. There were about 120 students

from various religious backgrounds:- About 20 pct Hindus,

20 pct Muslims, 20 pct atheists and 40 percent Christians.

By the grace of our mentor my presentations were well received.

Some of the interesting things I observe I wish to share with the list :-

(1) The greatest love (as I saw) for the subject matter was

from the youngsters of the host nation. The Muslims youngsters

were very quiet and very attentive. You can see that they are taken

aback with what they hear. It was certainly not what they expected

to hear! But they were reserved in their attitude.

The Hindu youngsters laugh nervously -- they are so uneasy

about their faith -- so worried that it may appear weak in the eyes

of their peers -- so uncomfortable with religion!

(2) The ones who were strongly atheistic came through the best.

At the end of presentation, there were three or four who

kept returning to the room where I was conducting the classes

and shaking my hand. They were clearly touched.....magic of

our mentor!! For me, this is very rewarding experience.

Eyes sparkling in the name of spirituality!

I risk upsetting some of my colleagues when I say this but

I am relating to you truthfully what I have experienced.

I have no reason to cast aspersions on the Hindu youth,

and yet let me say again: The reaction I get from the

youngsters of the host nation is very very touching and

makes me very excited about the future of Vedanta in the West.

The teachings of Vivekananda will flourish here in no

minor manner.

jay

Vivekananda Centre London

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