Pandit Lakhram Maharaj holds special Sunday afternoon lessons for students on ‘reading’ the Hindu scriptures at Tulsi Mandir on 111 St., off Liberty Ave. Lakhram ji is the founder and spiritual leader of the mandir. Sessions have focused on reading, translating in English, and interpreting the Bhagawat Gita – pronunciation of the words and verses and comprehending the 18 chapters. Several youngsters have been attending the small sessions.
As pandit Lakhram explains, the lessons with the small group of kids is a perfect way to train them to know the scriptures and be able to interpret and explain the Hindu holy books to others. The pandit trains the youngsters not just to read the words in the holy Gita but to process, internalize, and put it into practice.
The pandit wants the public, Hindus in particular, to know and understand Gita in its entirety so that Hinduism will thrive in earnest. Pandit Lakhram feels being able to read the Gita and other scriptures should be made a community event in which all mandirs send youngsters to be trained. He is willing to teach students from other mandirs.
The pandit wants Hindus to be proud of their faith and to know their scriptures so as to combat conversion. Indeed, it should be a badge of honor to know the Hindu scriptures.
By Vishnu Bisram
