LEVEL 1 PROGRAM

Pranām Level 1 explores some of the defining aspects of Hindu Civilization. It facilitates critical self-reflection on some of the subconscious cultural biases within North American Christian communities. It also exposes participants to cultural skills they can develop to overcome their own subconscious cultural biases. Level 1 consists of 30 learning modules and 10-14 hours of guided community interaction.

Modules in this level cover topics like: the complexity of defining Hinduism, valuing cultural diversity in worship, understanding cultural expectations and responsibilities within Hindu society, valuing collectivist identity when coming from any culture that prioritizes individualism, the shaping of Hindu identity throughout Indian history, sacred Hindu scriptures and their influence on Hindu society today, how our culturally defined cognitive processes influence how we relate to reality, exploring the value of orality within Hindu communities and ancient Biblical source communities, non-verbal and holistic communication in sacred space, the influence of the bhakti movements on Hindu civilization, the iterative nature of relating to the teachings and life example of Lord Jesus, a look at the mythology that informs what each Hindu religio-cultural community values, understanding the diversity within Hindu theologies, how our understanding of spiritual realities influences how we relate to the world around us, and incarnational communication.

LEVEL 2 PROGRAM

Pranām Level 2 explores some of the most acute religio-cultural sensitivities between people from Hindu communities and people from North American Christian communities. It facilitates critical self-reflection on specific assumptions within North American Christian communities that cause those sensitivities. It also exposes participants to cultural skills they can develop to overcome those specific assumptions. Level 2 consists of 12 learning modules and 10-14 hours of guided community interaction.

Modules in this level cover topics like: avoiding cultural separatism within religio-cultural communities, valuing Hindu identity, responding to communal barriers, developing oral communication styles, exploring cultural value paradigms, untranslated vocabulary and its hindrances to understanding, valuing non-verbal communication, becoming a better storyteller, living authentically alongside another religio-cultural community, social justice within Hindu society, women and gender within Hindu society, understanding the value of prasād within Hindu culture, and storytelling workshops.