A Live Discussion on Ātmā and Prakṛti (June 2025)

2025, Monthly Articles

This Month’s Assignment: Let’s Talk—A Live Discussion on Ātmā and Prakṛti

Dear Kids,

This month’s assignment is a little different—and exciting!
Instead of writing and presenting, we will be coming together for a live group discussion.

What’s Different This Time?

Last month, we explored the three eternal realities described in the Rigveda:

  • Paramātmā – the Supreme Soul (God),
  • Ātmā – the individual soul (you), and
  • Prakṛti – the material world (Nature).

We did this through stories like Nachiketa’s search for truth, and through reflections inspired by Swami Dayanand Saraswati’s Rigvedādi Bhāṣya Bhūmikā.

This month, we will zoom in on just two of these:
 Ātmā and Prakṛti—the soul and nature.

And instead of preparing a speech or article, your task is to come prepared to reflect and speak freely during a live conversation.

What Should I Do to Prepare?

Simple! Just review what we’ve learned so far. Then reflect on these questions, which we will use as conversation starters in our session:

Discussion Prompts

  1. What is the difference between the soul (Ātmā) and the body (made of Prakṛti)?
  2. Can you recall a time when you acted from your soul—calmly, wisely, kindly?
  3. Why do you think it’s important to know that you are a soul and not just a body?
  4. How does knowing Prakṛti is not alive help us understand how nature really works?
  5. Do you see examples where people treat their body or appearance as the most important thing? What happens because of that?
  6. Imagine your soul as the rider and the body as the bicycle. What makes a good ride?
  7. If both Ātmā and Prakṛti are eternal, how are they different?
  8. What do you think Swami Dayanand meant when he said knowledge leads to freedom?

A Note on Speaking in the Discussion

You don’t need to memorize anything. This is not a test.
This is a chance to:

  • Ask questions
  • Share your thoughts
  • Listen and learn from others

Whatever you do, do it from the heart.

 So What’s Next?

📖 Step 1: Revisit last month’s lesson on Ātmā, Paramātmā, and Prakṛti
💭 Step 2: Think through the questions above
🗣️ Step 3: Join the live discussion session and share your voice!

Together, let’s not just learn Vedic wisdom—let’s live it through reflection, community, and thoughtful conversation.

Happy reflecting, and see you in the circle! 

Regards,

Harsh Mendiratta

www.hawan.net