From Knowing to Living: Reflecting on Our Year of Vedic Learning (November 2025)

In January 2025, we began yet another multi-year journey of learning, reflection, and evolution — exploring the timeless wisdom of the Vedic scriptures. Ten months later, as we prepare to pause and reflect, we look back at the milestones, discussions, and realizations that shaped this beautiful journey together.

Throughout the year, we encountered some of the most profound concepts — Dharma, Vedas, Upanishads, Ātmā, Prakṛti, and Karma. Each of these ideas carries layers of meaning, and each one invited us to look deeper within ourselves. 

• When we first learn a new concept, our focus is often on comprehension — What does it mean? 
• But now, as we review the year, our focus shifts to connection — How does it apply to me?

Assignment: From Knowing to Living

This month, we will review the teachings from the past ten months and reflect on how they have begun to take root in our own lives.
Think of this not as a test of memory, but as a calm and peaceful reflection — of how much more consciously we think, act, and respond today than we did at the beginning of the year.

We are moving from knowing to living — from reading about Vedic values to recognizing them in our daily choices.

Please write a short reflection (1–2 paragraphs) answering these guiding questions:

1. What concept from this year resonated with you the most, and why?
   (Was it Dharma? Karma? The story of Nachiketa? The law of cause and effect?)
2. How have you seen this concept appear in your daily life?
   Be specific — think of real situations at home, in school, or with friends where you applied what you learned.
3. What has changed in you because of this learning?
   Have you become more patient, grateful, disciplined, kind, or thoughtful? What part of your daily behavior now reflects your understanding of Vedic values?

A Few Gentle Hints to Help You Reflect

• When you think of Dharma, reflect on your role — as a student, child, or friend — and how you try to do what’s right, even when it’s hard.
• When you recall the Vedas and Upanishads, remember their spirit of questioning and curiosity. Have you become more open to learning and exploring truth?
• When you think about Ātmā and Prakṛti, ask yourself: Do I recognize what truly belongs to me (my soul) and what is just temporary (my surroundings)?
• When reflecting on Karma, notice the invisible law at work — how good intentions bring good outcomes, and how our choices ripple outward.
• Think of the value of respecting parents and elders, being a giver more than a taker, or sharing kindness without expecting reward — all are reflections of living dharmically :-).

Again, this exercise is not about recalling facts. It is about realization — how ancient teachings have begun to influence your life. By revisiting each concept, you strengthen the connection between what you’ve learned and who you are becoming. As the year closes, we just take a pause – not stop – to let the knowledge we’ve gathered settle within us, quietly shaping our thoughts and actions. That is how Vedic wisdom lives – not just in books, but in hearts.

As always, make us proud!

Regards,

Harsh Mendiratta

www.hawan.net