Spreading Vedic Traditions Through Temples After forty years of managing Vedic temples or Mandirs in many different ways, as well as traveling all over India and seeing how others utilize successful plans, Stephen Knapp has put together a book that explains the most important programs that any temple can use for more effectively protecting and perpetuating the Vedic traditions. In a non-sectarian way, he lists and describes how the Dharmic temples of all kinds can increase their congregations as well as engage their members in service to help in maintaining the temples and traditions, and expanding their influence. Some of what is included are: *The primary mission of the temple. *Services the guests can easily offer in seva to the temple or deity. *Giving Vedic culture to the next generation. *Temple classes, the Sunday program and children's schools and youth camps. *Vedic temples as centers of sacred knowledge. *The power of adult study groups, cultural and outreach programs, and festivals. *Utilizing temple restaurants, gift shops, exhibits, and support groups. *Ways of reaching more people, both in India and the USA. *The need and ways for promotion, and radio, television, and newspapers. *An action plan on how to cultivate Vedic culture in America. *Attracting and welcoming non-Indians and Western seekers for more support. *Starting a spiritual revolution in India and elsewhere. *Working with priests, rituals, and teaching the culture and traditions. *Unifying and organizing the Vedic community. This book covers many more methods that are not merely ideas, but are already being used in practical and successful ways to help preserve, promote and spread what is the last bastion of deep spiritual truth. Using these techniques as the basis of your ideas, your temple cannot help but be successful.
About the Author: Stephen Knapp has studied the major Vedic texts of India and practiced yoga and the Eastern teachings for 45 years. He has traveled throughout India and has a collection of over 17,000 slides and images of the many holy places and temples he has visited. He has authored over twenty well-received books on Vedic culture and Eastern spirituality. He also regularly gives lectures at various venues both in America and in India. He is also the president of the Vedic Friends Association, and Chairman of the Board of the Local Krishna temple. There is much more information about him on his website: www.stephen-knapp.com and http: //stephenknapp.info, and at http: //stephenknapp.wordpress.com.