Let’s go on a journey to

revive our values

Index

Master slide
What’s Mythology?
Mythological Story-Raja Harishchandra
Ancient Values-Sources
Ancient Values-Classification
Value Tree
Value System-Ancient Times
Value System-Modern Times
Ancient Values in Modern Times
Ancient Values in modern Times-continued…
What is Mythology?

 The word "myth" comes from the Greek word mythos, which means a
spoken or written story. A collection of myths is called a
"mythology." The purpose of a myth is to explain human experience.
Many events in a myth are not realistic or based on fact, since the
message communicated by the story is more important than telling
about an actual event.
 These myths were descended to us from our ancestors, so
sometimes these stories are not very accurate. In this presentation,
we are focusing on learnings from mythological stories
 Indian mythology dates back to 7200 B.C. when the first hymns of
the RIGA VEDA was composed. The hymns of the RIG VEDA are the
first and the freshest expressions of the sense of beauty and
gladness awakened in the Aryan race by the charms and the bounty
of nature. What began as a celebration of natural elements such as
Air, Water and Fire was converted into the worship of cosmic
elements
Mythological Story– Raja Harishchandra
Raja Harishchandra was a truthful king. He
was the 36th king of the solar dynasty. His
legend is very popular and often told as a
benchmark for an ideal life. He was renowned
for his piety and justice. His name is Sanskrit
for "having golden splendor". Harishchandra
had two unique qualities. The first being, he
kept his word and never went back on what he
uttered as a promise. The other being, he
never uttered a lie in his life. These twin
qualities were tested heavily in his life by
various circumstances that led him to penury
and separation from his family. But he stood to
his principles in the face of all ordeals and
persevered to become a symbol of courage.

Moral- We should always speak the truth.

Ancient Values – Sources

•Upanishads • Elders/Teachers • Puja/Havan

•Panchtantra • Plays/Drama • Festivals
•Jatakas • Books/comics
•Mahabharata • Movies/TV
•Bhagwad Gita shows
•Ramayana
 Ancient Value - Classification
‘Me and Me’ Values are practiced by the individual alone, without reference to his
or her social relationships, and without assistance from others.
These include : Cleanliness; Dignity of labor; Diligence; Perseverance;
Determination; Fortitude; Courage; Self-reliance; Excellence; Hope; Meditation;
Self-analysis.

‘Me and You’ Values are those that necessitate interaction between two or more
individuals. These include: Patience; Dutifulness; Courtesy; Love; Peace &
harmony; Magnanimity; Humility; Being a good sports-person; Honesty;
Tolerance Charity.

‘Me and Society’ Values attributes, involve wider interactions with the society,
nation and the world. These include : Sharing; Team spirit; Dialogue; Justice;
Sympathy; Hospitality; Non-violence; Peace & Harmony.

‘Me and God’ Values involve an individual's relationship with her or his maker.
These include: Prayer; Worship; Gratitude; Service; Witnessing God in nature;
Righteous behavior; and Pursuits for salvation.
Value Tree

Determination Gratitude

Honesty Kindness
Perseverance
Compassion
Respect Patience
towards the Tolerance
needy Dignity
Forgiveness Peace of labor
Charity
Humility Worship
Mercifulness Team spirit
Value system-Ancient Times
 Ancient values were orally passed for generations from person to person.
These values are passed in the form of stories, legends, rituals, songs & even
laws.

 People used to follow the teachings, inputs of religious leaders, elders and
scriptures and incorporated them in their day-to-day life.

 These teachings, values and learnings were passed on from one generation to
other generation through word of mouth, story telling, street plays, folklore,
songs, poems and scriptures.

 People practiced the values that they were taught to them.

 Mythological stories were recited orally and spread the meaning of the story.
 Dignity of labor, courage, humility etc. were given importance.
Value system-Modern Times

 Modern education system is trying to inculcate ancient values through

value education classes and extra curriculum.

 There is no medium of exposure for the new generation to understand

and adopt ancient mythological values.

 Due to nuclear families and working parents the spread of ancient moral
values in diminishing.

 In extended families, elders and grandparents are struggling to pass on

the value legacy to the next generation.

 Festivities, family functions and social/religious gatherings are the major

source of ancient value spread.
Ancient Values in Modern Times
Elderly people are important in our modern society. They teach us;
respect, manners and appreciation of things, they have many skills and
much experience to offer us, if we choose to listen to what they have to
say. Children always learn by the examples set by the elders. They pass
on their experience and values to the younger generation. When we
accept their word of wisdom we can incorporate the ancient values in
modern times.

Ancient literature be it fictional or non-fictional and scriptures pass on

the values and morals of the ancient times to the modern youth. Public
libraries, museums and data repositories enable this information to be
passed on to the next generation.

Ancient Philosophical studies both eastern & western have enough

context of ancient value system which can be incorporated in modern
society through subject specialization, research & thesis & special
educational streams.
Ancient values in modern times – continued….
Modern Education system: The onus of introducing the Ancient morals
& values to the modern youth falls on the educational system &
Institutions. The educational system should have special focus on
values in the educational curriculum through morning prayers, chanting
of holy mantras, performing havans, educational tours, holding seminars
& workshops.

Rituals & festivities:

festivities Festivals & family functions expose the present
generation to the rituals & values attached to the customs which are
passed on from generation to generation.