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CHAPTER 6: DISCUSSION OF THE SURVEY RESULTS
6.5. Discussion of Objective Four: Identification and analysis of electronic formats used to preserve and disseminate information by reformed Hindu
special sathsang at the beach; and new methods of propagating the teachings of Hinduism, for example, use of websites, were some of the points that were discussed for imparting or sharing of knowledge.
There were four organisations that had benefited when local Hindus returned from India as archaryas and swamis after spending time learning and meditating. Other individuals returned with knowledge of special pujas (prayers) and how these pujas had to be conducted.
Knowledge of ancient Hindu texts, as well as the teachings of various religious leaders was also brought back by interested individuals, senior members of the different sathsang groups, and local religious leaders. These individuals shared their knowledge with the local devotees.
Knowledge of art forms, such as dance and music were also learned by individuals who made trips abroad for religious and cultural purposes. On their return workshops and shows enabled them to share their skills and knowledge with other people.
6.5. Discussion of Objective Four: Identification and analysis of electronic
The reformed Hindu organisations used their websites to preserve and disseminate historical data, list activities being undertaken or to advertise future events. Other kinds of information were also found on a few of the websites, such as biographical information about the founding leaders and the teachings of the organisation. Religious, cultural and organisational information was posted on the websites for branches all over the world to access.
There were 15 organisations that had websites. However, many of these websites were actually controlled by the international headquarters of that particular reformed Hindu organisation. There were three organisations that did not have websites and did not envisage developing one in the near future as their devotees did not necessarily have access to the Internet. One reformed Hindu organisations that had been in the process of developing websites locally saw the need for such a service. The dissemination of information through such a medium was essential as devotees or their children had left the greater Ethekwini area for employment purposes and were now located in different parts of South Africa.
Printed copies of information from the international websites were made available to devotees who did not have access to the international websites. There were two reformed Hindu organisations that undertook live transmissions of talks by senior members of the headquarters: the Brahma Kumaris and the Manav Dharam. Web casting was used by one organisation only. Five organisations used radio for advertising their special functions when funds permitted. The organisations saw radio interviews as opportunities for propagating the teachings of their particular organisation.
Two reformed Hindu organisations had information regarding their local activities and programmes on their websites. These organisations had specific individuals, who were members of their sathsang group, in charge of keeping the information on the website current. Two organisations were in the process of developing websites. There were three organisations in the process of transferring information that was in print format to electronic archives and CDs. Much of the information related to minutes of meetings, activities and events of the past. There were also many very old photographs of members and activities that were being scanned for posting on the websites.
Websites of eleven reformed Hindu organisations offered religious and spiritual information.
Kirtans, bhajans. mantras, explanations of mantras and songs were made available through the electronic formats. Radio and television programmes that were broadcast nationally and locally also offered information about the reformed Hindu organisations.
Advice for study classes, yoga classes and certain art forms were available on certain websites. One reformed Hindu organisation used the electronic media to explain the messages of the art forms, for example, the symbolism of hand positions in Indian classical dance. Philosophy, Hindu cultural information, as well as information relating to medical conditions and their treatments, diet and healthy life style were given through the electronic formats. A few websites presented information through the use of questions and answers.
The Internet was used for public relations, that is, the website was seen as an advertisement for the reformed Hindu organisation, especially when links from other sites were set up.
Workshop material, e-books, articles, lectures and alternative therapy, such as reiki classes were advertised and available on websites. The workshop material was directed at the convenors of the workshops and related to the contents of the workshop. Articles that had been published in print media also appeared on the websites. The lectures that were available in the electronic media had been delivered by the swamis or spiritual heads of the various reformed Hindu organisations.
Historical information relating to the founding of the reformed Hindu organisation, the founding fathers and mothers, as well the teachings of the organisation were available through the websites. Religious information regarding the important festivals celebrated by the reformed Hindu organisation, quotes and sayings from religious texts relevant to that particular reformed Hindu organisation, explanations and commentaries for extracts from religious texts, and application of Hindu teachings in everyday life were available on the websites. Other websites stressed the teachings of the spiritual head of that reformed Hindu organisation.
International and national news was also highlighted on the websites. Activities, programmes, and reports of past activities were posted on the sites. Programmes often related to the teachings of the organisation concerned. A few websites had lists of affiliates in the
different countries on the websites. Some websites had religious literature, in English or in an Indian vernacular, available. Details of seminars, and training programmes were posted on the websites. A few websites had information relating to holy places, in India.
The e-mail facility was the main reason many reformed Hindu organisations used the Internet. E-mail was not only used to communicate with individuals within a particular reformed Hindu organisation but also to communicate with individuals from other Hindu organisations.