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Teenager Program

Overview

 This program is designed to introduce teenagers to the practice of self-inquiry as taught by Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. The program aims to help them develop self-awareness, emotional balance, and a deeper understanding of their true nature through age-appropriate activities and guidance.

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This program is divided into
3 MAIN STAGES

Stage 1
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Stage 2
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Stage 3
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Each stage spans approximately one month, with weekly sessions. Adjustments can be made based on the group's pace and needs.

Week 5

Exploring the True Self

    1. Delve deeper into the concept of the true Self.

    2. Differentiate between the ego-self and the true Self.

    1. Lecture: The true Self in Sri Ramana Maharshi's teachings.

    2. Guided Meditation: Exploring the sense of "I am".

    3. Group Discussion: Share insights and experiences.

  • Reflect on moments when you felt connected to your true Self and journal about it.

Week 6

Handling Distractions and Challenges

    1. Identify common distractions and challenges in self-inquiry.

    2. Develop strategies to overcome these obstacles.

    1. Discussion: Common distractions (e.g., thoughts, emotions, external stimuli).

    2. Exercise: Role-playing to practice overcoming distractions.

    3. Guided Meditation: Returning to the "Who am I?" question amidst distractions.

  • Practice the strategies discussed and journal about their effectiveness.

Week 7

Cultivating Inner Silence

    1. Experience the importance of inner silence.

    2. Learn techniques to cultivate and maintain inner silence.

    1. Lecture: The significance of silence in Sri Ramana Maharshi's teachings.

    2. Silent Sitting Practice: Group meditation in silence.

    3. Discussion: Reflect on the experience of silence.

  • Integrate silent sitting into your daily practice and journal about any changes noticed.

Week 8

Mid-Program  |  Reflection & Adjustment

    1. Reflect on progress and experiences so far.

    2. Adjust personal practice routines as needed.

    1. Group Sharing: Discuss experiences, insights, and challenges.

    2. Workshop: Review and adjust personal practice schedules.

    3. Guided Meditation: Reaffirming commitment to the practice.

  • Continue with the adjusted practice routine and journal reflections.

Stage 2

Deepening Practice and Understanding

Week 9

Applying Self-Inquiry in Daily Life

    1. Learn how to integrate self-inquiry into everyday activities.

    2. Recognize opportunities for self-inquiry throughout the day.

    1. Discussion: How to bring self-inquiry into daily life (e.g., during school, interactions, hobbies).

    2. Exercise: Identify daily activities that can become self-inquiry practices.

    3. Guided Meditation: Applying self-inquiry in various situations.

  • Practice integrating self-inquiry into one daily activity and journal about the experience.

Week 10

Embracing Emotional & Mental Challenges

    1. Develop resilience in facing emotional and mental challenges.

    2. Learn to use self-inquiry during difficult times.

    1. Discussion: Common emotional and mental challenges and how to handle them.

    2. Guided Meditation: Using self-inquiry to address specific challenges.

    3. Group Exercise: Role-playing to practice resilience techniques.

  • Use self-inquiry during a challenging situation and journal about the process and outcome.

Week 11

Community and Support

    1. Understand the importance of community and support in self-inquiry.

    2. Build a support network within the group.

    1. Discussion: The role of community in spiritual practice.

    2. Group Activity: Creating a support network (buddy system, group check-ins).

    3. Guided Meditation: Feeling connected with the group and the larger community.

  • Engage with your support network and journal about the interactions.

Week 12

Final Reflection and Future Planning

    1. Reflect on the journey and progress made.

    2. Plan for future self-inquiry practice and continued growth.

    1. Group Sharing: Reflect on the overall experience and key takeaways.

    2. Workshop: Setting long-term goals and creating a future practice plan.

    3. Guided Meditation: Affirming commitment to ongoing self-inquiry.

  • Create a personal self-inquiry journal to continue tracking progress and reflections.

Stage 3

Integration and Application

Supplementary Resources

Meditation Recordings

Offer guided meditation recordings for home practice.

Books and Articles

Provide age-appropriate literature on Sri Ramana Maharshi’s teachings.

Support Materials

Worksheets, journals, and prompts to aid reflection and practice.

This curriculum aims to introduce teenagers to the profound practice of self-inquiry in an accessible and supportive manner, helping them cultivate self-awareness, emotional resilience, and a deeper connection to their true Self.

Week 1

Introduction to Self-Inquiry

    1. Understand who Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi is.

    2. Introduce the concept of self-inquiry.

    3. Establish a comfortable and supportive group dynamic.

    1. Presentation: A brief introduction to Ramana Maharshi's life and teachings.

    2. Discussion: Why is self-inquiry important? How can it help us?

    3. Activity: "Who Am I?" exercise – Reflect on personal identities and roles.

  • Journal about the question "Who am I?" and write down any thoughts or feelings that arise.

Week 2

Understanding the Mind and Ego

    1. Learn about the nature of the mind and ego.

    2. Recognize how thoughts and emotions influence our sense of self.

    1. Lecture: The mind, ego, and their roles in self-inquiry.

    2. Guided Meditation: Observing thoughts and emotions without

    3. Group Discussion: Share experiences from the meditation and journaling judgment.

  • Continue journaling and try to observe the mind and ego in daily activities.

Week 3

Practicing Presence and Awareness

    1. Develop the skill of maintaining presence and awareness.

    2. Learn simple techniques to stay present.

    1. Exercise: Mindfulness activities (e.g., mindful eating, walking).

    2. Discussion: How does being present affect our thoughts and feelings?

    3. Guided Meditation: Focus on breath to cultivate presence.

  • Practice one mindfulness activity daily and journal about the experience.

Week 4

Establishing a Regular Practice

    1. Create a personal self-inquiry practice routine.

    2. Set intentions and goals for the practice.present.

    1. Workshop: Designing a personal practice schedule.

    2. Discussion: Setting realistic goals and maintaining consistency.

    3. Guided Meditation: Starting and ending a self-inquiry session.

  • Implement the personal practice routine and reflect on challenges and successes.

Stage 1

Introduction & Foundation

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