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How did he incorporate technology into his teachings?
Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami, also known as Gurudeva, was a Hindu spiritual leader who was known for his innovative and progressive approach to teaching ancient Hindu wisdom. He was a strong advocate of incorporating technology into his teachings, believing that it could be a powerful tool for spreading the message of Hinduism to a wider audience.
One of the main ways in which Gurudeva incorporated technology into his teachings was through the use of the internet. In the late 1990s, he launched the website "Hinduism Today," which became one of the most popular and widely-read Hindu websites in the world. The website featured articles, videos, and other resources on various aspects of Hinduism, making it a valuable source of information for both Hindus and non-Hindus alike.
Gurudeva also used social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to reach out to a younger audience and engage with them on spiritual topics. He recognized the power of these platforms in connecting people from different parts of the world and used them to spread the message of Hinduism to a global audience.
In addition to the internet and social media, Gurudeva also utilized technology in his teachings through the use of multimedia. He was one of the first spiritual leaders to use videos and audio recordings to share his teachings with his followers. Through these mediums, he was able to reach a wider audience and make his teachings more accessible to those who could not attend his physical satsangs (spiritual gatherings).
Gurudeva also incorporated technology into the physical space of his ashram, Kauai's Hindu Monastery, located in Hawaii. The ashram featured a state-of-the-art media center, where devotees could access a vast collection of books, videos, and other resources on Hinduism. The media center also hosted live webcasts of the ashram's daily worship and other events, allowing people from all over the world to participate in the spiritual activities.
Furthermore, Gurudeva was a pioneer in using technology for preserving and sharing ancient Hindu scriptures and texts. He founded the Digital Dharma project, which digitized and made available rare and ancient Hindu texts online. This project not only made these texts more accessible but also ensured their preservation for future generations.
In conclusion, Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami was a visionary leader who recognized the potential of technology in spreading the message of Hinduism. Through his use of the internet, social media, multimedia, and other technological tools, he was able to reach a global audience and make ancient Hindu wisdom more accessible to people from all walks of life. His incorporation of technology into his teachings has had a lasting impact and continues to inspire and educate people about the rich spiritual heritage of Hinduism.