The Philosophy of History
The collapse of communism and the obvious failure of the framework to explain most events has led to its sharp decline in the twenty-first century. This has opened up the field to other philosophical frameworks...Viewed from the complex adaptive perspective, history flows from the constant interaction of factors including technological innovation, geography and nature, grand social and economic forces, the actions of great individuals but also of not-so-great individuals, culture and ideology, pure chance and, who knows, perhaps even the occasional divine intervention.
Read More
How Hindus influenced ancient Cambodia
The people of Kamboja knew the entire Hindu pantheon of Puranic deities with innumerable names as in India. They were even familiar with the mystic philosophy of Upanisads and the magical Tantric rites. ...That the spread of Indian culture abroad did not result in the suppression of the indigenous style of life, but rather led to its transformation in new pattern is borne out by the most notable evidence of the reconciliation of the native and Indian cultural materials in the cult of Devaraja.
Read More
Cultural Conquest: India vs China
The Hindus did not at all undertake military conquest and annexation in the name of a state or a metropolis, and the Hindu Kingdoms that were formed out in Outer India in the early centuries of the Christian era had only the bonds of traditions with the reigning dynasties of India proper without any political dependence. The exchange of ambassadors between the two shores of the Bay of Bengal was done in a footing of equality whereas China always required of the “barbarians of the south’ the recognition of her suzerainty which was expressed by the regular payment of tribute.”
Read More
Greater India: The cultural expansion of Indic civilization
The unique feature of India’s contacts and relationship with other countries and peoples of the world is that the cultural expansion was never confused with colonial domination and commercial dynamism far less economic exploitation. That culture can advance without political motives, that trade can proceed without imperialist designs, settlements can take place without colonial excesses and that literature, religion and language can be transported without xenophobia, jingoism and race complexes are amply evidenced from the history of India’s contact with her neighbors.
Read More
Theo-diversity and Humane Values
In Realization man ascends into a luminous vision of perfection, while in Revelation he has to accede to imperatives. Realization is a caress of the heart to the world in the inner sky of consciousness, in the cidakasa (Yadetad hridayam mama tadastu hridayam tava). There are no pagans, no infidels in Sadhana or Realization. While in Revelation Man is in the image of God, in Realization gods are in the image of Man.
Read More
Serving Water and Sustainable Biodiversity (C20_Indic Wisdom Series_Sustainable Lifestyle)
Water is the foundation of our existence. Every advanced and ancient civilization developed along waterways. Besides human survival and developing a healthy ecosystem, it provided both economic and political strength to the societies. Above all, being at the core of sustainable development, water lay at the heart of adaptation to climate change in the ancient days, serving as an important connection between climate system, environment and society. The Hindus were ahead of their time in making proper plans for water conservation and were well aware of how to keep water bodies stay clean. The following section of the grand Shiva Purana specifically prescribes and promotes water management, keeping in mind the serving of water to the needy, agricultural management, digging tanks, overall land use planning and forest resource utilization.
Read More
The glory of charity and Sustainable Food Initiative (C20_Indic Wisdom Series_Sustainable Lifestyle)
From the very first, it was a part of the ancient Indian’s philosophy that they appreciated the importance of generating finest possible food products besides helping people to grow also. Moreover, apart from sustainably intensifying food production, they also believed in contributing in the best ways possible, leaving no issue of landfills and thus supporting communities and saving all the resources utilized to produce that food from going to waste. This is because, in the Hindu mindset, providing access to healthy and sustainable food for others was a part of their Karma and Dharma. Thus, they paved the way to protect and feed people and animals and sustain the Mother Earth. Keeping the above benefits in mind, let us see in the following content what the Shiva Purana talks about the glory of feeding people and other forms of charities.
Read More
Profiles in Gharvapasi: Beawar and Korku
To paraphrase French philosopher Ernest Renan, Muslims and Christians are the first victims of Islam and Christianity. To liberate the Muslim and Christian from his religion is the best service one can render him. Seen in that light, gharvapasi is a humane and constructive activity. Its success depends not so much upon the attitude of Muslims and Christians as upon the ability of the Hindus to digest them. It is time for Hindus to shed delusion and show heroism.
Read More
Importance and fruits of charity in developing sustainable community and worthy receipt of gifts (C20_Indic Wisdom Series_Sustainable Lifestyle)
Let us assume that you have decided to make a difference in the world with your own hands but not sure from where to begin. Undoubtedly, we all need to play our own part in whatever way we can. Now you may come across some people who may advice to make a charitable donation. Is that a feasible solution to achieve happiness, experience more pleasure, reduce poverty and protect public health? And, for this will you not undertake some research to choose the perfect recipient? However, as you are ready to make charity, are you aware of what are the positive consequences of the donation? Let us see what the Hindu scriptures have to say about making the world a better place. Long ago, the ancient Indians already found the answers to the above questions and they proved how charities can also help communities become sustainable. Here, the specific portions chosen from the grand Padma Purana will help to understand this subject matter better.
Read More
Values of Cow and Bull in Sustainable Livestock Development (C20_Indic Wisdom Series_Sustainable Lifestyle)
Currently, the need for sustainable resource management has become increasingly urgent with the rapid rise in demand for commodities as the world’s population is increasing. Here, sustainable livestock sector works as one of the pillars of the global food system and a contributor to poverty reduction, food security and agricultural development. However, long before the ancient Hindus realized its deep connections with economy, society and biodiversity and their scriptures make it clear how this sector can work as a contributor to poverty reduction, food security and agricultural development. From the very first, India possessed a huge livestock population reared under diverse production systems and agroclimatic conditions. And, it reflects in their texts how they started sustainable livestock development through cattle rearing, especially bull and cows, balancing wide array of demands and resolving various environmental challenges. No doubt, it is well understood from the scriptures like Padma Purana, how and why at the extreme end, these domestic creatures were given a divine status and always given special respect in the Hindu society. Here, some selected portion of the Padma Purana is chosen to highglight the importance given to bull and cow farming.
Read More