इतिहास की भारतीय अवधारणा
प्रस्तुत समग्र विश्लेषण से अब यह बात निश्चित है की भारत में ‘इतिहास लेखन विधा’ का प्रचलन था | केवल इस विधा की शैली भिन्न है, इतिहास का अर्थ एवं विचार भिन्न है | यही कारण है कि आधुनिक इतिहास लेखन विधाने भारतीय इतिहास को शास्त्रीय स्थान प्रदान नहीं किया है | किन्तु राष्ट्र का स्वभाव, लोकमानस,चित्त एवं परम्पराओं का विचार करते हुए धर्म के आधार पर लिखी गई नैतिकता की कथाएँ यह भारत का इतिहास है | इसमें मूल्यों के विश्लेषण हेतु स्थान, काल, व्यक्ति एवं घटनाओं का प्रयोजन है | अर्थात ‘इतिहास’ यह भारत की अपनी परम्परा है |
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Indic View on Charity as Philanthropy for Sustainability (C20_Indic Wisdom Series_Sustainable Lifestyle)
Not provoking any eternal heavenly pleasure for after-life , Hindu philosophy has been always concerned with reducing suffering and promoting well-being that can be actualized in this material world. The ancient Indian scriptures always encourage us to make a positive impact on the world through various modes of charity. Millions of people are there in this world, who are in worse conditions than us. That might be not their fault or beyond their ability to change or prevent. Here, let us see, how the Shiva Purana reminds us that we are social creatures and that the noblest way for us to advance is by helping those who are unable to help themselves and sharing with others.
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An ancient Hindu cult: Where the Goddess, Earth and Mother become synonymous (C20_Indic Wisdom Series_Sustainable Lifestyle)
... the land for agriculture should not be scratched or hit with the plough then. Besides, shaving is also prohibited and a self-controlled life is to be lived. Since she takes care of us throughout the year, hence, we must also keep on paying attention to her- and let her blessings bring wellness to everyone.
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Importance given to handing over of Charities in Hindu Wisdom Text (C20_Indic Wisdom Series_Sustainable Lifestyle)
The Hindus have always regarded the act of giving as a noble Karma without any expectation of phala or “return or reward”. This is also a path for enlightening the soul inside, in this due process. Hence, the Hindu way of charity can be considered to be the greatest virtue of humanity. The following Chapter titled “Giving away of Charities” from the Kurma Mahapurana deals with contributing towards spreading light to the needy, making life better and coming close to other souls by the dint of charity
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Tale of Prthu and Mother Earth: Lessons on Sustainable Prosperity (C20_Indic Wisdom Series_Sustainable Lifestyle)
The following piece is taken from Padma Purana that teaches us- it is the Mother Earth that looks after everyone of us and hence it is also our foremost responsibility to take care of Her. This is Dharma. And, the scripture also reminds us that the balance of nature is essential to keep mankind alive and live in harmony with others. This specific part from the grand Padma Purana is chosen to highlight the importance of custom of preserving and conserving natural resources, on which the Hindus have pondered long back.
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Voice of India and its contribution to Hindu scholarship
At a time when Hindu renaissance seems to be on the horizon, it is only fitting that we gratefully remember Ram Swarup and Sita Ram Goel, the rishis of our times. Their writings will continue to inspire generations of Hindus in the years to come.
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The Importance of Tulasī and Dhatri (C20_Indic Wisdom Series_Sustainable Lifestyle)
The article highlights how worshipping certain plants are given special emphasis and mention in the sacred texts of Hinduism. Here, we have considered the case of tulasi and dhatri (popularly known as amalaki) and their glory as found in the demonstration of Padma Purana. Both the plants have made their place in centre of household religious devotion of Hindus from ancient times and their needs, warmth and attention are still felt till today in every home all over India. In this way from the beginning of their civilization the Hindus have preserved and promoted the country’s ecological balance with immense care as prescribed in their holy texts.
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