Article

Ancient Indian Wisdom and Sustainable Development

Authors:
To read the full-text of this research, you can request a copy directly from the author.

Abstract

The world is now facing a multi-dimensional crisis, i.e., an environmental crisis since it is affecting all aspects of a human life such as social, political, economical, technological, cultural and spiritual. It is the result of the Western philosophical perspective (Cartesian) of mind–body dualism and the Newtonian perspective of developmental strategy, which ultimately leads to a materialistic world order, which we have seen in the form of the Industrial Revolution. Now, the search for a new paradigm that can ensure economic development without jeopardising environmental quality is being intensified. We need such a world view with a philosophical foundation where people think about nature before thinking about themselves, which can make us realise the deeper underlying reality of basic oneness. Heisenberg, about the relation between man and nature says that. “‘Natural Science’” does not simply describe and explain nature, it is part of the interplay between nature and ourselves. We can never speak about nature without, at the same time, speaking about ourselves”. This ecological harmony is possible when the entire universe is seen as a single largest family including all the living beings of the world. Vedic civilization realised this world view when they say, vasudhaiva kutumbakam. This world view further developed in the Upani·adic age with a firm philosophical foundation through its cosmological unity and sustainability. Such a holistic world view offers a new paradigm for development, a new socioeconomic system free from exploitation, defining in a novel way the relationship between man and nature thus realising the ecological balance we need today. An attempt has been made to explore the potentiality of Upani·adic world view as an alternative in resolving the sustainability crisis.

No full-text available

Request Full-text Paper PDF

To read the full-text of this research,
you can request a copy directly from the author.

... ईक्षते योगयु क्तात्मा सवम त्र समदर्म न: (Bhagavad Gitā: Chapter 6, Verse 29)The Upanishads: Oneness and Interconnectedness: The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Indian texts that form the philosophical foundation of Hinduism(Borah, 2012). They explore profound metaphysical and spiritual concepts, and among these ideas is a deep understanding of the oneness and interconnectedness of nature. ...
Article
Full-text available
The study explores the Hindu tradition’s profound connection to sustainable development, emphasizing the importance of harmony with nature, as dictated by the principles of Dharma (duty) and Ahimsā (non-violence). The Hindu tradition, found in sacred texts such as the Vedas and the Bhagavad Gita, underscores humanity’s ethical and moral obligation to protect and nurture the environment. Key concepts such as vegetarianism, reverence for all life forms, and eco-conscious rituals are integral to this philosophy, offering practical approaches to modern sustainability. Additionally, the paper examines the global perspective promoted by the concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, which underscores our interconnectedness with the world. In conclusion, the Hindu tradition provides a valuable perspective on sustainable development, emphasizing the unity of all life and our shared responsibility to safeguard our planet, underscoring the significance of living in harmony with nature.
... Various studies have been conducted recently to understand the importance of ancient Vedic wisdom and Sanskrit Mantras on well-being leading to sustainable development (Borah, 2012;Kumar and Giri, 2020;Bhattacharya, 2014;Trivedi, 2013). In Indian culture, the Earth is considered Dharti Mata (The Mother Earth). ...
Conference Paper
Full-text available
In the rapid development age, people must remember the importance of samskaras, daily mantras, meditation, prayer, yoga, and spiritual faith. The loss of such spiritual faith in universal energy, which governs all of us, living or non-living, leads to misleading development. Most of the guardians are in a blind competition to send their children to English medium schools and to make them technically advanced. Undoubtedly, this technical education makes such students get into highly paid jobs and placements, but at the cost of mental peace and health. Such teaching does not guarantee sustainable development because most of the students during their study face depression, anxiety, and many psychological and physical disorders. Later, it causes severe social-ecological and economic loss. However, the new education policy emphasizes a holistic approach to include all the sections of society in education in the local languages as well. Initiatives of the Central Government towards the Indian knowledge systems (IKS) in various educational institutes not only bring awareness of the ancient knowledge system, such as Veda, Puranas, Upanishad, Yoga, Mantra, Ayurveda, Astrology, and Meditation but also make familiar the current generation with the most ancient language Sanskrit. The awareness of Sanskrit itself will bring a positive change in today’s youth and empower them enough to bring sustainable development. Our old knowledge system has various Sanskrit mantras following the different routines from morning waking up to getting sleep. Following such a routine makes a person full of positive energy and guides throughout the day and life. It enables a person with a healthy, happy, and prosperous body and brain, which is essential to make India a developed nat In the rapid development age, people must remember the importance of samskaras, daily mantras, meditation, prayer, yoga, and spiritual faith. The loss of such spiritual faith in universal energy, which governs all of us, living or non-living, leads to misleading development. Most of the guardians are in a blind competition to send their children to English medium schools and to make them technically advanced. Undoubtedly, this technical education makes such students get into highly paid jobs and placements, but at the cost of mental peace and health. Such teaching does not guarantee sustainable development because most of the students during their study face depression, anxiety, and many psychological and physical disorders. Later, it causes severe social-ecological and economic loss. However, the new education policy emphasizes a holistic approach to include all the sections of society in education in the local languages as well. Initiatives of the Central Government towards the Indian knowledge systems (IKS) in various educational institutes not only bring awareness of the ancient knowledge system, such as Veda, Puranas, Upanishad, Yoga, Mantra, Ayurveda, Astrology, and Meditation but also make familiar the current generation with the most ancient language Sanskrit. The awareness of Sanskrit itself will bring a positive change in today’s youth and empower them enough to bring sustainable development. Our old knowledge system has various Sanskrit mantras following the different routines from morning waking up to getting sleep. Following such a routine makes a person full of positive energy and guides throughout the day and life. It enables a person with a healthy, happy, and prosperous body and brain, which is essential to make India a developed nation. This study highlights the importance of the Sanskrit mantra and Indian Knowledge Systems for productive and sustainable development systems. Keywords: Indian Knowledge System, Sanskrit Mantra, Sustainable Development, National Educational Policy, Universal Energy. ion. This study highlights the importance of the Sanskrit mantra and Indian Knowledge Systems for productive and sustainable development systems. Keywords: Indian Knowledge System, Sanskrit Mantra, Sustainable Development, National Educational Policy, Universal Energy. In the rapid development age, people must remember the importance of samskaras, daily mantras, meditation, prayer, yoga, and spiritual faith. The loss of such spiritual faith in universal energy, which governs all of us, living or non-living, leads to misleading development. Most of the guardians are in a blind competition to send their children to English medium schools and to make them technically advanced. Undoubtedly, this technical education makes such students get into highly paid jobs and placements, but at the cost of mental peace and health. Such teaching does not guarantee sustainable development because most of the students during their study face depression, anxiety, and many psychological and physical disorders. Later, it causes severe social-ecological and economic loss. However, the new education policy emphasizes a holistic approach to include all the sections of society in education in the local languages as well. Initiatives of the Central Government towards the Indian knowledge systems (IKS) in various educational institutes not only bring awareness of the ancient knowledge system, such as Veda, Puranas, Upanishad, Yoga, Mantra, Ayurveda, Astrology, and Meditation but also make familiar the current generation with the most ancient language Sanskrit. The awareness of Sanskrit itself will bring a positive change in today’s youth and empower them enough to bring sustainable development. Our old knowledge system has various Sanskrit mantras following the different routines from morning waking up to getting sleep. Following such a routine makes a person full of positive energy and guides throughout the day and life. It enables a person with a healthy, happy, and prosperous body and brain, which is essential to make India a developed nation. This study highlights the importance of the Sanskrit mantra and Indian Knowledge Systems for productive and sustainable development systems. Keywords: Indian Knowledge System, Sanskrit Mantra, Sustainable Development, National Educational Policy, Universal Energy. In the rapid development age, people must remember the importance of samskaras, daily mantras, meditation, prayer, yoga, and spiritual faith. The loss of such spiritual faith in universal energy, which governs all of us, living or non-living, leads to misleading development. Most of the guardians are in a blind competition to send their children to English medium schools and to make them technically advanced. Undoubtedly, this technical education makes such students get into highly paid jobs and placements, but at the cost of mental peace and health. Such teaching does not guarantee sustainable development because most of the students during their study face depression, anxiety, and many psychological and physical disorders. Later, it causes severe social-ecological and economic loss. However, the new education policy emphasizes a holistic approach to include all the sections of society in education in the local languages as well. Initiatives of the Central Government towards the Indian knowledge systems (IKS) in various educational institutes not only bring awareness of the ancient knowledge system, such as Veda, Puranas, Upanishad, Yoga, Mantra, Ayurveda, Astrology, and Meditation but also make familiar the current generation with the most ancient language Sanskrit. The awareness of Sanskrit itself will bring a positive change in today’s youth and empower them enough to bring sustainable development. Our old knowledge system has various Sanskrit mantras following the different routines from morning waking up to getting sleep. Following such a routine makes a person full of positive energy and guides throughout the day and life. It enables a person with a healthy, happy, and prosperous body and brain, which is essential to make India a developed nation. This study highlights the importance of the Sanskrit mantra and Indian Knowledge Systems for productive and sustainable development systems. Keywords: Indian Knowledge System, Sanskrit Mantra, Sustainable Development, National Educational Policy, Universal Energy.
ResearchGate has not been able to resolve any references for this publication.