Indian philosophy can guide the world in these troubled times

Source- The post is based on the article “Indian philosophy can guide the world in these troubled times” published in the “The Indian Express” on 13th April 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Indian culture

Relevance– Indian philosophy

News– Indian civilization, unlike its Persian or Roman counterparts, survived waves of invasions. Its philosophy has empowered it to withstand not just several attacks by foreign aggressors.

Why has India earned goodwill in global thinking circles?

India’s outlook towards human life and philosophical approach towards worldly concerns.

India is not the only civilizational nation in the world. But the philosophical underpinnings of the idea of India are almost unique.

Indian movies, dance and music, and historical monuments continue to be an attraction for the global community. These cultural aspects, from yoga and spirituality to traditional knowledge systems such as ayurveda, are manifestations of Indian philosophy.

What are five fundamental tenets of India philosophy that make India stand out?

First is the spiritual democracy of India. This country was never a theocratic state. Its approach has been ekam sat, vipra bahuda vadant. It rejects any monopolistic approach to ways of worship.

The second tenet is based on the first tenet. The country has unity inherent in its diversity. It has enabled it to accommodate and celebrate the pervasive diversity.

The third important tenet is our approach of confluence with mother nature. This approach is not in favour of conquering nature. It is gratitude towards nature. India has a well-established tradition of saluting mother nature practically at the start of every day.

Sustainability has now become the focal point of development policy at a global level. However, it has been a part of India’s philosophy of human life. Many traditions and rituals reflect this approach.

The fourth tenet is the concept of antyodaya. It puts the last man first. It is about considering the most deprived for distribution of the fruits of development. Antyodaya encompasses both social and economic justice.

Design of many welfare schemes and policies under Prime Minister Modi, effectively reflect the principles of antyodaya.

The fifth tenet is vasudhaiva kutumbakam. India has imagined the entire world as one family, where values like mutuality, sharing and collectivism are given primacy.

These five tenets emerge from scriptures and the teachings of sages and philosophers including Gautama Buddha, Adi Shankara and Guru Nanak.