Preface
We are living in an era characterised by scientific discoveries of various kinds. In the last two hundred and fifty years we have discovered new technologies one after the other. These have played a major role in shaping our thinking and the way of life. However, more importantly, as a nation, we have also been introduced to a number of ideas from the western civilisations. One important impact of this is a general feeling among an average, well-meaning educated Indian that anything of western origin is good, credible and the way to go forward. Even the traditionally educated Pandit-s in the country crave for recognition of their scholarship by the western educated group. With the result there is a widespread feeling that anything worthwhile must pass through the lens of western acceptance.
The recent onslaught of mass media and computers and the success of media convergence as a reliable technology seem to accelerate this process. As a result, there is a heightened exposure to other social structures and practices across the globe. Indian society is fast joining the global melting pot of culture and social practices.
Imbibing newer ideas and practices is generally viewed as a sign of evolution and growth. However, replacing altogether one set of cultural practices with another does not amount to evolution. At times it can be counter-productive and regressive in nature. Therefore, giving up one's own native culture and social practices is not a healthy idea for any society. The Indian society is preparing to make such a choice. However, there is ambiguity and confusion among the citizens about the pros and cons of such a choice. With the result, a vast majority of our population are like the cat on the wall not knowing what to do. soojama boy
Interestingly, on the other side, there is a growing interest among the youngsters to know more about the Indian traditions. Current educational policies and practices encourage them to "Question" everything. This is in sharp contrast to the Ancient Indian paradigm of having a very healthy "Spirit of inquiry". There is a subtle difference between the two approaches, even though the basic motivation seems to be one of getting clarified about an unknown concept. A sprit of inquiry stems out of humility whereas an attitude of questioning arises out of ego.
A natural extension of this attitude has resulted in them wanting to know more about some of the ancestral knowledge and cultural practices that we follow even today. Honestly, a vast majority of youngsters are simply clueless about various facets of Ancient Indian wisdom. They are anxiously waiting for someone to discuss these in a language and a format that they are used to.
Vedas (1264)
Upanishads (528)
Puranas (644)
Ramayana (788)
Mahabharata (391)
Dharmasastras (177)
Goddess (558)
Bhakti (253)
Saints (1978)
Gods (1329)
Shiva (424)
Journal (182)
Fiction (73)
Vedanta (399)
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