Researched and Prepared By Gaurang Chandarana - July 2017 1 UNIQUE FEATURES OF INDIAN RELIGIONS & PHILOSOPHIES Background We know that India is very ancient. Ancient India was also very advanced it was in all spheres of life. India has always been a single cultural nation for over 15,000 years as per recent archeological evidences. Some evidence of Vedic culture has emerged which has now been dated at over 35,000 years ago. By nation, we mean culture and not political borders, as political borders keep changing frequently. The last 1000 years or so resulted in the destruction of its education, heritage and culture. In the last 200 years, this process has accelerated. Even so many years after political independence, this process continues. Unfortunately, the maximum damage is being done by our own citizens and the followers of these same religions and philosophies. All cultures go through ups and downs, so the idea is not to denigrate or criticize anything or anyone. It is just to put forth concepts of Indian philosophies and religions in a simple and short way so that the modern person can understand it. Wherever possible, scientific developments are mentioned in brief, to support many of these aspects in a simple way. Concept The key understanding of all Indian religions and philosophies are in the areas of the Origins & Functioning of the Universe, the Mind and Psychology. Epics, Stories and Mythologies of Gods and Goddesses were put forward by Rishis to explain these concepts. These may or may not have been based on real people or history. The idea was to explain concepts about the Universe, creation, mind, health, living happily and inclusiveness. The bedrock was personal empowerment, complete inclusiveness and letting every individual flower and contribute to their best capacity. This is what contributes to a strong nation and society. A lot of these features are now being proven by modern science. Also, this booklet will break a lot of myths we have about Indian religion and philosophy.
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Researched and Prepared By Gaurang Chandarana - July 2017
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UNIQUE FEATURES OF INDIAN RELIGIONS & PHILOSOPHIES
Background
We know that India is very ancient. Ancient India was also very advanced it was in all spheres of life. India has always been a single cultural nation for over 15,000 years as per recent archeological evidences. Some evidence of Vedic culture has emerged which has now been dated at over 35,000 years ago. By nation, we mean culture and not political borders, as political borders keep changing frequently. The last 1000 years or so resulted in the destruction of its education, heritage and culture. In the last 200 years, this process has accelerated. Even so many years after political independence, this process continues. Unfortunately, the maximum damage is being done by our own citizens and the followers of these same religions and philosophies. All cultures go through ups and downs, so the idea is not to denigrate or criticize anything or anyone. It is just to put forth concepts of Indian philosophies and religions in a simple and short way so that the modern person can understand it. Wherever possible, scientific developments are mentioned in brief, to support many of these aspects in a simple way. Concept The key understanding of all Indian religions and philosophies are in the areas of the Origins & Functioning of the Universe, the Mind and Psychology. Epics, Stories and Mythologies of Gods and Goddesses were put forward by Rishis to explain these concepts. These may or may not have been based on real people or history. The idea was to explain concepts about the Universe, creation, mind, health, living happily and inclusiveness. The bedrock was personal empowerment, complete inclusiveness and letting every individual flower and contribute to their best capacity. This is what contributes to a strong nation and society. A lot of these features are now being proven by modern science. Also, this booklet will break a lot of myths we have about Indian religion and philosophy.
Researched and Prepared By Gaurang Chandarana - July 2017
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Four Broad Unique Features
A. No Originator
The most unique feature of Indian systems is that there is no single originator or founder of any system. B. Non Controllable Aspects The second unique feature is that we have no control on 5 aspects: 1) Birth - place, time and situation we are born in. 2) Our parents, and relatives. 3) Our own nature, physical aspects and mental aspects. 4) Many of the situations we will face (not all, as some are caused by our decisions) 5) Death - our lifespan as measured in number of breaths C. Individual Happiness & Socially Productive Life The third unique feature is that in spite of everything, we can lead a happy life and change the course of life in a positive manner. So all of these philosophies focus primarily on self development, continuous improvement and change management. When this happens, we contribute to a happy and productive society as well. D. Development of Indian Religion and Philosophy These have evolved over thousands of years through contemplation, experimentation, experiential learning and passing on from one generation to another.
There are a total of broad 9 systems, which are mentioned below. Rules. Laws & Regulations are there just to guide, are situational and time bound. It is clearly mentioned that rules have to change based on the social construct & situation of the day. So we cannot have the same rules or laws. They have to change dynamically.
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The 9 SYSTEMS There are a total of six allied systems linked to the Vedas and two others which are parallel. The six allied systems are:
1) Nyaya and
2) Vaisheshika
3) Samkhya and
4) Yoga
5) Mimansa and
6) Vedanta
These six systems are known as the Shad Darshan. The other two systems which are an integral part of Indian philosophy are:
7) Jainism
8) Buddhism
The Last system which is independent of all of the above is Charvak.
9) Charvak. This is actually been followed today and is focused on materialism and consumerism.
It was not considered to be in harmony with nature and therefore did not take root in terms of
philosophical enquiry.
However, it is closest to material human nature & is 100% in vogue in modern times, across the World.
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Aastik and Naastik
Astik and Nastik does not mean believing or not believing in God as a creator.
Astik means a person who believes in a broad philosophy which finds its roots in the Vedas and
Upanishads
Nastik means a person who believes in a broad philosophy which is not directly derived from the Vedas
or Upanishads.
All these Indian philosophies have certain common and unique features.
Shad Darshana as we have seen are the six core systems which find their confirmation or roots based
on the Vedas and Upanishads. These are called Aastik.
Jainism is based on parallel enquiry and as old as the vedas or beyond. This is Naastik.
Buddhism emerged as a stream after the demise of Gautam Buddha. This is Naastik.
Charvaka, as we mentioned, did not find much favour in ancient times. This is Naastik.
Further, there are many sub-streams and variations of each of these. These could be Aastik or
Naastik.
We can now dwell on the unique and common features (and some terms) of these 9 systems, without
which, Indian philosophy cannot be understood.
The Basic Structure
These philosophies are completely different from other religions of the World, so it is important to
understand these aspects.
Do not try to equate or correlate them with non-Indian religions or philosophies.
We will not get into the details of any of these at this stage.
We will just look at the basic structure of all Indian religious philosophies which is more or less
common.
There is now a lot of scientific evidence to support these concepts. These are mainly from Quantum
Mechanics & Quantum Physics. Wherever relevant, these have been put forward in a simple fashion.
There are 39 aspects which are common. Let us look at these, briefly.
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1. Dharma
Dharma is a concept to be found in all Indian religions.
Therefore, we broadly say that all these 9 systems are 'Dharmic' systems or religions; or based on
Dharma.
Dharma does not mean duties, rites or rituals. It also does not mean a code of conduct.
It does not mean worship of God.
Dharma originates from the root word 'dhri', which has the following contextual meanings:
– Something which maintains the harmony and stability of the Universe
– Something without which nothing can stand or remain stable or survive
– That which upholds creation
– Something which helps maintain balance and equilibrium
Therefore, everything in the Universe has its own unique dharma.
For example, even the electrons, other particles, waves, have a dharma of moving or vibrating in a
certain way. If they give up their Dharma or made to give up their dharma, imagine what will happen.
Similarly, galaxies, planets, clouds, plants, insects, animals, humans; all have their innate dharma.
In the case of humans, the mind prevents it from operating correctly.
A constant effort & endeavor has to be made to understand your own Dharma & operate accordingly.
Dharma is said to be either self revealing OR learning through direct experience in the case of humans.
SCIENCE This is the concept behind Nuclear Weapons. When particles are made to deviate from their
'dharma', massive destruction occurs. When they are made to operate as per their dharma, they provide
energy, generate creation and run galaxies.
2. Adharma
Therefore, Adharma does not mean sin or evil or not following some code of conduct or rituals.
Adharma means not performing your innate duties or doing them incorrectly.
This occurs because we are not aware of our true Dharma (and not because we do not follow laws or
commandments or rituals written or given by some prophet or God).
This Dharma or given divine duty has to be understood through direct experience of true knowledge.
Till such time as we gain direct experience of this true knowledge, Rishis and the Scriptures guide us.
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3. Jati
Grouping
Understanding Dharma first begins with understanding our Jati. Jati is misinterpreted as caste.
Jati does not mean a race, caste or creed. Jati means a set of characteristics or qualities which belong to
various entities.
It also defines the type of that entity and how and why it functions or operates in a certain fashion.
It also defines the role of a Jati in maintaining balance in the processes of Nature.
Therefore there could be a jati of trees, of herbs, of rocks, of animals, of verbs, of rational numbers, etc.
In terms of humans, a tribe is a jati, nation is a jati, religion is a jati, employees of a company are a jati,
Gay people & LGBT are a jati and so on. They also have a role to play in nature.
SCIENCE : Science has proven the role of the LGBT community as well. In ancient India and other
cultures too, they were part of society and never treated differently or discriminated against. There were
also rulers, ministers, mythological Gods & Goddesses, etc.
Jati is neutral;
it is a description or explanation (or inherent qualities) of a grouping of animate or inanimate objects,
processes, systems, languages, numbers, etc.
SCIENCE There are millions of species on Earth alone, with some common characteristics. These
enable them to stay together and flourish as an organism.
Individual Jati
Even an individual has his or her own unique jati.
At an individual level, no two persons' jati can ever be the same. These are your in born characteristics
and behavior.
Jati in the individual context is important as the whole effort is in understanding our own jati.
Yoga is an effort towards understanding your own jati. Why and who we are and why do we behave or
act in a certain way.
Once we discover this, we need to figure out are we operating as per our dharma (as described above)
or otherwise?
If it is otherwise, what can we do to start operating in the correct fashion. This process is part of Yoga,
Vedanta, Buddhism, Jainism, etc., even though the terminologies used may be different.
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SCIENCE: It is now proven, no single human, animal, plant, leaf, snowflake, etc. ever created or
surviving or to be created is the same. Grouping is done based on some common characteristics.
4. Finding Jati & Dharma
All Indian philosophies state that Jati and Dharma can be discovered / realized only when the mind is
calm and there is no agitation.
Towards this end, different Rishis, systems, sampradays, religions, philosphies have put forward so
many different techniques. The goal is one: Removal of anger, anxiety, stress and all negative emotions.
Once this state is reached, one will automatically operate as per one's Jati and Dharma.
No Jati or Dharma is superior or inferior. All are required to maintain balance in the Universe.
These are supported by stories of Gods, Goddesses, mythology, scriptures, epics, discussions,
philosophical debates and enquiries. The idea is to convey these messages.
SCIENCE It has been found that everything in nature has a role. Humans are the only ones not
functioning as per Jati and Dharma. Therefore, it has been found that natural calamities and destruction
are linked to reduction in honey bees and bee hives. This connection was first made by Einstein. There
is no apparent direct link but these are part of an essential chain of preserving balance. There are
regions where now it has been found that when honey bees vanish, ground water disappears, crops fail,
rains fail and natural calamities occur.
The same has been found for Cockroaches. Lesser the cockroaches, closer to destruction is this Earth.
5. Techniques for Finding Jati & Dharma
There are various techniques put forward for finding this. This varies from person to person. However,
the underlying theme is the same. Reducing activities of the mind, remaining occupied, removing
disturbances, anger, anxiety, calmness, etc. Some examples from the systems are given below:
Nyaya Vaishesikha - Constant physical research and correlating with experiences and studies. Study of
yourself, situation and scriptures. We keep doing this till we reach the building blocks of creation.
Samkhya - Yoga - Multiple techniques given in both of these. Yoga is more practical and has over 17