Category Archives: Dharma

Dharma, Harmony, Search for truth, Spiritual journey, Truth

Honest exchange #1

Leave a comment

between Naresh Jotwani and Jayram Daya

Naresh Jotwani:

Namaste, Jayrambhai!

I summarise my views on Advaita very briefly, as follows:

(1) I believe firmly in the truth of Advaita, and like to conduct my life — to the extent that is possible! — in consonance with Advaita. 

(2) For that reason, I am extremely sceptical about anyone claiming ‘God-given’ rights or ‘God-given’ identity. Very often, ‘God-given’ rights exclude totally any matching ‘God-given’ duties and responsibilities! In other words, ‘God’ is defined by people merely to suit their needs and instincts. 

(3) A broadly accepted list of virtues in our tradition is this:  generosity, morality, renunciation, wisdom, perseverance, forbearance, truthfulness, determination, love and equanimity.

I take these virtues as being universal, and respect greatly any tradition which regards these virtues as primary — whether or not the tradition claims to be blessed by a ‘God’. 

(4) In ‘materialistic pursuit’, many wrong actions are justified in the name of ‘God’, ‘manifest destiny’ … or some other BS. 

I would appreciate very much your views on this broad topic.

Continue reading Honest exchange #1 →
Dharma, Harmony, Search for truth, Spiritual journey, Universe

WHY NOW?

2 Comments

by R. Srinivasan and Jayram Daya

R. Srinivasan:

My question is: Why do our thoughts on life, death and other spiritual issues crop up only when we grow old, and usually face a health crisis? Then we start wondering about the futility of life’s material pursuits. Why are we born, only to die eventually? What is the reason for the life-death cycle in this universe in the first place? What is its purpose? 

I share my thoughts and questions here as a seeker of truth. I have been exposed to many views on this subject, starting from my childhood, and through reading and listening to our traditional philosophy. But I am still asking this basic question again and again, without attaining clarity in my mind.

Continue reading WHY NOW? →
Civilization, Dharma, Harmony, Life, Psychology

Two Powerful Words

Leave a comment

by Naresh Jotwani and R. Srinivasan

Should I try to be a moral person? A nice guy? A law-abiding citizen? Or would that turn me into a loser? An impractical dreamer?

How do I become a winner? A realist?

Can I become a cunning operator in a philanthropist’s garb? Is that option available to me? Or only to some billionaires? Is greed really good – as they say on Wall Street?

Questions, questions … and more questions! But – alas! – no clear answers!

In the hope that a discussion around such questions would be of interest to everyone, we attempt here an exploration of some basic issues.

Continue reading Two Powerful Words →
Civilization, Democracy, Dharma, Justice, Society

Democracy as Dharma

1 Comment

by Ashok Jain

Foreword

Guest author Ashok Jain (brief profile here) has followed up on Jayram’s post by pointing out the crucial association between Democracy and Dharma.

While no system is perfect, democracy is better than the other forms of government which have been tried, such as autocracy, feudalism, communism, fascism, religious fanaticism et cetera. Democracy is ingrained in Indian political and religious thought from times immemorial, quite simply because it is ingrained in the concept of Dharma. Dharma provides a sense of fairness in society – as against blind adherence to rules and laws. Additional societal values infused by Dharma are equality, fraternity and justice for all.

Continue reading Democracy as Dharma →