Sanskrit----Language of  gods

Hindus believe Sanskrit was introduced on Earth by eternal sages along with divine scriptures such as Vedas, Upanishads, and Puranas. Phonology of Sanskrit is totally different from other languages of world. Just by finding some Sanskrit words in some European languages and then claiming Sanskrit has come from outside India is absurd. It tantamounts to telling that Hebrew is Asian in origin as there are some odd Hebrew words in Asian  languages. Mind set of some scholars is so fixed and prejudiced that it is difficult to change it despite showing them evidence.

Historical linguistics was not possible in Europe because it was dominated by Christianity which wanted you to literally adhere to Genesis account.  For example it wants you to believe that creation is 4004BC old and ADAM is 3761BC old. Christian philosopher, Hippo postulated that each nation was given its language. St Augustine said Hebrew is common language of all races. Despite these assertions search for language of Paradise was on amongst linguists. It was Sir William Jones in 1786AD who discovered Indo European language family. He even said Gothic and Celtic languages had same origin as Sanskrit. He also noted similarities of Sanskrit with Persian, English, Latin and Greek. He went on to say Sanskrit, Latin and Greek had common source of origin which is now lost. Thomas Young pursued this common source while reviewing Adelung’s book---“Mithridates, oder Allgemeine sprachenkunde”.Adelung states in his book that there were 500 languages and dialects and “hypothesized a universal descent from the language of Paradise, located in Kashmir”.

 Philosophers like Schlegel, Voltaire, and Kant acknowledge India is origin of Indo European languages. In 1775AD Voltaire went a bit further and said “Dynasty of Brahmins” taught rest of world. William Durrant said ,”India is mother of our philosophy ,Math, ……….India is in many ways the mother to all of us”.

Migration theory postulates Indo- Iranian model. This theory says Indo-Iranian split in to two, Indo Aryan which went to India and Iranian branch which went to Iran. Time frame for it is given 1800BC. This model is based on Aryan invasion of India in 1500 BC, an invasion no longer accepted now in literary circles. Suggestion that Sanskrit originated from Syria [Mittani rule 1500BC-1350BC] IS preposterous. Language of Mittani’s was Hurrian. When it is now established Rigveda is over 3000BC old, how Sanskrit could come from Syria. Mittani’s were nonexistent in 3000BC. Same can be told about Anatolia or Armenia origin. It is now proved fact that India had a civilization which predates any civilization on this Earth. All those people who talk of nonindian origin of Sanskrit are still fixed up in Aryan invasion theory in 1500BC, a invasion which never happened
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            “The perennial concept of people, language and Agriculture arriving in India from North West

                Corridor does not stand to scrutiny-----Sahoo etal.”

     Instead of foreign origins of Sanskrit we have now scholars telling us that Sanskrit is indigenous to India. This indigenous theory is supported by specific interpretations of archeological, genetic, linguistic data and on literary interpretations of Rigveda. They challenge Aryan invasionists on Genetic and Archeological grounds. They have even redated India’s past events. Dates suggested by various authors are :--   Rigveda----4500BC----3000BC.

Saraswati river drying----2000BC

Ramayana and Mahabharata----10000----120000[Sanderson Beck]

Birth of Lord RAMA---5114BC [Bhatnagar]

Mahabharata war----3076BC [prof Achar ]

Preharrapa period---6500BC---3100BC [Frawley]

Rigveda----7000BC---40000 [PROF Agarwal]

Indus civilization---3100BC—2200BC [Agarwal]

Rigveda-----6000BC [Tilak]

         In   AUGUST 1995, 43 Historians and Archeologists fixed Mahabharata war in 3139BC---3138BC.There are scholars who say Indian civilization must be seen unbroken and they have pushed back  dates to 7000BC-8000BC.

These dates clearly show how much old is Indian civilization. India could easily be called cradle of human civilization. It is India which influenced other civilizations including their language not other way round. Frawley concludes that all world languages are derived from India. He calls Aryan invasion in 1500BC, a Myth. Imprints of India can be seen in ancient Greece. Greece ruler in 200BC imprinted silver coins with images of Krishna and Balarama. E, Pococke wrote, “Whole of Greece was Indian in language, sentiment, religion till Trojan War”. Greece ambassador who erected Heliodors column was a Vishnu worshipper. Such was influence of India in ancient Greece [fore runner of European civilization] which is being ignored by Christian Western scholars.

     After discussing origins of Sanskrit let us turn to language itself. Sanskrit is the classical language of India and liturgical language of Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. Its earlier form is called Vedic Sanskrit. It was Sir Jones in 1783AD who introduced antiquity and true merits of Indian literature to world. He even said Sanskrit was more refined and perfect than Greek and Latin. It is usually written in Devanagari script, a descendent of Brahmi script, although other scripts also continue to be used. It is a syllable based writing system in which each syllable consists of a consonant plus an inherent vowel. Vowels are written differently, depending on whether they are independent or following a consonant. There are 16 vowels and 36 consonants. There are also 1000 conjunct consonants --- mostly combine 2 or 3 consonants. At times 4/5 consonants also used. Devanagari script is written left to right. Sentences are separated by vertical lines.Pecularity of language is that sound of all consonants and Vowels are fixed, morphology of word formation is unique where word is formed from  tiny seed in a precise grammatical order and its grammar has not under gone any change with time unlike other languages which have under gone change. Language encompasses rich tradition of poetry, drama, science, philosophy and religion. It is ceremonial language in Hinduism and Buddhist practice. Preclassical Sanskrit, called Vedic Sanskrit is ACHAIC in nature but preserved. Classical Sanskrit is post Vedic. Classical and Vedic Sanskrit differ in Phonology, Vocabulary, Grammar and Syntax. Metric hymns of Rigveda are oldest, composed by many authors. There are 4 principal dialects of classical Sanskrit. Just as in Quantum physics everything is in vibration, Sanskrit words also arise from vibrations/sounds.

     It is considered mystical language, language of gods by Hindus. Words in this language are constructed in such a way that they embody the meaning itself. Sound is considered the subtlest of all five elements. Controlling of sound can help manipulate matter by chanting. Mantra is essence of language. This language is basis of modern Indian languages like Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Punjabi and Southern languages.. It has shaped many languages like MALAY, Javanese and other South Asian languages. European languages like French, German Russian are highly influenced by it. This language has a perfect grammar and is highly systematic. Grammar was needed to preserve it which was provided by Panini. Panini was born in Pushklavati, Gandhara. Gandhara was part of Kashmir at that time. Time frame of his birth is between 500BC—7OOBC.He gave comprehensive and scientific theory of phonetics, Phonology and morphology of Sanskrit language. His book” Ashtadhyayi” , is central part of  GRAMMAR. It has 3959 sutras/rules. He belongs to era which is close to late Vedic period. Panini distinguishes between language of sacred texts and usual language of communication. He gives rules and definitions to describe Sanskrit grammar. Algebraic nature of Indian math is consequent to structure of Sanskrit language. New languages which deviated from original language are called Prakrits. In Sanskrit word is not name of object but reflection of inherent sound of that object. If one chants a Mantra, image of that object would appear in the mind of individual. A perfect pronunciation of word has power to manifest/ influence. Sanskrit is language of Mantras. Spoken word penetrates to essence of what they describe and give birth to meaning. It is extremely difficult to translate true meaning of Sanskrit words in English. By translating Brahman as God, atman as Soul, pap as sin and dharma as religion is total misrepresentation of Sanskrit words. Hinduism in West is reflected through lens of Abrahamic religions, thus theological uniqueness of Hinduism is totally being compromised. One has to read Vedas on their own terms and not from perspective of other religions. This is the reason why West lacks clarity about Hinduism. Indian culture is mix of spirituality and materialism, a point missed by West. Earliest known Sanskrit inscriptions are in Brahmi script. Brahmi evolved into multiple scripts like Sharda, Devanagari. In South script used for Sanskrit include Tamil, Kannada, Telgu, and Malayalam. It got Romanized [Latin alphabets] in 18^th century. This language has precision in thought and content and is metaphysical too. Professor Axel Michaels of Heidelberg university says , "Reading original texts in Sanskrit is essential as these are some of the earliest thoughts and discoveries".
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    Sanskrit has potential for scientific use due to its systemic grammar. Sanskrit as natural language can serve as an artificial language hence could be used in Artificial intelligence development. It is remarkable that concepts which are fundamental to computer today should have their origins with an Indian genius who lived around 700BC. Mendeleev, inventor of periodic table was highly influenced by Sanskrit. He was impressed by systemic arrangement of Sanskrit sounds. Alphabets in Sanskrit are arranged on how sound is produced. This helped Mendeleev to arrange his periodic table. He arranged elements in periodic table in order of increasing atomic weight, like Panini who arranged sounds in order of increasing phonetic complex. Dean Brown, physicist and Upanishad scholar calls Sanskrit scientific, ancient and spiritual .He states that all European languages can be traced back to root language, the Sanskrit. He further added that western culture has many Vedic religious elements, many English words have Sanskrit origins.Infact Vedic/Upanishad writing which is in Sanskrit is labelled science by those who study them. For them science is not lab but “To discriminate between this and this”.

     Census of India 2001 showed 14135 people who said Sanskrit is their native language. Sanskrit is among 14 original languages of 8^th schedule to constitution. Mattur village in Karnataka claims natives speaking in Sanskrit.  In Uttarkhand it is second official language. Sanskrit is widely used in Carnatic and Hindustani music. Kirtans, Bajans etc. are in Sanskrit and are quite popular in India. Sanskrit news is broadcast on TV and on internet through DD national channel. There is symbolic use of it in contemporary times----“Satyam Eva jayte”. In Indonesia it is being used as mottoes of the armed forces and national organizations. This language existed along vernacular Prakrits in ancient India. There has been attempts in free India to popularize this near   extinct language. In USA SINCE Sept 2009 high school students have been able to receive credits by studying Sanskrit. There are 14 Sanskrit universities in India as on today. In New Delhi we have two universities—“Rashtriya Sanskrit vidyapeeth and Lal Bahadur shastri Rashtriya Sanskrit vidyapeeth”.

    Lastly, it is interesting to note that India instead of occupying major portions of world history finds its name in its foot notes. When Aryan invasion theory stands debunked now, yet West is not ready to throw this invasion out of their mind. Govt of India efforts to popularize Sanskrit is being targeted as communal with help of insiders and some outsiders. Efforts are being made by cynical elements to revive notion that Sanskrit came from outside to tarnish Govt efforts. This shows how much intellectual bankruptcy and greed exists in present free India. It is high time we identify these cynical elements, isolate and ignore them. We Hindus instead of parroting Pujas, Bhajans etc.  Which are in Sanskrit should try to know true meaning of those words/ mantras to get desired results.

Man and God

Science tells us earth we live is 4 billion years old and modern looking man just 200,000 years old. It tries to explain everything in this universe on the basis of interplay of matter. It has not proved conclusively that God does not exist, at the same time it does not say God exists. True science provides us a reliable and valid measure of the object of study. It tries to uncover new knowledge rather than merely support preexisting belief. Science is not perfect but is far closer to provide useful understanding of events. True science cannot provide100% answers but that should not mean to support untenable ideas. Religious notions are many a times dogmatic and are not verifiable. How does a person evaluate benefits offered by religion that await one after death? Limitations of science should not give credence or support to pseudoscience. Science is based on mathematics, mathematics cannot discover all truths, therefore science cannot provide all truth. Science calls religious   beliefs bereft of proof, yet at the same time its various assertions on creation are probabilistic. What a human dilemma?

Regarding origin of man, Darwin 1859 in “Origin of species “postulated evolutionary theory. According to this theory man evolved from Apes. Evolutionary theory is based on two things--- Mutation and natural selection. We humans split from Chimps 7.5 million years ago. Records of first homohabilis go back to2.8 million years, H.ERECTUS 1.5—1.8 million and Homosapiens, forerunner of modern man just 400,000----250,000 years. This theory does not see hand of God in making of man. There has been criticism of this theory both by religious peers and handful of intellectuals. Michel cremo in his book, Human devolution contests this theory. There are many archaeological findings which go against this theory. Infact Darwin himself had said that for this theory to be true there have got to be intermediate species. Such intermediate species have not been found till date. Arthur Keith who wrote foreword to Darwin’s book wrote, “Evolution is not proved and not provable”. Evolutionary theory has no solution to origin of life.Darwin theory can not explain how species originated? It suggested  mechanism, how a species can get stronger and better but gave no indication of how it might throw new species.

         Science has not been able to produce life out of that which was not life. It has not been possible to change one species into another despite advances in science. Science feels man is nothing but outcome of a materialistic process. How matter, a nonliving entity became live entity it has no answer? Crick ,co discoverer DNA suggested that Earth was deliberately seeded with life by intelligent Aliens.Big bang theory can not explain how matter was created from nothing. Science tells us matter came into existence by itself. This goes against first law of thermodynamics which states matter can not be created or destroyed.Even evolutionary theory and second law of thermodynamics do not go hand in hand.Evolution means there has to be continued increase of order and of complexity but according to second  law of thermodynamics there should be disorder [Entropy]. This means universe should be winding down and devolving. To over come these anomalies in creation science now hints at "Intelligence" behind this creation. It is still feeling shy to call this intelligence-- --God.

   Religions have different story to tell. No religion believes in evolutionary theory. All religions believe creation including man have been created by God, All Abrahamic religions [Judaism, Christianity, Islam] talk of creation of Adam by God. There are some minor variations in these religions on creation of Adam and Eve. AS per these religions man was created on 6^th day of creation along with land animals. Genesis tells us God created man from of the ground and breathed life into him. God made Eve from rib of Adam. God banished Adam and Eve from Eden garden for disobeying. Because of eating forbidden fruit, sin and death entered this world. Some scholars believe Garden of Eden is somewhere near Persian Gulf while others believe it is at borders of Heaven and Earth. According to bible, man is just 6000—10000 years old on this earth.  James Ussher believes creation date to be oct 23^rd, 4004BC. Some other dates of creation are:--- Egyptian date---39760 BC, Zoroastrian----9600BC—9500BC ,Maya---3114BC and Chinese date is----39000BC.None of these match scientific version of creation. All these religions believe in external God, meaning God and Man are two different and distinct identities.

    Hindus have different story to tell about Creator and Man. Hindus tell that God by his will created this universe and man. But details of creation are totally different from Abrahamic religions. Hindus believe man is miniature universe. Individual soul [jivataman] and God [paratman] are one and same. While Jivataman is bound and veiled, Paratman [cosmic soul] is free and infinite. Hindus are only religion which have given detailed description of Individual soul , Cosmic soul and Man and their relationship. Unlike science, Hindus believe in that man is not matter but more than that. Hindus identify man in terms of three bodies, 5 koshas [sheaths] and three states. It also tells us we are divine but imperfect living in two worlds---material and spiritual.. It is our destiny to shuttle between these two worlds till we reach perfection. Creator is absolute good and absolute beauty [sat, chit, Ananda]. It is nature of Creator to desire manifestation. If Creator does not create souls to nurture and grow, its sublime energy would shrink from lack of expression .This is real purpose of life and creation. Soul is wrapped inside 5 koshas. 5 koshas are:-1.-Anandmaya kosha—bliss sheath. It is in proximity to Soul. It is associated with state of dreamless sleep and Samadhi. This sheath is reflection of three divine qualities of Soul [ sat , chit ,anand] Since Soul is nondoer, its qualities are manifest through this kosh 2. Vigyanmaya kosha—Intellect. It discriminates and determines. Feeling of “I” resides in it. It is repository of information. 3. Manomaya kosha—MIND. It is involved with thinking, feeling. Mind along five senses constitutes this kosha. It receives all sensory inputs and interprets them. 4. Pranamaya kosha---air sheath. It moves in physical body along subtle pathways. These pathways are Nadis [astral tubes] and they carry pranic currents .5. Anamaya kosha---food sheath. This is in form of physical body.

            Three bodies are----1. Gross body.  2. Subtle body [linga sharira].  3. Casual body [karana sharira].

Gross body:--- It is made of elements—Akash ,Air ,Agni  ,Earth , Water. Annamaya and part of Pranamaya reside in gross body. It needs food, water, air which it gets from koshas which reside in it.

Subtle body [Linga sharira]:----In it mind, intellect and ego reside. Manomaya ,Gayanamaya and part of Pranamaya kosha reside in this body. It surrounds gross body as an aura of energy. Nadis [subtle channels] exist in it. In it are counter parts of organs outside [Astral senses]. At death Soul exits gross body along this body. It is vehicle of consciousness.

Casual body [ karana sharira]:---It controls the formation and growth of other two bodies. Anandamaya kosha resides in casual body. It is the map template which is sole cause for gross and subtle bodies in the future birth of soul that is not liberated or detached from casual body. It links individual consciousness with collective consciousness. Experiences from past are stored in casual body. At death both casual body and subtle [astral] body remain together and separate from gross body. Once soul is completely detached from casual body it goes to abode of God.

       It is interesting to note that Abrahamic religions believe in personal God and that too external. Hindus on contrary neither believe in personal God nor external God. In Abrahamic religions on day of reckoning all dead will be made alive and sent to hell or heaven depending on the deeds done while alive. Hindus on contrary believe in rebirth of departed Soul, only to return to source once it reaches perfection.

      There is also another school of thought on this matter. Michel cremo is talking of human devolution instead of human evolution. According to him we devolved, came from realm of pure consciousness. He believes humans are combination of Matter, Mind and consciousness [spirit] unlike science which says we are just matter. He believes we live in multidimensional cosmos [three to be precise]---1. Pure consciousness .2. Subtle-dominated by mental energies. This world is inhabited by gods, Angels, Astral beings. 3. Matter dominated world [Earth]---inhabited by Human. Pure consciousness departs from pure and enters into lower world, gets covered by mind and matter. It is meditation which can help us to evolve. Living are vehicles of conscious cells designed by Creator to help us progress in life.

Conclusion:--

Science believes in evolution, from simple to complex and does not see hand of God in creation. Religions see hand of God in creation and do not believe in evolution. Each religion defines God within the limits it demarcates and then claims to have grasped “HIM”. Religions only speak of part of” Him”, and yet assert their vision is full and final. Each religion forgets that God is all forms, all names, all attributes and all assertions. Modern man is slave to his desires. Man has to give up reliance on vagaries of mind in order to know divine. We should strive for higher level of living and not high standard of living. An atamic vision destroys desire for objective joys. Spiritual enlightenment is possible by Bhakti/ Good karma/Dhyana and Raj yoga. Life and death is away to perfect one’s own self. Vedic wisdom [Hindu wisdom] tells consciousness is canvas on which thoughts/world is projected. We live in living universe which is constantly evolving. Science tells life came by miracle from nonlife but religions tell us it came on purpose [expression of supreme].

Samandura Manthan---A Spiritual perspective

Out of all religions in world ,Hinduism is most ill understood ,partly due to its antiquity and partly due to foreign rulers of India who destroyed  its relics of past making it difficult for future historians to bridge missing links in its history and culture. Motto of foreign rulers was simple—“Destroy culture, it destroys nation.”

Lately, revisiting by West in to past of India has rekindled interest in Vedic wisdom and its relevance today. It was Carl Sagan, Astrophysicist who stated, “Hindu religion is only religion in which time scales correspond to modern cosmology”. Louis Jacolliot even said, “Vedas ideas are in perfect harmony with modern science”.

In ancient literature of India fact and fiction are so much interwoven that it becomes extremely difficult for casual reader to know real truth. True Upanishad teachings are otherworldly and did not improve lot of common man, yet its teachings are lofty and its relevance is being recognized by modern scientists and scholars. One may say mythology has put Vedic wisdom in shadows yet we can visualize that it has saved Vedic wisdom from total extinction. Just as cover of fruit helps in preserving and maturing of fruit, in same way mythology has acted as crutches for this Abstruse Vedic philosophy. This philosophy can only be understood by wise in humanity. Greatest value of this philosophy is that it is not sectarian and is for humanity at large.

            One of the common Hindu mythology tales is Samandura Manthan. This Manthan is discussed in Vishnu Puran, Mahabharata and Bhagvat Puran. Very few learned really understand real spiritual significance of this story.

Puranic story:-

Rishi Durvasa curses Devas to be bereft of all energy and fortune. In the battles that ensued between Devas and Asuras, devtas are defeated and Asura king Bali gains control of three worlds. Devas approach Lord Vishnu for help. Lord Vishnu urges Devas to have alliance with Asuras to churn ocean for nectar of immortality. Asuras after being assured of nectar agree to churn ocean with Devas. In churning of ocean Mount Mandara is used as churning rod and Vasuki [naga king] is used as churning rope. Lord Vishnu, in the form TURTLE [Kurma avatar] supports Mount Mandara on its back and saves it from sinking in ocean. Kurma also stabilizes mountain. Many things are released by churning which Devas and Asuras share. During churning three goddesses also appear. Laxmi—goddesses of wealth and fortune is given to Lord Vishnu.Apsaras are chosen by demigods as companions. Varuni is accepted by Asuras. Out of supernatural animals Airavat is taken by Indra, Kamadhenu –wish granting cow is given to Sages and Uchhaishrvas—7 headed horse is taken by Asuras. Out of other valuables, Kaustaba ratan is given to Lord Vishnu, Parijat plant----Divine flowering plant is taken to Indra loka, Sharanga---Bow goes to Asuras, Chandra [moon] decorates head of Lord Siva. Some puranas also talk of Shanka, Jyeshta, Umbrella, Kapalvriksha plant, Nidra.Most importantly churning releases lethal poison” Halahala’. This poison is very powerful enough to destroy whole universe. Devas now approach Lord Siva for help. Without help whole universe including Devtas and Asuras face annihilation. Lord Siva agrees to consume poison Halahala to save whole universe from annihilation. Lord Sivas throat turns blue with this poison, hence the name Neelkanth for Lord Siva. Finally Dhanvantri come out with pot having Amrita [Nectar. Garuda takes pot away lest Asuras lay hand on it.Lord Vishnu again has role to play. He disguises himself as Mohini [beautiful damsel] and takes pot from Garuda. Mohini mesmerizes Asuras with her beauty. She promises nectar will be given both to Devas and ASURAS. She starts first with Devas. In the meantime Rahu disguises himself as Deva and manages to get nectar from Mohini. She is alarmed by Chandra deva and Surya Deva about mischief done by Rahu. Mohini swings into action and with help of Sudarshan Chakra chops head of Rahu lest he becomes immortal. Since nectar had not gone below throat of Rahu, only Rahu’s head attains immortality. Asuras do not get Amrita. War breaks out between Asuras and Devas. In this war Devas win as they are rejuvenated by Nectar. Thus ends Samandura Manthan story. Later another story is attached to this story. While nectar pot is taken away by Garuda, there is spillage of nectar. This occurs at four places---Haridwar, Nasik, Prayag and Ujjain. These places are supposed to have attained some mystic powers due to this Amrita spill over. Kumbh mela is celebrated at these places nowadays after every 12 years. People believe bathing at these places in Kumbh mela will lead to their salvation

Spiritual significance:-

In Puranic stories there is always hidden symbolism and there are spiritual lessons too. Churning means nothing but transformation of mind and body on path to liberation. Just as churning of milk separates butter so does churning of mind separate pure intelligence [consciousness]. Immortality is final product in practice of yoga. Atman and Parmatman are same, former is limited by karma and physical body. It should be duty of every individual to do self-introspection and remove veil of ignorance by Gyan /Dhyana yoga. Only when this churning/introspection of mind and soul is done can individual find inseparability of Atman and Paratman. Once this is attained one has reached to stage of immortality.

          Hindus believe man is an miniature universe so there are two paths to know real truth, one is self-introspection and other is probing outer space. In body both good and bad elements reside. Same is true of this universe. Gods of manthan symbolize Sattva, Purity, and Intelligence. They also represent sense organs, virtue and pleasure. Asuras symbolize Tamas, Darkness, Delusion, Evil, Pain etc. Participation of gods and Asuras in churning means there has got to be integration and harmonization of both gross and subtle bodies. One has to harness both positive and negative energies for common goal. Ocean in churning represents Mind/Consciousness which contains many hidden treasures. Ocean could symbolize universe also. Mountain Mandhara symbolizes concentration and steadiness of seeker and Tortoise [kurma] stands for withdrawal of senses into oneself which is very essential to practice Dhyana [meditation]. Just as Tortoise with draws into its shell, so can seeker attain liberation by withdrawing in to Atman residing in him. Support of Tortoise denotes that supreme consciousness has to back him all the way if he has to succeed. Vasuki represents desire/intent of seeker and his holding of serpent denotes self-control. Rope also signifies cooperation we need in our spiritual journey. One has to balance both spiritual and worldly life.  Poison, Halahal represents all negative forces which surface during meditation to distract seeker. Halahala represents sufferings and pain we have to undergo while doing penance. Intervention of Lord Siva means Gurus Anugraha is needed for spiritual advancement. It also means virtue, self-control and purity prevails over negative forces. Siva consuming poison also denotes how one should deal with inner turmoil with courage and discipline .Gifting of Laxmi to Lord Vishnu means surrender of all luxuries by seeker to God as they belongeth to Him. This releases seeker from karmic debt. Dhanvantri represents health and physical being. It means that seeker need to be in good moral and spiritual health. Mohini symbolizes Maya [delusion, desire, ignorance Ego] to which Asuras fall prey, forgetting real goal of getting Nectar first. MOHINI giving Amrit to gods only means upholding order, karma and Dharma.  By giving Amrit [nectar] to Asuras would mean spreading wickedness and disorder in universe. Objects coming out of ocean would also symbolize some psychic and supernatural powers emanating while doing sadhana. Seeker needs to remain on guard lest he falls for these powers and misses his goal.

Conclusion:---

         Puranic stories are not fantasies but stories with full of hidden wisdom and historical accounts of ancient India. Great irony is we just read and enjoy these stories without trying to go into depth of these stories. Sagar Manthan is one of these mystic stories. This story tells us that we have got to maintain balance between our material and spiritual lives. Good and bad are part of our lives. One has to overcome negativity in life by positive [satvic] karma. Story also tells us Jivataman and Paratman are same, former veiled by ignorance. Moksha can be achieved by realizing this truth.

           Kashmir------A religious perspective

Word Kashmir literally in Sanskrit means land of Kashyap. According to Nilmat Puran Kashmir was once a big lake, called” Satisar”. Rishi Kshyapa drained this lake by creating a gap in hills at Baramulla.  This land was inhabited by Nagas, Pishacas and Yakshas. First naga king was Nila. Bindusara in east and, Srimadaka in south, Elapatra in west and Uttarmanasa in north were Naga chiefs. By an arrangement Pishcas’s were asked to leave valley for six months. During their absence from valley descendants of Manu [manuvas] were allowed to live along Nagas. Later this arrangement was changed so that Manuvas could live in valley permanently.

Nagas had lot of rites and ceremonies and practiced a religious belief, which became foundation for Shaivism. Kashmir became slowly Centre for Sanskrit scholars. Nagas did not accept Aryan caste system and a concept of multiple gods. Naga religious practices continued for long along with some Vedic practices.

Lately there has been attempt by some Kashmiri Muslim fanatics to discredit this Kashmir history. They are postulating that King Solomon [970BC-931BC] with help of Jinn’s drained Satisar Lake when he visited valley. Nowhere in bible or in other Israel literature is it documented that King Solomon visited India and subsequently Kashmir. For all what is known, king Solomon never left his foot outside Israel. Rajtarangni, a historical chronicle by Kalhana, accepted world over while detailing ancient Kashmir history from 3238BC at no place writes about Soloman visit to valley. Secondly, Solomon ruled 970BC—931BC. By this time Satisar was already drained long back and Kashmir had its own kingdoms. King Gonanda 1 ruled Kashmir from 3238BC---3188BC, followed by his son Gonanda 11[3139BC—3130BC]. Gonanda1 ruled at the time of Mahabharata war. Many kings followed Gonandas. In Mahabharata we are told that Kamboja’s ruled Kashmir followed by Panchala kings. Pir Panchal mountain range goes after their name. Word pir was added to Panchal in Muslim rule,  this fact is written in historical chronicles. Such are distortions done to Kashmir history by fanatic Kashmiri writers. It was king Gopiditya [417BC---335BC]”who built Shankaracharya temple and not anyone else. Some Muslim fanatics are addressing Shankaracharya temple as Takht-i-sulaiman [throne of Solomon] . Total distortion of history. In fact stone stair case of this temple was erased by queen of King Jahangir and its stones were used to build Pathar masjid. That is how Kashmir history is being distorted by fanatics and this process of changing names and distorting facts is continuing even today.

Buddhism reached valley in king Surendra’s time [400BC]. King Surendra ruled Kashmir from Gandhara [Afghanistan]. Kashmir was part of Gandhara kingdom in his time. King constructed first bodh vihar in valley at a place called Soura. But it was in king Ashoka’s time [269BC-227BC] that Buddhism got big boost in valley. He sent Madhyantika to valley to preach Buddhism. Madhyantika subdued Nagas by his supernatural powers in arguments. His case was made easier as Nagas did not accept Aryan caste system and its multiple god concept. During Ashoka’s time Buddhism and Hinduism flourished side by side. He not only constructed vihars but also built two Siva temples at Bijbera.Madhyantika also brought saffron in valley. King Jaluka who succeeded Ashoka was not Buddhist fan. During his time some bodh vihars were destroyed. It is during Kushan time that Buddhism got revived in valley. King Kanishka [127AD-147AD] organized Buddhist conference at present day Harwan, Kashmir. This conference was headed by hindu pundit Vasumitra. Chinese traveler Huan Tsang mentions about this conference in his travelogue. Nagarjun and Patanjali helped in spread of Buddhism. Both were against Vedic beliefs and rituals. Slowly there was intermingling of Buddhist beliefs and Hindu beliefs. Hindus started believing that Buddha was one of the incarnations of Lord Vishnu. In Kalhana’s time there was not much distinction between Buddhism and Shaivism. Karkota rulers’ [625AD-1001AD] revived Hinduism. Many temples were built and Vishnu Pooja was encouraged. Lalita ditya mukhtapida was important ruler of this dynasty. His rule extended from Kashmir to Tibet and to Magdha in south. He constructed Martand temple. He ruled from724AD-760AD.During Karkota rule demise of Buddhism started in valley. Kashmir was a sort Buddhist state from 1^st century to 8^th century. After 8^th century there was rise of Shaivism in Kashmir. Rise of Shaivism in valley was due to great scholars like Abhinavgupta, Vasugupta and many others.Karkota rule was followed by Utpala dynasty rule. This dynasty was Vishnu and Siva followers. Lot of temples were built by them. Avantivarman was important king of this dynasty. He built Siva temples at Awantipur.At the time when Kalhan was completing Rajtarangni [1149AD-1150AD] Kashmir was ruled by a weak Hindu king Jaisima. From 1155AD till 1339AD Kashmir was marred by misrule, intrigues, debauchery and incessant feuds and valley fell prey to foreign rule. Shah Mir who was working as minister in Sehdeva kingdom managed to oust king, marry his wife forcibly and install himself as first Muslim king of Kashmir. Kashmir was ruled by Muslims from 1339AD----1819AD. Muslim rulers were ruthless to Kashmiri pandits in valley. They forced conversions and put harsh laws in place for Pandits. Those who opposed conversion were brutally killed. Two Muslim kings specially need to be mentioned here. One is Skinder [1389AD-1413AD], It is said of him that he erased all temples and Idols which came his way and was aptly called Skinder butshiken [iconoclast]. Other king was Aurangzeb [Moghul king]. His atrocities on Kashmiri pandits and Sikhs sends shivers in spine of those who read history of that time. It is interesting to note that at the time Akbar rule there were 45 places of Siva worship, 64 places of Vishnu worship, 3 for Brahma, 22 Durga and 700 places of Naga worship in valley. This is attested by Muslim historians of that time.

    It is during Muslim rule a Hindu majority state was converted in to Hindu minority state. Kashmiri pandits who founded a state, nurtured it, made it a place of learning and developed its own distinct philosophy were forced to abandon their faith and ideals and face ethnic cleansing in valley. What a human tragedy? When this all was happening to them, whole world including rest of India remained mute spectators to their [KP’S] tragedy. This ethnic cleansing which had modest beginning in 1947, had upsurge in 1990 and is now near completion. Irony is that this completion has happened in independent India which is vouching for secularism and it is ruled by Hindus. A shame on India, its people and its nationalist leaders.

  Kashmir Shaivism

Kashmir developed its religious philosophy, now called Kashmir Shaivism. In Kashmir Shaivism, Vedic religion [Vaishnavism] and Buddhism continued side by side for long till Buddhism met its demise in 8^th centuryAD.We will briefly discuss what Kashmir Shaivism means and how it differs from Vedic philosophy.

It is actually a group of several monistic and Tantric religious traditions. These traditions have survived in an attenuated form among Kashmiri pandits. It is nondualist unlike Shaiva Siddhanta of south which is dualistic. There are many authors, each developing his own version of pure Consciousness. Shaivite philosophy does not prescribe tortures of body but recommends a few precise methods of spontaneous meditation, free from any kind of repression and constraints of mind or emotions. It was in 9^th century Vasugupta wrote Shiv Sutras which laid foundation for Kashmir Shaivism. Somananda wrote, “Vision of Siva”. But it was Abhinavgupta who discussed Shaiva philosophy in detail.  Abhinavgupta was born in 950AD. Out of his 40 works Tantraloka [divine light of tantra] on Kashmir Shaivism is outstanding. He destroyed concept of dualistic interpretation of Shaivism.

According to Kashmir Shaivism this phenomenal world [Shakti] is real and has its being in Consciousness [Chit]. This is in contrast to Vedic assertion that this world is Maya [existence—nonexistence]. Vedanta explains manifestation through 25 elements but Shaivites explain it through 36 elements [Tattvas]. Shiva is Consciousness [Chit] .When this awareness expands out, universe comes into existence. Unlike Vedantists who say Brahman is knowledge and no activity, Shaivites say Siva is knowledge and an activity. Kashmir Shaivism has three main divisions:---Agama Shastra, Spanda Shastra and Pratybhijina Shastra. All three together are called Trika SHASTRA. Kashmir Shaivism is derived from 92 tantras, called Agamas. Goal is moksha I.e. attainment of unwavering bliss while living ordinary life. It talks of four paths to moksha—through  body, mind, consciousness and method less method. Its doctrine revolves around, Trika---“Siva, Shakti and Anu [individual]”. There is a strong monistic interpretation of bhairav tantra in it. Kaula tantra is subdivision of Kapalikas.Kaula tantra is nonpuranic and its tenants are –purity, sacrifice and freedom. Guru has a vital role in this philosophy. Kaula believe in practical methods of attaining enlightenment. Thus sexuality, Love and social life are considered vectors of spiritual evolution. Kaula system which is tantric Shaivism flaunts impurity rules [alcohol, meat, blood etc.] to invoke deities which is unlike Vedic rituals. Even though Kashmir Shaivism is monistic there is still a role for dualistic aspect on the spiritual path. This whole world is nothing but blissful energy of the all-pervading Consciousness of Lord Siva. Shakti is dynamic energy of Siva and is indistinguishable aspect of Siva. Apparent duality is an illusion created by our ignorance and limitations.64 systems of Shaiva cult are described, Trika is one of them. One can attain Siva Consciousness by Sambavopa---total surrender, Shaktopaya---liberation through kundalini awakening or by Anupaya---without means [remaining in one’s own being].In nutshell Shaivism advocates how a human being engrossed in inferior objective world of Siva can be transferred upwards towards supreme energy of Siva through his cognac energy Shakti. It was in Kashmir Shaivism that the concept of dynamic energy [Shakti] playing an important role in the evolution of Cosmos was introduced. Siva is transcendental, immanent and can be realized through practices [kriya].

     Awantivarman in 14^th century and Lalleshwari [1320-1392] by Lal Vak expounded this philosophy in vernacular for masses. It biggest proponent in modern times was Swami Laxman joo [1907—1991].

India and its contribution to the World

                                           India and its contribution to world

The theory of the Aryan migration into India from somewhere has been so often repeated by western scholars that it has become an article of faith even with Indian scholars! It is only after sir Marshall excavated Indus valley relics in 1920 that Indian civilization had a quantum jump from a few hundred to 3000BC. Since then many scholars with more finds and satellite photographs have come to conclusion that India had significant past and a distinct culture of its own. Continued religious practices added credence to its glorious past. Now more and more people believe that Aryans were Indian people who later migrated to Iran and Europe. There are now scholars who believe Indus valley civilization is post Vedic civilization. Sahoo, Metspalu etal state that concept of people, language and agriculture arriving in India through North West corridor does not hold to scrutiny. Frawley and Stephen Knapp also disagree with Aryan invasion theory and so are many others.

Professor Winternitz says period of Vedic culture goes back to 2000BC---2500BC. It is important to note while dating these Vedic scriptures one has to keep in mind age in which they were written and distance in time and thought that separates them from us.

Ancient India started as amalgam of Aryans, Dravidians and aboriginals tribes. Ancient Vedic literature has enormous number of statements and materials that can be shown to agree with modern scientific findings.

We will below list contribution of India towards human development and civilization:--

                                                        Vedic  Civilization

Once disputed but now accepted civilization. Its dates are a subject of debate with scholars. Vedic culture either was precursor to Indus valley civilization or early contributor to its culture. Vedas were given by people of India who had been living in India for thousands of years. In India writing came very late so literature carried orally for long. West labelled Puranas myth as its write up did not match up to western thinking of India. Dates suggested by some western scholars ignore ancient historical events, Puranic descriptions of ruling dynasties and divorcing Vedic write up from Puranic text. Instead we should read Vedic texts along Puranic texts, take cognizance of ancient historical events to arrive at firm conclusions.

Rajaram puts beginning of Vedic culture, no later than 3500BC. Frawley gives 6500BC—3100BC for early Vedic civilization and for late Vedic period 1900BC—1000BC. Some other dates suggested are:--

Aggarwal----Rigveda 7000BC—4000BC. End of Vedic age—3750BC.

Winternitz---From 2500BC to 4900BC [   Rigveda].  Tilak goes further down in time line.

Rigveda mentions mighty Saraswati River 60 times in its narrative. This river totally dried up by 1900BC.  This river is also mentioned in Mahabharata.  Existence of this river has been proved by Satellite photography. Implication of this is that Rigveda must have been written before 3000BC and MAHABHARATA war must have occurred before 1900BC. This once again proves western dates of Mahabharata war 1400BC is pure fabrication.

Biggest achievement of Vedic civilization has been its literature. There are four Vedas:-- Rigveda ,Samveda ,Atharveda and Ayurveda. They are not historical books, at times some rulers [kings] are mentioned and discussed in their narrative. It is in Puranas we have details of Kings and ruling dynasties. Puranas also deal with Creation, gods, demons etc. Heroes in Puranas are deified and their achievements exaggerated to immortalize them but attempt always has been to stick to basic story. This gives them authenticity to be of historical importance.

Vedic civilization evolved over a period of time and gave birth to a philosophy called Sanatan Dharma, now called Hinduism. This religion did not come on particular day, does not have single founder, nor has single book to follow. Its teachings are nonsectarian unlike other religions on planet. Vedas contain divine knowledge. They are earliest document of human mind. They encompass human life and reflect all aspects of Existence. Vedas are laconic in form, hardly intelligible without interpretation. These books are products of man’s contemplation and God’s revelation .No dogma is allowed to come in way unlike all Abrahamic religions.

Vedas have four parts:-- Brahmanas ,, Samhitas----They deal with rites and rituals.

                                               Aranyakas:-- --             -----Spiritual interpretation of rituals and rites ,                                                                                               ceremonies explained.

                                              Upanishads:-                ---Constitutes knowledge[ Gyan] of Brahaman                                                                                                 ,  the Creator.

Upanishads are concluding part of Vedas. They are in form of dialogue. They contain inspiring knowledge that deals with Creator [Brahaman] , ATMAN ,After life and Moksha[Salvation].Main message of all Upanishads is to get awareness of Atman. Atman [soul] is real, immortal and is veiled by one’s karma. By knowledge one can transcend this physical world and death. Goal of person should be to know Truth [Brahman]. By attaining knowledge of Brahman man gets liberated from life and death cycle. There are four ways to achieve this goal:--Bhakti—Surrender to God ,Dhyan yoga---knowing through intellect ,Raja yoga---- by meditation and Karma yoga---dedicating actions  in spiritual frame of mind ,free from desire and attachment.

Vedas are hardly read nowadays but they form bedrock of Hinduism. Hinduism is only religion which promotes self-realization. It says man is microcosm so knowing about self will lead us to know supreme self-[God]. There is no role of conversion as all humans are same. Difference lies in their perception of Truth [Brahman] and our job should be to make this man aware of this fundamental Truth.

                                             Indus Valley Civilization

This civilization should really be called Indo-Saraswat Civilization as this civilization flourished around two rivers namely Indus river and Saraswati river[ now dried up]. This civilization is dated 2600BC-1900BC. This civilization either was contemporary to Egypt and Mesopotamia civilizations or preceded them by couple of hundred years. This civilization extended from present day Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat into West Pakistan, an area of over one million sq. meters. This civilization was far bigger than Sumerian civilization. It is also called Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa civilization. People of Mohenjo-Daro/Harappa did not built big monuments, nor did they bury their rich in gold tombs. When other people spent money on rich and supernatural, Indus people spent it on common man. They were peaceful people which is evident from the fact that no weapons have been unearthed. More than 1000 sites have been excavated and studied by now. Indus people were an organized society, buildings were constructed on elevated grounds. They had network of streets and bathing areas. Cleanliness was hallmark of this civilization.  Presence of clay figurine of goddess attests to their belief in some religion. They domesticated Cow .Goat. Mode of transport was bull cart, were traders and used barter system. They build dams, Harvested rain water, had Dockyard, Granaries, ware house and a good sewerage system. They cultivated some crops.  Presence of Pottery and Textiles attests to their artisanship. They had trade links with Mesopotamia who called them Meluha. They had high technical achievements in Town planning, Metallurgy and Crafts. They did not glorify their rulers. Presence of Swastika means they were peace lovers. There is enough evidence available that climatic catastrophe finished this great civilization.

            India is only country in this world to have given two civilizations to mankind. Two epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata speak volumes about Vedic people, geography and their life.

                Mark Twain:--“India is cradle of human race, birth place of human speech, the mother of history, the grandmother of legend and great grandmother of tradition”.

                                         Science and Technology

West today is claiming that they are founding fathers of science but this claim ill founded.

 Grant Duff, British historian said,  “ Most of the advances in science that we consider to have been made in Europe in fact were made in India centuries ago”.

In fact science and Math originated in India at a time when West was lurking in dark ages.

Atomic theory:-- 

Modern science gives credit to Dalton for   atomic theory. Instead father of this theory  is Rishi Kashyapa also called Kanada. Kashyapa lived around 600BC. He was first to  tell that Atom is indestructible and also gave theory of Gravity [Gurutva] long before  Isaac Newton. He also said all living beings are made of 5 elements [water, fire,  earth, ether, air]. Details of his work can be got from Vaisheshika sutra. He further said atoms can be in two states: -- rest,  in motion. This theory of atoms is enmeshed In philosophy.

Medicine:-- 

Two seers Charaka and Sushrata did pioneering work in this field long before present medical science. Charaka who lived around 600 BC [some say 300BC] wrote treatises on human embryology, diseases of heart, Diabetes, T.B. He also wrote on hundreds of herbs, their medicinal value. Many of the herbs mentioned in Charak 

Samhita are in use even today .Samhita also deals in physiology, Embryology, concepts of digestion, metabolism and immunity. Sushrata, who lived around same period, wrote on nearly 300 surgical procedures like Caesarean, Cataract, Urinary stones, Rhinoplasty  etc. His work on Rhinoplasty is being quoted by plastic surgeons even today. He also 

Wrote on various suture materials and surgical instruments. He used horse hair as  Suturing material. 

Aviation Technology:-

Saint Bhardawaja, who reportedly lived around 800BC not only wrote Atharveda  but also wrote on Aviation science, flying machines, and space science in Yantra  Sarvasva. One can easily say that ancient people living in India were aware of flying machines. In his book, saint discusses various types of Flying machines. Sage mentions in his book that 500 types of vimanas can be made. In 1895AD Shiv Kumar Talpade was first person in world to fly a Plane, long before Wright brothers.

Creation:-- 

Saint Kapila can easily be labeled as father of cosmology. He said Prakriti with  Inspiration from Purusha forms this Universe. He gave Samkhya philosophy  detailing how this world that we see was formed. This philosophy is also quoted in  Holy Bhagavat Gita. HE wrote in great detail on Primal matter and process of  Creation long before Big Bang theory was proposed by modern science. Kapila is  reported to have lived around 3000BC.

Planetaty System

 Bhaskara in his book Siddhant Shiroman talks of planetary positions, Eclipses, 

Cosmography and Gravity. He lived in 12th century. Varahimira [499AD-587AD] 

Writes in Surya Siddhanta about constellations, geography. He also wrote on animal science. Aryabhata [476AD] wrote first time that Earth is round, rotates on its axis, orbits Sun, and 1000 years before Copernicus. He also gave Trigonometry, Decimal system, calculating Pi up to 4 decimals, Zero , Algebra, quadratic equation to name a few out 

Of his wide contribution to science of mathematics. He said circumference of Earth is 

4967 Yojanas and diameter 1581 I/24 Yojanas. Since 1 Yojanas=5 miles, it gave 

Circumference of Earth as 24835 miles [24902 miles is accepted by science today]. 

He also said orbits of planets are ellipses. Copernicus and Galileo came much later  Who west thinks are founders of Astronomy. It was Aryabhata who fixed seven days  for a week. Besides zero Aryabhata gave numerals also. Binomial theorem also given  by Aryabhata . It is interesting to know here that West learnt about numerals from  Arabs but Arabs themselves called these numerals as Indian and called Indian math as  Indian Art.  West does not acknowledge this. This shows amount of prejudice west had against India. Decimal and  place value system also given by Aryabhata. Without Zero binary system, computer application would have been impossible.

. Great Einstein said about India, “We owe a lot to the Indians who taught us how to  Count without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.” 

•       Nagarjuna [100AD] discusses Subject of and Metallurgy and chemistry.

•               Patanjali[200BC] developed science of Yoga, wrote a treatise on Kundalini Shakti and how to  awaken it. He asserted that control of breath will lead to control of mind and senses. 

•       Panini in 600 BC gave grammar for Sanskrit language. Sanskrit is only language 

            Which is computer compatible. It has over 100 million words, highest for any language. English on other hand has only  1 million words.

•       Vatsayana who lived in Gupta empire time wrote Kama sutra giving 64 ways of love   making for husband and wife. 

•       Budhyana in 1500BC gave concept of what goes by name of Pythagoras theorem nowa days.

•       Art of Navigation was known to   Indus –Saraswat people way back in 2500BC. Indus People were first to construct dams and build water reservoirs way back in 2000BC. 

•       Integral calculus was invented by Madhvachaya and differential calculus by 

Baskaracharya.His book “leelavati” discusses Vedic math. Vedic math has 17 sutras. 

All calculations and mathematical problems can be solved by knowing these sutras. Surya siddhanta by Bhaskaracharya gives us smallest measure of time ,34000th ,a second [Kranti] and largest measure of time -4.32billion years[kalpa].

•       Brahmgupta gave addition, subtraction, multiplication and division concepts. 

•       Ice making was known to Indians as early as 600AD, time of king Harsh. 

•       Paper making from grass and making of battery. 

•       Coins were made by Indus valley people way back in 2000BC 

•       Zinc making was known in India in 1300AD. Charak Samhita tells us about mercury. 

•       Steel making technology was available in 1795AD. 

First University in world was in Takshilla in700BC, Followed by Nalanda in  400BC.Students came also from neighboring countries. Nearly 10,000 students were  reading in theses Universities. Subjects taught were Vedas, Languages, Grammar,  Medicine, Surgery, Politics, Astronomy, Commerce, Math, Mystic science etc.  Chinese traveler Hien Tsang mentions in his book that Nalanda University had 200  Professors and had 10,000 students on roll. 

•       Till 1896, India only country which was source of Diamonds. 

•       Chess board and cards invented in India. 

•       God particle [Higgs boson].Bose was first to predict God particle followed by Higgs. Bose is also known for Bose--Einstein statistics and Bose-Einstein condensate. It is interesting to note that there are people who got noble prize for works related to Bose-Einstein statistics and Bose-Einstein condensate but prime inventor Bose did not get noble prize. It shows bias of noble committee towards Asian scientists.

---Saint Aitareya gave us science of Yajna--A process of conversion of Consciousness into matter and vice versa through vital force. This is comparable to what Einstein said ,"Matter and Energy inter convertible", also known by E=MC2.

•       90% of world’s computers run on a chip invented by Indian –Vinod Dham 

•       Crescograph:--To measure growth in plants invented by j. Bose in early 20th century. 

•       Dockyard was used by Indus people in 3000BC. They were first to make buttons  from sea shells and used them. Rulers were made from ivory. Dentistry was known to  Indus valley civilization. 

•       Indian ink, bow drill to drill gem stones known since 400BC. 

•       World famous Damascus sword from Syria used in wars had steel got from India. 

•       Sanskrit: --- Sanskrit is mother of all languages. Forbes magazine reported years

Charak Samhita tells us about Mercury and its usage. CIVIL engineering found its manifestation in construction of Temples, Palaces and Fortes. Science of ship building and navigation was known. Maccha yantra [Fish machine] was used as compass by mariners.

     Cosmology

Science tells us 13.7 billion years back there was a big bang and from nothing came something. In fact there was no bang but expansion which is continuing till today. From subtle this whole universe evolved over a period of time. Earth is just 4.5 billion old. Modern man came around 200,000 years back. It also tells us that different particles which we observe are just manifestation of basic String. This whole universe is made of strings which vibrate in different directions. Resonance of these strings produced first manifestation. This universe is multidimensional.

Now see what Rishi’s said thousands of years back on this issue. According to them this whole universe we see is superimposition on BRAHMAN [GOD] . It is vibration [spand] in Nirgun Brahman which leads to manifestation. First manifestation was sound----OM.This universe we see evolves and dissolves. Each evolution/devolution constitute one Brahma day/night. Each Brahma day is--4,320,000,000 years. Each Brahma day has 1000 cycles and each cycle has 71 divisions. There are many worlds [universes]. Time is subtle energy. Even there is discussion on time dilation etc. One has to read Bhagwat Puran to know about details of time and its significance.

A question comes how did Rishi’s come to this conclusion when they had no laboratory/gadgets to assist? One can see lot of similarities between modern concept of universe and its making and Rishi’s vision. This forced Carl Sagan, Astrophysicist to say, “The Hindu religion is the only one of the great faiths dedicated to idea that the Cosmos itself under goes an immense, indeed number of deaths and births. It is only religion in which time scales correspond to the modern cosmology”.

     It is quite obvious from above that Indian people in ancient times were quite ahead of times. They not only developed a full-fledged civilization but continued their research for Truth both in outer world and inner world and had a reasonable success too. They had sound knowledge of science especially of Math. And Astronomy. Their pursuit for Truth, without any dogmas led to evolution of various Hindu philosophies.

Indian culture and nature

Indian culture did not spread by colonization, genocide but by its appeal. There was no single ruler or authority which helped in its spread. In fact its two epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata were biggest source of integration of Vedic culture and Country. Dense network of Tirths and holy sites created a sacred geography, resulting in cultural dissemination. Local adaptation of two epics also helped in spread of Vedic wisdom and integration of country. While local adaptations helped in preserving local/ aboriginal traditions, main story of epics was kept unchanged. In this Vedic culture there is reverence for nature and its sacredness. That is why rivers like Ganga and Yamuna were deified and worshipped. Even plants were worshipped. There is a book, Vriksh Ayurveda which deals with medicines for plants. Sacredness of nature and its interconnectedness was stressed. LIFE was simple and was full of love. It was stressed that Water, Space, Hills and Forests were our defenses. This speaks volumes about ECO-- friendliness. They would even say Heaven is our Father and Earth our Mother. Whole nature was viewed with divinity. There was respect for life, be it human, animal or Plant.

This culture encompassed present day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangla desh, Srilanka and many countries in South East Asia. BUDDHIST culture reached China, Mongolia etc. This culture is showing its impact in West after India shed its slavery in 1947. This modern spread to West again is by peaceful means.

It is widely believed Greece is father of democracy.  Democracy has been tried in ancient India in various phases. Despite there being Kings/Janapadas in ancient India, there has been no dictatorship. King was to rule by dharmic principles and welfare of common man was aim of good kingship. King had advisors who were well versed in VEDIC teachings. A Brahmin [knowledgeable in Vedas] would guide king in administration. For administration to help there were Gram sabhas [village committees]. For a candidate to qualify to be member of such committees certain rules were laid:-

              1. He should have ownership of tax paying land and of house.

              2. Knowledge of some Vedic texts.

              3. AGE---35---70 YEARS.

              4. Has honest record                5. Was not member of any other committee.

           Even a relative of member could not be candidate. One wishes such criteria’s are laid in free India for MLAS/MPS. Such was the political scenario of ancient India. Spiritual freedom and plurism was bane of Vedic culture. On contrary in present India there is a intellectual bankruptcy. So called intellectuals are west orientated, highly materialistic and have no faith in Vedic teachings. When West lately has started seeing merit in Vedic wisdom and are trying to know about it, our intellectuals are just mute spectators to the political/cultural debacle India is facing. Instead they are contributory to down slide of India and its cultural heritage.

“India not only has democratized mysticism but also gave us higher vision of what we are and can become”.

Finally it is often said that Spirituality and science cannot go together. A dancing “statue” has been installed at Cern[ SWITZERLAND] symbolizing dance of SIVA with dance of Subatomic matter. This alone shows how much science respects Vedic wisdom now.