Representative Image / All visuals courtesy: ALotusInTheMud.com

Come November, Kamala Harris stands a good chance of getting elected as the first South Asian President of America. America and the world are dazzled by the Indian diaspora’s stratospheric achievements and contributions. India itself surprised all by launching space missions on shoestring budgets and supplying Covid vaccines during the pandemic to many nations.  

We are not surprised, however. India may be only 77 years old, but it stands on many millennia of civilizational wisdom rooted in the ancient texts of the Vedas and Upanishads, and the philosophical traditions of Buddhism and Jainism. This was reiterated by the eminent people in India and America invited to comment by New York-based ALotusInTheMud.com for a major feature published on the eve of India’s 78th Independence Day.

Another running strain in their comments is that India's ethos is characterized by concepts such as ahimsa and vasudhaiva kutumbakam, which underscore the importance of compassion, tolerance, and unity in diversity. These concepts show the way to address global challenges, promote interfaith harmony and world peace, and foster a sustainable and inclusive future.

Read on for selected comments from the compilation by Lotus:

Mind training to live in peace with ourselves and others

~ Rajiv Mehrotra
 

India's rich civilizational heritage is a diverse blend of cultural, philosophical, religious, and scientific contributions. These have had a profound impact not only on the Indian subcontinent but also on the rest of the world. Rooted in ancient traditions and knowledge systems, this heritage continues to evolve and adapt while inspiring and responding to present-day challenges.

At its core, it draws on spiritual traditions that encompass sophisticated, profound, and diverse mind-training techniques. These techniques combine method and wisdom to help us achieve a deep understanding and realization of the true nature of reality. This liberates us from the experience of ‘dukkha’, or the unsatisfactoriness we feel in our lives.

Different approaches to this are offered to individuals with different mental inclinations. These range from the path of action and devotion to knowledge and working with the body and mind to more esoteric and mystical practices. This celebration of diversity respects all faiths and traditions.

One of the most secular, inclusive, and accessible approaches is the practice of different forms of meditation. Science has empirically validated many of these practices, which can be pursued independently of any specific faith or belief system.

Meditation practice first trains our minds to concentrate, a valuable skill applicable in various areas of life. It then guides us to nurture compassion for all sentient beings, recognizing our interdependence with others, including our precious Mother Earth, and that change, or impermanence is the only constant in the scheme of things. This fosters a softening of our exaggerated sense of the 'self' (the I, my, me, mine) that suffers and spontaneously leads to values such as non-violence and a sense of the human species as a community.

Despite the time we dedicate to training ourselves for our professions or to appear physically attractive to others, we neglect to invest in training our minds to live peacefully with ourselves and others. India's civilizational heritage, which has evolved and refined over thousands of years, offers us a way to achieve this. There is no greater contribution to our shared human heritage.

Rajiv Mehrotra serves as Secretary and Trustee of the Foundation for Universal Responsibility of The Dalai Lama in New Delhi.

Yoga and Ayurveda have revolutionized wellness

~ Swati Arun

Imagine a world without the concept of zero, where the unity of existence is a foreign idea. This is a world devoid of the profound contributions of Indian civilization, a civilization that has woven its wisdom into the very fabric of global knowledge and culture.

India's contributions are not just historical footnotes but living elements of today’s modern life. The zero, an Indian invention, is the cornerstone of the digital age, enabling everything from complex calculations to the technology driving our daily lives. Without it, the modern world as we know it would unravel.

In philosophy, India offers insights that transcend time and geography. The teachings of the Vedas, Upanishads, and Bhagavad Gita explore the nature of reality, the self, and the universe, inspiring seekers of truth globally. These ancient texts propose a worldview where everything is interconnected, facilitating unity and purpose relevant in our fragmented world.

Yoga and Ayurveda, India’s holistic health systems, have revolutionized wellness. Yoga, embraced by millions worldwide, is more than poses or physical exercise; it is a path to mental clarity and spiritual growth. Ayurveda’s focus on balance and natural healing resonates with contemporary shifts toward sustainable health practices.

India's rich cultural heritage, seen in its music, dance, art, and festivals, adds vibrant colors to the global mosaic. The rhythms of Bharatanatyam and the melodies of Indian classical music have transcended borders, uniting people in a celebration of creativity and joy.

In today’s world, where rapid technological advancements often cost spiritual and ecological balance, India's ancient wisdom provides guiding principles. The philosophy of ahimsa (non-violence), respect for nature, and the pursuit of inner peace and knowledge are crucial for addressing global challenges like climate change, social inequality, and mental health crises.

India’s civilizational wisdom is not just a relic of the past but a beacon for the future, illuminating pathways to a more balanced, compassionate, and inclusive world.

Swati Arun is Director of Social Media at Hindu American Foundation, Washington, DC

A perfect prescription for a perfect world

~ Suma Varughese

I hesitate to make sweeping assertions about the glory of Indian civilization because I know very little about other civilizations, particularly the indigenous wisdom of Africa, Native America, or South America.

But I can safely say that no matter how lofty their wisdom, others may equal but never exceed the breadth and depth of Indian thought. It was this country that audaciously proclaimed that Oneness was the truth of existence. That the Creator and creation were one. Is there anything more inclusive than this? Oneness embraces everything and everyone. Nothing, and nobody, is left out. And what’s more, not only are we One, but all of creation, from the human to the amoeba, is holy.

The implications of a world that is both interconnected and divine are dazzling. If all of us internalized this understanding and lived by it, it would mean an end to all selfishness, conflict, and exploitation. Because in a world of Oneness, any wrong we do to the other is eventually visited upon ourselves. We are seeing this truth vividly unfold in the environmental crisis that grips us. The centuries of exploitation of our natural resources have today resulted in such extreme weather conditions that we still don’t know if we will survive it even if the planet does.

In a world that is breaking apart and looking blindly for answers, the Indian civilization can show the way out. From our systems like Ayurveda and Siddhi, architectural models like Vaastu Shastra, the gurukul education model, our art and dance traditions, our approach to astrology, our four-fold goals of human life – dharma (ethical conduct), artha (wealth), kama (fulfillment of desires) and moksha (liberation), and the four stages of human life from bachelorhood to renunciate, the world will learn how to live, heal, relate, eat, create, love and look after others.

Best of all, these systems are also designed to lead us to enlightenment, so not only will we lead lives of happiness, health, and harmony, but eventually and organically we will also evolve!

A perfect prescription for a perfect world.

Suma Varughese is a former editor of Life Positive and Society magazines.

The sacred fragrance of Indian wisdom

 ~ Neha Lohia

India, a land whose very name invites an INward journey, offers more than just geographical splendor; it extends an invitation to explore the depths of the inner self. This ancient civilization, known for birthing Buddhas, gods, and goddesses, has consistently produced solutions that transcend time, blending science, spirituality, and psychology in ways that resonate deeply with the human soul.

India's true innovations come from an inner wisdom beyond superficial understanding. It is not merely a land of external achievements but one deeply rooted in the heart, operating on faith and trust. As a civilization, India thrives on the synergy between inner exploration and outer expression, a testament to the power of integrating the spiritual with the practical. It inspires the world, offering a unique blend of spiritual insight and modern innovation.

My perspective on India’s civilizational wisdom is shaped by my journey from Delhi to Mumbai, with roots in Rajasthan and a life now in New York. As a filmmaker and storyteller, I have witnessed the profound impact of India’s wisdom on the world. India’s matriarchal roots, where women are revered as goddesses, contrast sharply with many other cultures. This recognition of the divine feminine has shaped a society where women’s wisdom and strength are cherished and celebrated.

India's advancements in technology, medicine, and architecture are not just achievements but reflections of a civilization light years ahead of its time. Our architectural marvels, such as intricate temples and grand forts, testify to a culture that mastered both science and spirituality.

As the birthplace of numerous rishis, munis, and living masters, India is a world guru guiding millions toward enlightenment. Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation, which the West has only now begun to explore, scratch just the surface of India’s vast knowledge systems.

India is more than a country; it is a feeling, a fragrance that I carry in my heart wherever I go. Through my work, I strive to share the gifts of this land with the world, offering a glimpse into a way of life that has the potential to elevate global consciousness.

Neha Lohia has worked in advertising, Hollywood, and Bollywood. Her work includes making 'Yashodhara: The Buddha’s Wife' movie.

For sustainable well-being of all life forms

~ Aditi Banerjee

India’s contribution to the world is a civilization, a worldview, and an ethos of harmony and pluralism that prioritizes the sustainable well-being of all sentient and non-sentient life forms. This is the basis of Dharma, which upholds and sustains, in accordance with the Rtam, the natural balance and order of the cosmos. Through the vast philosophical and metaphysical treasures of Hinduism and Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, great sages and savants have transmitted to the people of India, and through them, to the far corners of the world the uplifting message that we are inherently divine, we are inherently one, we are here on this Earth to discover our true calling and purpose of self-realization and self-knowledge.

Today, we, especially the younger among us, live in a global marketplace of ideas where we are so overloaded with information (much of it misleading or false) and ideologies, bombarded with propaganda of different kinds, that we need to counterbalance this by going within through silence and meditation, reflection and study of the self, through worship and reverence for nature, through yoga and chanting, through immersion in the words of the enlightened ones, through the storytelling of the epics brought alive by our own imagination.

These are the marga, the paths that our rishis and ancestors laid out for us. This is the treasure of Indic heritage and civilization. It is a plurality of paths, each designed for the individual based on his or her nature, contextualized by time, place, and circumstance – a way marked not by dogma or revelation but rather self-exploration and discovery. It is our duty to undertake this journey for our own attainment and the benefit of all living beings.

Aditi Banerjee is an attorney at a Fortune 500 financial services company. She frequently speaks about Hinduism and the Hindu-American experience.

Aiding cultural enrichment and global enhancement

~ Saket Bhatia

Indians excel globally due to their strong emphasis on education, family values, and adaptability. Strong family support provides stability and encourages individuals to take risks and innovate. India's multicultural society promotes adaptability, allowing Indians to thrive in different environments and contribute positively.

Indians are making landmark contributions in the tech sector through innovation and development. Corporate leaders such as Sundar Pichai and Satya Nadella continue to transform the technology industry with their visionary leadership and capability. Hundreds of thousands of other Indian technologists and entrepreneurs are pioneering trends in artificial intelligence, IT, education and healthcare. Indians have made significant contributions globally in medicine, academia, arts, and humanities.

In sports, India dominates in cricket and competes in the top echelons of badminton, field hockey, wrestling, and chess. In arts, Indians, at home or abroad,  have made a major contribution in movies, music and literature. Bollywood, with its vibrant movies, has captivated audiences worldwide, promoting Indian culture and entertainment.

The Indian lifestyle continues to positively impact through its emphasis on wellness and spirituality. Yoga and meditation have received worldwide recognition, and their benefits in promoting mental and physical well-being are well-documented. Indian festivals such as Diwali and Holi have become calendar events in many countries, fostering cross-cultural appreciation and understanding.

Saket Bhatia has a PhD in Electrical Engineering and founded two companies. Based in the Bay Area, he also has a PhD in Astrology and Numerology.

Motherhood blessed by India’s fertility temples 

~ Aleta St. James

In 2002, guided by the wisdom of thoughtful American gurus and the life-altering recommendation of my spiritual mentor, Siva Baba, I embarked on a sacred pilgrimage to India. At 53, driven by an unwavering conviction that I was destined to bring twins into the world, I sought the divine energy that resided in the ancient fertility temples of India, where countless women journey in their quest to conceive.

As a master healer, I understood that the spiritual force I sought could only be found within the ritualistic sanctity of these temples. Each site, with its sacred rites, held the power to dismantle the deepest subconscious barriers of fear, doubt, and unworthiness. Venturing through these timeless temples—Jupiter, Water, and Light—I felt like the Indiana Jones of the Soul, uncovering treasures of immense spiritual significance.

My entry into these sacred spaces was granted only through the grace of a letter from Siva Baba. The profound transformation I experienced in my heart, soul, and body set the stage for one of the most miraculous events of 2004: giving birth to my beloved twins, Gian and Francesca, at 57, on the birthday of Lakshmi, the Goddess of Abundance.

Now, at 77, I remain vibrantly alive and full of purpose, continuously drawing upon the divine spiritual energy that sustains me.

As an energy healer and life coach, I channel the sacred connection to help others transform their negative realities into realms of infinite possibility.

Aleta St. James is an energy healer, gifted intuitive and life coach.