Eternal India Encyclopedia

Eternal India encyclopedia

PERCEPTIONS

SANGAM (CONFLUENCISM)

SAR (Science, Art and Religion), in that order. RAS implies complementarity of Religion, Art and Science that can be meta- phorically illustrated by a home built on a foundation of science with art as its interior

These two ideas — infinity and diversity — form the foundation of Indianism. The idea of diversity leads to increased toler- ance. The idea of infinity indicates that every person has an infinite potential. The experience of “infinity and diversity in ab- solute” can lead to a complete change in perspective. This is best illustrated by Arjuna's 'encounter' with this experience. Metaphorically Arjuna saw “the infinity and diversity in absolute”. The ideas of infinity and diversity define India. All religions are paths to understand the twin concepts of infinity and diversity in absolute. Modern science is also an attempt to understand these concepts, both at the micro and .macro levels. Thus at the level of Indianism, the duality of science and religion vanishes. This interpretation of India, as a meta- phor and an idea, provides us a new basis for looking at the problems that confront us in day-to-day existence. If all religions and modern science are pointing towards expe- riences of infinity and diversity in absolute, then they can be viewed as different ways to reach the same goal. What is important is that this is exactly, the message of India, as contained in Indian psycho-philosophy. The spirit of Indianism is reflected in a number of simple phrases that most people are familiar with. Mahavir, Buddha and Jesus, They opened our mind's lotus, Mohammed, Sankara and Nanak, This world heard their spiritual chorus, Kabir, Vivekananda and Gandhi, They are jewels on Time's torus, As we hear their discourse, We reach a confluence with a new force. . SAR and RAS of Indianism In Sanskrit, the terms SAR and RAS stand for 'essence' and ‘juice’, respectively. The essence and juice of life are inherent in these two terms. The holistic view of life, identifies three elements, viz., science, art and religion, which play a complementary role.. Their domains tend to complement each other. They represent three methods of understanding the ‘infinity and diversity in absolute’. Those interested in the es- sence of life create a world-view, in which they prioritise these elements in terms of

decoration and religion as roof. The SAR and RAS of Indianism lie in approaching an understanding of the ‘infin- ity and diversity in absolute’, from the points of view of science, art and religion. Hence, Indianism encompasses both the SAR, as well as the RAS of life. The choice rests with individual temperaments. In any case, modern person needs 'spiritual temper with scientific curiosity' and 'scientific tem- per with spiritual intensity’, if she/he wants to enjoy the RAS and get to the SAR of life. Through complementary relationships, these elements provide a holistic meaning of life. The Message of Indianism Indianism, as defined here, is based on the concept of ‘confluencism’, i.e. a recog- nition of the essential spiritual content that flows from all religions. The concept of confluence (sangam) provides a strong metaphor to understand that all religions essentially direct us towards a better un- derstanding of the ‘infinity and diversity in absolute’. In this sense, Indianism is a sacred concept, representing the highest raga. As a sacred idea, it is a basis for the emotive togetherness of human beings. This has also been the message of Viveka- nanda, Mahatma Gandhi, S. Radhakrishnan and others during modem times.

INDIA : Infinity & Diversity hi Absolute In the beginning there was a wonder, Infinity & Diversity In Absolute, In the middle there is a wonder, Infinity & Diversity in Absolute , There will always remain a wonder, Infinity & Diversity In Absolute. Confluencism : Essence of Indianism Diversity is the law of nature and the key to understanding it. Yet most human activity is built on ideas that deny the very existence of diversity and is aimed at elimi- nating it. The intolerance of diversity has been inculcated through world views that are based on “conquering nature.” The re- ligious intolerance that we observe in the modern world is the direct result of ideas based on the denial of diversity. A look at the distant stars and into mat- ter at the quantum level reveals the wonder and beauty of infinity, the other key idea that we observe in nature : when Krishna showed his cosmic form to Arjuna, he made the revelation of infinity as the basis to understand the universe. The idea of infin- ity finds a predominant place in science and spirituality. Yet the attempt is to deny the manifestation of the infinity potential inher- ent in humans.

Religions of different variety, Merge into ocean of Indianity, Spiritual destiny of humanity, Lies in the spirit of Indianity.

"Trikenu"