|
India And The Coming Century
Indian Civilization In The Modern World > Page1
Indian or Bharatiya civilization is, if not the oldest, at least the most continuous in the world. While ancient Egypt, Greece and Persia fell and lost their cultures to outside influences thousands of years ago, India uniquely continued its venerable ancient traditions throughout the centuries, even under long periods of foreign rule. Those who look upon India as a defeated land, therefore, are wrong. While India failed to win all the battles, no other country won so many and refused to give in, even when defeated. Though battered by time, Indian or Bharatiya civilization has better survived the onslaughts of time than any other culture. It has done so not through military force or missionary zeal-like the fierce opponents it has had to resist-but through the dedication of its people to the spiritual practices set forth in the region during ancient times. India is the perennial civilization of the planet, present and conscious in every age.
In India today one can still observe the same type of temple worship and fire offerings, with beautiful images and profound rituals, that once existed throughout the ancient world over two thousand years ago. One can discover the entire heritage and history of the human race, particularly on a spiritual level, as a living practice from the aboriginal worship of stones to the highest philosophy of monism and Self-realization. The great traditions of Yoga and Vedanta, as well as related health disciplines of Ayurveda and art forms of Indian music and dance continue today as in the hoary past. The stories of Rama and Krishna, who lived long before Buddha or Christ, still inspire the common people and provide examples of how to live today with joy and integrity.
Author - David Frawley
|
