Introduction of Bhartiya

Knowledge System
Self- Revelation of Bharat
भारत साक्षात्कार
‘Bhartiya Knowledge System'...which is called 'Indian Knowledge System-
IKS in English.
Indian means Who is born in India.
knowledge which grows in India.
HOW DID INDIA GET NAME “BHARAT”?
The realm of Bharata is known as Bhāratavarṣa in the Mahabharata
(the core portion of which is itself known as Bhārata) and later
texts. According to the text, the term Bharat is from the king
Bharata, who was the son of Dushyanta and Shakuntala and the
term varsa means a division of the earth or a continent. As per the
historical points, it may be said that King Bharata was the ancestor
of the Pandavas and the Kauravas.
Bharatiya Knowledge Systems and Traditions, also known as Indian Knowledge
Systems and Traditions, refer to the vast and diverse body of knowledge,
philosophy, sciences, arts, and spiritual traditions that have developed and
evolved in the Indian subcontinent over several millennia. These systems and
traditions have been integral to the cultural fabric of India and continue to play a
significant role in shaping its society, thought processes, and way of life. In this
detailed note, we will explore some of the key aspects of Bharatiya knowledge
systems and traditions.
Ancient Roots: Bharatiya knowledge systems have ancient roots dating back to
theIndus Valley Civilization (around 3300–1300 BCE) and Vedic period
(around 1500–500 BCE). The Vedas, which are among the oldest sacred texts in
the world, form the foundation of Indian philosophical and spiritual thought.
The four Vedas- Rigveda, Samaveda, Yajurveda, and Atharvaveda – contain
hymns, rituals, and philosophical discussions.
Hindu Philosophical Systems: Bharatiya knowledge systems encompass a wide
array of philosophical schools of thought, collectively known as Darshanas. Six
orthodox(Astik) schools of Hindu philosophy are prominent:
a. Nyaya: Focuses on logical reasoning and epistemology.
b. Vaisheshika: Deals with atomism and metaphysics.
c. Samkhya: Explores the duality of purusha (consciousness) and prakriti
(matter).
d. Yoga: Emphasizes spiritual practices and self-realization.
e. Mimamsa: Concentrates on rituals and scriptural exegesis.
f. Vedanta: Investigates the essence of the Vedas and the nature of reality.
Ayurveda: Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that dates back
thousands of years. It emphasizes holistic health and well-being through a
balance of the three doshas - Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Ayurveda encompasses
various therapies, herbs, and lifestyle recommendations to promote physical,
mental, and spiritual health.
Yoga and Meditation: Yoga is another integral part of Bharatiya knowledge
systems. It is a practice that aims to unite the mind, body, and spirit, promoting
overall well-being. Various forms of yoga, such as Hatha, Raja, Bhakti, Jnana,
and Karma yoga, cater to different aspects of human nature. Meditation is an
essential component of yoga, helping individuals achieve mental clarity, inner
peace, and spiritual growth.

Indian Arts and Literature: Bharatiya knowledge systems find expression in

various forms of art and literature. Classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam,
Kathak, Odissi, and others are deeply rooted in Indian culture and mythology.
Indian classical music, with its intricate ragas,Taal and rhythms, is a profound
medium for conveying emotions and spirituality. Indian literature, including the
epics Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as ancient texts like the Upanishads
and Puranas, hold great wisdom and moral teachings.
Vastu Shastra and Jyotish: Vastu Shastra is the Indian science of architecture
and design, aiming to create harmonious living spaces that align with natural
forces. Jyotish, or Vedic astrology, is the study of celestial bodies' influence on
human lives and destiny.

Dharma and Karma: Central to Bharatiya knowledge systems are the concepts
of dharma and karma. Dharma refers to duty, righteousness, and moral
responsibility, while karma signifies the law of cause and effect. Together,
these principles guide individuals on the path of righteous living and ethical
decision-making.

Spiritual Traditions: India is home to various spiritual traditions, including

Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, among others. Each of these
traditions has contributed unique philosophical perspectives and practices that
have shaped the cultural landscape of India.
Guru-Shishya Parampara: The guru-shishya parampara, or the tradition of
teacher-student relationships, is a critical aspect of Bharatiya knowledge
systems. It involves the passing down of knowledge, wisdom, and skills from a
guru (teacher) to a shishya (student) through personal interaction and
discipleship.

Modern Relevance: Bharatiya knowledge systems continue to influence modern

thought in India and beyond. Scholars, researchers, and practitioners study and
adapt these traditional systems to address contemporary challenges in various
fields, including philosophy, science, medicine, psychology, and spirituality.
In conclusion, Bharatiya Knowledge Systems and Traditions are a rich and
multifaceted heritage that has evolved over thousands of years. By preserving
and studying these traditions, people gain valuable insights into human
existence, the nature of reality, and the pursuit of harmony and well-being.
SELF - REVELATION OF BHARAT
INDIAN civilization has always attached great value to knowledge — witness its
amazingly large body of intellectual texts, the world's largest collection of
manuscripts, and its attested tradition of texts, thinkers, and schools in so
many domains of knowledge. In Srimadbhagvad-Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna
that knowledge is the great purifier and liberator of the self.
India's knowledge tradition is ancient and uninterrupted like the flow of the
river Ganga, from the Vedas (Upanisads) to Sri Aurobindo, knowledge has been
at the center of all rational and speculative inquiry in India.

Three terms are closely connected in all discussions of knowledge — darsana,

jnana, and vidya. Darsana, philosophy is the "system," the point of view, which
yields/leads to jnana, knowledge. When knowledge gathered about a
particular domain is organized and systematized for purposes of, say,
reflection and pedagogy, it is called vidya, "discipline."
Both higher knowledge (para) and lower knowledge (apara) should be
acquired. The higher knowledge refers to understanding the Supreme Spirit
(Brahman) while the lower knowledge encompasses various subjects such as
Vedas, grammar, philosophy, astronomy, and astrology.

Once Narada approached sage Sanatkumara seeking the path of knowledge.

Sanatkumara explained that there are stages of knowledge, starting with
words “You can by your present knowledge achieve only what words can
achieve and nothing more.”

Words is followed by the power of speech: “the power of speech is greater

than words. If there had been no power of speech there would have been no
words, no Vedas, no truth or untruth, no religion or irreligion, no good or bad.”
Mind: “Mind is greater than speech. It is the mind that is conscious of both the
word and the power of speech. When a man decided that he should learn the
Mantras, he learns them. Otherwise not. When he thinks he ought to do a thing,
he does it, not otherwise.

Will: “The will is greater than the mind. If there is no will, nothing happens. It is
the will that holds all things together.”
Consciousness: “Consciousness is greater than the will. It is consciousness that
begets mental activity. Then there is the will that impels the mind to think.
Speech follows and words take shape. If a man’s consciousness is not
concentrated, he is not alert and he cannot do things.”

Meditation: “Meditation is greater than mere consciousness. Even the earth and
the sky and the mountains are, as it were, meditating and therefore standing firm
and steady. If there were no meditation, nothing would stand firm and steady.”
Understanding: “the power of understanding is greater than meditation. Good
and bad, truth and untruth, the Vedas and Puranas, this world and the next, all
these can be known only if there is the power of understanding.”
Power: “Power is greater than mere understanding. A single powerful man
inspires fear into a hundred men with brains and understanding. When a man
with physical power gets up and goes about, when he becomes learned, when
he becomes a seer, a thinker, a doer of things, becomes a man of understanding,
he is greater than all. It is power that supports the earth, the sky, the mountains,
the beasts and men and gods and everything that exists on earth or in heaven.”
Food: “Food is greater. If a man does not eat ten days he may die, or even if he
lives, he may lose his powers of speech, of action, of hearing, and of thinking.
When he begins to take food his powers return to him.”
Water:“Water is greater. If there are no rains then no food grows. For want of
water all living beings would fade away. When there are rains all animals are
quite happy.”
Heat:“Heat or light is greater. If there were no heat, the water from the earth
would not evaporate and there would be no rain without evaporation.”
Space: ““Akasha or space is greater. It is in akasha or space that all things
happen. The sun and the moon and the worlds float about in space. Space is the
cause of sound waves that makes hearing possible.”
Finally, the Atman or spirit, which is the foundation of everything. The key to joy
and immortality lies in realizing the infinite nature of the spirit through a pure
and unified mind. This spiritual realization, called para vidya, leads to eternal
bliss and self-possession.
“This realization of the spirit can dawn upon us when our mind is clean and
pure. Our minds would be clean and pure when we feed upon pure food. A
clean and pure mind alone can concentrate upon truth. Truth then will shine in
the heart of hearts like the rising sun.”
That is para vidya or spiritual realization that bestows immortality and eternal
bliss.
The entire body of organized knowledge is divided into two sets in the
Mundakopanisad —para vidya and apara vidya, knowledge of the ultimate
principle, paramatma or Brahman, (that is the metaphysical domain) and
knowledge that is secondary to the means by which one grasps aksara-
Brahman, (knowledge of the worldly domain).

Distinction is accordingly made between janana and vijana, the knowledge of

facts of the perceptible world. The first kind of knowledge is observational and
is gained by the eyes, etc.; the other is experiential and is gained by the inner
self as drasta. In one, the whole cognizing self is bahirmukhl directed towards
and involved in the outer world; in the other, the whole cognizing self is
antarmukhf, (turned inwards).
To acquire the first kind of knowledge, only the sensory apparatus, including
the mind, has to be prepared, but to acquire the second kind of knowledge the
knower has to go through a process of preparation, sudhana, (for knowledge-
acquisition). The Jaina thought also makes a distinction between pratyaksa
janna which is knowledge present to the self (Atma sapeksa) and paroksa
jnana which is present to the senses and the mind (indriya-mana sUpeksa).

"Self-Revelation of Bharat" refers to the process of understanding and

discovering the essence of India (Bharat) as a nation, a civilization, and a
cultural entity. It involves exploring and acknowledging the unique
characteristics, historical evolution, values, philosophies, and contributions of
India to the world. In this detailed note, we will delve into the various
dimensions of the self-revelation of Bharat.
Historical and Cultural Heritage: The self-revelation of Bharat begins with an
exploration of its rich historical and cultural heritage. India has a long and
diverse history, with evidence of ancient civilizations like the Indus Valley
Civilization, which flourished around 3300–1300 BCE. The subcontinent has
witnessed the rise and fall of several empires, including the Maurya, Gupta,
Chola, and Mughal empires, all of which have left a lasting impact on India's
culture, art, and governance.

Unity in Diversity: One of the key aspects of India's self-revelation is its unity in
diversity. India is home to a multitude of languages, religions, customs, and
traditions. Despite this diversity, there is a strong thread of unity that binds the
country together. The idea of "Unity in Diversity" is a profound philosophy that
reflects the coexistence and acceptance of different cultures and beliefs.
Spirituality and Philosophy: India has been a cradle of spirituality and
philosophy for thousands of years. The ancient texts, such as the Vedas,
Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and other scriptures, lay the foundation for
profound spiritual teachings and philosophical inquiries. Concepts like dharma,
karma, moksha (liberation), and ahimsa (non-violence) have had a significant
impact on the spiritual fabric of India and continue to influence spiritual seekers
globally.

Contributions to Knowledge: The self-revelation of Bharat includes recognizing

its historical contributions to various fields of knowledge. India has been a center
of learning and scholarship, and ancient universities like Nalanda and Takshashila
attracted scholars from across the world. Mathematics, astronomy, medicine
(Ayurveda), and architecture are some areas where India made significant
advancements.
Art, Music, and Literature: India's artistic expressions have left a profound
mark on global culture. Traditional dance forms like Bharatanatyam, Kathak,
and Odissi, along with classical music, have mesmerized audiences worldwide.
Indian literature, with works like the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and epics, has
inspired countless generations.
Non-violence and Peace Movements: India's self-revelation includes
recognizing its historical commitment to non-violence and peace movements.
Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy of non-violence (ahimsa) played a crucial role in
India's struggle for independence and continues to be a source of inspiration
for peace movements around the world.
Contemporary Identity: Finally, the self-revelation of Bharat includes
understanding its contemporary identity as a dynamic nation on the global
stage. India's growth as an economic powerhouse, its strides in science and
technology, and its vibrant democracy all contribute to its evolving identity in
the 21st century.
In conclusion, the self-revelation of Bharat encompasses a deep and
multifaceted understanding of India's history, culture, spirituality,
philosophy, contributions, challenges, and contemporary identity.
Embracing this self-revelation fosters a sense of pride and responsibility
among its citizens and enhances India's engagement with the world
community. It is an ongoing journey of discovery, appreciation, and
growth that reflects the essence of India as a vibrant and diverse nation.