Ninth International Conference on Religion & Spirituality in Society

Abstract

In the context of globalization, the dominating worldview, guided by a divisive philosophy of “I vs. you” and “man vs. nature,” and influenced by fierce competition, and overwhelming consumerism, has created conflicts and violence in thought, word and action. Disturbances occur at every level—biological, social, and spiritual. Life itself has lost inner sanctity and innate value. Although the Western analytical approach to understanding life and attaining knowledge has helped mankind in making advances in sciences and technology, it has proven to be insufficient in solving humanity’s diverse problems. A perfect understanding of the individual parts does not automatically convey a perfect understanding of the whole system’s behaviors. In today’s world, the “otherness” of immigrants and foreigners and the “strangeness” of strangers have been exaggerated. It seems necessary to use other philosophical systems and approaches for understanding life and obtaining just and peaceful living. This research inquiry explores the nature of life in India’s socio-cultural system that evolved from the ancient philosophical tradition, which is synthetic. It perceives life as all-inclusive, marked by interdependence and interconnectedness and focuses on the value and utility of each and every system that contributes to “all-inclusive” living. Also, the paper will discuss cosmopolitanism, and ethics of dignity, recognition, and respect as they relate to human existence.