Introduction
I had the opportunity to go through the translation of Vishnu Sharma’s Panchatantra when I was writing my book, Timeless Panchatantra in Contemporary Times: Training Young Minds for Strategic Thinking. While delving into the scripture, I noted the presence of respectful dialogue between the characters of each story, embedding a wealth of knowledge and pragmatism. Disagreement and dissent are gracefully accepted after careful listening and analysis. Indeed, the rich tradition of intellectual discourse, healthy debate, and careful analysis, deeply rooted in ancient texts like the Upanishads and the Panchatantra, provides us a glimpse into the wisdom of our ancestors. This tradition has historically emphasized respectful dialogue, critical thinking, and the pursuit of knowledge.
Nobel Laureate and economist Amartya Sen aptly named his book, The Argumentative Indian. Yes, we had a tradition of being argumentative but not disrespectful. We could be emphatic but not derogatory. We accepted dissent with grace. However, what has happened to our society in recent times concerns me. Our behaviours are changing, and the bug of intolerance and silencing dissent is infecting our society. We seem to have forgotten our basic values!
In this blog, we explore our societal traditions since the era of the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita to draw wisdom from them and retain the very fabric of our society, preserving our beautiful ancient values.
Our Traditions
The Upanishads, which are philosophical texts forming the basis of Hindu thought, epitomize the culture of dialogue and debate. They present a series of dialogues between teachers and students, where profound philosophical questions about the nature of reality, the self, and the universe are discussed. These scriptures are unique because of their dialogical method, questions and answers, critical thinking, counterarguments, and respectful debate. For example, the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad presents the dialogue between Yajnavalkya, a renowned sage and philosopher, and one of his wives, Maitreyi. Maitreyi, uninterested in material wealth, seeks a higher understanding of life and immortality. This scripture presents one of the most profound and celebrated discourses while seeking to answer deep questions about immortality, the nature of the self, and the ultimate purpose of life, showcasing the rich tradition of intellectual inquiry and debate in ancient Indian culture.
The stories presented in the Panchatantra, created in 200 BC by Vishnu Sharma, address more practical issues of developing strategies through the application of Mitrabhed (Engineering rift among friends), Mitra Samprapti (Friendship with an objective), Kakulokiya (The art of duality akin to crows and owls), Labdh Pranash (Nullifying advantage achieved by the enemy), and Aprichit Karka (Factoring for the untested). The above tantras are elaborated through dialogues supported by kathas akin to case laws in courts, arguments, counterarguments, emphatic criticism, careful listening, debate, critical thinking, analysis, and final decision without any element of aggression or disrespect.
What Concerns Me
As a teenager of 14, I had the occasion to sit in the visitor’s gallery of India’s Parliament to witness the proceedings of the Rajya Sabha. I distinctly remember Shri Gulzari Lal Nanda, the then Home Minister, being pinned down by prominent member Shri Bhupesh Gupta, a well-known and articulate member of the Communist Party of India, who was speaking forcefully. I regret that I don’t remember the issue anymore. However, Mr. Nanda listened and behaved very gracefully. Both the members of the treasury benches and the opposition were behaving gracefully.
Contrary to this, I now see behaviour among our parliamentarians marked by needless slogans in the house, absence of debates, defiance of the chair, and non-seriousness exhibited by frequent disruptions and needless walkouts. Lok Sabha functioned for approximately 43% of its scheduled time, while Rajya Sabha functioned for 55%. This itself brings out an element of non-seriousness akin to dereliction of duty by the lawmakers. Important bills like the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023, which allowed the private sector to bid for mining critical minerals like Lithium, were passed virtually without any debate.
It is said that parliament reflects the culture of society. Like our lawmakers, people are also intolerant, aggressive, inflammable, ready to kill over small matters like parking of vehicles and road rage, and ready to commit suicide over trivial issues. This lack of tolerance and failure to accommodate dissent concerns me deeply.
What Went Wrong
During centuries of foreign rule, particularly under the Mughal Empire and British colonialism, the culture of intellectual inquiry and dialogue suffered:
- Suppression of Indigenous Knowledge: Foreign rulers often prioritized their own educational and cultural systems, undermining traditional Indian methods of learning and debate.
- Loss of Institutions: Many centres of learning, such as Nalanda University, were destroyed or neglected, leading to a decline in scholarly activities.
- Cultural Erosion: The imposition of foreign values and suppression of local traditions disrupted the continuity of intellectual and philosophical traditions in India.
The culture of dialogue was replaced by monologues, debate was replaced by the diktat of the powerful, and dissent met bloody and cruel quietening. The quest for knowledge and spirituality was overshadowed by blatant materialism and greed. These changes over the centuries have led to a dangerously transformed, ignorant society that understands rights but not duties, has forgotten our real character, and only wishes for freebies. Further irresponsible handling by our politicians, particularly after the institutionalization of corrupt practices, coupled with lax and time-consuming administrative and judicial processes, has undermined our democracy. Additionally, politically sponsored divisive tendencies and allowing dangerously divisive sermons in religious places in the name of freedom of expression and protection of minorities have created barriers to building a national character that would be humane, accommodating, mutually respectful, and honest regardless of political beliefs. A handful of fanatics and selfish politicians have created a dangerously divisive thought process, leading to a society that is short-fused, intolerant, and non-accommodating.
In recent trends, social media is exploited by divisive forces to create cultural and religious divides within society, bypassing the in-depth debate, critical thinking, analysis, and considered decision-making that were intrinsic to our traditions. In my opinion, it is important to curb terrorism strongly, but it is equally important to instill national values in citizens so that they unitedly condemn the heinous acts of innocent killings by terrorists, irrespective of diverse cultures and religions cohabiting our great nation. The message should be loud and clear that all Indians—regardless of their political and religious beliefs—condemn any act of terrorism in thoughts and actions. After all, terrorism is first a polluted thought process before it becomes an act. Our unity and national character should nip this evil in the bud. If terrorists do not see any support from misguided individuals within our society, they won’t dare to act. But how can this be achieved if messages spreading hatred continue on social media, if divisive sermons are allowed in religious places, and if intellectuals from all sections of society with diverse religious and political beliefs do not come together to show solidarity against such acts? Such unity will send a strong message to our neighbours that our national character will not be compromised for religion and that we will fight such acts tooth and nail, unitedly.
What Should Be Done
The following should be continued with vigor:
- Educational Reforms: Integrating traditional knowledge systems into modern education.
- Cultural Renaissance: Renewed interest in ancient texts and traditions, promoting the relevance of critical thinking and debate.
- Global Influence: Indian philosophical traditions are gaining recognition and influencing global thought on dialogue, ethics, and spirituality.
Show of Solidarity Regardless of Political Allegiance
Recently, there has been a heinous killing of innocent people, the pilgrims of Mata Vaishno Devi, by terrorists. Social media is overloaded with hate messages with requests for ‘forwards,’ with many educated people supporting them with emotes and signs, etc. But this doesn’t address the core of the issue.
In my opinion, it is more important to get the support of the minority community in India to openly condemn such heinous acts and motivate them to join in condemning terrorism instead of spreading hate against them on social media. If such a change in attitude can be garnered with all genuineness, that will send a stern message to our hostile neighbour to dissuade from exporting terrorism. This will also send a message that whether we are politically aligned or not, we support humanity and sane actions, not mindless and needless killing.
Conclusion
We started this blog as a reminder to get back to our intrinsic culture of dialogue, debate, and critical analysis in all walks of life. While doing so, I am reminded about the last chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, which underlines that in our tradition, we try to argue and counter-argue but emphasize convincing instead of forced acceptance! What a beautiful tradition!
Bhagavad Gita 18.63:
“इति ते ज्ञानमाख्यातं गुह्याद्गुह्यतरं मया।
विमृश्यैतदशेषेण यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु॥”
Translation: “Thus, I have explained to you this knowledge that is more secret than all secrets. Deliberate on this fully, and then do what you wish to do.”
Elaboration:
- Freedom of Choice: Krishna, after providing all the knowledge and guidance, leaves the decision to Arjuna. This signifies the importance of dialogue that respects the other person’s autonomy and freedom of choice.
- Respectful Disagreement: Even in situations of potential disagreement or opposition, the Gita encourages respectful dialogue and the presentation of arguments based on wisdom and compassion.
The Bhagavad Gita provides profound guidance on the process of dialogue, interaction, debate, analysis, and decision-making. Key teachings include:
- Respectful Inquiry: Approach dialogue with humility and respect, especially when seeking knowledge.
- Logical Analysis: Engage in critical thinking and logical analysis during debates to arrive at the truth.
- Duty and Detachment: Focus on performing one’s duty without attachment to the results for balanced decision-making.
- Equanimity: Maintain a calm and balanced mind to make clear and unbiased decisions.
- Respectful Dialogue with Opponents: Engage in respectful and thoughtful dialogue, even with those who may disagree or oppose your views.
By integrating these principles, individuals can navigate complex interactions and make informed, wise decisions.
May our ancient wisdom guide our thoughts and actions to preserve and protect our great culture and build up our national character!
Inspire Positivity 