July 2021 - The Acropolitan Magazine

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Around the world, mythology and fairytales capture the reality of the universal human quest; sometimes in search of unspeakable treasure, sometimes to unite with a charming prince or rescue a maiden. Almost always, the narrative includes the surpassing of challenges to reveal the heroic and victorious potential of the protagonist, as if reflecting the extraordinary strength that lies within each of our own hearts, if we but dare to unshackle the chains that hold us back.

Wise men and women of the past have repeatedly highlighted the important role of education to discover this inner potential; illuminating virtues such as independence, benevolence, courage, and commitment to what is Good and Just. Because ultimately, for the philosopher it is clear that this is the real enduring gift that humanity needs, if we are to fulfill the responsibility to give rise to a new and better world.

A new and better world must consist of new and better human beings; individuals who have harmonized with the “music of the celestial spheres”, as wise Pythagoras might have called it. Through a diversity of symbols and practices, which at times might even seem contradictory, schools of philosophy have emerged through history, seeking living answers to the questions of purpose, destiny, and the meaning of Life. Let us together begin to unravel the clues they have left us. Let us together Discover, Awaken, and Transform.

ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE

The Story of Cinderella – An Inner Voyage

July 1, 2021

By Akanksha Sanghi

I recently had the opportunity to investigate my all-time favourite fairytale, Cinderella, in a new light. I realised that we can infact extract very practical principles to apply in our daily lives. But for this, we need to look at the story that we are so familiar with, through a new lens, leaving behind our preconceived notions for a moment. I began to slowly peel off layers, to attempt to read between the lines, and to grasp the symbolism deeply embedded in the characters and plot.

A Parent’s Search for New Education

July 1, 2021

By Riddhi Patel

What is it about a musician or a doctor that makes him more than a simple technician, one that has developed an expert ability to discharge a particular skill? Beyond the mechanics of these professions, we may find a sincere pursuit of something higher; values such as Beauty, Harmony and Goodness. This came to light for me when I started looking for schools for my children; it was clear for me that practical experience and confidence in these values superseded everything else. I realized also, that education is a key component in every aspect of a child’s life.

Unshackling My Chains

July 1, 2021

By Sukesh Motwani

In my younger years, I would often wonder about the idea of enlightenment. There has been a fascination about how I could ever reach a point where my mind would merge into, or become united with, the Cosmic Mind; to acquire, to realise, or to experience, what some might call, the ultimate Truth.

But I was advised: Spiritually elevating yourself is about dropping ideas about the self… it is not about adding or acquiring. On the contrary, it is about knowing what you are NOT. Hence the only way ahead is to Know Thyself. If you seek sincerely, look deeply at your personality’s filters,

The Philosophy of Benevolence

July 1, 2021

By Julian Scott

I am referring with this title to the life and work of a Chinese philosopher called Mengzi, or Mencius, as the Latinized version of his name is written. Born in Zou province around 371 BC, he lived in a period known as ‘The Warring States’, which lasted from 481 to 221 BC. It was probably as a result of seeing much cruelty and much suffering among the people of the time that Mencius promoted his philosophy of benevolence.

Mencius was a devoted follower of Confucius, and while the concept of benevolence (ren or jen) is a key part of Confucius’s teachings, it takes on particular importance in the philosophy of Mencius

The Darshanas: Six Schools of Indian Philosophy

July 1, 2021

By Manjula Nanavati

The six darshanas are philosophical systems, or schools of thought, that take their authority from the Vedas. As implied by the meaning of the word darshana, to see or to experience, the six disciplines offer unique points of view, six separate windows from which to observe and comprehend Life, six seemingly disparate paths leading towards the one Ultimate Reality through the removal of ignorance of the nature of existence, liberation from suffering, and the attainment of enlightenment.

Music and I

July 1, 2021

By Kurush Dordi

Today we live in a world dominated by thousands of music streaming apps catering to a variety of genres. Although Pop, Rock, Jazz, Hip hop, and Electronic Dance Music are all popular, for me Western Classical Music is the shining jewel of the treasure box. It has its own language, awakens emotions, and rehabilitates me when times are not so easy

Jul2021-An Eduring Gift - QA with Sudha Murthy_1

An Enduring Gift: Q&A with Sudha Murty

July 1, 2021

By Bhushan Dabir

Extracts from an evening hosted by New Acropolis Culture Circle. Philanthropy can be a bridge between the ideal of fraternity and its material manifestation. Imagining a better world, with a greater sense of fraternity is intuitively appealing to many. Yet, to make a personal sacrifice in order to create that better world, is the choice that we make less often than is needed.

In this light, it is relevant to ask – what drives one to share with that urgent sense of duty? Does one need money and power to be a philanthropist? What is the relationship between our choices and our identity?