April 2016 - The Acropolitan Magazine

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Advancements in science and technology over the last century, demonstrate our innate motivation to push the boundaries in the quest of the material unknown. However, we are perhaps yet to make equal strides in the meta-physical plane, to give expression to the true potential of Man, beyond the material realm. Ancient traditions have unraveled these secrets and left their unearthed treasures in the nuances of language, in their ceremonious interactions with nature, and the ancient sciences. There is a need, therefore, to dispel the obsessive desire for the new; for we may not need to invent anything new.

Maybe our glory lies in re-illuminating ancient wisdom and discover their relevance and application to our own times. Because ultimately, Man has not fundamentally changed. And although fashions have evolved, language has transformed, and social media has enabled unprecedented real-time connectivity, we continue to ask the same fundamental questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? What does it truly mean to live? Let us dare to investigate these existential questions, and reinstate the glory of the voyage of philosophy as a truly practical means by which to explore life.

In this issue, we invite you to discover, awaken, and transform!

ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE

Apr2016-How can we Humanize the World we are Living in

How Can We Humanise the World We are Living In?

April 1, 2016

By Pierre Poulain

When I was a child I was a fan of Science-Fiction books. I remember especially some classics such as the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov, and books written by Van Vogt, Philip K. Dick, Robert Heinlein or Philip Jose Farmer, just to mention a few.

Sacred Groves

April 1, 2016

By Ubai Husein

The forest is not merely an expression or representation of sacredness, nor a place to invoke the sacred; the forest is sacredness itself. Nature is not merely created by God, nature is God. Whoever moves within the forest can partake directly of sacredness

Against All Odds : Q&A With Hans Dalal

April 1, 2016

By Manjula Nanavati

Hans Dalal wears many hats: Wild Life Conservationist, Tiger Tracker, Forest Guard, Poacher Community Rehabilitator, Trekker, Sound Engineer…and he was born with cerebral palsy, a fact that he refers to easily and casually. His speech, though effort-full, is extremely articulate and expressive; his voice strong and passionate even as his tongue hesitates and elongates a word.

Changing the World by Changing Consumption

April 1, 2016

By Dilip Jain

One of the world’s leading voices on the issue of climate change and protecting the environment at the 2015 Paris Climate Conference was Dr. Jane Goodall, a renowned primatologist. In one of her interviews, she explains that she came to Paris for the UN climate summit “to save the rainforests” from corruption and intensive farming.

Philosophical Principles of Sanskrit

April 1, 2016

By Bhavna Roy

As if echoing these ancient scriptures, quantum physicists state that creation began with the Big Bang – a first pulse of vibration; vibration is sound. The beginning of creation is therefore conceived as a primordial word. As creatures evolved,

The Inner Gold of the Alchemists

April 1, 2016

By Julian Scott

Alchemy seems to be an almost universal science. Not only do we find it in Medieval Europe, but also in China and India, amongst other places. This is perhaps because it is not just a primitive forerunner of modern chemistry, but a sacred science in its own right, which was studied wherever esoteric knowledge has appeared.