April 2023 - The Acropolitan Magazine

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

It is evident that we live in a paradox - of global connectivity, and yet separation. While we are engaged in conflicts and are at war with each other in different parts of the world, our planet confronts an ecological crisis. The root cause of both, perhaps, is our disconnect. When we see ourselves as separate from nature, we limit our concern to our needs and wants. Similarly, when we focus on our differences, we tend to bind ourselves within the framework of our upbringing and cultural norms, and narrow our view of what is right.

Instead, can we learn to develop our own moral compass? If we can begin to see not just with our eyes but with our heart, we would be better able to understand our true selves, see another’s perspective and our role in the larger scheme of life. International Mother Earth Day which we celebrate in April, is a good opportunity to remind ourselves that we are diverse expressions of ONE humanity, and collectively we have a responsibility of being custodians of the planet. What a world we could be if we would truly resonate with this idea!

Do we have the courage to dream of this better world, and the perseverance to work towards it? The world today needs leaders who can show the way, by being an example of the change needed…and thus inspire others. The world needs philosophers, who will dare to DISCOVER. AWAKEN. TRANSFORM.

ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE

Book Recommmendation – The Path to Victory

March 28, 2023

By Delia Steinberg Guzman

History is an extraordinary showcase where different ideas have appeared and given rise to many different ways of life, like coloured crystals whose hues vary according to the light. Each age has its parameters, and human beings, on their endless path of searching, have been ruled by those models, which they have tried to follow and obey more than they would follow an idea from any other source. What is commonly accepted becomes like a law and, as time passes, some of the ideas that have been accepted become even more powerful than laws themselves.

Many Cultures, One Humanity

March 28, 2023

By Sabine Leitner

A few years ago, I watched the documentary Babies by Thomas Balmes. It follows the first year of the lives of four babies from Mongolia, Japan, California and Namibia. The film does not contain any narration, it just lets the images speak for themselves, presenting the huge contrast that exists between these four cultures. It is amazing to see how, in just one year, these four babies had utterly different experiences of life on this planet, which would, no doubt, greatly influence the way they were going to understand the world and live in it.

Dare to Dream

March 28, 2023

By Volunteers of New Acropolis

This story was created by the volunteers New Acropolis India as a part of our 16th anniversary celebration. It shows the idea that to build a better world, we need the courage to first imagine it, and then conviction and persistence to make it come true. We need to sow the seed, which we then need to nourish for it to grow and flourish.

Leadership lessons from Swami Vivekananda

March 28, 2023

By Dipti Sanzgiri

A good leader is one who has a clear vision of a better future – a future with which their own inner aspirations and values are aligned – and who is able to inspire and lead others towards making this vision a reality. A future for which people work not for their personal benefit, monetary or otherwise, but because they believe in the cause. Through the vision of the leader, people are able to see beyond their own gain and limitations and thereby find an opportunity to reconstruct their own self as they contribute. How wonderful this journey would be – for both the leader and those who follow him!

Exploring Yoga with Raghu Ananthanarayanan

March 28, 2023

By Zarina Screwvala and Nupur Sampat

This article is based on an event by New Acropolis Culture Circle with Raghu Ananthanarayanan, who spoke on the Yoga Sutras by Patanjali. Raghu is a behavioural scientist, yoga teacher and author. He has dedicated his life to the study and application of yoga and Indic traditions to guide the inner transformation of individuals and shape leadership and culture building of organizations.

The Dream of Manav Bustan

March 28, 2023

By Harianto Mehta

Demonstrating the spirit of volunteering, members of New Acropolis Cultural Organization collectively contributed time, effort, and funds, persevering over several years, to find suitable rural land, despite budget constraints, and challenges resulting from the pandemic, to serve as a country home of our work as a School of Philosophy. Finally acquired on 12th August 2021, the land was christened Manav Bustan.