July 2015 - The Acropolitan Magazine

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

The tapestry of human civilization has been decorated with a vivid design of mythologies that have become part of our culture since antiquity, providing texture, in the form of ethical education and direction through which to investigate timeless human values.

History is replete with heroes who have stood up in defense of universal truths despite persecution, by dedicating their lives and work to the service of mankind. These heroic individuals, whether mythological or historical, serve as inspirational examples, showcasing the potential of human ability that lies within our grasp. Investigation of mythological heroes like Arjuna, or even Neo (The Matrix) from modern mythology, can awaken a heroic sentiment so rare in our times. What if such individuals were able to evoke the heroic spirit amongst human communities today?

Armed with this spirit, and guided by an elevated consciousness, perhaps we could once again shed light on the deep philosophical meaning behind age-old cultural practices, beyond ritual. In this issue, we invite you to investigate this possibility.

ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE

Mandala: Voyage to the Center

July 1, 2015

By Sivan Barzilay

A traditional Japanese story speaks of a disciple who once asked his master how one could achieve enlightenment. The master suggested in a matter of fact manner, that he must do exactly the same thing he did every morning for the sun to rise. After much pondering, the confused disciple went back to his master to confess that in reality he did not do anything to help the sun to rise every day…

Let’s Listen Then In Conversation with Shabnam Virmani

July 1, 2015

By Manjula Nanavati

Shabnam Virmani is the founder of the Kabir Project, which consists of a series of ongoing journeys inquiring into the spiritual, cultural, and socio-political resonances of the 15th century mystic and poet Kabir. Housed at the Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology (Bengaluru),

The Best Changes Start With Ourselves

July 1, 2015

By Delia Steinberg Guzman

There is no point in compiling yet again a list of the situations afflicting everyone all over the world, because the media have already taken it upon themselves to broadcast them, and because, by repeating them, we only make the evils bigger without finding solutions.

Modern Mythology

July 1, 2015

By Sabine Leitner

Despite their universal existence in all civilizations and all times of history, myths have often been scoffed at and regarded as old wives tales. August Comte, the founder of positivism and sociology, relegated myths to the most early and primitive level of intellectual evolution and Lucien Lévy-Bruhl, a French philosopher, associated myth with pre-logical mentality common to the most primitive stages of mankind.

Duty of Fraternity

July 1, 2015

By Harianto Mehta

As the summer months climax with the annual monsoons breathing fresh life into the soil, Nature renews her promise to every being in her domain. It is a promise of continuity, and as if by magic, life vibrantly awakes, and breaks into song, with every creature, every plant, and every spirit dancing together in unison.