October 2017 - The Acropolitan Magazine

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

Often, perhaps, we find ourselves imprisoned by time. Caught up in the many things that we need to get done, we fail to get to the things that, in our hearts, we know we really ought to be doing. We say we don’t find the time. Or that we shall get to it one day in the unknown distant future, after all our other obligations have been met. Rarely do we take a moment to stop and reflect; to consider the essence that lies at the heart of the things that we do. What is my true goal? Who am I? What does it mean to be a human being?

To answers these most fundamental human questions, bequeathed to us is the treasure trove of our collective human heritage comprising the arts, sciences and religions. Let us dare to awaken our own idealist spirit – with the courage to investigate these modes of human expressions, seeking to illuminate the enigmas of life, motivated by a yearning for Truth, which lies at the heart of all human endeavors. Let us dare to Discover, Awaken, and Transform. To BE.

ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE

God, Consciousness, Science: Conversations

October 1, 2017

By Sukesh Motwani

As philosophers born in an age where Science is leading the pursuit of answering questions to do with life, creation and the nature of reality, it becomes incumbent upon us to keep alive the sense of wonder at the underlying order and harmony in the workings of the universe. The search for ‘truth’ and ‘meaning’ has driven philosophers, scientists and religious thinkers alike…so would it really be presumptuous to qualify this search as one to do with the ultimate mystery, the enigma of God? This article looks at this enigma by reproducing interesting conversations on the interplay between scientific pursuits and spiritually based ideas from renowned scientists and writers. It sets out to show how rationalists and scientists do concur albeit in different ways, that there is an invisible force that animates all of us and determines the laws of nature and the universe at large.

Reflections on the Metaphysics of Music with Shubha Mudgal

October 1, 2017

By Manjula Nanavati

“When the soul hears music, it drops its best guard.” – Socrates

Music is perhaps the most philosophically puzzling of all the arts. Unlike painting or sculpture it does not culminate in a physical object. Unlike literature and drama, instrumental music has no semantic value. Yet every tune, melody, theme, raga or symphony is steeped in metaphysical meaning.

Music has a tremendous ability to evoke emotion – joy, sadness, exhilaration, reverence, courage, patriotism et al. Its power to heal has been irrefutably documented, and music can be one of the most effective entrance points to meditative and sacred experiences. Cicero claimed that music could return man to paradise lost and that it was a communion with Divine Truth.

Are We Human Beings or Human Doings?

October 1, 2017

By Archana Samarth

This question is relevant to the times we live in. The pace of life accelerated by the need for constantly moving, rushing, or accomplishing emphasises the importance we associate with doing. Just being when the whole world seems to be caught up in a whirlwind of action, seems so passive! By doing, we feel we are active and taking charge of our lives. But are we really taking charge of our lives and giving them a fulfilling direction? Well, let’s examine this thought in our current context.

A Moment to Stop and Reflect

October 1, 2017

By Ilanit Adar

This article is a compilation of excerpts from the book A Moment to Stop and Reflect by Ilanit Adar Matoki to be published in Korean.

In times when knowledge is very accessible and there exists a flood of information, it is a challenge to acknowledge words of wisdom. The eyes quickly pass over unimportant words in the same manner as knowledge of great importance and value. My purpose here is to revive the words of wisdom uttered by philosophers, scientists, artists and leaders, and to emphasize the practical aspect of universal ideas that are independent of time and place.

The Ideal Activist: Inner Work for Outer Change

October 1, 2017

By Harianto Mehta

With a burning aspiration and courageous determination, many a youth dares to dream of a better world, driven by the need to take responsibility and participate in bringing about the clearly evident need for change, whether in the realm of ecology, literacy, socio-economic disparity, or the myriad other causes that demand attention in our times. It is fair to say that it is in vogue, almost considered admirable, to stand for a cause, and many aspiring idealists turn to activism to do their share. They ‘like’ facebook pages, sign petitions, write articles, stand their ground in vocal protests outside of parliaments…but rarely does change really manifest, prompting a sense of disillusionment at the failure of invested efforts. When asked what their “actions” accomplished, they withdraw saying, “at least it brought about some awareness,” as if the cause at hand were not already well known.