NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We live in an era inundated with an overwhelming deluge of information, a lot of it often lacking in accuracy or relevance. To wade through this, we must cultivate the ability to discern the essential from the non-essential and the truth from various forms of falsehood.
It is the nature of our times also, to fragment and segregate. To live in harmony with each other requires embracing and celebrating our differences. Culture, in fact, can be a strong unifying force that nurtures human values, showing that there is a common thread that weaves through diverse ancient civilizations binds the multitude of expressions we see around us today.
In studying civilizations across time and geography, we repeatedly encounter the eternal human quest for understanding the self and the meaning of life. While we rely on our intellect and emotions to help us navigate through this mystery, as human beings we possess the innate potential of intuition, that can transcend the boundaries of reason and allows us to grasp more of the truth.
The search for truth and love of wisdom is the very essence of Philosophy. It offers a broader lens and a more profound perspective on life, enabling us to look beyond the surface and perceive the interconnectedness of existence.
Even in the simple proximity of an insect or the complexity of a bustling metropolis, we can find glimpses of life's principles and the beauty they hold. It is up to us to dare to Discover, Awaken, Transform.
ARTICLES IN THIS ISSUE
Human Values are the noble, guiding principles that must shape our behaviour, attitude and interactions with others. Cultivating these values therefore, is crucial for fostering a harmonious and inclusive society. Culture, the rich tapestry of all the fine arts, as well as the philosophy that underlies customs and traditions, plays a significant role in nurturing and developing human values. To this end New Acropolis, in Mumbai, hosted a carefully curated selection of philosophy, film, music and dance on 10th June 2023, at the Chemould Prescott Road art gallery, to celebrate culture in its myriad forms.
One night, like most nights, I was reading while lying in bed. It was a book of lectures by Professor Jorge A. Livraga. It was the end of the day, darkness all around, silence….
By the light of the small lamp on the bedside table, my intellectual activity extended into the moments before sleep. Reading, reflection, peace in my heart… Everything was perfect. Suddenly, he appeared, a tiny insect. Bothersome, indifferent to my presence and incapable of sitting still. I tried to get him away from my book, but it was useless; he kept coming
back. Then I wanted to get it out of my mind, but I couldn’t do that either. It was already an active part of the discomfort that penetrated me.
Life is a mystery and in mysterious ways, invites us to unravel it. The Truth it guards so protectively is expressed in myriad symbolic forms, some of which have survived over centuries, civilizations, and cultures. For one who is on a philosophical adventure of seeking wisdom, these symbolic forms are a bridge to the hidden Truth, or at least to some aspect of it. One such intriguing form that literally and figuratively conceals the mystery that is man, is a mask.
One of the main characteristics of the human mind is its ability to form concepts, principles and theories for the purpose of understanding the world around us. Einstein used to say in wonder that the most surprising thing about the universe is that it seemed intelligible. It might well not be, but it is. What we do not understand seems messy to us, and stimulates us to discover it.
Mumbai has been my home for the past 45 years and this article is about my experience of the city which has shaped me and made me into much of what I am today. I received my shiksha – educational qualifications here; it is my karma bhumi – where I first started earning my living and it is here that I embarked on the journey of my spiritual development.