Conference 2015
The core of all Indian knowledge systems(zAstrA) and the core of Ayurveda are connected. This connection or the “web of life” is not superficial where all core principles and values are connected at a deep level. Each zAstrAs component has an X factor. Understanding the X factor of one zAstrA will give a deep understanding of all zAstrAs. Thus this conference is the purview of the whole gamut of Indianknowledge systems.
In the classical context, when information passes through the human mind, it undergoes transformation, which unfortunately is not happening now consistently. This is due to many reasons including diminished memory, comprehension and analytical faculties. Consequently the crux is never identified and sufficient efforts are not directed to understand this transformed crux.
The international conference on “Ayurveda – Where Science Meets Consciousness” is a platform to understand the essence of all Indian knowledge systems; to understand the interconnectedness of these systems at the deepest levels; and to understand and nourish every zAstrA in the interest of universal benefit.
Understanding the logic behind the principles and practices in each of these knowledge systems is necessary and understanding the relationships between the different systems makes the understanding complete.
For example - a special yoga posture is described for liver care. When this is applied to Ayurveda, it seems beneficial and 98 out of 100 people benefit. But thought has to be given to
1. How is it working?
2. Why did the 2 people not benefit?
This is zAstrA – if the principles are understood and applied correctly to a given context, then the results become predictable, are reproducable and thus become universally beneficial. At the same time, it is recognised that not every condition can be cured. But the person who has internalized the principles at the deepest levels will know the exact quantum of benefit that the person will get with the application of a particular herb or treatment or practice in the appropriate context.
The practical aspects and the theoretical basis of a zAstrA are like the two wings of a bird. If both the wings are not harmonized, the bird is in peril when in flight. A single wing does not serve its purpose well. A practical application has to be developed on the strong basis of the concepts that the Acharya predicted for a science. This is how all Indian knowledge systems should develop to be reproducible and predictable.
The how/ why/ where/ when / what of all sciences are important to be expressed and understood . That is when zAstrAis clear, and that is when it can be applied to all, by any.
Indian knowledge systems are not being shared or applied today... The "Where, What, When, Why, Which and How of zAstrAs currently remains unknown to most people. Hence the work of the Conference needs to be undertaken where all Indian knowledge systems will get nourished with this transformed thinking. The information has to get translated at a logical, philosophical and conceptual level. There are very few people who even attempt to do this. It is the seekers of knowledge who should take the initiative and discuss to elicit information. The Conference will offer a platform for the seeker to gain fruit of knowledge in this process. Knowledge thus imbibed is more efficient and effective.
There was an era when the Acharyas could single handedly handle all Indian knowledge systems,. Today, individuals are trained in any one science, and they do not have the education, experience and thus the ability, to spread the purview of their learning to other sciences. There are hardly any intellectual prodigies today, and there is no one even near the crux of the science, and neither is any one who is leading too. The old era is what should be brought back" should not be included here. Consider replacing this part as follows, but note that it changes the sense: "The old era of "wholistic" (to be read with "holistic") learning and practicing was complete and considerable. This should be brought back; that is the thought to be revived. For the effort has to be together, to be whole, to be complete, for the caregiver to consider all. This will lead to a state when 'we are transforming' to 'we are transformed'".
SusrutaSamhitastates that by studying one science, a comprehensive knowledge is not reached; but that the horizon has to include other sciences as well. The understanding that the allied sciences are not contradictory but contributory should be accepted and practiced.
This is, in brief, what is being attempted at this conference. We would like to see thinkers, theoreticians, practitioners, students, end-users from varied disciplines within the zAstra circle as also within the circles of western science come together on this common platform and discuss and debate the various principles and practices to better understand this interconnectedness for the benefit of mankind – the discussion, the debate is with a view to learn, to grow; not with a view to finding fault with each other.
In the classical context, when information passes through the human mind, it undergoes transformation, which unfortunately is not happening now consistently. This is due to many reasons including diminished memory, comprehension and analytical faculties. Consequently the crux is never identified and sufficient efforts are not directed to understand this transformed crux.
The international conference on “Ayurveda – Where Science Meets Consciousness” is a platform to understand the essence of all Indian knowledge systems; to understand the interconnectedness of these systems at the deepest levels; and to understand and nourish every zAstrA in the interest of universal benefit.
Understanding the logic behind the principles and practices in each of these knowledge systems is necessary and understanding the relationships between the different systems makes the understanding complete.
For example - a special yoga posture is described for liver care. When this is applied to Ayurveda, it seems beneficial and 98 out of 100 people benefit. But thought has to be given to
1. How is it working?
2. Why did the 2 people not benefit?
This is zAstrA – if the principles are understood and applied correctly to a given context, then the results become predictable, are reproducable and thus become universally beneficial. At the same time, it is recognised that not every condition can be cured. But the person who has internalized the principles at the deepest levels will know the exact quantum of benefit that the person will get with the application of a particular herb or treatment or practice in the appropriate context.
The practical aspects and the theoretical basis of a zAstrA are like the two wings of a bird. If both the wings are not harmonized, the bird is in peril when in flight. A single wing does not serve its purpose well. A practical application has to be developed on the strong basis of the concepts that the Acharya predicted for a science. This is how all Indian knowledge systems should develop to be reproducible and predictable.
The how/ why/ where/ when / what of all sciences are important to be expressed and understood . That is when zAstrAis clear, and that is when it can be applied to all, by any.
Indian knowledge systems are not being shared or applied today... The "Where, What, When, Why, Which and How of zAstrAs currently remains unknown to most people. Hence the work of the Conference needs to be undertaken where all Indian knowledge systems will get nourished with this transformed thinking. The information has to get translated at a logical, philosophical and conceptual level. There are very few people who even attempt to do this. It is the seekers of knowledge who should take the initiative and discuss to elicit information. The Conference will offer a platform for the seeker to gain fruit of knowledge in this process. Knowledge thus imbibed is more efficient and effective.
There was an era when the Acharyas could single handedly handle all Indian knowledge systems,. Today, individuals are trained in any one science, and they do not have the education, experience and thus the ability, to spread the purview of their learning to other sciences. There are hardly any intellectual prodigies today, and there is no one even near the crux of the science, and neither is any one who is leading too. The old era is what should be brought back" should not be included here. Consider replacing this part as follows, but note that it changes the sense: "The old era of "wholistic" (to be read with "holistic") learning and practicing was complete and considerable. This should be brought back; that is the thought to be revived. For the effort has to be together, to be whole, to be complete, for the caregiver to consider all. This will lead to a state when 'we are transforming' to 'we are transformed'".
SusrutaSamhitastates that by studying one science, a comprehensive knowledge is not reached; but that the horizon has to include other sciences as well. The understanding that the allied sciences are not contradictory but contributory should be accepted and practiced.
This is, in brief, what is being attempted at this conference. We would like to see thinkers, theoreticians, practitioners, students, end-users from varied disciplines within the zAstra circle as also within the circles of western science come together on this common platform and discuss and debate the various principles and practices to better understand this interconnectedness for the benefit of mankind – the discussion, the debate is with a view to learn, to grow; not with a view to finding fault with each other.