Bharatiya Sanskruti

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text on Indian culture:

Book Title: Bharatiya Sanskruti (Indian Culture) Author: Anandshankar Pandey Publisher: Z_Jain_Dharm_Vigyan_ki_Kasoti_par_002549.pdf (JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL FOR PRIVATE AND PERSONAL USE ONLY)

Summary:

This text, an excerpt from "Bharatiya Sanskruti" by Anandshankar Pandey, explores the nature and essence of Indian culture. It begins by acknowledging the common discourse surrounding "civilization" and "culture," noting that while the terms are frequently used, defining culture precisely is difficult. The author presents various perspectives on culture:

• Familiarity with the best: One view defines culture as being acquainted with the world's best ideas and expressions.
• Development of faculties: Another perspective describes culture as the training, strengthening, or development of physical and mental powers, leading to refinement and purity of mind and conduct.
• Manifestation within civilization: A third definition suggests culture is what blossoms within civilization.

However, the author posits that while we can recognize the characteristics of culture, a definitive definition remains elusive. The core distinction drawn is between civilization (what we possess, our material possessions) and culture (the quality within us, the art of using those possessions). A person with fine clothes might lack true refinement, while someone in rags could be a creator of culture, as exemplified by Indian agriculture.

The text then addresses the misconception that Indian culture is solely Hindu culture. It strongly argues that Indian culture is a composite, a donation from all communities, a blend of ideas and sentiments from various groups that have historically migrated to India and integrated into its fabric. This includes Mongols, Shakas, Hunas, Turks, and others who, by forgetting their past, became solely Indians. The resulting culture is neither purely Mongolian, Turkish, nor Saka. The author uses the analogy of honey production to explain this: just as bees collect nectar from various flowers to create honey, Indian culture is a blend of the "nectar" of ideas from diverse communities, where no single community's "stamp" dominates. This melding is compared to the confluence of other rivers with the Ganga.

A fundamental characteristic of Indian culture, according to the author, is its deep-rooted tradition of non-violence (Ahimsa). The essence of winning over a person is not through brute force but by conquering their heart. While self-defense with a sword is not considered violence in this context, Indian culture has fiercely protected its commitment to non-violence, even at a significant cost.

Another key feature is blood mixing and cultural assimilation. India, unlike many parts of the world divided by skin color, has witnessed the convergence of diverse human groups. The text notes the early arrival of Christianity and Islam in India, even before the English became Christian or during Prophet Muhammad's lifetime, alongside Parsis, Jews, and others. Just as indigenous religions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism draw sustenance from Indian soil, so too have these foreign religions. This linguistic diversity is also highlighted, with languages from all global language families finding sanctuary in India over centuries.

The author divides Indian history into distinct periods:

• Pre-Christian Era: This period is described as glorious, characterized by a populace possessing a strong will to live, vitality, and joy. People cherished life and adorned it with unwavering devotion.
• Medieval Period: This era is considered less glorious from a cultural advancement perspective. The pursuit of true spiritual meaning was somewhat lost, replaced by the proliferation of rigid customs, superstitions, and hypocrisy. A disconnect emerged between the actions and beliefs of Indians, leading to societal divisions and a fragmented individual personality, exemplified by the harshness surrounding untouchability.

The text laments that modern India is seen as unable to contribute significantly to the world, becoming dependent on others. However, it asserts that India still holds the remedy for the world's suffering, particularly the pain caused by the inability of different ideals and communities to coexist peacefully. While the world today lacks trust and is unwilling to compromise on its ideals, India historically united diverse communities and religions into a cultural fabric without diminishing any group's pride. This unity, achieved through Ahimsa, is presented as Indian culture's greatest contribution to the modern world.

The author concludes by emphasizing that by embracing the constructive life-giving elements of past Indian cultures, and by continuously engaging in the work of national progress and world peace, independent India can secure a respected position on the global stage. The contact with seafaring nations at the dawn of the modern era led to the adoption of modern civilization and culture. However, this exchange also brought the "poison" of modern civilization, from which the world suffers. Despite this, the suffering world is increasingly looking towards India for healing.