Many of us Indians are very fortunate; we have access to our ancient philosophy, knowledge systems, traditions and societal wisdom whilst also having easy access to Western philosophy and modernity. Those who have been overpowered by one system or the other tend to become dogmatic of their chosen belief and stop learning and evolving. The most fortunate are the ones who have been able to learn from and adopt the best of both systems.

Indic philosophy commonly known as Sanatana Dharma has dominated the East. It is expressed predominantly through Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism.

Based on their experiences over thousands of years, they have concluded that not only are all we beings connected but we are also connected with everything else in the Universe.

What do we mean when we say connected?

All creatures have life energy (Prana) and all things have latent energy in every atom. This omnipresent energy is Creation and it cannot be defined, it simply is. This Creation is what is known as ‘Param-Atman’ the ‘prime soul’ and the equivalent of God in Indic philosophical thought. Only this God is not human-like but formless.

This universal energy Param-Atman connects with the individual’s ‘Atma’ which is present in every individual being. This is why Indic philosophies (misconstrued as religion by many) believe that all life should be respected. Giving rise to ‘Ahimsa’ meaning ‘not causing deliberate harm’. Causing harm for fighting evil, self-defence or for purposes of our needs (not wants) harm is considered permissible.

East is East and West is West and the twain can never meet. Indic philosophy often has no Western equivalent nevertheless I have attempted to convey commonly used terms in English which distort the meaning of the terms of the Indic belief system.

‘Param-Atman’ is not a human-like being but Nature itself. This is why Indians tend to be pacifists, are generally vegetarians and are respectful of other beings and nature in general, living a life that is as far as possible in harmony with all.

This is why most people in the East particularly in India are puzzled when Western leaders and their minions lecture others about sustainability, tolerance and human rights. It is difficult for Indians to appreciate their lecturing about what is so natural to us but what is a great noble mountain of effort that the West has to climb stating the obvious.

We are all soulmates, all we have to do is realise that every being is my friend and relative. Respecting and honouring Creation is our privilege and sacred duty.

Seasons Greetings and wish you all the best for 2025.