________________
1
Detachment and Liberation in Indiau Philosophy and its impact on Modern Times-its relevance."
--Dr. H. M. Joshi, Baroda. The roots of Indian philosophy-Darshanas-are lying in Rigveda, Tantra and Agamas. It is difficult to decide and fix which is earlier and which is later in historical sequence. It is generally accepted that Rigveda is the first poctry of the whole world. It is said that the language of Rigveda is not entirely literal and therefore is does not depict factual Reality. Jain philosophers attempt to trace their roots and origin in Rigveda then on the other hand learned scholars of Tantra literature hold that the tradition of Tantra emerged as parallel with Veclic tradition. Vedas as well as Tantras discuss and lay down the principles of subtle Individual and Reality. Their articulation is syinbolic. This is learnt from the 'Nirukta' of Yaska also.
In the comtemplative tradition of India there are clearly two paths suggested for the realization of the supreme aim of life. Sages and philosophers have tested them in practisc. The first path is that of penance and austerity and the second path is that of love and devotion. It is possible to obtain practical guidance as well as literature regarding these two paths in ancient cultures of Greece, Iran, Rome and China. Thinkers, philosophers and sages such as Pythagoras, Diogenes, Confucious, Lao Tze, Plotinus, Asho Zarathustra have laid down the paths of austerity and friendship.
In Upanishads, later literature of Buddhism and Jainism the rigid principles and practices of realization of goals have been enunciated. As a result certain key-concepts which are propounded may be formulated as follows, (1) Thought or principle without practise are meaningless, (2) In different faculties and parts of personality such as body, mind, feeling will, contemplation and activity it is essential to establishi determination, Dharma, Permanent principle and equanimity, (3) Whatever is thought and done by person makes an impact upon his Individuality and his surroundings, (4) Human life is not separate and divided component but it has continuous relation with social, natural and worldly life, (5) The goals of Dharma, Arthu, Kama and Moksha mould human life and society in its distinct phases.
These four aims have signilicantly contributed to social, religious and philosophical development of India. Therefore it is necessary to understand * Kasturbliai Memorial Lecture. 1989-90.
