India’s Contribution to World Wisdom
Introduction
The ancient ideas of traditional India are the foundation of world today. Though the ideas are old, they bear the messages with innovative appeal. India has great significance in the wisdom of the world. The words of Max Muller, German Scholar, expresses the fact: “If I were asked under what sky the human mind has most fully developed some of its choicest gifts, has most deeply pondered on the greatest problems of life, and has found solutions, I should point to India”.
In the various domains of life, India has significant contribution which has taken a long way to promote the lifestyle of mankind. The influences are found in the field of medicine, mathematics, the vibrant art, literature, etc.
The Doctrine of Upanishads
Max Muller, the German Scholar, exactly appreciated the Upanishads: ‘There is no book in the world that is so thrilling, stirring and inspiring as the Upanishads’. The Indian philosophies have the answers to all mysterious questions of people what is after life, what comes after death, what is the real form of heaven, etc. Indian literature also guides the confused generation. The Upanishads is a complete philosophy of life. The doctrine of the Upanishads is followed by the world. It is one of the excellent works by human mind; it transforms the abstract thoughts into actions in the practical sense, which is presented in the form of poetry with spiritual thoughts.
Art and Culture
The unique history of art and culture of India has made it famous in the world, and it has excelled in expressing in the wonderful literary works. The ancient paintings, the varied dance forms, the sculptures, and the different forms of literature have impressed the people across the world. The words of Keith Bellows, National Geographic Society expressed the respect and affection for the art and culture of India: “There are some parts of the world that, once visited, get into your heart and won’t go. For me, India is such a place. When I first visited, I was stunned by the richness of the land, by its lush beauty and exotic architecture, by its ability to overload the senses with the pure, concentrated intensity of its colours, smells, tastes and sounds. I had been seeing the world in black and white and, when brought face-to-face with India, experienced everything re-rendered in brilliant Technicolor”.
Vedas
The significance of the power of Vedas is accepted by the world. The learned people have appreciated the Vedas as a luminary source full of universalism. The Vedas shows the way how to attain the true knowledge, is enriched with the pure form of Sanskrit language and conveys the purest divine message through the ancient scriptures.
Mathematics
The world is indebted to India for the most significant concepts of Mathematics which was provided by the intelligent personalities of ancient India. They introduced the principles of decimal number system, the place value, algorithm, algebra and geometry which made their way into the world of mathematics from India. The rock edicts of Ashoka show the Arabic numerals. Even the importance of zero was discovered by Aryabhata, the famous Astronomer of India. In respect of mathematics and science, India is in leading position and its knowledge is spread all over the world. The base of many concepts like the concept of the earth’s circumference, the solar system, eclipse occurrences and many others are the source of the wisdom of India.
Medicine
In the sphere of medicine too, India has immense contribution.
Ayurveda, a branch of medicine created in India, uses herbs to treat various diseases. The other branch is the Homeopathy. Both Ayurveda and Homeopathy treat the complex diseases without any side effects. Moreover, the cost of medicines is very low so they are affordable by all.
Conclusion India is the house of diverse culture with excellent human minds that are rare in the world. The world has taken the wisdom in diverse fields from India. Besides these, the world is indebted for the message of love and oneness and the ways of living together peacefully which is the result of the co-existence of the people from diverse castes, creeds, religions, and culture. India is the unique land where unity in diversity is existing, and naturally it preaches the countries across the world to do it.