Philosophy of Life of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Philosophy of Life of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji

Dr. Desh Raj Sirswal

Abstract

Sikhism is a monotheistic religion founded during the 15th century in the Punjab region, by Guru Nanak Dev and continued to progress with ten successive Sikh gurus (the last teaching being the holy scripture Gurū Granth Sāhib Ji). It is the fifth-largest organized religion in the world, with over 30 million Sikhs and one of the most steadily growing. This system of religious philosophy and expression has been traditionally known as the Gurmat (literally 'of the gurus').  The Sikh Scriptures outline the ways in which one can bring their own thinking in line with the Hukam. If one engages in the service of God's creation, this is the best way of working in harmony with the Divine Will. Further, by remembering Waheguru one becomes aware of "God desires" and "Divine essence" within the person is realised. By following these "Divine Values" that benefit His Creation, one ends the cycle of Karma and Transmigration.  The objective of this paper is to study the basic life values taught by Sri Guru Gobind Singh ji.

Note: Submitted for International Seminar on Life and Philosophy of Shri Guru Gobind Singh Ji on 24^th  of November, 2017 at Desh Bhagat University Campus Mandi Gobindgarh, Village Sounti Amloh District Fatehgarh Sahib.. 

Epicureanism, Charvaka and Consumerism: A Search for Philosophy of Happiness

Epicureanism, Charvaka and Consumerism:  A Search for Philosophy of Happiness

Dr. Desh Raj Sirswal

Abstract:

Epicurus was a Greek philosopher and more interested in pleasure or its pursuit than other ideals. He said, “No pleasure is a bad thing in itself, but the things which produce certain pleasures entail disturbances many times greater than the pleasures themselves.” Epicurus tells us that wisdom is the knowledge of which pleasures are good for us. While at times this led to a negative view of his philosophy, the reality is his thinking was very advanced and developed, leading to his ideas becoming highly influential in modern thought in many regions of the world today. His simple philosophies of avoiding pain, leading a simple life, and attaining knowledge have made his philosophy both attractive and influential to many.  One important Indian Philosophy “Charvaka” take this world to be the only reality.  Out of the four human values - Dharma, artha, kama, and moksha - they advocate pursuit of kama only and artha merely as a facilitating means for the purpose. For Charvaka, the goal of human life to attain the maximum amount of pleasure in this life, avoiding pain as far as possible. A good life is a life of maximum enjoyment. A good action is one which leads to a balance of pleasure and a bad action is one which brings about more pain than pleasure. In present times, consumerism is all pervading, the real spirit for any developing economy is to develop products and marketing practices advocating consumerism and it is inevitable to safeguard the interest of consumers at large. Consumerism is the belief that personal wellbeing and happiness depends to a very large extent on the level of personal consumption, particularly on the purchase of material goods. The idea is not simply that wellbeing depends upon a standard of living above some threshold, but that at the center of happiness is consumption and material possessions. It is an attempt of this paper to see the relation between these philosophies and try to find common characteristics which lead man to lead a happy and satisfactorily life.

Key-Words: Epicurus, Charvaka, Pleasure, Happiness and Consumerism.

Presented at National Seminar on CONSUMERISM AND CONSUMER PROTECTION IN THE ERA OF OPEN MARKETS IN INDIA (Sponsored by Panjab University, Chandigarh) PG Govt. College for Girls, Sector 11, Chandigarh on 30th January, 2018.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: A Modern Indian Philosopher

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: A Modern Indian Philosopher

Dr. Desh Raj Sirswal

Abstract

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar is one of the names  who advocated to change social order of the age-old tradition of suppression and humiliation. He was an intellectual, scholar, statesman and contributed greatly in the nation building. He led a number of movements to emancipate the downtrodden masses and to secure human rights to millions of depressed classes. He has left an indelible imprint through his immense contribution in framing the modern Constitution of free India. He stands as a symbol of struggle for achieving the Social Justice. We can assign several roles to this great personality due to his life full dedication towards his mission of eradicating evils from Indian society. The social evils of Indian society, also neglected this great personality even in intellectual sphere too. The so-called intellectuals of India not honestly discussed his contribution to Indian intellectual heritage, rather what they discussed, also smells their biases towards a Dalit literate and underestimated his great personality.  This paper will attempt to discuss important facts about life and a short description of the literature written by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. This is followed by  discussion his philosophy in the five major sections i.e. Feminism and women empowerment, philosophy of education, ideas on social justice and equality, philosophy of politics and economics and philosophy of religion.

Key words: Indian social system, social equality, philosophy of religion, women empowerment, Indian education.

Presented at:

92^nd SESSION OF THE INDIAN PHILOSOPHICAL CONGRESS 5^th to 7^th January, 2018  Venue: Holistic Science Research Center,Vitrag Vignan Charitable Research Foundation, Near Dada Bhagawan Mahavideh Teerth Dham, Kamrej Xing, Dist. Surat, Gujarat (India) PIN-394185

भारत में नैतिक नेतृत्व: वर्तमान परिदृश्य एवं भविष्य

भारत में नैतिक नेतृत्व: वर्तमान परिदृश्य एवं भविष्य 

(Ethical Leadership in India: Present Scenario and Future)

डॉ देशराज सिरसवाल

शोध-पत्र सार

“नेतृत्व” एक विस्तृत प्रत्यय है जो कई सदियों से समाजशास्त्र, मनोविज्ञान, राजनीति शास्त्र, लोकप्रशासन के अध्ययन का विषय रहा है. यह एक ऐसा शब्द है जो जेहन में आते ही राजनीतिज्ञ अथवा राजनीति का बोध कराता है परन्तु वास्तव में ऐसा नहीं है | इसका दायरा असीमित है | समाज को को दिशा देना, भावी पीढ़ी का मार्गदर्शन करना, समानता की भावना पैदा करना,  समाज  के प्रति उतरदायी बनाना इत्यादि भी नेतृत्व करने वालों का ही कार्य है. “नैतिक नेतृत्व” से अभिप्राय उस नेतृत्व से है जो नैतिक मूल्यों पर आधारित हो और दूसरों को गरिमापूर्ण  जीवन और अधिकारों के प्रति संघर्ष के लिए वचनबद्ध हो. जब हम “नैतिक नेतृत्व” की बात करते हैं तो हमारे सामने ऐसे नेता की छवि उत्पन्न होती हैं जो अपने चरित्र से, अपने कर्म से, अपने निर्णयों से और अपनी विस्तृत समझ से  लोहा मनवा चुका होता है. भारत जैसे लोकतान्त्रिक देश में आज “नैतिक नेतृत्व” की ज्यादा आवश्यकता है क्योंकि हम किसी भी क्षेत्र में देख लें तो जो लोग समाज और देश का नेतृत्व की बात करते हैं उनके प्राय लोकतान्त्रिक मूल्यों का अभाव, धन लोलुपता, कर्महीनता और आदर्श जीवन के प्रति नकारात्मक भाव इत्यादि दुर्गुण देखने को मिलते हैं. भारत में जब भी हम नैतिक नेतृत्व की बात करते हैं तो हमारा अभिप्राय उस “आदर्श नेतृत्व” से है जो समाज के हर क्षेत्र में  न्याय, समानता और भ्रातृत्व के गुणों से युक्त हो और उस सभ्यता/ शिष्टाचार के जीवन में प्रयोग से है जोकि लोकतान्त्रिक देश में न्याय, समानता की स्थापना में सहयोग दे सके. प्रस्तुत शोध पत्र में हमारा मुख्य उद्देश्य भारत की वर्तमान सामाजिक-धार्मिक- राजनैतिक परिस्थितियों के सन्दर्भ में “नैतिक नेतृत्व” के विभिन्न पक्षों का अध्ययन करना है.

Note: To be presented at UGC Sponsored Two-Day National Seminar on "Contemporary Ethics: Theoretical, Practical and Methodological Disquiet" 6-7 February, 2017 at Department of Philosophy, Singhbhum College, Kolhan University, Jharkhand.

Religious Practices and Democratic Values in India: A Search for Interreligious Dialogue

Abstract

India has a long, rich, and diverse tradition of philosophical thoughts, spanning some two and a half millennia and encompassing several major religious traditions. India’s democracy can be said to rest on the foundation of religious practice due to the practice of multi-religions and different sects in its continent. Religious practices ties among citizens that generate positive and democratic political outcomes if we see it from the ideals of any religious doctrine as per their written scripture. But in society religious practices (not religious doctrine) do not show equality and usually go against their own religious doctrine as preached in their religious places. It is also evident that religious denomination (Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh etc.) comes as a barrier when we practice democratic ideals in society and make social situation worst. How these religious practices contribute for a society where we can discuss the ideals of freedom, equality and brotherhood for a Just Society and become mean of interreligious dialogue in   multi-religious society? this is a big question to think .  The objective of this paper is to study the dimensions of religious practices in Indian society and how these practices can contribute in interreligious dialogue to make atmosphere of peace, understanding and harmony in the society.

Key-Words: Religion, Indian Society, Social Justice, Social Inclusion and Indian Constitution

Note:

To be presented at National seminar on World Religions: A step towards inter-religious dialogue sponsored by Indian Council of Philosophical Research (ICPR) New Delhi to be held at the Department  of Philosophy, Patkai Christian college, Nagaland.

भारतीय समाज में नैतिक मूल्यों की आवश्यकता

शोध-पत्र सार

भारतीय समाज मूल्यप्रधान समाज है. भारतीय संस्कृति में मूल्यों को मनुष्य के सामाजिक, राजनैतिक और धार्मिक जीवन में विशेष स्थान दिया गया है क्योंकि मूल्यों के वास्तवीकरण का नाम ही संस्कृति है. वर्तमान समय  में विज्ञान ने जहाँ मनुष्य को भौतिक सुविधाएँ उपलब्ध करने के लिए प्रत्येक क्षेत्र में अविष्कारों के ढेर लगा दिए हैं ,वहां उसके जीवन  में एक खोखलापन भी उत्त्पन्न कर दिया है. ऐसे में समाज, देश और अपने स्वयं के जीवन में उसने मानव मूल्यों को तिलांजली दे दी है. मानव जीवन की सार्थकता तभी है जब वह श्रेष्ठ भावनाएं रखे. हम एक लोकतान्त्रिक समाज का हिस्सा हैं जहाँ पर हम आपसी भाई-चारे, न्याय, समान अधिकार और स्वतन्त्रता का हिमायती बनने का नाटक करते हैं. संविधान में दिए गये मूल्यों की प्राप्ति से पहले हमें व्यक्ति के जीवन और समाज का भी मुआयना करना होगा तभी हम श्रेष्ठ मूल्यों को समाज में स्थापित कर सकते हैं. मूल्य, व्यक्ति की सामाजिक विरासत का एक अंग होता है इसलिए मूल्यों की व्यवस्था मानव आस्तित्व के विभिन्न स्तरों या आयामों में व्यक्ति के अनुकूलन की प्रक्रिया  का मार्गदर्शन करती है. नैतिक मूल्य व्यक्ति के जीवन के साथ साथ समाज को भी उत्कृष्टता की तरफ अग्रसर करते हैं. इस शोध-पत्र का मुख्य उद्देश्य नैतिक मूल्यों के व्यक्ति के जीवन  और वर्तमान भारतीय समाज में उपयोगिता का अध्ययन करना है. 

Note: To be presented at 12th Session of Darshan Parishad (MP & Jharkhand) to be held on 15-16 October, 2016 at Gwalior (MP).

चार्वाकदर्शन के तत्व-सिद्धांत की वर्तमान प्रासंगिकता

(Relevance of Substance Theory of Charvaka in Present Times)

डॉ. देशराज सिरसवाल 

भारतीय चिन्तन परम्परा में पंच-महाभूत का बहुत महत्वपूर्ण स्थान है. भारतीय प्राचीन ग्रन्थों से लेकर अब तक विश्व की सरंचना सम्बन्धी सिद्धांतों में पंच-महाभूत सबसे स्वीकार्य सिद्धांत माना जाता रहा है. ये पांच तत्व हैं: पृथ्वी, जल, वायु, अग्नि और आकाश.  परन्तु चार्वाक जैसे दार्शनिक और आर्यभट्ट (पांचवीं शताब्दी) जैसे विज्ञानी यह कहते आ रहे हैं की तत्व पांच नहीं, चार हैं. इन लोगों ने आकाश को स्वतंत्र तत्व के रूप में स्वीकर नहीं किया. चार्वाक का यह भी विचार रहा है की सारा भौतिक व प्राक्रतिक परिदृश्य न किसी ने रचा है, न इसका कोई उद्देश्य है, प्रक्रति में परिवर्तन, विकास, रुपनान्तरण आदि इसकी अपनी प्रकिया है जो तब भी लाखों करोड़ों वर्षों से हो रहा था और आज भी विभिन्न रूपों में हो रहा है. पंच-तत्व के सिद्धांत को मानने वालों का विचार है की इन पांच तत्वों से जब शारीर बनता है तब आत्मा बाहर से प्रविष्ट होती है जबकि चार तत्व को मानने वाले चार्वाक का कथन है की इन चरों तत्वों के विशेष रूप में परस्पर मेल से ही चैतन्य (चेतना ) की उत्पत्ति होती है, आत्मा कहीं बाहर से नहीं आती- भूतेभ्य: चैतन्यम.आज विज्ञानं बहुत आगे बढ़ गया है और चार्वाक उसके अनुसार नये तत्वों की बात करते हैं. वास्तविकता तो यह है की जिन्हें हम तत्व कह रहे हैं वे तत्व न होकर यौगिक या मिश्रण हैं.  तत्व वह होता है जिसमें एक तरह कर परमाणु रहते हैं और जिसे सरलतम पदार्थ के रूप में विभाजित नहीं किया जा सकता. चार्वाक प्रकृति के जड़ रूप से ही, भौतिक तत्वों से चैतन्य की उत्पत्ति को मानता है. जैसे किनव, मधु और शर्करा आदि के मिलने से मादकता उत्पन्न होती है  उसी प्रकार शरीर में चैतन्य की उत्त्पति होती है. जब भौतिक तत्वों का तालमेल बिगड़ जाता है तो चैतन्य भी खत्म हो जाता है- सदा के लिए, सर्वदा के लिए – भस्मीभूतस्य देहस्य पुनरागमन कुत:.चार्वाक का कहना है की चैतन्य आत्मा काआकस्मिक गुण नहीं बल्कि मौलिक गुण है और चैतन्ययुक्त शरीर ही आत्मा है . यद्यपि आज चार्वाक के चार तत्व भी आदर्शवादियों के पांच तत्वों की तरह ही रद्द हो चुके हैं तथापि उनकी स्थिति दूसरी है. उन्होंने चार तत्वों को प्रकृति के प्रतिनिधि कह कर इन से चेतना की उत्पत्ति मानी है, प्रकृति एकतत्ववाद का उनका सिद्धांत आज विज्ञानसम्मत सिद्धांत है, भले ही उन की तत्वों की बात तकनीकी रूप में सही न हो. उनके लिए चार तत्वों को मानना न अनिवार्य है और न ही उसे मानने के लिए कोई ईश्वरीय आदेश है क्योंकि तत्व उनके लिए प्रकृति के प्रतिनिधि मात्र हैं, जो तब यदि चार थे तो आज 118 हैं. इससे उन्हें कोई फर्क नहीं पड़ता जबकि अन्य दर्शनों के लिए के लिए स्वीकार करना दुरूह है. अत: हम कह सकते हैं की चार्वाक का दर्शन अनात्मवादी, प्रत्यक्षवादी और भौतिकवादी है. अत: इस शोध-पत्र का मुख्य विष्ण पंच-महाभूतों की अवधारणा की चार्वाक के सन्दर्भ में समीक्षा करना है और चार्वाक दर्शन की आज की प्रासंगिकता को देखना है.

Note: This paper presented in One-Day National Seminar-cum-Panel Discussion on "Science of Panch-Mahabhoots and Consciousness" at S.D. College (Lahore) Ambala Cantt. Haryana held on 16th April, 2016.

Essays on Positive Philosophy (New E-book)

Released on 23rd March,2016

You can see the book on the given below link and also see previous published books:

http://www.amazon.in/s/ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1?ie=UTF8&text=DESH+RAJ+SIRSWAL&search-alias=digital-text&field-author=DESH+RAJ+SIRSWAL&sort=relevancerank

The Role of Religious and Spiritual Values in Shaping Humanity (A Study of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s Religious Philosophy)

Abstract

Values are an important part of human existence, his society and human relations. All social, economic, political, and religious problems are in one sense is reflection of this special abstraction of human knowledge. We are living in a globalized village and thinking much about values rather than practice of it. If we define religion and spirituality we can say that religion is a set of beliefs and rituals that claim to get a person in a right relationship with God, and spirituality is a focus on spiritual things and the spiritual world instead of physical/earthly things. If we think rationally we can find the major evils related to religion exiting in present society are due to lack of proper understanding of religion and spirituality. If we really know our own religions and values associated with it, we can create a beautiful world, full or love and respect for each and every human being. The proper knowledge and practice of any religion’s values can make an integrated man. In the book, The Buddha and His Dhamma, Dr. Ambedkar elucidated the significance and importance of Dhamma in human life. The Dhamma maintained purity of life, which meant abstains from lustful, evil practices. The Dhamma is a perfection of life and giving up craving. Dhamma’s righteousness means right relation of man to man in all sphere of life. The basic idea underlying religion is to create an atmosphere for the spiritual development of the individual. He said that Knowing the proper ways and means is more important than knowing the ideal. The major objective of this paper is to the study the religious philosophy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and to study how he established that religious and spiritual values enables religious people in particular and humanity at large to solve contemporary problems.

Note: Paper to be presented at 3rd International Dharma-Dhamma Conference on “Harmony of Religions: Welfare of Humankind” held on 24-26 October, 2015 at Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India.

दर्शन, सृजनात्मकता और मानवीय सम्बन्ध (Philosophy, Creativity and Human Relations)

सारांश

मानवीय-सम्बन्ध सदियों से दर्शन और साहित्य के अध्ययन का मुख्य विषय रहा है.  जब भी हम मानवीय सम्बन्धों के विवेचन पर जाते है तब हम इनकी प्रकृति, व्यक्तिगत और सामाजिक सम्बन्धों की प्रमाणिकता के सम्बन्ध में बात करते हैं और हम केवल दार्शनिक विचारों तक ही  सीमित नहीं रहते बल्कि हमें मनोविज्ञानिकों, समाजशास्त्रियों, राजनीतिक विचारकों के साथ-साथ साहित्यकारों द्वारा दी गयी व्याख्याओं का भी अध्ययन करना पड़ता है क्यूंकि यह अन्तर्रविषयी अध्ययन का विषय है.  जब भी  मानवीय सम्बन्धों का दार्शनिक अध्ययन करते हैं  तो हमें   मानवीय प्रकृति, नैतिक मूल्यों, ज्ञान का क्षेत्र, राजनीतिक-स्वतन्त्रता और अनिवार्यता इत्यादि दर्शन के विभिन्न पहलुओं को भी समझना पड़ता है. प्रेम की प्रकृति (the nature of love), मित्रता (friendship), आत्माभिरुचि एवम अन्य (self-interest and others) , दूसरों से सम्बन्ध (relationships with strangers) और सामाजिक-सहभागिता  (social participation) इत्यादि इस अध्ययन की विषयवस्तु में सम्मिलित है. इस शोध-पत्र का मुख्य उद्देश्य दर्शन और सृजनात्मकता में सम्बन्ध और मानवीय सम्बन्धों  में इनकी उपयोगिता का अध्ययन करना है. 

Note:

This  paper  will  be  presented  at  the National Seminar on  “Moral Commitments, Responsibility and Human Relations" Society for Philosophical Praxis, Counselling and Spiritual Healing, Jaipur  to be  held on  21- 22 February, 2015, .

Philosophy and Values in Public Affairs: An Appraisal

Abstract

In the recent past, especially in the last quarter of 20^th century, there have been drastic changes which have taken place. People all over the world, started feeling the pinch of “rate of change” in emerging contemporary society. It has influenced all the aspects of human life. It also influenced the ancient conception of philosophy that it seeks to understand the mysteries of existence and reality. It was also influenced by present scientific development which raised philosophical speculations towards linguistic analysis, mental content and later on cognitive science studies. It is true that philosophy tries to discover the nature of truth and knowledge and to find what is of basic value and importance in life. It also examines the relationships between humanity and nature and between the individual and society. Philosophy arises out of wonder, curiosity, and the desire to know and understand. Philosophy is thus a form of inquiry--a process of analysis, criticism, interpretation, and speculation. It is contributing in the process of human development since ancient times.  The process of human development begins with the conceptions and continues throughout life. It takes as many different courses as every human being develops in a unique way, embedded in the context of his or her environment. In the light of above assumptions, we are going to study the role of philosophy and values in public affairs and how philosophy shaping the human life with its continuous progress.

Note:

To be presented at National Seminar on PHILOSOPHY IN PRACTICE : MAKING SENSE OF HUMAN EXISTENCE, held on February 23, 2014 in the Department of Philosophy, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur

Philosophy of Social Change: Need of an Indian Model

Philosophy of Social Change: Need of an Indian Model

Dr Desh Raj Sirswal

Social change is a structural transformation of political, social and economic systems and institutions to create a more equitable and just society and it is a universal phenomenon and it occurs in every society. Technically said that social change refers to an alteration in the social order of a social group or society; a change in the nature, social institutions, social behaviours or social relations of a society. As we know Change is inevitable and it takes place in all fields. The term “social change” is often used to describe variations in, or, modifications of any respect of social process, social patterns, social interaction or social organization. Great thinkers emerged from various societies induce social change in different times.

In our Indian tradition too, we can find a lot of discussion and many thinkers as we are see our historical perspective and also diversity of thoughts in our literature. There are many concepts available for social change. We always discuss about Gandhi, Ambekar, Bhagat Singh, Marx etc. in this respect. But the problem is that they always try to drag the society towards their fundamental aim. If we see our situation we can easily find diverse ideologies with different interest and aims, also its effect to our national integrity and social security. India has seen many reformers from time to time since the Scholastic Period, Bhakti movement to technological movement in present time. Some of them have been from intellectual front and others from religious realm but there is a need of political front too. Which ideology or theory is more relevant in today’s world ?

When we see discussion from political parties about Gandhi, Ambedkar, Bhagat Singh and Marx, it become vain when we see their practical character in our day to day discourse, newspaper etc. The present world has become a global village due to the growth of information technology, but Indian intellectuals are somewhat infant in their side as they are not using their skills to think something better. Intellectuals feel comfortable to get a discussion in seminars; conferences, workshop etc. and nothing produce socially relevant material. So, we need to find a common, universal, integrated philosophy to guide the entire Indian society and global village.

It is true that individual societies might have their own dogmas, which cannot be replaced by another societies thought. But when they interact with a global surface they need to accept the need of an integral theory and practice. How many thinkers become national ideals after independence for youth and new generation? This is a matter of thinking.

In their academic life students are struggling with lots of questions, they might to answer about their future life. Reports on Higher Education performed their duty well but when the time of their implementation come lots of problems come around. It is Integral philosophy envelops multiple endeavors of promoting physical, intellectual, moral spiritual and social values as many thinkers discussed in present time too. For this society must be able to cover the entire human condition and the totality of the human personality. Then the discussion about theories of social comes to its relevance in present time.

Social change is a very basic term and must be assigned further context. It may refer to the notion of social progress or sociocultural evolution; the philosophical idea that society moves forward by dialectical or evolutionary means. It may refer to a paradigmatic change in the socio-economic structure, for instance a shift away from feudalism and towards capitalism. Accordingly it may also refer to social revolution, such as the Communist revolution presented in Marxism, or to other social movements, such as Women's suffrage or the Civil rights movement. Social change may be driven by cultural, religious, economic, scientific or technological forces.

In the West we can find Hegelian, Marxist, Kuhnian, Heraclitan, Daoist (The Chinese philosophical work Dao De Jing) and Resource-based economy(Jacque Fresco's concept of a resource-based economy) models for social change. Now it is time to develop an Indian model of social change which can be helpful to get a integrated conception of social, economical, political and religious progress as our general Indian philosophy want to develop.

References:

(i) Need of an Integral Philosophy for Social Change

http://allphilosophy.com/topic/1224

(ii) Social change From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_change

(iii) What is Social Change ?

http://www.fundforsouth.org/social_change.htm