We started the class with a recap of Chapter 15 Science and Religion, Chapter 16 What is Religion? and Chapter 17 Vitals of a Nation. Then we moved onto reading and discussing Chapter 18 What is Culture?
Chapter 18 discussed about how culture is developed when a set of people live for a long period of time in a particular geographical area. The climatic and the geographical conditions and the environment influenced the people and determined their values of life and a culture is set. Swami Chinmayananda gives an example of differences in the character of people in the East and West. East provided a plentiful land and so there was tranquility and love in the people in the East whereas materialism took roots in the West and created a fundamental trait of conquest, fighting and procuring. Thus, quality of culture depends upon the type of values followed by people. The difference in culture lies in the values and virtues of life entertained by the people.
We also read about Religion and how Religion must adapt to the changing times and conditions, otherwise civilization of a society deteriorates. We discussed about Veda Vyasa and some of his important works in Hindu tradition, the Vedas, Puranas and other important works like the Mahabharata, to translate cultural and religious values so civilization flourishes for mankind.
Indian Culture has survived the test of time because of the enduring and universal nature of its values and because in times of need, we have had mahatmas emerge to guide us.
Contributed by RA
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