Varanasi: A national workshop on spiritual guru and social reformer Shri Shri Anandamurtiji’s contribution to the Indian Knowledge System, with special reference to ‘Ananda Sutram’ was organised by Banaras Hindu University’s department of Sanskrit, in collaboration with Renaissance Universal, the intellectual wing of Ananda Marga Pracharak Sangha, on Thursday.Head of the department of sanskrit, Prof Sadashiv Kumar Dwivedi, introduced the theme of the workshop and highlighted the multidimensional contributions of Shrii Shrii Anandamurtii Ji. He said Anandamurtii Ji’s ideas are deeply relevant not only for individual growth but also for the welfare and progress of society as a whole.Renaissance Universal central secretary Acharya Divyachetnananda Avadhuta discussed the philosophical concepts of ‘Ananda Sutram’ in comparison with other Indian philosophical systems. He explained the first sutra, ‘Shiv Shaktyatmakam Brahma’, using examples such as fire, milk and paper, and elaborated on the concept of mind. He said that according to Shrii Shrii Anandamurti Ji’s philosophy, mind originates from matter, which originates from the cosmic mind, the transformation of supreme consciousness.He further explained the cycle of creation through the concepts of ‘Saincara’, or centrifugal movement, and ‘Pratisaincara’, or centripetal movement. ‘Saincara’ represents the movement from subtle to crude, or from one to many, while ‘Pratisaincara’ represents the movement from crude to subtle, or from many to one. He said Ananda Marga philosophy presents an integrated vision of non-dualism, dualism and a return to non-dualism.Representing School of Sanskrit and Indic Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Prof Ram Nath Jha, said Anandamurtii Ji’s decision to present his philosophy in Sanskrit reflected the enduring importance of the language. Citing the Upanishads and other texts, he said ‘Ananda Sutram’ goes beyond traditional knowledge and is more rational and scientific in nature. He encouraged research scholars to undertake deeper study of its sutras and also elaborated on the philosophy and science of Microvita.Socio-economic analyst, Rajesh Singh, spoke on the progressive utilisation theory propounded by Shri P R Sarkar. He said the theory rests on universalism and neo-humanism, along with economic development ensuring minimum necessities, rising purchasing capacity and prosperity for all.Allahabad University’s former head of philosophy department Prof Rishi Kant Pandey and head of Sanskrit department, Prof Anil Pratap Giri, discussed Anandamurtii Ji’s philosophical contributions and the importance of ‘Nigama’ and ‘Agama’ traditions in understanding Indian thought.
