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What kept Indian culture alive despite so many invasions? || Acharya Prashant, with SPA Delhi (2023)
Bharat
1.3K views
1 year ago
Truth
Culture
Tradition
Liberation
Bhagavad Gita
Sanatan
Superstition
Social Reform
Description

Acharya Prashant addresses the common misconception that Indian culture is a static, ancient entity that must be preserved at all costs. He explains that what people currently identify as their culture is often a collection of shared beliefs, habits, and practices that have evolved significantly over time, frequently influenced by various invaders. He points out that many things considered 'traditional' today, such as certain clothing styles, food items like potatoes and tomatoes, and even specific social modesty norms, were actually introduced by foreign influences and were not present in Vedic times. He argues that culture is time-bound and man-made, whereas only the Truth is eternal and absolute. He emphasizes that the real goal of human life should be liberation and Truth, rather than a blind devotion to culture. Using the Bhagavad Gita as an example, he notes that Shri Krishna urged Arjun to set aside cultural superstitions and social concerns in favor of higher spiritual duty. Acharya Prashant highlights that culture must be continuously refined and updated to serve the Truth. He warns against the current trend of cultural aggression where traditions are equated with religion, asserting that traditions should only be maintained if they have genuine meaning and point toward the Truth. He concludes that we should not be afraid to drop outdated or superstitious traditions and start new ones that are relevant to the present consciousness.