Latest news with #Abrahamic
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Colonisation of Sanskrit words: Distorting Dharma, Rashtra, and the soul of Bharat
Language shapes a civilization's worldview, and Sanskrit, the foundation of Bharat's knowledge systems, embodies millennia of wisdom. Colonial rule distorted key Sanskrit terms through Eurocentric and Abrahamic interpretations, reducing profound concepts like Dharma, Rashtra, and Swarajya to Western equivalents. This linguistic colonization misrepresented Bhartiya thought and disrupted societal structures and public understanding in post-colonial Bharat. 1. Dharma ≠ Religion Perhaps the most damaging mistranslation is the equating of Dharma with 'religion'. In reality, Dharma refers to the cosmic order, righteousness, duty, ethical living, and the path of self-realization. It is not tied to belief systems, deities, or dogmas. Dharma is contextual—what is Dharma for a teacher is different from that of a ruler or a child. It is a code of conduct embedded in time, place, and identity (svadharma). The Abrahamic idea of 'religion', based on exclusive truth claims, worship of a single God, and rigid institutional structures, is fundamentally different. By forcefully mapping Dharma onto 'religion', colonial and missionary forces created deep confusion, codified personal laws based on rigid texts, and set the stage for communal divisions. 2. Rashtra and Desha ≠ Nation or Country The Sanskrit Rashtra does not merely mean 'nation' in the European sense. A Rashtra is a sacred, cultural, and civilizational entity rooted in Dharma and shared spiritual values. It is not bound by geopolitical boundaries but by a consciousness—Bharat has been a Rashtra long before it became a 'nation-state'. The European model of a nation—emerging from treaties, colonialism, and power politics—views the state as a legal and administrative structure. This model was imposed on Bharat, diminishing its deep-rooted civilizational unity based on spiritual and cultural coherence, not political uniformity. Similarly, Desha simply refers to land or region, and was never a fixed nationalistic construct. By equating Rashtra and Desha with 'nation' or 'country,' we began to measure Bharat using foreign yardsticks, erasing the soul from the body. 3. Swarajya ≠ Freedom The word Swarajya, made famous by Bal Gangadhar Tilak and later echoed by Sri Aurobindo, was not just political independence. Swa-rajya means 'self-rule' at both individual and collective levels. It implies inner sovereignty—the mastery of one's senses, mind, and actions—as well as freedom from external domination. Colonial powers reduced Swarajya to mere political 'freedom', akin to European notions of liberty or civil rights. But Bharatiya thought considers freedom incomplete unless it is accompanied by Swatantrata (self-dependence) and Atma-nirbharta (self-realization and self-sufficiency). Today, even after political independence, the absence of Swarajya in intellectual, cultural, and economic spheres reflects a deeper bondage. True Swarajya begins with cultural decolonization. 4. Sanskriti ≠ Culture Sanskriti refers to refinement, inner evolution, and civilizational maturity. It comes from the root 'kr' (to do) with the prefix 'sam' (well) — meaning 'well-crafted' or 'refined behavior and thought.' Sanskriti embodies values, traditions, ethics, arts, sci ences, and collective memory rooted in Dharma. The English term 'culture' is often limited to external expressions—art, music, food, fashion, or festivals. It is secular, often aesthetic, and lacks the depth of inner evolution that Sanskriti demands. By substituting Sanskriti with 'culture,' we risk trivializing the soul of Bharatiya civilization, reducing it to 'cultural programs' or tourist-friendly 'heritage' rather than a way of life shaped by spiritual philosophy and lived wisdom. 5. Darshan ≠ Philosophy Darshan literally means 'to see' or 'vision'. In Bharatiya tradition, it refers to experiential systems of viewing reality—not speculative philosophy but intuitive insight into the nature of existence. The six schools of Darshan (Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta) are both logical and experiential. Western 'philosophy' derives from philo (love) and sophia (wisdom), but is often academic, analytical, and detached from practice. When Darshan is translated as 'philosophy,' the spiritual and experiential core of Bharatiya knowledge is lost. For instance, Yoga is not a 'philosophy' or 'exercise' routine—it is a Darshan, a living system to experience and attain liberation (moksha). Reducing Darshan to speculative thought undermines its transformative potential. 6. Jāti ≠ Caste Jāti refers to community, often based on occupation, locality, and shared customs. It was never a static or rigid birth-based system. With thousands of jātis across Bharat, the system was fluid, and social mobility was possible. The British censuses and legal codes rigidified jāti into 'caste'—a term borrowed from Portuguese casta, meaning breed or race. This racialized the Indian social structure and created a hierarchical system that aligned with colonial control mechanisms. The distorted caste system we see today is a colonial construct, not a native one. By fixing jātis into permanent social categories, colonizers divided our society to rule it more easily. This division still exploited today for political gain. 7. Karma ≠ Fate Karma means action. It is a law of cause and effect, empowering individuals to shape their destiny through their actions, thoughts, and intentions. It places moral and ethical responsibility on every being. Colonial translators, unfamiliar with the concept, portrayed Karma as 'fate' or 'destiny'—a passive acceptance of suffering. This misinterpretation painted Bharatiyas as fatalistic, submissive people who accepted oppression as karmic justice. In truth, Karma is not about helplessness but accountability. The colonial view undermined agency and created the illusion that Bharatiya society was inherently submissive. 8. Guru ≠ Teacher A Guru is not just a teacher, but a remover of darkness (gu = darkness, ru = remover). The Guru leads the disciple on a spiritual journey, imparting not just knowledge but wisdom, transformation, and inner awakening. Western education views the teacher as an instructor, often limited to subject matter expertise. The colonial system replaced the sacred Guru-shishya parampara with formal classroom models, devoid of emotional bonding, spiritual connection, or ethical training. 9. Moksha ≠ Heaven Moksha is liberation—freedom from the cycle of birth and death, realization of the Self, and unity with the infinite consciousness (Brahman) which is the ultimate goal. 'Heaven' in Abrahamic faiths is a reward for belief and good conduct, often a physical paradise. By equating moksha with heaven, the colonial mindset turned a deep philosophical goal into a simplistic post-death reward. The colonization of Sanskrit terms was not accidental; it was a deliberate act of erasing indigenous worldviews and replacing them with Western frameworks. This has led to decades of misunderstanding among foreigners including Bharatvasis. Correcting the colonial distortion of Sanskrit terms requires educational reforms, responsible media and academic usage, active efforts by cultural institutions to decolonize vocabulary, and a shift in public discourse beyond colonial binaries. Reclaiming the true essence of words like Dharma, Rashtra, Sanskriti, and Swarajya is not just about language, it is key to Bharat's civilizational revival through authentic reinterpretation and not mere revivalism. (The writer is an Expert, Creative Economy)
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Gulf Today
UAE reveals 20 binding standards for media content with fines of up to Dhs2 million
The UAE Media Council has announced 20 comprehensive and binding standards for all media institutions and professionals regarding content circulated across various media platforms. These standards aim to ensure that content aligns with the country's values and supreme interests, in accordance with Media Law No. 55 of 2023 and its executive regulations. The Council stressed that all media content must demonstrate full respect for the Divine Being, Islamic beliefs, and other Abrahamic religions, and must not offend any of them in any way. It also emphasized the importance of respecting the country's system of government, national symbols, and institutions, while safeguarding the nation's supreme interests and social cohesion. Respecting the UAE's official domestic and foreign policies is a fundamental principle that the media must uphold. Consequently, the Council prohibits the publication or broadcast of any material that could harm the country's foreign relations or negatively affect its international reputation. The Council also highlighted the need to preserve cultural and civilizational heritage, respect national identity, and avoid content that threatens the unity or cohesion of society. It explicitly warned against promoting sectarian, tribal, or regional divisions, and against inciting hatred, violence, or terrorism, as well as spreading discord and animosity. Furthermore, media content must reflect the moral values of society and serve the public interest without violating societal norms. The publication of content that disrespects the legal, economic, judicial, or security systems is strictly prohibited. In line with efforts to protect personal privacy, the Council emphasized the importance of respecting individuals' privacy and avoiding any violation of personal matters. It banned the publication or dissemination of material that incites criminal behavior, including murder, rape, or the use of drugs or psychotropic substances. Content that violates public decency, offends youth, or promotes subversive ideologies is also forbidden. Publishing false news, forged documents, or falsely attributing information to individuals or entities is strictly prohibited. The Council also bans content that could harm the national currency, negatively impact the economy, or spread rumors and misinformation. Media outlets must not glorify or promote groups with political, social, ideological, or ethnic agendas hostile to the state. Careful selection of guests and participants in media programs is required to ensure adherence to professional standards and avoid compromising public policy. Regarding advertisements, the Council stated that content must respect the UAE's culture, identity, and values. Advertisements must also comply with age classifications set by the Council and safeguard children's rights, protecting them from harmful content in accordance with national laws. In cases of violations, the Council will take appropriate action, beginning with an official warning. Fines may be imposed, reaching up to Dhs 1 million. Repeat violations within one year may result in doubled fines, up to Dhs 2 million. Additional penalties may include temporary administrative closure (not exceeding six months), permanent closure, or revocation of licenses or permits—depending on the severity and impact of the violation on society and the state. Media Content Standards 1 - Respecting the Divine Entity, Islamic beliefs, monotheistic religions, and other beliefs, and not offending any of them. 2 - Respecting the State's governance system, its symbols and institutions, and the highest interests of the State and society. 3 - Respecting the State's orientation and policy at the internal and international levels. 4 - Avoiding to address to anything that might harm the State's foreign relations. 5 - Respecting the cultural and civilisational heritage and national identity of the UAE. 6 - Not to publish or circulate anything that harms national unity and social cohesion. 7 - Not to raise sectarian, regional, or tribal strife, not to incite violence, hatred, and terrorist acts, and not to incite hatred and spread a spirit of discord in society. 8 - Not to offend the prevailing values in society and observing the requirements of the public interest. 9 - Not to offend the legal, economic, judicial and security system in the UAE. 10 - Respecting the rules of privacy and everything related to the private lives of individuals. 11 - Not to publish or circulate anything that might incite the commission of crimes or encourage murder, rape, or the use of drugs or psychotropic substances. 12 - Not to publish, broadcast, or circulate phrases, pictures, drawings, or opinions that violate public morals, offend young people, or call for embracing or promoting subversive ideas. 13 - Not to publish, broadcast, or circulate false news, forged papers, or those incorrectly attributed to entities or persons. 14 - Not to publish, broadcast or circulate anything that might harm the national currency or the economic situation in the State. 15 - Not to spread rumours and misleading news. 16 - Not to glorify groups with destructive political, ethnic, economic, ideological, or social tendencies that are adverse to the UAE or that serve their own interests. 17 - Select appropriate individuals when hosting or accepting contributions thereof in the media. 18 - The content of the advertisement shall respect the culture, identity, and values of the UAE. 19 - Take into account the Age Rating System of artistic works approved by the UAE Media Council. 20 - Respect children rights in accordance with the legislation applicable within the UAE. As per the decree, all media individuals and institutions operating in the UAE are required to comply with the national standards for media content. Violating the provisions of this decree-law may lead to administrative fines, closure of the media institution or cancellation of the media licence/permit.
Atlantic
22-05-2025
- General
- Atlantic
In Times of Trouble, Seek Moral Beauty
Want to stay current with Arthur's writing? Sign up to get an email every time a new column comes out. Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish priest and Franciscan friar who was arrested by the Gestapo in 1941 for hiding Jews and publishing anti-Nazi tracts, then sent to Auschwitz. He might have survived the camp and the war had he looked out for himself. Instead, he volunteered to take the place of a man randomly selected to be starved to death in retribution for another prisoner's escape. After several weeks without food, he was still clinging to life and leading other prisoners in prayer. The impatient guards finished him off by lethal injection. Kolbe submitted calmly, offering his arm to the executioner and waiting for death. His story lives on, in no small part because the man whose place Kolbe took, Franciszek Gajowniczek, did survive the camp. In the decades after the war, his account of Kolbe's self-abnegation came to inspire millions of people, of all faiths and no faith. This is an example of how an act of moral beauty—visible in any form of charity, kindness, compassion, forgiveness, courage, or self-sacrifice—can acquire an extraordinary power. When you can see moral beauty in others, you will find goodness in yourself as well. If you're frustrated with, or cynical about, the state of the world today, or if you simply want a sure way to get happier, looking for such moral beauty might be just what you need. Jonathan Freedland: The unheeded warning Acts of selflessness are at the center of many ancient teachings and religious traditions, both Abrahamic and karmic. Kolbe's own Christian faith teaches, 'Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' Charity toward others is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Dharma in Hinduism refers to the righteous path that a person's life should take, which includes being honest, avoiding causing harm, and showing generosity toward others. Although self-sacrifice might seem unnatural and against human nature, the reverse is true. Some evolutionary biologists contend that altruism is an innate trait that evolved to foster cohesion in kinship groups; they note that the characteristic is also found among nonhuman primates. This behavior extends even to laying down one's life for friends and kin, a phenomenon that scholars believe occurs because of what they call 'identity fusion': I am willing to die for you because I believe my membership in this community is paramount, so defending it is worth my sacrifice; in that sense, I am dying for me, too. Such courage and self-sacrifice toward kin can certainly be inspiring, but moral beauty is most striking in acts of goodness toward others with whom one does not have obvious ties, exhibiting a degree of altruism that is clearly contrary to one's individual interests. This occurs when a person helps another for no reason at all, forgives someone who truly does not deserve it, or—in the most extreme circumstances—gives up their life for a stranger. Witnessing this kind of moral beauty elicits what the social psychologist Jonathan Haidt calls 'moral elevation,' which is experienced both psychologically and neurologically. Indeed, researchers writing in the journal Brain Research have identified specific areas of the brain that are stimulated by moral beauty. The psychologist Rhett Diessner has written a great deal about moral beauty and elevation. With his co-authors, he notes that this association induces 'pleasant feelings of warmth in the chest, feeling uplifted, moved.' Further, as Diessner told me by email, new research undertaken in his laboratory at Lewis-Clark State College, in Idaho, demonstrates that these 'magical' feelings lead to a desire to be better people ourselves and to help others. This results in prosocial actions, which can provide higher levels of individual and collective happiness. Happiness derived from self-sacrifice is much deeper than plain positive feelings. Psychologists writing in 2016 showed that people feel that their life has more significance when they either help another person, without self-aggrandizement or any expectation of gain, or work to make the world a better place. The scholars found this has the greatest benefit when people are suffering from a loss of their sense of significance, perhaps after being rejected in a relationship or losing a job. Arthur C. Brooks: A compliment that really means something Putting all the research together, we know that witnessing acts of moral beauty can elevate us to higher happiness, all the more so if we imitate these acts. We should seek out moral beauty in our lives, especially in times of suffering, when we need inspiration and a reminder that there is good in the world. Here are three ways to do so. 1. Keep more morally beautiful company. One obvious way to find more moral beauty in your life is to spend time with people who are generous and dedicated to other-serving behavior—and to avoid those who are not. This is not always easy; in fact, we commonly seek out people who are negative in the ways that we are—especially toward others—because making common cause helps us feel bonded to them. But this can create a vicious cycle that only intensifies unhappiness through mutually reinforcing negativity. So ditch the gossip circle, and find friends who are more positive and generous than you are, people who model the moral beauty—and thus the happiness—that you want in your life. 2. Make moral beauty your leisure pastime. I have met many people who have dramatically improved their lives by dedicating their leisure time to serving others. They may spend their weekends and free time volunteering in their communities or take service trips instead of beach vacations. What they typically tell me is that when they volunteer for the first time, they're deeply inspired by the people they meet, and want to feel that way more. When they make serving others a way of life, their happiness and sense of meaning rise—just as the research predicts. 3. Practice gratitude. Humans are not by nature grateful creatures. Our survival as a species has favored individuals who are vigilant, suspicious, and hyperaware of threats, rather than those who bask in the glow of gratitude. This has resulted in what psychologists call 'negativity bias,' which causes things we resent, such as others' bad behavior, to grab our attention, whereas the things that we're grateful for, such as acts of moral beauty, tend not to. (This shared bias obviously explains in part the appeal of the mean-gossip circle.) You can override this tendency by consciously focusing on things you're grateful for. By taking time each day to reflect thankfully, you will start to notice acts of generosity and self-sacrifice, and people who are good and kind. You'll see moral beauty all around you if you only stop to notice it. Arthur C. Brooks: The bliss of a quieter ego One last, important point: We are naturally drawn to moral beauty, and it is very good for us to follow that attraction. But many of us have a competing fascination with moral depravity. By way of illustration, from 2018 to 2021, documentary content on streaming services increased by 63 percent, with the largest growth in the genre of true crime; from 2019 to 2024, the number of true-crime-podcast listeners nearly tripled. According to the Pew Research Center, these trends were especially clear among women and people under 30. Scholars have tried to account for this rising interest only in a glancing way, suggesting that it provides a complex kind of pleasure that combines pursuit of knowledge with 'cultural tourism.' Maybe this anodyne description suffices, but it's hard not to feel that, at some level, such morbid curiosity is akin to focusing not on the beautiful acts of Maximilian Kolbe, but on the sadistic, deviant behavior of his captors. This is not actually an argument based on taste—or, rather, distaste. It concerns the risk to well-being, with potential longer-term damage to character. We know that consuming news about crime can raise fear and lead people to overestimate the danger of being a victim of crime. By analogy, treating moral ugliness as a form of entertainment may almost certainly arrest and even reverse the effects of moral beauty in your life. Instead of achieving elevation, expect depression. But choose what's morally beautiful, and you will be rewarded.
Newsweek
16-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Donald Trump Score Major Polling Boost Over Economy
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump is enjoying a major surge in public support as voter confidence in the economy rebounds to levels not seen in years. According to a Napolitan News survey conducted on May 12-13 among 1,000 registered voters, 31 percent of voters now say their personal finances are improving, the highest percentage recorded in four years. The same number of respondents said their finances were getting worse. That's a substantial jump from just two weeks ago, when 25 percent reported improving finances and 36 percent said their finances were getting worse, and a reversal from preelection polling in late 2024, when 41 percent said their financial situation was getting worse, while 25 percent said their financial situation was improving. This marks the first time since July 2021 that optimism about personal finances is no longer underwater. The poll had a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points. Why It Matters A sustained uptick in economic optimism could provide Trump with critical momentum heading into the 2026 midterms and blunt Democratic criticism of his trade and fiscal policies. President Donald Trump signs the guest book after touring the Abrahamic Family House, Friday, May 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. President Donald Trump signs the guest book after touring the Abrahamic Family House, Friday, May 16, 2025, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Alex Brandon/AP What To Know Trump began his second term with higher approval ratings than ever, but that all came crumbling down when he introduced his "Liberation Day" tariffs on April 2, sparking turmoil in stock and bond markets, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average recording its largest decline since June 2020 before rebounding days later. But while the Dow may have bounced back, his approval ratings did not, with polls showing his net approval ratings in the negative, and that voters no longer trusted Trump on the economy. But in recent days, Trump's approval ratings have shown signs of rebounding. Newsweek's tracker currently puts Trump's overall approval at 46 percent, with 50 percent disapproving—an uptick from 44 percent approval the previous week. The latest TIPP Insights poll, conducted April 30 to May 2 among 1,400 adults, found Trump's net approval at -5 (42 percent approve, 47 percent disapprove), a slight improvement from -7 in early April. And the latest Reuters/Ipsos survey, conducted on May 12 and 13, had 44 percent approving of his job performance, a 2-point increase from the previous poll conducted April 25 to 27. The Reuters/Ipsos survey also showed positive signs for Trump on the economy, with his approval rating on the issue standing at 39 percent, up from 36 percent in the previous survey. Economic anxiety saw a significant decline—though it remains prevalent. In the new poll, 69 percent of respondents said they were concerned about a recession, down from 76 percent in the previous one. Similarly, the share of people worried about stock market instability fell from 67 percent to 60 percent. Most respondents said they would hold Trump responsible for any potential economic downturn, despite his efforts to blame his predecessor Joe Biden for economic declines, arguing that inflation surged under the latter's administration. According to the poll, 59 percent said it would be Trump's fault if a recession occurred this year, while 37 percent would place the blame on former President Biden. The Labor Department has reported a cooling of annual price increases in April. In addition, China and the U.S. have agreed to cut their reciprocal tariffs for 90 days this week by 115 percentage points, which has had an immediate positive effect on the stock market. Nonetheless, some polls still show that voters don't trust Trump on the economy following the fallout from his Liberation Day tariffs. In the latest Echelon Insights poll, conducted between May 8-12 among 1,000 likely voters, Trump's net approval rating on the economy slid, with disapproval rising 2 points since April from 52 to 54 percent, while his approval rating remained the same at 44 percent. In a Quantus poll last week, 51 percent of respondents said they disapprove of Trump's handling of tariffs and trade policy. Inflation also remains a thorn—with 42 percent saying they approve of his handling of the issue. The Echelon Insights poll also suggested fewer people now think the economic situation in the U.S. is getting worse, with only 50 percent saying so, down from 52 percent. And 36 percent now think the economic situation is improving, up from 30 percent, suggesting that fears about a possible recession may be dying down slightly. What Happens Next While the data marks a significant turnaround, it's unclear whether this is a temporary bump or the start of a sustained trend.
Shafaq News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Poisoned and suspicious: Al-Sadr slams Abrahamic religion initiative
Shafaq News/ Iraqi Patriotic Shiite Movement (Sadrist) leader Muqtada al-Sadr denounced, on Wednesday, the Abrahamic religion initiative, labeling it a 'poisoned and unconstructive project.' The initiative, also known as the Abrahamic family or Abrahamic religions project, seeks to foster interfaith dialogue and promote peaceful coexistence among the three monotheistic religions (Islam, Christianity, and Judaism). However, al-Sadr described it, in a statement, as a 'suspicious undertaking' that threatens to blur the doctrinal boundaries of the world's major monotheistic faiths. While acknowledging earlier conversations with proponents of the concept, he firmly rescinded any prior endorsement, outlining six conditions he believes are 'essential for genuine religious unity.' Chief among them is the recognition of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam as distinct, divinely inspired religions, each deserving full respect without being absorbed into a generalized or hybrid framework. Al-Sadr emphasized that the preservation of religious law and doctrine is 'non-negotiable,' warning against legislation that undermines sacred teachings. He also called for legal protections against blasphemy, urging the criminalization of offenses against prophets and saints. 'Those who do not recognize their sanctity cannot speak credibly of unity.' He further demanded international safeguards for religious texts, stating, 'Honoring a religion includes respecting its sacred texts.' Criticizing the initiative's philosophical foundation, al-Sadr accused its architects of attempting to dilute authentic Abrahamic traditions for the sake of a politically convenient construct. He pledged to release a comprehensive rebuttal exposing what he described as the 'flawed and deceptive logic' driving the project, cautioning against any attempt to impose it on societies without clear theological legitimacy. 'How can there be interfaith unity while wars rage, especially in Myanmar and Palestine? Stopping the bloodshed must come before advancing projects driven by narrow political interests,' he concluded.
