#Indian Knowledge System | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

prabhatjairam · 2 years ago

Text

5 Key Points of the Education System in India

To shape a better society, Education plays a remedial and significant role in balancing the socioeconomic elements of the country. It determines the quality of an individual’s life, improves skills and knowledge, and develops personality and attitude. Education is the strongest instrument for reducing poverty and improving lifestyles. It alters employment chances and shows the importance of hard work that helps children to become better citizens.

The education system in India has made substantial progress in recent years to ensure that learning opportunities are available to all segments of society. It has evolved tremendously over the years and has changed from a traditional learning system to a more modern and innovative one. The modern education system is supported by one formula- “Cheap, Required, and Customary Education to all.” This blog post briefly overviews Indian Education System and its key points.

Students of digital education become comfortable with accessing and finding content online. To strengthen a student’s learning experience and encompass a wide spectrum of tools and practices- “study24hr.com” enables students to find solutions to their problems. It helps learners build the skills to navigate technology and get the best out of it.

Education System in India

Indian education is one of the largest education systems in the world that brings out the capabilities to fight injustice in society. The learning and teaching process holds great significance in the Indian education system. The teachings of a sound education platform improve students’ lives in every way. It makes an individual self-reliant, helps to conquer social evils, and contributes towards the evolution of the society and nation as a whole.

The school system in India is divided into four levels: pre-primary, primary, elementary, and secondary Education, followed by higher studies. It focuses on being learning-centric rather than exam-centric. Children can learn by interacting with knowledgeable and experienced teachers in various fields as they have taken to libraries, seminars, national museums, vocational trips, etc.

Features of the Indian Education System

The education system in India compels students to develop independent and original ideas by focusing on the following key points.

Affordable Fees Structure

The fee structure of education in India is quite affordable. Government schools and educational institutions are economical and provide good quality education. Due to this reason, every parent can send their child to school and fulfill their dream giving their kids the best Education and a secure future. Furthermore, the government of India has introduced various measures to extend the education level and prioritize online education to minimize learning losses.

Online learning platforms are the growing face of the education system in India. With digital learning, children can access online classes anywhere, at any time. The innovative eLearning portals enhance students’’ cognitive levels and help students create and communicate new ideas. It is a new way of learning from the instructors that makes students smart.

Mandatory Education

Compulsory education is the major key feature of the education system in India that provides education to students up to the 10th standard. The Constitution Act 2002 implies compulsory and free education of all children aged six to fourteen as a Fundamental Right. By getting secondary education, children get a chance to learn the basic etiquette of right and wrong and develop literary skills. As a result, the Indian education system gives students equal opportunities to shine better in the future.

Also read: Daily Booster Article| study24hr.com

Advanced Teaching Methods

The learning platform of India is headed towards Outcome-Based Education(OBE). The emergence of blended reading, learning, online classes, and experiential training has changed how students interact with educational content. Teachers are now discouraging children from the rote-learning method suggesting new and improved ways to impart Education.

Advancement in teaching methods integrates new teaching strategies and methods that improve education quality and children’s involvement in the educational process. Collaborative Learning, Flapped Classrooms, Self Learning, and Video Animations are various types of modern teaching methods. With these advanced technologies, students can retain new information facilitating active learning.

Make Dreams Come True

The Indian education system breeds forward-thinking, willingness to learn, and eager children ready to step into the real world and make their professional dreams come true. It has evolved to a great extent from the Vedic days to eLearning.

The latest technology has made it possible to provide online classes so that students complete their education on time. From digital courses to professional courses, everything can be done virtually. Students can get a piece of full-fledged information before opting for their desired course. They can easily make the best choice with the availability of various online courses that help in pursuing their targeted goals.

Since students can decide by their conscience what means of Education will suit them, “study24hr.com” brought thousands of instructors and verified courses that provide quality learning opportunities to prepare children with knowledge and skills. The portal’s mission is to empower every Indian student to achieve their full potential.

Allows Self-Dependency

Self-dependency is important as it is one of the main aspects of Human Personality Development. It makes students strong-willed and determined. The education system in India believes in making children self-dependent and self-reliant. It makes it easier for learners to find the necessary information and resources.

Schools and educational institutions now tend to focus more on acquiring skills in technology, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. The modern educational curriculum compromises comprehensive learning and doesn’t just limit itself to core subjects. When children learn something out of their course, they get exposure to a particular topic that enhances self-dependency.

The Bottom Line

Education is every child’s right that entails the right to learn. Without quality education, kids and youngsters face considerable barriers to employment and earning potential in their future. They are more likely to suffer unfavorable health outcomes and less likely to participate in decisions that affect them in shaping a better future. Therefore, education is the only thing that helps students to pursue their dreams.

#artificial intelligence #education #knowledge #study24hr #advance teaching #dreams #youngsters #self dependency #skills #indian education system #society #social media #socialism #students

0 notes

mostlysignssomeportents · 4 months ago

Text

“The Fagin figure leading Elon Musk’s merry band of pubescent sovereignty pickpockets”

This week only, Barnes and Noble is offering 25% off pre-orders of my forthcoming novel Picks and Shovels. ENDS TODAY!.

While we truly live in an age of ascendant monsters who have hijacked our country, our economy, and our imaginations, there is one consolation: the small cohort of brilliant, driven writers who have these monsters' number, and will share it with us. Writers like Maureen Tkacik:

https://prospect.org/topics/maureen-tkacik/

Journalists like Wired's Vittoria Elliott, Leah Feiger, and Tim Marchman are absolutely crushing it when it comes to Musk's DOGE coup:

https://www.wired.com/author/vittoria-elliott/

And Nathan Tankus is doing incredible work all on his own, just blasting out scoop after scoop:

https://www.crisesnotes.com/

But for me, it was Tkacik – as usual – in the pages of The American Prospect who pulled it all together in a way that finally made it make sense, transforming the blitzkreig Muskian chaos into a recognizable playbook. While most of the coverage of Musk's wrecking crew has focused on the broccoli-haired Gen Z brownshirts who are wilding through the server rooms at giant, critical government agencies, Tkacik homes in on their boss, Tom Krause, whom she memorably dubs "the Fagin figure leading Elon Musk’s merry band of pubescent sovereignty pickpockets" (I told you she was a great writer!):

https://prospect.org/power/2025-02-06-private-equity-hatchet-man-leading-lost-boys-of-doge/

Krause is a private equity looter. He's the guy who basically invented the playbook for PE takeovers of large tech companies, from Broadcom to Citrix to VMWare, converting their businesses from selling things to renting them out, loading them up with junk fees, slashing quality, jacking up prices over and over, and firing everyone who was good at their jobs. He is a master enshittifier, an enshittification ninja.

Krause has an unerring instinct for making people miserable while making money. He oversaw the merger of Citrix and VMWare, creating a ghastly company called The Cloud Software Group, which sold remote working tools. Despite this, of his first official acts was to order all of his employees to stop working remotely. But then, after forcing his workers to drag their butts into work, move back across the country, etc, he reversed himself because he figured out he could sell off all of the company's office space for a tidy profit.

Krause canceled employee benefits, like thank you days for managers who pulled a lot of unpaid overtime, or bonuses for workers who upgraded their credentials. He also ended the company's practice of handing out swag as small gifts to workers, and then stiffed the company that made the swag, wontpaying a $437,574.97 invoice for all the tchotchkes the company had ordered. That's not the only supplier Krause stiffed: FinLync, a fintech company with a three-year contract with Krause's company, also had to sue to get paid.

Krause's isn't a canny operator who roots out waste: he's a guy who tears out all the wiring and then grudgingly restores the minimum needed to keep the machine running (no wonder Musk loves him, this is the Twitter playbook). As Tkacik reports, Krause fucked up the customer service and reliability systems that served Citrix's extremely large, corporate customers – the giant businesses that cut huge monthly checks to Citrix, whose CIOs received daily sales calls from his competitors.

Workers who serviced these customers, like disabled Air Force veteran David Morgan, who worked with big public agencies, were fired on one hour's notice, just before their stock options vested. The giant public agency customers he'd serviced later called him to complain that the only people they could get on the phone were subcontractors in Indian call centers who lacked the knowledge and authority to resolve their problems.

Last month, Citrix fired all of its customer support engineers. Citrix's military customers are being illegally routed to offshore customer support teams who are prohibited from working with the US military.

Citrix/VMWare isn't an exception. The carnage at these companies is indistinguishable from the wreck Krause made of Broadcom. In all these cases, Krause was parachuted in by private equity bosses, and he destroyed something useful to extract a giant, one-time profit, leaving behind a husk that no longer provides value to its customers or its employees.

This is the DOGE playbook. It's all about plunder: take something that was patiently, carefully built up over generations and burn it to the ground, warming yourself in the pyre, leaving nothing behind but ash. This is what private equity plunderers have been doing to the world's "advanced" economies since the Reagan years. They did it to airlines, family restaurants, funeral homes, dog groomers, toy stores, pharma, palliative care, dialysis, hospital beds, groceries, cars, and the internet.

Trump's a plunderer. He was elected by the plunderer class – like the crypto bros who want to run wild, transforming workers' carefully shepherded retirement savings into useless shitcoins, while the crypto bros run off with their perfectly cromulent "fiat" money. Musk is the apotheosis of this mindset, a guy who claims credit for other peoples' productive and useful businesses, replacing real engineering with financial engineering. Musk and Krause, they're like two peas in a pod.

That's why – according to anonymous DOGE employees cited by Tckacik – DOGE managers are hired for their capacity for cruelty: "The criteria for DOGE is how many you have fired, how much you enjoy firing people, and how little you care about the impact on peoples well being…No wonder Tom Krause was tapped for this. He’s their dream employee!"

The fact that Krause isn't well known outside of plunderer circles is absolutely a feature for him, not a bug. Scammers like Krause want to be admitted to polite society. This is why the Sacklers – the opioid crime family that kicked off the Oxy pandemic that's murdered more than 800,000 Americans so far – were so aggressive about keeping their association with their family business, Purdue Pharma, a secret. The Sacklers only wanted to be associated with the art galleries and museums they put their names over, and their lawyers threatened journalists for writing about their lives as billionaire drug pushers (I got one of those threats).

There's plenty of good reasons to be anonymous – if you're a whistleblower, say. But if you ever encounter a corporate executive who insists on anonymity, that's a wild danger sign. Take Pixsy, the scam "copyleft trolls" whose business depends on baiting people into making small errors when using images licensed under very early versions of the Creative Common licenses, and then threatening to sue them unless they pay hundreds or thousands of dollars:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/01/24/a-bug-in-early-creative-commons-licenses-has-enabled-a-new-breed-of-superpredator/

Kain Jones, the CEO of Pixsy, tried to threaten me under the EU's GDPR for revealing the names of the scammer on his payroll who sent me a legal threat, and the executive who ran the scam for his business (I say he tried to threaten me because I helped lobby for the GDPR and I know for a fact that this isn't a GDPR violation):

https://pluralistic.net/2022/02/13/an-open-letter-to-pixsy-ceo-kain-jones-who-keeps-sending-me-legal-threats/

These people understand that they are in the business of ripping people off, causing them grave and wholly unjust financial injury. They value their secrecy because they are in the business of making strangers righteously furious, and they understand that one of these strangers might just show up in their lives someday to confront them about their transgressions.

This is why Unitedhealthcare freaked out so hard about Luigi Mangione's assassination of CEO Brian Thompson – that's not how the game is supposed to be played. The people who sit in on executive row, destroying your lives, are supposed to be wholly insulated from the consequences of their actions. You're not supposed to know who they are, you're not supposed to be able to find them – of course.

But even more importantly, you're not supposed to be angry at them. They pose as mere software agents in an immortal colony organism called a Limited Liability Corporation, bound by the iron law of shareholder supremacy to destroy your life while getting very, very rich. It's not supposed to be personal. That's why Unitedhealthcare is threatening to sue a doctor who was yanked out of surgery on a cancer patient to be berated by a UHC rep for ordering a hospital stay for her patient:

https://gizmodo.com/unitedhealthcare-is-mad-about-in-luigi-we-trust-comments-under-a-doctors-viral-post-2000560543

UHC is angry that this surgeon, Austin's Dr Elisabeth Potter, went Tiktok-viral with her true story of how how chaotic and depraved and uncaring UHC is. UHC execs fear that Mangione made it personal, that he obliterated the accountability sink of the corporation and put the blame squarely where it belongs – on the (mostly) men at the top who make this call.

This is a point Adam Conover made in his latest Factually podcast, where he interviewed Propublica's T Christian Miller and Patrick Rucker:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_5tDXRw8kg

Miller and Rucker published a blockbuster investigative report into Cigna's Evocore, a secret company that offers claims-denials as a service to America's biggest health insurers:

https://www.propublica.org/article/evicore-health-insurance-denials-cigna-unitedhealthcare-aetna-prior-authorizations

If you're the CEO of a health insurance company and you don't like how much you're paying out for MRIs or cancer treatment, you tell Evocore (which processes all your claim authorizations) and they turn a virtual dial that starts to reduce the number of MRIs your customers are allowed to have. This dial increases the likelihood that a claim or pre-authorization will be denied, which, in turn, makes doctors less willing to order them (even if they're medically necessary) and makes patients more likely to pay for them out of pocket.

Towards the end of the conversation, Miller and Rucker talk about how the rank-and-file people at an insurer don't get involved with the industry to murder people in order to enrich their shareholders. They genuinely want to help people. But executive row is different: those very wealthy people do believe their job is to kill people to save money, and get richer. Those people are personally to blame for the systemic problem. They are the ones who design and operate the system.

That's why naming the people who are personally responsible for these immoral, vicious acts is so important. That's why it's important that Wired and Propublica are unmasking the "pubescent sovereignty pickpockets" who are raiding the federal government under Krause's leadership:

https://projects.propublica.org/elon-musk-doge-tracker/

These people are committing grave crimes against the nation and its people. They should be known for this. It should follow them for the rest of their lives. It should be the lead in their obituaries. People who are introduced to them at parties should have a flash of recognition, hastily end the handshake, then turn on their heels and race to the bathroom to scrub their hands. For the rest of their lives.

Naming these people isn't enough to stop the plunder, but it helps. Yesterday, Marko Elez, the 25 year old avowed "eugenicist" who wanted to "normalize Indian hate" and could not be "[paid] to marry outside of my ethnicity," was shown the door. He's off the job. For the rest of his life, he will be the broccoli-haired brownshirt who got fired for his asinine, racist shitposting:

https://www.npr.org/2025/02/06/nx-s1-5289337/elon-musk-doge-treasury

After Krause's identity as the chief wrecker at DOGE was revealed, the brilliant Anna Merlan (author of Republic of Lies, the best book on conspiratorialism), wrote that "Now the whole country gets the experience of what it’s like when private equity buys the place you work":

https://bsky.app/profile/annamerlan.bsky.social/post/3lhepjkudcs2t

That's exactly it. We are witnessing a private equity-style plunder of the entire US government – of the USA itself. No one is better poised to write about this than Tkacik, because no one has private equity's number like Tkacik does:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/06/02/plunderers/#farben

Ironically, all this came down just as Trump announced that he was going to finally get rid of private equity's scammiest trick, the "carried interest" loophole that lets PE bosses (and, to a lesser extent, hedge fund managers) avoid billions in personal taxes:

https://archive.is/yKhvD

"Carried interest" has nothing to do with the interest rate – it's a law that was designed for 16th century sea captains who had an "interest" in the cargo they "carried":

https://pluralistic.net/2021/04/29/writers-must-be-paid/#carried-interest

Trump campaigned on killing this loophole in 2017, but Congress stopped him, after a lobbying blitz by the looter industry. It's possible that he genuinely wants to get rid of the carried interest loophole – he's nothing if not idiosyncratic, as the residents of Greenland can attest:

https://prospect.org/world/2025-02-07-letter-between-friendly-nations/

Even if he succeeds, looters and the "investor class" will get a huge giveaway under Trump, in the form of more tax giveaways and the dismantling of labor and environmental regulation. But it's far more likely that he won't succeed. Rather – as Yves Smith writes for Naked Capitalism – he'll do what he did with the Canada and Mexico tariffs: make a tiny, unimportant change and then lie and say he had done something revolutionary:

https://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2025/02/is-trump-serious-about-trying-to-close-the-private-equity-carried-interest-loophole.html

This has been a shitty month, and it's not gonna get better for a while. On my dark days, I worry that it won't get better during my lifetime. But at least we have people like Tkacik to chronicle it, explain it, put it in context. She's amazing, a whirlwind. The same day that her report on Krause dropped, the Prospect published another must-read piece by her, digging deep into Alex Jones's convoluted bankruptcy gambit:

https://prospect.org/justice/2025-02-06-crisis-actors-alex-jones-bankruptcy/

It lays bare the wild world of elite bankruptcy court, another critical conduit for protecting the immoral rich from their victims. The fact that Tkacik can explain both Krause and the elite bankruptcy system on the same day is beyond impressive.

We've got a lot of work ahead of ourselves. The people in charge of this system – whose names you must learn and never forget – aren't going to go easily. But at least we know who they are. We know what they're doing. We know how the scam works. It's not a flurry of incomprehensible actions – it's a playbook that killed Red Lobster, Toys R Us, and Sears. We don't have to follow that playbook.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/02/07/broccoli-hair-brownshirts/#shameless

#pluralistic #Maureen Tkacik #the american prospect #corporate sociopaths #pixsy #luigi mangione #propublica #doge #coup #elon musk #guillotine watch #adam conover #private equity #citrix #tom krause #looters #marko elez

401 notes · View notes

theladybrownstarot · 2 months ago

Text

ᴀʏᴜʀᴠᴇᴅᴀ - ᴛᴏ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀꜱɪᴄꜱ

"Harmony in body, mind & spirit"

Namaste people! Brown here again , you must be wondering why am I making post on ayurevda- the science of life or the oldest healing methods ? Well perhaps to add more knowledge which is pratical , simple, helpful and best . As a healer myself I emphasis on self-healing through energy but alas many people don't know the deeper aspects and meaning of energy that flows within them hence allow me to connect with your innate human biological features or functions and give you the ways to build life long happiness and holistic well-being.

NOTE : This is for educational purpose only , I'm no professional in this field.

समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातु मलक्रियाः | प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थ इत्यभिधीयते|

When the doshas are balanced, the digestive fire is equal, the tissues are in equilibrium, and the excretory functions are regular; when the mind, senses, and self are happy, that is called health.

⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆۶ৎ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆୨ৎ⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆

LEARNING - OBJECTIVES : Introduction to ayurevda, the three elements (dosh) of the body - their importance in our holistic well-being & relation with psychology - know which category you fall in personality wise .

WHAT IS AYURVEDA ?

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine with a history spanning over 5,000 years. It's a holistic approach to health and well-being, focusing on balancing the body, mind, and spirit to prevent and treat diseases. The term "Ayurveda" means "knowledge of life" or "the science of life". It considers the individual as a whole, taking into account their physical, mental, and spiritual aspects. The diet and lifestyle is very intrisinc to it. The "father of Ayurveda" is widely regarded as Charak - who wrote charak-samhita . It came in first millennium BCE , this knowledge was transmitted from gods to sages than to the human physicians which came to be printed in sushruta-samhita - frame work of bharatiya or Hindu diety of Ayurveda ; Dhanvantri , who recarinated as king divodas to give this knowledge .

⋆˚𝜗𝜚˚⋆

WHAT ARE TRI-DOSH ?

In a human body, there are three dosh or the three elements (vatt , pitah, kapha) which are the combination of (space , air, water and earth)

Here is the detailed explanation and importance of each dosh :

ᯓ VATTA :

▪︎ It associated with your cognition and movement composed of space and air which governs your blinking, muscle and tissue movements , pulsation of heart , movements in cytoplasm and cell-membrane . It is responsible or the indicator of life in your body . It's made of space and air.

▪︎ when it is is balanced It promotes to flexibility and creativity , makes a person confident and sharp-minded .

▪︎ it's disbalance leads to nervousness, anxiety, panic, excessive thinking, disturbed sleep, dry or chapped skin, constipation, gas, bloating, hard stools, low body weight, and sensitivity to cold and wind.

ᯓ PITTAH

▪︎ It is associated with your metabolism, body temperature, assimilation , nutrition and digestion. It is made of fire and water .

▪︎ When it is balanced It promotes understanding, intelligence, balanced nature in a person which allows one to connect with other properly or we say socialising.

▪︎ when it's in disbalance it would lead to indigestion , poor assimilation, aggression , jealously and poor disbalance of nature in a person .

ᯓ KAPAH

▪︎ It's associated with your body structure, bones , muscles and tendons keeping them together by providing a glue to it. It's made of earth and water .

▪︎ A good moisturized skin is the result of good amount of kapah in body. The kapah gives water to other parts of the body keeping them alive and in a well state . It's balance leads a person to have good emotional intelligence - understanding else , love and having compassion , calmness and forgiveness .

▪︎ It's disbalance leads to materialism , greed and envy . The one feels unsatisfied and unfulfilled with themselves and their life.

The following information has been taken from various references with mix of my own explanation which will further share later .

141 notes · View notes

uwmspeccoll · 2 months ago

Text

Happy Earth Day! 🌍

Earth Day, celebrated on April 22 and initiated by our own Wisconsin Governor, Senator, and ardent conservationist Gaylord Nelson, is an annual event that encourages support for environmental protection. It was first observed in 1970 and is now recognized globally by more than a billion people in over 190 countries.

On this Earth Day, we are showcasing Seventh Generation Earth Ethics: Native Voices of Wisconsin by Patty Loew, a member of the Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Ojibwe. The term "Seventh Generation" is rooted in Indigenous philosophy, particularly among the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people, suggesting that decision-making should consider the impact on the next seven generations.

Published in 2014 by the Wisconsin Historical Society Press in Madison, Loew’s book emphasizes the importance of environmental protection, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of all living things. Profiling twelve individuals from each of Wisconsin's twelve Indian nations offers a valuable perspective on Native American ethics related to environmentalism. The book aims to educate readers about Indigenous knowledge systems and their relevance in today's environmental discourse.

The book has a foreword by Winona LaDuke (b.1959), a prominent Native American activist, author, and economist, known for her work on issues related to indigenous rights, environmental justice, and sustainable development. She is a member of the White Earth Band of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe (Ojibwe). She has dedicated her career to advocating for Native American rights, focusing on issues such as land sovereignty, traditional ecological knowledge, and the impact of industrial development on indigenous communities.

Earth Day reminds individuals and communities to take action toward sustainability and to care for the planet. Activities can include tree planting, community clean-ups, educational programs, and various initiatives aimed at reducing waste and conserving resources.

-View more posts from our Native American Literature Collection

-View previous Earth Day posts

--Melissa (Stockbridge-Munsee), Special Collections Library Assistant

99 notes · View notes

astrolook · 4 months ago

Text

Western Astrology vs. Vedic Astrology: What’s the Difference?

Ever wondered why your Vedic sign is different from your Western zodiac? Let's break it down!

Western Astrology (Tropical Zodiac)

Based on the Earth's seasons, not the fixed stars. 🌍

Uses the tropical zodiac, which shifts over time due to Earth's wobble (precession).

Your Sun sign is determined by the position of the Sun at your time of birth. ☀️

Popular in modern horoscopes and psychological astrology. 🧠

Vedic Astrology (Jyotish or Sidereal Zodiac)

Rooted in ancient Indian tradition and aligned with the fixed stars. ✨

Uses the sidereal zodiac, which accounts for planetary shifts over thousands of years.

Includes nakshatras (lunar mansions) and dashas (planetary periods) for deep life predictions. 🕉️

Focuses on karma, destiny, and spiritual growth. 🌿

🌟 So why are your signs different?

The tropical zodiac (Western) drifts due to axial precession, meaning it has moved about 24 degrees away from the sidereal zodiac (Vedic).

Example: If you're a Leo (Western), you might actually be a Cancer (Vedic)! 😲

💫 Which one should you follow?

Western → Great for self-discovery, psychology, and personality insights.

Vedic → More predictive, destiny-focused, and spiritually deep.

✨ Both have value! Astrology is a tool—use what resonates with you. 🌙

Now comparing the birth chart of my recent client(with their consent) born on June 14, 1999, at 8:54 AM in Charlottesville, Virginia, United States, reveals notable differences between Western (Tropical) and Vedic (Sidereal) astrology systems.

First let's focus on western astrology(Placidus) :

Dominant Element: Fire ; Dominant Planet : Sun

Sun in 23° 2' Gemini in 11th house:

The Sun at 23°16' Gemini reflects a highly communicative, curious, and adaptable nature, with a sharp intellect and a love for gathering and sharing information. At 23 degrees suggests a person who thrives in social settings, enjoys intellectual debates, and possesses a restless drive for knowledge. There may be a strong ability to juggle multiple interests, but focus and depth could be challenges.

They shine in social circles, networking, and visionary pursuits. They thrive in communities, attracting diverse connections and using their quick wit to inspire collective ideas and change.

Moon in 3° 32' Cancer in 12 house:

They may suppress or hide their feelings, often feeling emotionally isolated or misunderstood. Dreams, subconscious patterns, and past-life karma play a big role in their inner world. They may be highly empathetic, drawn to spiritual or healing work, but must be mindful of emotional escapism or tendencies toward self-sacrifice. Solitude is both a source of healing and a challenge.

Mercury in 13° 28' Cancer in 12th house:

It makes for a deeply intuitive and introspective mind. Thoughts are emotionally driven, and communication tends to be private, poetic, or even subconscious. They may struggle to express themselves openly, preferring to write, dream, or reflect rather than speak.

This placement is excellent for creative writing, psychology, or spiritual pursuits, but there’s a risk of overthinking, secrecy, or feeling misunderstood. Their intuition is strong, often picking up on unspoken emotions or hidden truths.

Venus in 8° 21' Leo in 1st house:

It gives a charismatic, magnetic, and naturally attractive personality. They exude confidence, warmth, and charm, often drawing people in with their radiant presence. Romantic, passionate, and expressive in love, they enjoy being admired and appreciated. A love for luxury, beauty, and creativity is strong, making them naturally stylish or artistically inclined. However, they may sometimes crave validation or attention in relationships. When balanced, they embody self-love and effortlessly attract admiration.

Mars in 25° 7' Libra in 4th house:

They are protective of their personal space and may feel the need to take charge in domestic matters. This placement can indicate a desire for harmony at home, but also passive-aggressiveness or difficulty expressing anger directly. They may thrive in careers related to real estate, interior design, or working from home.

Jupiter in 27° 37' Aries in 10th house:

They are driven to achieve big things, often taking risks in their career and pioneering their own path. Confidence and enthusiasm help them rise to leadership roles, but they must watch out for impatience or overconfidence. This placement favors careers in entrepreneurship, politics, sports, or any field where they can be independent and take initiative. Luck and growth come through courage, action, and a fearless approach to public life.

Saturn in 12° 34'Taurus in 10th house of Aries:

They may face early career struggles or heavy responsibilities but can build long-lasting achievements with effort. Stability and financial security are key motivators, and they thrive in structured, reliable professions like finance, real estate, government, or business leadership. They must overcome self-doubt and embrace their ability to create a strong professional legacy.

Uranus in 16° 34' Aquarius in 7th house (r):

A revolutionary thinker, wired for innovation and breaking the norm—but with the retrograde twist, this rebellion often happens inwardly first. Instead of loud disruptions, they challenge conventions in their mind, questioning society’s rules before deciding when (or if) to shake things up externally.

It brings unconventional, unpredictable relationships and a need for freedom in partnerships. They attract eccentric or groundbreaking individuals, and commitment may come with sudden changes, breakthroughs, or a non-traditional dynamic.

Neptune in 3° 59' Aquarius in 7th house (r):

They dream of a utopian future but questions if it's truly possible. The retrograde motion deepens the introspection, making them quietly idealistic—lost in visions of change yet skeptical about whether the world (or they) are ready for it.

It creates dreamy, idealistic relationships where boundaries can blur. They may attract spiritually connected or elusive partners, learning to balance fantasy with reality in their commitments.

Pluto in 8° 44' Sagittarius in 5th house of Scorpio (r):

A deep, internal quest for truth, power, and transformation. The retrograde intensifies this journey, making them question beliefs, challenge societal norms, and undergo profound personal revolutions—often in private before unleashing their wisdom on the world.

It brings intense creativity, passionate romances, and transformative self-expression. Love, art, and pleasure are deeply personal and can trigger profound change, with a tendency for dramatic emotional rebirths.

North Node in 15° 40' Leo (r) in 2nd house of Leo:

It points to a life path centered on developing self-worth, confidence, and financial independence. They are meant to embrace their talents, take pride in their abilities, and step into a role where they are recognized for their value. This placement encourages them to move away from relying on others for validation or security and instead build a strong, authentic sense of self. Wealth and success come when they fully own their creativity, leadership, and personal power.

Chiron in 29° 6' Scorpio in 5th house (r):

It suggests deep wounds related to self-expression, love, creativity, or children. There may be fears of vulnerability in romance, struggles with confidence in artistic talents, or past heartbreaks that left lasting scars. This placement can also indicate karmic lessons around intimacy and trust. Healing comes through embracing personal passions, transforming pain into creative outlets, and learning to love fearlessly. When balanced, they can guide others through their own emotional wounds, especially in love and artistic pursuits.

Ascendant in 1° 31' Leo:

They shine with natural charisma, confidence, and a presence that demands attention. Born to stand out, they radiate warmth and leadership—whether commanding a stage or just walking into a room like it's their personal spotlight.

MC in 18° 51' Aries:

They forge a career path driven by ambition, independence, and fearless action. They thrive in leadership roles, carve their own way, and aren’t afraid to take risks—because waiting around isn’t part of the plan.

Some important aspects:(I can't cover every single aspect here and keeping the overall post as short as possible)

Neptune Opposition Ascendant: It creates a mystique in relationships—people may see them as a dream, a healer, or, at times, an enigma. Boundaries can blur in partnerships, attracting both deep soul connections and illusions, making discernment crucial. Others project their fantasies onto them, but not every fairytale is real.

Jupiter Square Ascendant: It can indicate a tendency to overestimate oneself or take on too much, leading to issues with overconfidence or exaggerated expectations in relationships. While they are naturally charismatic and optimistic, they may struggle with boundaries, attracting both admiration and challenges. Growth comes when they learn to balance their expansive nature with humility and self-awareness.

Saturn Square North Node: It suggests challenges in aligning one's long-term goals with the lessons of life. There may be a sense of restriction or karmic delays preventing progress toward the true life purpose. This aspect often indicates that personal growth requires overcoming obstacles related to discipline, responsibility, or authority figures. Success comes through embracing hard work, patience, and the courage to break free from past limitations to follow the destined path.

Venus Conjunct Ascendant:

It gives a charming, magnetic, and attractive personality. They come across as graceful, friendly, and loving, often making strong first impressions. This aspect enhances their social skills, and they are likely to be well-liked and popular. They have a natural sense of style and an appreciation for beauty, making them drawn to artistic or creative pursuits. In relationships, they tend to be affectionate, seeking harmony and balance, and often attract love easily.

Mars Opposition Jupiter: They may struggle with overconfidence or taking on too much. This aspect often leads to a push-pull between action and overextension—while they are eager to take risks and pursue big goals, they can sometimes act impulsively or without fully considering the consequences. Success comes when they learn to temper their enthusiasm with patience and practicality, avoiding reckless decisions.

Chiron Trine Ascendant: This aspect gives an empathetic and compassionate nature, making them naturally able to connect with and support others in their emotional journeys. They may also experience self-healing through their relationships and can often find strength in their past wounds, using them as a source of wisdom and growth. This harmonious aspect allows them to embrace their true self and radiate confidence while helping others heal.

Possible careers: Actor, performer, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, creative director, artist, public relations manager, event planner, fashion designer, teacher, CEO, director, marketing strategist, influencer, brand ambassador, musician, athlete, politician, stylist, child care specialist, director of non-profits, journalist, interior designer.

Love/relationships and sexuality: They are drawn to unique, open-minded partners who embrace individuality and freedom, but may struggle with maintaining realistic expectations. There’s a strong desire for intellectual and spiritual connection, making love both experimental and transcendent. However, sudden changes and idealization can lead to disillusionment, especially if reality doesn't match their dreams. Sexuality is imaginative, free-spirited, and often based on deep emotional or intellectual bonds. LGBTQIA+ relationships can be seen here.

Now let's interpret them in Vedic astrology:

Dominant Element: Water ; Dominant Planet: Mars

Sun in Taurus 29°11’ in 11th house:

It brings strong ambitions, leadership in social circles, and financial gains through influential connections. Taurus Sun gives a stable, practical mindset with a love for luxury and material success. Being at the last degree, it may indicate a karmic lesson around self-worth and wealth accumulation. The 11th house placement enhances networking abilities, making them well-connected in society. However, they should watch for ego clashes in friendships and groups. These people could be surrounded by people and could still feel lonely. They have little to no friends.

Moon in Gemini 9°42’ in 12th house:

Here, it creates a restless, imaginative mind that thrives in solitude but can struggle with overthinking. The 12th house placement gives a deep subconscious world, making them highly intuitive, spiritually inclined, or drawn to foreign lands. Emotional fulfillment may come through meditation, travel, or creative expression, but there’s a tendency to feel emotionally isolated or misunderstood. Sleep issues or vivid dreams are common, as the mind is always active. They must balance their thoughts to avoid anxiety.

Mercury in 19°37’ in 12th house:

It brings a sharp but inwardly focused intellect, making them deep thinkers, writers, or spiritually inclined communicators. The 12th house placement can lead to overactive thoughts, secretive tendencies, or a preference for working behind the scenes. They may excel in research, foreign affairs, psychology, or careers related to spirituality and mysticism. However, there’s a risk of mental exhaustion, escapism, or difficulty expressing thoughts clearly in public. Meditation and structured thinking can help balance their mind.

Venus in Cancer 14°30 in 1st house:

It blesses them with charm, beauty, and a naturally attractive aura. They have a warm, loving personality and value deep emotional connections in relationships. This placement brings artistic talent, refined tastes, and a love for luxury, comfort, and nurturing environments. Romantic by nature, they seek a caring and devoted partner but can be sensitive to emotional ups and downs. Their presence is magnetic, making them well-liked and socially graceful.

Mars in Libra 1°16 in 4th house:

They may have a dynamic or even tense family environment, with a strong desire to assert control at home. Mars in Libra seeks balance in relationships but can struggle with indecisiveness or passive-aggressive tendencies. This placement also gives interest in property, real estate, or working from home. However, emotional fluctuations and occasional conflicts with family members need to be managed with patience.

Jupiter in Aries 3°46’ in 10th house:

They are driven, confident, and naturally authoritative, often excelling in law, teaching, entrepreneurship, or leadership roles. Jupiter in Aries adds boldness and a pioneering spirit, making them unafraid to take risks for career growth. This placement also brings good fortune and respect in society, but they must avoid overconfidence or impatience in professional matters. A career in government, finance, or advisory roles suits them well.

Saturn in Aries 18°43’ in 10th house:

Saturn is debilitated in Aries, meaning they may struggle with impatience, authority issues, or feeling restricted in their profession. However, with discipline and perseverance, they can build a solid reputation and achieve great heights, often later in life. This placement favors structured careers like government, law, engineering, or management, but they must learn patience and persistence to avoid career setbacks.

Uranus in Capricorn 22°43’ in 7th house(r):

They may attract eccentric, independent, or highly ambitious partners, and marriage could either be unusual or come unexpectedly. Commitment may feel restrictive at times, leading to sudden changes or breaks in relationships. They prefer partnerships that offer freedom, growth, and innovation, and may even thrive in business collaborations rather than traditional romantic setups. Adaptability is key to maintaining stability in love and marriage.

Neptune in Capricorn 10°08’ in 7th house(r):

They may have a deep desire for a soulmate-like connection but can struggle with seeing partners clearly, leading to illusions or unrealistic expectations in love. There’s a tendency to attract partners who are spiritual, artistic, or elusive, and they must be cautious of deception or one-sided commitments. Marriage or business partnerships may involve secrecy, distance, or an element of fantasy. Clarity and discernment are crucial to avoid disappointment.

Pluto in Scorpio 14°53’ in 5th house(r):

It gives intense, transformative experiences in love, creativity, and self-expression. Romantic relationships may be deeply passionate, obsessive, or life-changing, often involving power struggles or karmic lessons. There is a strong creative force, making them drawn to artistic, mystical, or research-based fields. They may also have a profound connection with children or experience major changes related to them(disability, autism or just unexpected pregnancy). This placement fuels a desire for depth in all pleasures of life, but they must balance intensity with emotional stability.

North Node in Cancer 21°50’ in 1st house:

This placement pushes them toward self-growth, emotional independence, and embracing their nurturing side. They may feel a deep urge to be seen, take leadership roles, or reinvent themselves multiple times in life. However, there can be struggles with self-doubt, fluctuating confidence, or over-identifying with external validation. Learning to trust their instincts and balance personal needs with relationships is key to their life path.

Chiron in Scorpio 5°16’ in 5th house(r):

There may have been painful experiences in romance, struggles with vulnerability, or a fear of fully expressing one’s passions. This placement can also indicate challenges connected to children or difficulties in trusting the flow of joy and pleasure in life. Healing comes through embracing transformation, creative outlets, and learning to open the heart without fear of loss.

Some important aspects:

Sun Trine Mars: It creates a powerful blend of confidence, energy, and leadership ability. This aspect gives a strong will, determination, and natural courage to take initiative in life. They are action-oriented, ambitious, and can easily assert themselves without coming across as aggressive. This is a great placement for careers in leadership, entrepreneurship, sports, or any field requiring physical and mental strength. Their enthusiasm and drive inspire others, making them natural leaders.

Moon Conjunct Mercury:

They have a quick-thinking mind, a natural gift for writing, speaking, or teaching, and an ability to express emotions clearly. However, this can also lead to overthinking, mood swings, or a tendency to rationalize feelings instead of processing them. Their memory is strong, and they may excel in fields like journalism, psychology, or business. If well-placed, this conjunction brings charm and wit, but if afflicted, it can create inner restlessness.

Venus Square Saturn : It brings challenges in love, relationships, and self-worth. They may experience delays, restrictions, or karmic lessons in romantic matters, often feeling unfulfilled or facing obstacles in expressing affection. There can be a fear of vulnerability, leading to emotional detachment or attracting serious, older, or distant partners. Financially, they may need to work hard for stability, especially in creative pursuits. However, with time and maturity, this aspect teaches patience, resilience, and the value of deep, enduring love.

Ascendant Conjunct Venus: It blesses the native with charm, beauty, and a magnetic presence. They have a naturally pleasant and attractive personality, making them well-liked in social and romantic circles. This aspect enhances grace, artistic talents, and a strong appreciation for luxury and comfort. Romantic relationships are significant in their life, and they often seek harmony in personal connections. However, they must avoid relying too much on external validation for self-worth.

North Node Square Saturn :

It creates tension between ambition and limitations, often leading to struggles with discipline, authority, and karmic obstacles. They may feel an internal push-and-pull between taking risks for growth and sticking to rigid, structured paths. This aspect can bring delays in career success, self-doubt, or conflicts with figures of authority. However, once they learn patience and perseverance, they can achieve long-term stability and mastery in their chosen path. Growth comes through balancing ambition with responsibility.

Possible Careers: Psychologist, therapist, occultist, astrologer, researcher, detective, forensic scientist, investigative journalist, filmmaker, author, counselor, sex therapist, artist, stock market analyst, crisis manager, social worker, surgeon, healer, mystic, intelligence officer, esoteric teacher, geneticist, shadow work coach.

Love/relationships and sexuality: Intense, passionate, and transformative in love, they crave deep emotional and physical connections. Romance is never lighthearted—it’s all or nothing, often involving karmic or fated relationships. They attract partners who awaken their inner depths, sometimes leading to power struggles or obsessive tendencies. Sexuality is magnetic, deeply sensual, and emotionally charged, making physical intimacy an avenue for both pleasure and transformation. Trust is key—once betrayed, they may struggle to forgive, but when devoted, their love is unwavering and fiercely protective.

Hope you all like it. Leave me a comment below on what do you think about different house systems and which resonates with you more.

Curious about what your birth chart reveals about your life, career, love, and destiny? 🌟

Whether you prefer Vedic astrology , Placidus Chart or a specific house system, I can provide a deep, personalized reading tailored just for you! 🔮✨

Message me for a complete birth chart analysis and uncover the cosmic blueprint guiding your journey. 🚀💫

Note: I didn't even cover the house lords and other aspects. This is to show you guys about the difference between the two. This is just a sample.

86 notes · View notes

burst-of-iridescent · 1 year ago

Text

South Asian and Hindu Influences in ATLA (Part 2)

disclaimer: i was raised culturally and religiously hindu, and though i've tried to do my research for this post and pair it with my own cultural knowledge, i'm not an expert on hinduism by any means. should i mess up, please let me know.

please also be aware that many of the concepts discussed in this post overlap heavily with religions such as buddhism and jainism, which might have different interpretations and representations. as i'm not from those religions or cultures, i don't want to speak on them, but if anyone with that knowledge wishes to add on, please feel free.

Part 1

In the previous post, I discussed some of the things ATLA got right in its depictions of desi and hindu cultures. unfortunately, they also got plenty of things wrong - often in ways that leaned towards racist caricatures - so let's break them down, starting with...

Guru Pathik

both the word "guru" and name "pathik" come from sanskrit. pathik means "traveler" or "he who knows the way" while guru is a term for a guide or mentor, similar to a teacher.

gurus were responsible for the very first education systems in ancient india, setting up institutions called gurukuls. students, referred to as disciples, would often spend years living with and learning from their gurus in these gurukuls, studying vedic and buddhist texts, philosophy, music and even martial arts.

however, their learning was not limited merely to academic study, as gurus were also responsible for guiding the spiritual evolution of their disciples. it was common for disciples to meditate, practice yoga, fast for days or weeks, and complete mundane household chores every day in order to instill them with self-discipline and help them achieve enlightenment and spiritual awareness. the relationship between a guru and his disciple was considered a sacred, holy bond, far exceeding that of a mere teacher and student.

aang's training with guru pathik mirrors some of these elements. similar to real gurus, pathik takes on the role of aang's spiritual mentor. he guides aang in unblocking his chakras and mastering the avatar state through meditation, fasting, and self-reflection - all of which are practices that would have likely been encouraged in disciples by their gurus.

pathik's design also takes inspiration from sadhus, holy men who renounced their worldly ties to follow a path of spiritual discipline. the guru's simple, nondescript clothing and hair are reflective of the ascetic lifestyle sadhus are expected to lead, giving up material belongings and desires in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment and, ultimately, liberation from the reincarnation cycle.

unfortunately, this is where the respectful references end because everything else about guru pathik was insensitive at best and stereotypical at worst.

it is extremely distasteful that the guru speaks with an overexaggerated indian accent, even though the iranian-indian actor who plays him has a naturally british accent. why not just hire an actual indian voice actor if the intention was to make pathik sound authentic? besides, i doubt authenticity was the sole intention, given that the purposeful distortion of indian accents was a common racist trope played for comedy in early 2000s children's media (see: phineas and ferb, diary of a wimpy kid, jessie... the list goes on).

furthermore, while pathik is presented a wise and respected figure within this episode, his next (and last) appearance in the show is entirely the opposite.

in the episode nightmares and daydreams, pathik appears in aang's nightmare with six hands, holding what appears to be a veena (a classical indian music instrument). this references the iconography of the hindu deity Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and knowledge. the embodiment of divine enlightenment, learning, insight and truth, Saraswati is a member of the Tridevi (the female version of the Trimurti), one of the most respected and revered goddesses in the Hindu pantheon... and her likeness is used for a cheap laugh on a character who's already treated as a caricature.

that's bad enough on its own, but when you consider that guru pathik is the only explicitly south asian coded character in the entire show, it's downright insulting. for a show that took so many of its foundational concepts from south asia and hinduism and yet provided almost no desi representation in return, this is just rubbing salt in the wound.

Chakras

"chakra", meaning "circle" or "wheel of life" in sanskrit, refers to sources of energy found in the human body. chakra points are aligned along the spine, with energy flowing from the lowest to the highest point. the energy pooled at the lowest chakra is called kundalini, and the aim is to release this energy to the highest chakra in order to achieve spiritual enlightenment and consciousness.

the number of chakras varies in different religions, with buddhism referencing five chakras while hinduism has seven. atla draws from the latter influence, so let's take a look at the seven chakras:

Muladhara (the Root Chakra). located at the base of the spine, this chakra deals with our basest instincts and is linked to the element of earth.

Swadhisthana (the Sacral Chakra). located just below the navel, this chakra deals with emotional intensity and pleasure and is linked to the element of water.

Manipura (the Solar Plexus Chakra). located in the stomach, this chakra deals with willpower and self-acceptance and is linked to the element of fire.

Anahata (the Heart Chakra). located in the heart, this chakra deals with love, compassion and forgiveness and is linked to the element of air. in the show, this chakra is blocked by aang's grief over the loss of the air nomads, which is a nice elemental allusion.

Vishudda (the Throat Chakra). located at the base of the throat, this chakra deals with communication and honesty and is linked to the fifth classical element of space. the show calls this the Sound Chakra, though i'm unsure where they got that from.

Ajna (the Third Eye Chakra). located in the centre of the forehead, this chakra deals with spirituality and insight and is also linked to the element of space. the show calls it the Light Chakra, which is fairly close.

Sahasrara (the Crown Chakra). located at the very top of the head, this chakra deals with pure cosmic consciousness and is also linked to the element of space. it makes perfect sense that this would be the final chakra aang has to unblock in order to connect with the avatar spirit, since the crown chakra is meant to be the point of communion with one's deepest, truest self.

the show follows these associations and descriptions almost verbatim, and does a good job linking the individual chakras to their associated struggles in aang's arc.

Cosmic Energy

the idea of chakras is associated with the concept of shakti, which refers to the life-giving energy that flows throughout the universe and within every individual.

the idea of shakti is a fundamentally unifying one, stating that all living beings are connected to one another and the universe through the cosmic energy that flows through us all. this philosophy is referenced both in the swamp episode and in guru pathik telling aang that the greatest illusion in the world is that of separation - after all, how can there be any real separation when every life is sustained by the same force?

this is also why aang needing to let go of katara did not, as he mistakenly assumed, mean he had to stop loving her. rather, the point of shedding earthly attachment is to allow one to become more attuned to shakti, both within oneself and others. ironically, in letting go of katara and allowing himself to commune with the divine energy of the universe instead, aang would have been more connected to her - not less.

The Avatar State

according to hinduism, there are five classical elements known as pancha bhuta that form the foundations of all creation: air, water, earth, fire, and space/atmosphere.

obviously, atla borrows this concept in making a world entirely based on the four classical elements. but looking at how the avatar spirit is portrayed as a giant version of aang suspended in mid-air, far above the earth, it's possible that this could reference the fifth liminal element of space as well.

admittedly this might be a bit of a reach, but personally i find it a neat piece of worldbuilding that could further explain the power of the avatar. compared to anyone else who might be able to master only one element, mastering all five means having control of every building block of the world. this would allow the avatar to be far more attuned to the spiritual energy within the universe - and themselves - as a result, setting in motion the endless cycle of death and rebirth that would connect their soul even across lifetimes.

#atla #atla cultural influences #hinduism in atla #welp i thought this would be the last part but i ended up having more to talk about than i thought #so i'll save the book 3 inspirations for the next post #including my absolute favourite combustion man #and by favourite i mean kill it with fire why did you ever think this was okay to do writers

534 notes · View notes

philearning · 1 year ago

Text

Introduction to Indian Knowledge System: Concepts and Applications by Mahadevan et al (In the image the book is displayed on the cut-out at Aryabhatt College, Anand Niketan, South Campus, University of Delhi)

Recently, the AICTE has introduced a mandatory course on Indian Knowledge System to help students learn about their heritage. Our book is

The First and Only Textbook on the IKS written by experts in the field

In accordance with new curricula by the All-India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) and endorsed by AICTE

Powerhouse of Concepts and Applications of Indian Knowledge Systems

Fills the gap for a required course on Indian Knowledge System

Facilitates IKS learning-teaching process by way of providing IKS content in contemporary fashion

Covers introduction; Foundational Concepts in Science and Technology; Science, Engineering and Technology in IKS and Humanities and Social Sciences in IKS

Followed by many premier institutions

Buy the book from

#PHI Website: http://social.phindia.com/c-hju2-x

#Amazon : https://amzn.to/3UUOq8R

#Flipkart : https://bit.ly/3Pm2TcG

#KindleeBook : https://shorturl.at/cnX13

#GoogleBooks : https://shorturl.at/gAOZ8

#phibooks #philearning #phibookclub #indian knowledge system #ancient indian history #ancient indian education system #ebook #aicte

0 notes

blackstarlineage · 26 days ago

Text

Great Zimbabwe: An In-Depth Analysis of Africa’s Architectural and Economic Masterpiece

Introduction: The Greatness of African Civilization

Great Zimbabwe stands as one of the most remarkable and sophisticated civilizations in African history. Located in modern-day Zimbabwe, it flourished between 1100 and 1500 CE, serving as the centre of a vast trade empire that connected Africa to the Middle East, India, and China.

Despite colonial-era attempts to deny its African origins, Great Zimbabwe was entirely built by Black Africans, proving that African civilizations developed advanced architecture, urban centres, and economic systems long before European contact.

From a Garveyite perspective, the study of Great Zimbabwe is crucial because it represents:

Black architectural brilliance – The largest ancient stone city in sub-Saharan Africa.

Black economic power – A major hub for gold, ivory, and international trade.

Black political sovereignty – An empire built, governed, and controlled by Africans.

By reclaiming the history of Great Zimbabwe, Black people worldwide can reject colonial myths and recognize Africa’s legacy of innovation, wealth, and self-sufficiency.

1. The Origins of Great Zimbabwe

A. Geographic and Strategic Importance

Great Zimbabwe was built in a strategic location with access to gold mines, fertile lands, and trade routes.

The civilization was part of the Shona culture, whose people were skilled in ironworking, agriculture, and trade.

Its name, Zimbabwe, means “House of Stone” in the Shona language, reflecting its impressive stone structures.

Example: The city covered nearly 1,800 acres and housed up to 18,000 people, making it one of the largest pre-colonial African urban centres.

Key Takeaway: African civilizations were not nomadic or primitive—they built vast cities with complex infrastructures.

2. The Architectural Genius of Great Zimbabwe

A. The Great Enclosure: An African Architectural Wonder

The most famous structure in Great Zimbabwe is the Great Enclosure, a massive circular stone wall built without mortar.

The walls reach up to 36 feet high and stretch over 820 feet in length, making them the largest ancient stone structures south of the Sahara.

The conical tower inside the Great Enclosure is believed to be a symbol of power, wealth, and spiritual significance.

Example: European colonists refused to believe Black Africans built Great Zimbabwe and tried to attribute it to foreign civilizations (Phoenicians, Arabs, or even aliens), highlighting their racist denial of African ingenuity.

Key Takeaway: Africa had master builders who engineered grand cities using advanced techniques, disproving colonial myths.

B. The Hill Complex: The Royal and Religious Centre

The Hill Complex, located on a granite hill, served as the political and religious centre of Great Zimbabwe.

It was the seat of the king and was likely used for religious ceremonies, governance, and strategic defense.

The Shona people practiced ancestor worship, and the structures reflect a deep spiritual connection to their land and heritage.

Example: Many structures align with the movement of the sun and stars, proving that Great Zimbabweans had advanced knowledge of astronomy.

Key Takeaway: Black civilizations had political, spiritual, and scientific achievements that rivalled other global civilizations of the time.

3. Great Zimbabwe’s Economic Power: The Centre of a Global Trade Network

A. Control Over Gold Trade

Great Zimbabwe controlled rich gold mines in the region, making it one of the wealthiest African states of its time.

It became a major gold supplier for Swahili coastal cities, the Middle East, and even China.

Gold from Great Zimbabwe was traded across the Indian Ocean and found in Persian, Indian, and Chinese markets.

Example: The famous Kilwa Sultanate on the Swahili Coast depended on Great Zimbabwe for its gold supply, showing Africa’s key role in global trade.

Key Takeaway: Africa was not isolated—its resources fueled economies worldwide long before European colonization.

B. Trade with Asia and the Middle East

Archaeological discoveries in Great Zimbabwe include Chinese porcelain, Persian glass, and Indian beads, proving international trade.

The Swahili Coast, linked to Great Zimbabwe, had trading posts with Arab, Persian, and Indian merchants.

Ivory, copper, iron, and textiles were also traded, creating a diverse and wealthy economy.

Example: The trade connections of Great Zimbabwe show that Africans were engaged in globalization centuries before European involvement.

Key Takeaway: Africa was a key player in world trade, not an isolated or underdeveloped continent.

4. The Political and Social Structure of Great Zimbabwe

A. The Role of the King and Governance

Great Zimbabwe was ruled by a monarch, often referred to as the Mwene Mutapa (King).

The king controlled trade, wealth, and spiritual leadership, serving as a link between the people and the ancestors.

The empire was organized into a federation of smaller kingdoms, all loyal to the central ruler.

Example: The Kingdom of Mutapa, which rose after Great Zimbabwe’s decline, continued its legacy and expanded its power into Mozambique.

Key Takeaway: African civilizations had complex governance structures, contradicting colonial lies about African “tribalism.”

B. The Social Structure: A Balanced Society

The society was hierarchical, with royalty, nobles, traders, craftsmen, and farmers contributing to the empire.

Women held important roles in agriculture, trade, and spiritual leadership.

The people of Great Zimbabwe built strong, organized communities with specialized labor and social systems.

Example: Women played key roles in spiritual rituals and trade, showing the presence of gender balance in African societies.

Key Takeaway: African civilizations were structured, organized, and socially progressive.

The Decline of Great Zimbabwe: Lessons for Today

A. Why Did Great Zimbabwe Collapse?

The empire declined due to:

Overuse of natural resources, including deforestation and soil depletion.

Shifting trade routes that bypassed the city, reducing its economic power.

Internal conflicts and possible political instability.

By 1500 CE, Great Zimbabwe was largely abandoned, but its culture and influence lived on in successor states like the Kingdom of Mutapa.

Example: The modern nation of Zimbabwe is named after Great Zimbabwe, honouring its legacy of African greatness.

Key Takeaway: No Black nation can survive without sustainable economic policies, resource management, and strong leadership.

6. The Garveyite Vision: Rebuilding Africa’s Lost Glory

Great Zimbabwe proves that Africa was a centre of trade, culture, and innovation.

Black people today must control their own resources, just as Great Zimbabwe controlled its gold mines.

African architecture, governance, and economic systems must be reclaimed and studied to guide future development.

Pan-African unity is necessary—Black nations must work together as Great Zimbabwe did with the Swahili Coast.

Final Thought: Will We Reclaim the Legacy of Great Zimbabwe?

Marcus Garvey taught:

“The Black skin is not a badge of shame, but rather a glorious symbol of national greatness.”

Will Black people continue to believe colonial lies about African history, or will we reclaim the truth?

Will we build self-sufficient Black economies, or remain dependent on foreign powers?

Will we celebrate our past and use it to shape our future, or let our history be erased?

The Choice is Ours. The Time is Now.

#black history #black people #blacktumblr #black tumblr #black #black conscious #pan africanism #africa #black power #black empowering #blog #marcus garvey #great zimbabwe #black excellence #ReclaimOurHistory #Garveyism

68 notes · View notes

drmohitchangani · 7 months ago

Text

Wisdom of Ancient Indian Education: The 8 Limbs of Yoga and Beyond

Since times before the antiquities, Indian education system has been very robust. One of the core objective was to shape the individual and the society with highest virtues. How an individual should be is mentioned in various scriptures like Ved, Puran, Upanishad and others. In present times, one may consider these texts as purely religious scriptures. It is a common belief of most of the people,…

View On WordPress

0 notes

room-surprise · 11 months ago

Text

EXTERNAL INFLUENCES IN DUNGEON MESHI: INDIAN PHILOSOPHY

(SPOILERS FOR DUNGEON MESHI BELOW)

We know that Ryoko Kui spent considerable time at the beginning of working on Dungeon Meshi doing research and planning the series. Kui constantly references real world culture, history and mythology, but she also occasionally references real-world philosophy.

The story of Dungeon Meshi is full of philosophical questions about the joy and privilege of being alive, the inevitability of death and loss, the importance of taking care of yourself and your loved ones, and the purpose and true nature of desire. Kui explores these issues through the plot, the characters, and even the fundamental building blocks that make up her fictional fantasy world. Though it’s impossible to say without Kui making a statement on the issue, I believe Dungeon Meshi reflects many elements of ancient Indian philosophy and religion.

It’s possible that Kui just finds these ideas interesting to write about, but doesn’t have any personal affiliation with either religion, however I would not be at all surprised if I learned that Kui is a Buddhist, or has personal experience with Buddhism, since it’s one of the major religions in Japan.

I could write many essays trying to explain these extremely complex concepts, and I know that my understanding of them is imperfect, but I’ll do my best to explain them in as simple a way as possible to illustrate how these ideas may have influenced Kui’s work.

HINDUISM

Hinduism is the third-largest religion in the world and originates in India. The term Hinduism is a huge umbrella that encompasses many diverse systems of thought, but they have some shared theological elements, and share many ancient texts and myths.

According to Classical Hindu belief, there are four core goals in human life, and they are the pursuit of dharma, artha, kama, and moksha.

Dharma is the natural order of the universe, and also one’s obligation to carry out their part in it. It is the pursuit and execution of one’s inherent nature and true calling, playing one’s role in the cosmic order.

Artha is the resources needed for an individual’s material well-being. A central premise of Hindu philosophy is that every person should live a joyous, pleasurable and fulfilling life, where every person's needs are acknowledged and fulfilled. A person's needs can only be fulfilled when sufficient means are available.

Kama is sensory, emotional, and aesthetic pleasure. Often misinterpreted to only mean “sexual desire”, kama is any kind of enjoyment derived from one or more of the five senses, including things like having sex, eating, listening to music, or admiring a painting. The pursuit of kama is considered an essential part of healthy human life, as long as it is in balance with the pursuit of the three other goals.

Moksha is peace, release, nirvana, and ultimate enlightenment. Moksha is freedom from ignorance through self-knowledge and true understanding of the universe, and the end of the inevitable suffering caused by the struggle of being alive. When one has reached true enlightenment, has nothing more to learn or understand about the universe, and has let go of all earthly desires, they have attained moksha, and they will not be reborn again. In Hinduism’s ancient texts, moksha is seen as achievable through the same techniques used to practice dharma, for example self-reflection and self-control. Moksha is sometimes described as self-discipline that is so perfect that it becomes unconscious behavior.

The core conflict of Hinduism is the eternal struggle between the material and immaterial world. It is often said that all of the material world is “an illusion,” and what this means is that all good and bad things will inevitably end, because the material world is finite. On the one hand, this is sad, because everything good in life will one day cease to exist, but on the other hand, this is reassuring, because all of the bad things will eventually end as well, and if one can accept this, they will be at peace.

The central debate of Hinduism is, which is more important: Satisfying your needs as a living thing, having a good life as a productive member of society, serving yourself, your family, and the world by participating in it the way nature intended? Or is it rejecting desire and attachment, discovering the true nature of existence, realizing the impermanence of material things, and that one can only escape the suffering that comes from the struggle of life by accepting that death and loss are inevitable?

There is no set answer to this question, and most believers of Hinduism tend to strike a balance between the two extremes simply because that’s what happens when a person leads a normal, average life, however there are also those who believe that pursuing extremes will lead to ultimate enlightenment and final release as well.

BUDDHISM

Buddhism is an Indian religion and philosophical tradition that originated in the 5th century BCE, based on teachings attributed to religious teacher the Buddha. It is the world's fourth-largest religion and though it began in India, it has spread throughout all of Asia and has played a major role in Asian culture and spirituality, eventually spreading to the West beginning in the 20th century.

Buddhism is partially derived from the same worldview and philosophical belief system as Hinduism, and the main difference is that the Buddha taught that there is a “middle way” that all people should strive to attain, and that the excesses of asceticism (total self-denial) or hedonism (total self-indulgence) practiced by some Hindus could not lead a person to moksha/enlightenment/release from suffering.

Buddhism teaches that the primary source of suffering in life is caused by misperception or ignorance of two truths; nothing is permanent, and there is no individual self.

Buddhists believe that dukkha (suffering) is an innate characteristic of life, and it is manifested in trying to “have” or “keep” things, due to fear of loss and suffering. Dukkha is caused by desire. Dukkha can be ended by ceasing to feel desire through achieving enlightenment and understanding that everything is a temporary illusion.

There are many, many other differences between Hinduism and Buddhism, but these elements are the ones that I think are most relevant to Kui’s work.

Extreme hedonism involves seeking sensual pleasure without any limits. This could just be indulging in what people would consider “normal” pleasures, like food, sex, drugs and the arts, but it can also involve doing things which are considered socially repugnant, either literally or by taking part in symbolic rituals that represent these acts. Some examples are holding religious meetings in forbidden places, consuming forbidden substances (including human flesh), using human bones as tools, or engaging in sex with partners who are considered socially unacceptable (unclean, wrong gender, too young, too old, related to the practitioner). Again, these acts may be done literally or symbolically.

Extreme ascetic practices involve anything that torments the physical body, and some examples are meditation without breathing, the total suppression of bodily movement, refusing to lay down, tearing out the hair, going naked, wearing rough and painful clothing, laying on a mat of thorns, or starving oneself.

HOW THIS CONNECTS TO DUNGEON MESHI

Kui’s most emphasized message in Dungeon Meshi is that being alive is a fleeting, temporary experience that once lost, cannot truly be regained, and is therefore precious in its rarity. Kui also tells us that to be alive means to desire things, that one cannot exist without the other, that desire is essential for life. This reflects the four core goals of human life in Hinduism and Buddhism, but also could be a criticism of some aspects of these philosophies.

I think Kui’s story shows the logical functionality of the four core goals: only characters who properly take care of themselves, and who accept the risk of suffering are able to thrive and experience joy. I think Kui agrees with the Buddhist stance that neither extreme hedonism nor extreme self-denial can lead to enlightenment and ultimate bliss… But I also think that Kui may be saying that ultimate bliss is an illusion, and that the greatest bliss can only be found while a person is still alive, experiencing both loss and desire as a living being.

Kui tells us living things should strive to remain alive, no matter how difficult living may be sometimes, because taking part in life is inherently valuable. All joy and happiness comes from being alive and sharing that precious, limited life with the people around you, and knowing that happiness is finite and must be savored.

Dungeon Meshi tells us souls exist, but never tells us where they go or what happens after death. I think this is very intentional, because Kui doesn’t want readers to think that the characters can just give up and be happy in their next life, or in an afterlife.

There is resurrection in Dungeon Meshi, but thematically there are really no true “second chances.” Although in-universe society views revival as an unambiguous good and moral imperative, Kui repeatedly reminds us of its unnatural and dangerous nature. Although reviving Falin is a central goal of the story, it is only when Laios and Marcille are able to let go of her that the revival finally works… And after the manga’s ending, Kui tells us Falin leaves Laios and Marcille behind to travel the world alone, which essentially makes her dead to them anyway, since she is absent from their lives.

At the same time, Kui tells us that trying to prevent death, or avoid all suffering and loss is a foolish quest that will never end in happiness, because loss and suffering are inevitable and must someday be endured as part of the cycle of life. Happiness cannot exist without suffering, just like the joy of eating requires the existence of hunger, and even starvation.

Kui equates eating with desire itself, using it as a metaphor to describe anything a living creature might want, Kui also views the literal act of eating as the deepest, most fundamental desire of a living thing, the desire that all other desires are built on top of. If a living thing doesn’t eat, it will not have the energy necessary to engage with any other part of life. Toshiro, Mithrun, and Kabru are all examples of this in the story: They don’t take care of themselves and they actively avoid eating, and as a result they suffer from weakness, and struggle to realize their other desires.

Kui suggests that the key difference between being alive or dead is whether or not someone experiences desire. If you are alive, even if you feel empty and cannot identify your desires like Mithrun, you still have desires because you would be dead without them. The living body desires to breathe, to eat, to sleep, even if a person has become numb, or rejected those desires either to punish themselves, or out of a lack of self-love.

Sometimes, we have to do things which are painful and unpleasant, in order to enjoy the good things that make us happy. I believe Kui is telling us that giving up, falling into despair, and refusing to participate in life is not a viable solution either.

The demon only learns to experience desire by entering into and existing in the material, finite world. This experience intoxicates the demon, and it becomes addicted to feeling both the suffering of desire, and the satisfaction of having it fulfilled. This unnatural situation is what endangers the Dungeon Meshi world, and it’s only by purging the demon of this ability to desire that the world can be saved. The demon is like a corrupted Buddha that must give up its desires in order to return to the peaceful existence it had before it was corrupted.

The demon curses Laios to never achieve his greatest desires at the end of the manga, which manifests in several ways, such as losing his monstrous form, Falin choosing to leave after she’s revived, and being unable to get close to monsters because they are afraid of him. In some ways you could compare Laios to a Bodhisattva, a person who tries to aid others in finding nirvana/moksha, even if it prolongs their own suffering and prevents them from finding personal release. Laios gives the demon peace, but Laios himself will never be able to satisfy his desires, and must eventually come to accept his loss and move on with his life.

(This is an excerpt from Chapter 3 of my Real World Cultural and Linguistic influences in Dungeon Meshi essay.)

#dungeon meshi #delicious in dungeon #the winged lion #dungeon meshi spoilers #laios touden #mithrun of the house of kerensil #analysis #The Essay #After all the conversation about Mithrun I felt it was really important to drop this excerpt today

176 notes · View notes