Poornaprajna International Journal of Philosophy & Languages (PIJPL)
Country of Publication: India Publisher: Poornaprajna Publication, Udupi, Karnataka, India Format: Open Access ISSN:3107-4634 Year of Start: 2024 Available from: Crossref, Indian Citation Index, Zenodo, OpenAir Frequency: 2 Issues per year Language: English Scope: Multidisciplinary in Philosophy & Languages Article Processing Charge: 2000 £ (Pounds) but currently free publication for first 10 years (till year 2030) Types of Journal: Academic/ Scholarly Journals Open Access: Yes Indexed & Abstracted: Yes Policy: Double blinded Peer Review Publication Ethics: Editorial Ethics Policy Review Time: Six to Eight Weeks Approximately Contact & Submission Email: pijpl@poornaprajnapublication.com Poornaprajna International Journal of Philosophy & Languages (PIJPL) is an online, not-for-profit, Poornaprajna Group, Udupi sponsored free publication, blind peer-reviewed, open-access, quarterly but continuous weekly uploading of accepted papers, plagiarism free, refereed research journal published by Poornaprajna Publication, Udupi, India. PIJPL offers free publication opportunity to its authors, allows to keep Copyright of the scholarly paper with the authors. It provides a global author-centric publishing platform for Professors, Research scholars, academicians, professionals, and students engaged in Research. The main aim of PIJPL is to become the world’s leading Author-Centred fast publication journal that is preferred and trusted by the research community through publishing authentic, peer-reviewed, and scientifically developed research articles of international calibre. PIJPL publishes research papers in the field of Philosophy & Languages including Sanskrit, Hindi, Kannada, etc. The Journal publishes scholarly articles in English, Sanskrit, Hindi, Kannada, etc. PIJPL accepts exceptional research contribution from the authors in the form of original papers, review papers, conceptual framework, analytical and simulation models, case studies, empirical research, and technical notes. All submissions are also checked for plagiarism. The length of the manuscript must be between five (5) to twenty (50) journal pages excluding references. The journal follows the |C|O|P|E| (Committee on Publication Ethics) guidance while accepting scholarly papers for publication. The Article Processing Charge (APC) subsidized for Faculty Members, Students and Research Scholars of Poornaprajna Group by its Research Fund.
Nalanda and Takshashila as Models of Multidisciplinary Research Universities
Purpose: The contemporary academy's enthusiasm for multidisciplinary research, interdisciplinary curricula, and international scholarly collaboration is frequently narrated as a late-twentieth-century innovation — a response to the complexity of problems that no single discipline can address alone, enabled by digital communication technology, and institutionalized through funding structures that explicitly reward cross-disciplinary collaboration. This narrative, while not incorrect in its account of recent developments, is historically parochial in a way that obscures a more profound and ancient reality: the most celebrated universities in the history of the Indian subcontinent — Takshashila (c. 600 BCE–5th century CE) and Nalanda (c. 427 CE–1193 CE) — built their enduring intellectual reputations precisely on the principles that the contemporary academy is now rediscovering. They integrated diverse fields of knowledge rather than isolating them, created residential communities of scholars rather than collections of isolated specialists, developed rigorous debate-based pedagogies that connected disciplines through the shared exercise of critical reason, and maintained international scholarly networks that spanned the known world from Greece and Babylon to China, Japan, and Southeast Asia. Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper. Analysis/ Results: This research paper undertakes a comprehensive, multi-dimensional scholarly examination of Takshashila and Nalanda as historical models of the multidisciplinary research university, drawing on historical, pedagogical, organizational, and comparative analytical frameworks. The paper traces the historical origins, geographical contexts, and institutional architectures of both universities; analyses their multidisciplinary curricula in detail across the natural sciences, medical sciences, humanities, philosophy, and political theory; examines the pedagogical methods through which knowledge was integrated across disciplines; investigates the research cultures, manuscript traditions, and international scholarly exchange networks that sustained both institutions; and constructs a systematic comparative analysis of their organizational models. Originality/ Values: The paper then develops detailed, evidence-based lessons for the contemporary university on breaking disciplinary silos, embedding debate-based pedagogy, creating international scholarly communities, integrating ethical formation with academic excellence, and mobilizing knowledge in the service of practical societal challenges. The paper concludes by arguing that the revival of Nalanda University (2014) and the National Education Policy 2020's mandate for Indian Knowledge Systems integration represent important steps toward recovering this ancient wisdom for the contemporary academy — and that both institutions represent a contribution to global higher education history of the first order. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.
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The Gurukula System and Experiential Learning: Implications for Modern Higher Education
Purpose: The Gurukula system — the ancient Indian residential educational model whose name derives from the Sanskrit words guru (teacher) and kula (family or clan) — represents one of the most comprehensive and philosophically coherent experiments in holistic human education in the recorded history of any civilization. Originating in the Vedic period (c. 1500 BCE) and enduring in various forms through the classical and medieval eras, the Gurukula produced scholars of extraordinary breadth, warriors of philosophical depth, administrators of ethical formation, and spiritual practitioners of disciplined insight. Its organizational principles — residential immersion, one-on-one mentorship, integrated multi-disciplinary curricula, values as the foundation rather than the supplement of learning, experiential rather than purely theoretical pedagogy, and the guru-shishya relationship as the central educational relationship — constitute a set of pedagogical insights that modern educational research is independently rediscovering through empirical investigation. Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper. Analysis/ Results: This research paper undertakes a systematic, multi-dimensional, and critically engaged analysis of the Gurukula system and its implications for contemporary higher education. It begins by establishing the historical, etymological, and philosophical foundations of the system and tracing its structural architecture in practice. It then examines the five defining principles — holistic development, personalized instruction, moral and ethical education, experiential learning, and spiritual discipline — through both the lens of ancient Indian educational philosophy and the frameworks of contemporary educational psychology, neuroscience, and pedagogy. Originality/ Values: The paper proceeds to diagnose the deepest structural inadequacies of modern universities, grounded in empirical data on student mental health, emotional intelligence deficits, ethical failures, and pedagogical uniformity. It then constructs a systematic comparative analysis between the Gurukula model and modern higher education institutions. The core contribution of the paper is a set of detailed, evidence-based recommendations for integrating Gurukula principles into contemporary university practice through structural, curricular, and institutional innovations — recommendations that are informed by successful contemporary implementations and aligned with the National Education Policy 2020's mandate for the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems. The paper concludes by arguing that the Gurukula's wisdom is not an artefact of a simpler past but a sophisticated educational philosophy whose relevance to the crises of twenty-first-century higher education is both timely and urgent. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.
Ashtavakra Gita and the Philosophy of Consciousness: A Contemporary Psychological Reading
Purpose: The Ashtavakra Gita, an ancient Sanskrit dialogue between Sage Ashtavakra and King Janaka of Mithila, represents one of the most uncompromising articulations of non-dual philosophy in the history of Indian thought. Unlike the majority of classical Indian spiritual texts that prescribe gradual paths of discipline, ritual observance, and ethical refinement, the Ashtavakra Gita posits an immediate and unconditional recognition of the Self as pure, unbounded consciousness — already free, already whole, and already untouched by the vicissitudes of phenomenal existence. This research paper undertakes a rigorous, multi-layered examination of the text's philosophical foundations within the Advaita Vedanta tradition, contextualizes the legendary encounter between Ashtavakra and Janaka, and systematically explores the text's core doctrines: witness consciousness (sākṣī-caitanya), the primacy of non-doing (akartṛtva), the illusory nature of bondage (māyā-bandha), and the doctrine of non-origination (ajāta-vāda). Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper. Analysis/ Results: The paper further interrogates how these ancient formulations intersect with, anticipate, and challenge contemporary frameworks in cognitive psychology, contemplative neuroscience, and phenomenological philosophy. Attention is paid to the text's radical reversal of the seeker-seeking paradigm, its rejection of soteriological instrumentalism, and its insistence that psychological suffering is rooted not in circumstance but in mistaken identification of the Self with the mind-body complex. Originality/Values: The study concludes by proposing an integrative model that situates the Ashtavakra Gita not merely as a historical artefact of Hindu metaphysics, but as a living epistemological framework with profound implications for modern consciousness studies, psychotherapy, and the emerging dialogue between Eastern wisdom traditions and Western science. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.
Amrutha Yoga (Aithal Yoga) as a New Yoga for Healthy Aging and Cognitive Wellness: A Conceptual and Exploratory Research Based Proposal
Modern society is increasingly affected by lifestyle-related disorders such as obesity, stress, anxiety, cognitive fatigue, hypertension, poor respiratory health, and sedentary living patterns. The rising prevalence of these conditions has created a growing demand for low-cost, time-efficient, and easily accessible preventive wellness systems that can simultaneously support physical health, mental relaxation, and cognitive well-being. Within the broader framework of Indian Yogic Science and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), this paper introduces and explores a novel breath-synchronized yogic formulation termed Amrutha Yoga or Aithal Yoga, conceptualized as a compact movement–breathing meditation system intended to promote longevity, cognitive enhancement, and preventive mind–body wellness. The proposed practice integrates rhythmic forward bending, abdominal compression, synchronized deep exhalation and inhalation, mindful movement, and controlled breathing within a simplified daily protocol requiring minimal time, space, and physical resources. The study addresses the research problem of increasing physical inactivity and stress-related health deterioration among modern populations, while also identifying the lack of scientifically interpreted compact yogic systems specifically designed for sustainable daily practice. The objectives of the study are to systematically interpret the structure and mechanism of Amrutha Yoga, evaluate its potential role in meditation, stress reduction, abdominal and visceral fat management, cognitive enhancement, and healthy aging, and examine its feasibility as a scalable preventive wellness innovation. The study adopts a qualitative exploratory research methodology using conceptual, descriptive, interpretative, and comparative approaches. Secondary data were collected from classical and contemporary yoga literature, Indian wellness philosophies, neuroscience-oriented breathing studies, preventive healthcare research, meditation literature, and the uploaded conceptual draft papers on Amrutha Yoga. The analytical frameworks used include SWOC Analysis, ABCD Analysis from practitioners’ and trainers’ perspectives, comparative evaluation with conventional yogic systems, and multidimensional Impact Analysis. The exploratory findings indicate that the synchronized breathing and compression–expansion mechanism of Amrutha Yoga may contribute to parasympathetic nervous system activation, stress reduction, respiratory efficiency, improved circulation, mindful awareness, abdominal activation, and enhanced cognitive calmness. The study further interprets Amrutha Yoga as a form of dynamic breath-centered meditation and a low-cost public-health-oriented wellness model suitable for busy professionals, elderly populations, students, and sedentary individuals. The originality of the paper lies in proposing a new integrated yogic formulation that combines movement, pranayama, mindfulness, abdominal compression, and rhythmic repetition into a concise wellness methodology. The paper also discusses the potential for intellectual-property protection through standardized instructional frameworks, training systems, wellness protocols, and scholarly documentation, while recognizing the challenges associated with patenting yoga-related innovations rooted in traditional knowledge systems. The study concludes that Amrutha Yoga represents a promising exploratory wellness innovation with potential applications in preventive healthcare, cognitive wellness, healthy aging, and public wellness promotion. However, future scientific validation through physiological, neurological, metabolic, and clinical studies—including EEG analysis, cortisol assessment, cognitive testing, and longitudinal health trials—is strongly recommended to establish empirical evidence regarding its effectiveness and broader therapeutic implications.
The Gunas – Tamas, Rajas, and Sattva as a Personality Framework: Relevance to Organisational Behaviour and Human Resource Management
Purpose: This research paper undertakes a comprehensive scholarly investigation of the Triguna framework — the ancient Samkhya-Vedantic classification of human personality and behaviour into the three fundamental qualities of Sattva (clarity, purity, and harmony), Rajas (activity, passion, and drive), and Tamas (inertia, resistance, and density) — and examines its theoretical foundations, psychological validity, and practical relevance to contemporary Organisational Behaviour (OB) and Human Resource Management (HRM). Drawing on primary classical sources, including the Bhagavad Gita and Samkhya philosophical texts, and on a growing body of empirical and conceptual research validating the framework's psychological and organisational applications, the paper argues that the Triguna model constitutes a sophisticated, actionable, and psychologically grounded personality framework that offers HRM practitioners and organisational leaders a powerful complement to existing Western personality assessment tools. Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper. Analysis/ Results: The paper is structured in nine chapters covering the philosophical origins of the Triguna system (Samkhya and Bhagavad Gita), a detailed characterisation of each Guna and its behavioural and psychological manifestations, the dynamic interaction of the Gunas and its implications for personality development, contemporary empirical evidence for the framework's psychological validity, detailed applications across core HRM domains (talent assessment, training and development, team building, leadership development, and performance management), and a critical evaluation addressing the framework's limitations and contextual boundaries. The paper includes a comparative analysis table mapping all three Gunas across eight organisational dimensions. Originality/ Values: The central thesis is that the Triguna framework, far from being a culturally specific or pre-scientific personality taxonomy, provides a philosophically rigorous, empirically supported, and practically generative model of human motivation and behaviour that mainstream OB research is only beginning to approximate through constructs such as mindfulness, engagement, burnout, and psychological capital. The paper concludes with a call for greater integration of the Triguna framework into management education curricula, HR assessment practices, and leadership development programmes, particularly in the Indian academic and corporate contexts where its cultural resonance can serve as a powerful anchor for ethical and effective people management. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.
Manusmriti and Arthashastra on Punishment Theory: A Jurisprudential Comparison with Bentham and Kant
Purpose: The philosophy of punishment — addressing why societies inflict suffering on those who violate their norms, how much suffering is warranted, and what institutional processes are required to ensure just outcomes — is among the oldest and most contested domains of legal and moral philosophy. The Western academic tradition has typically treated Immanuel Kant's retributive theory and Jeremy Bentham's utilitarian framework as the foundational pillars of modern punishment philosophy, constructing subsequent jurisprudential debate largely as a dialogue between these two positions. This framing, however, systematically marginalizes a body of sophisticated punishment theory that predates both Kant and Bentham by more than two millennia: the ancient Indian frameworks of the Manusmriti and Kautilya's Arthashastra, which developed comprehensive, internally consistent, and practically implemented philosophies of punishment that engaged the same fundamental jurisprudential questions with remarkable analytical depth. Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper. Analysis/Results: This research paper undertakes a systematic and multi-dimensional comparative jurisprudential analysis of four punishment theories across two civilizational traditions: the Manusmriti's dharma-based retributive framework (c. 200 BCE–200 CE), the Arthashastra's pragmatic dandaneeti system (c. 300 BCE), Kant's deontological retributivism (1785–1797), and Bentham's utilitarian calculus (1780–1789). The paper examines each theory across seven jurisprudential dimensions: foundational philosophical premise, purpose and justification of punishment, proportionality doctrine, treatment of protected classes and vulnerable persons, evidentiary and procedural standards, institutional structures, and legacy in contemporary Indian penal law. Originality/Values: The paper argues three principal claims. First, both the Manusmriti and the Arthashastra developed sophisticated punishment theories that anticipated, in different respects, both the retributive and the utilitarian strands of Western punishment philosophy — demonstrating that the fundamental jurisprudential questions about punishment are universal, even as the answers offered differ across cultural and philosophical contexts. Second, the Arthashastra's pragmatic, evidence-based, institutionally elaborated framework is in several important respects more advanced than either Kant's purely deontological or Bentham's purely consequentialist position, combining proportionality, procedural rigour, institutional differentiation, and consequentialist state-interest reasoning in a way that anticipates modern mixed theories of punishment. Third, contemporary Indian penal law — from the Indian Penal Code's proportionality provisions through the Supreme Court's rarest-of-rare doctrine to the ongoing reform debates about rehabilitation and restorative justice — reflects a genuine jurisprudential pluralism that draws simultaneously on all four traditions examined in this paper, and cannot be adequately understood through any single theoretical lens. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.
Svadharma Imperative through Mokṣa Sannyāsa Yoga: A Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18 Framework for Global Dharma, Purpose-Driven Societies, and the Future of Ethical Existence
Purpose: The purpose of this research case study is to investigate how the Eighteenth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita serves as a grand synthesis of action, knowledge, and devotion. It explores the alignment of innate individual duty, or svadharma, with global dharma to serve as an antidote to modern existential crises. Ultimately, the study aims to propose a "Dharma-Based Cosmic Ethic" that prioritizes selfless contribution and universal well-being over individual gain. Methodology: This exploratory case study synthesizes insights from a variety of credible sources—including websites, Google Scholar, and AI-powered GPT tools—and employs appropriate analytical frameworks aligned with the study’s objectives. Results/Analysis: The qualitative exploratory analysis reveals that the Svadharma Imperative within Chapter 18 provides a robust ethical-operational blueprint for aligning individual purpose with universal welfare. Through the application of SWOC and ABCD frameworks, the study demonstrates how the redefinition of renunciation as internal ego-detachment fosters psychological resilience and social cohesion. Ultimately, the results propose a Dharma-Based Cosmic Ethic that shifts societal focus from competitive, materialistic consumption to sustainable, purpose-driven contribution. Originality/Value: This research case study provides original value by positioning the "Svadharma Imperative" of Chapter 18 as a comprehensive ethical-operational framework to combat global purpose crises and systemic exploitation. It uniquely synthesizes ancient Vedic wisdom with modern strategic tools like SWOC and ABCD analysis to propose a sustainable, "Dharma-Based Cosmic Ethic" for the 21st century. Type of Paper: Qualitative Exploratory Research Analysis.
Śraddhā Traya Vibhāga Yoga-Based Economy: Applying the Guṇic Framework of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17 to Cultivate Conscious Consumption, Ethical Action, and Systemic Well-being
Purpose: This research analysis aims to explore how the seventeenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita can serve as a practical blueprint for redesigning modern human systems. The study specifically applies the Guṇic framework of sattva, rajas, and tamas to categorize key life aspects such as faith, food, and charity. Ultimately, it seeks to propose a transition from an exploitative economic model toward a "Śraddhā-Based Economy" focused on sustainability and holistic well-being. Methodology: This exploratory case study draws on data gathered from a range of credible sources, including websites, Google Scholar, and AI-powered GPT tools, and applies suitable analytical frameworks aligned with the study’s objectives. Results/Analysis: The research analysis determines that the threefold classification of faith, food, and action provides a comprehensive blueprint for transitioning toward a "Śraddhā-Based Economy". By applying the Guṇic framework of sattva, rajas, and tamas, modern systems can identify the underlying psychological drivers of economic behavior to foster sustainability and holistic well-being. Ultimately, the study illustrates that cultivating sāttvic qualities enables individuals and organizations to replace exploitative practices with those prioritizing systemic health and ethical restraint. Originality/Value: The "Research Case Study" provides a unique contribution by bridging ancient Vedic psychology with modern economic theory to propose a transition toward a sustainability-focused "Śraddhā-Based Economy". It offers significant value by utilizing structured SWOC and ABCD analytical frameworks to operationalize qualitative spiritual metrics into actionable strategies for individuals, businesses, and policymakers. Type of Paper: Qualitative Exploratory Research Analysis.
The Daivī-Āsurī Divide: A Bhagavad Gita 16th Chapter Framework for Diagnosing Civilizational Health and Cultivating Ethical Resilience in an Age of Crisis
Purpose: The Sixteenth Chapter, with its explicit delineation of divine (daivī) and demoniac (āsurī) traits, provides a powerful ethical framework perfectly suited for a multi-faceted analysis aimed at societal transformation. The purpose of this research analysis-based case study is to utilize the sixteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita as a diagnostic framework for evaluating modern civilizational health. By delineating the contrast between divine (daivī) and demoniac (āsurī) traits, the study seeks to identify the root causes of contemporary global crises. Ultimately, the paper aims to propose a transformative "New Ethics" that fosters individual resilience and collective flourishing through the conscious cultivation of virtuous qualities. Methodology: This exploratory case study employs a qualitative research methodology, synthesizing data from diverse scholarly and digital repositories—including Google Scholar, authoritative web sources, and generative AI platforms (GPTs). The gathered information is systematically evaluated through established analytical frameworks aligned with the study’s core objectives. Results/Analysis: The analysis identifies a systemic correlation between the rise of "demoniac" traits—such as insatiable greed and arrogance—and the escalating global crises of the modern era. By mapping these scriptural archetypes onto contemporary social and economic behaviors, the research demonstrates that civilizational decline is primarily a failure of internal character. The results conclude that a deliberate shift toward "divine" virtues is the only viable mechanism for building long-term ethical resilience and collective stability. Originality/Value: The originality of this research lies in its novel application of the Bhagavad Gita’s ancient ethical dualism as a systematic diagnostic tool for modern, large-scale civilizational crises. Its primary value exists in bridging the gap between spiritual wisdom and practical governance, offering a measurable "Daivī-Āsurī" framework to cultivate institutional resilience and collective ethical health in an increasingly volatile world. Type of Paper: Qualitative Exploratory Research Analysis.
Sacred Geography and Tamil Saivism: Temple, Landscape, and Memory in Thevaram Hymns
Purpose: Thevaram consists of hymns by three Nayanmars (Appar, Sambandar, and Sundarar) who praise Shiva and also lay the cement for building a\sacred geography' for the beginning of Tamil Saivism. This paper focuses on Thevaram Hymns and looks at the cross-section of elements of devotion, memory and landscape of Tamil Nadu. The Thevaram song fully and theologically sanctifies the Tamil landscape including rivers, hills, towns, cremation grounds and temples into a living a map of Theolog. The Thevaram anchors abstract religious ideas to a concrete physical location via its notes and descriptions of various the locations. Devotees were then able to experience the Divine in an active (via songs, personal memory and pilgrimages) authentic way. Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper. Analysis/ Results: The s o n g s of the Thevaram initiated a highly decentralized, yet simultaneously unified, Shaivism world. This world was a tangible manifestation where the sacred and the profane, the divine and the human, coexisted and interacted within the same geographical loci. This study attempts to illustrate the importance of Thevaram to Indian Knowledge Systems and to contemporary religion as an embodied practice, all within the frameworks of spatial religion, memory studies, and lived theology. Originality/ values: Thevaram's enduring strength is the extent to which it makes the land of Tamil Nadu an active locus of Saiva spiritual imagination. This paper suggests that the Thevaram's 'sacred geography' functions as an 'affective archive' of devotional routinization and the crystallization of communal identity. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.
Tamil Epics (Silappatikāram and Maṇimēkalai) as Cultural and Political Texts: Law, Justice, Religion, and Urban Life in Early Tamil Society
Purpose: The Tamil epics Silappatikaram and Maṇimēkalai are literary masterpieces. They also have an immense cultural and political significance. They achieved this status by giving considerable information about social and cultural life, legal systems, ethics, and pluralistic religious practices in urban Tamil societies of the time. They were written from the 2nd to the 6th century CE. In this paper, it is focussed on defining the epics from the perspectives of the social order and the urban civilization of Tamil society, the justice and governance systems, and the civil and moral systems. Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper. Analysis/ Results: Through the tragic story of Kannagi, the epic Silappatikaram and injustices done to women in society, the author, Ilango Adigal, also brings to the forefront the issues of justice, governance, and the moral responsibility of the king. Silappatikaram criticizes the exercise of arbitrary power. It also gives credence to the rule of law and justice as opposed to the king’s law. Maṇimēkalai, and the author Sīthalai Sāttanār, also brings in the Buddhist ethical doctrine of social compassion and the renunciation of the world, and the positive discourse of social harmony from non-violence and the welfare of all. Originality/ Values: This study examines the intersection of law, religion, and urban institutions in these epics and their influence on the construction of civic imaginaries. Puhār, Madurai, and Kanchi emerge as dynamic cities/ polities of commerce, politics, religion, and social integration/ intermingling. The Tamil epics, the author suggests, serve as the first literary/ imaginative critiques of justice and civic morality. In the end, Silappatikāram and Maṇimēkalai are placed as pivotal works for the commencement of the political thinking and cultural identity of the Tamils. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.
Dialogic Wisdom: Integrating Upanishadic Debate Technique into 21st-Century Education Systems
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the relevance of the Upanishadic dialogic method of teaching and learning in contemporary education systems and to explore its applicability in modern classrooms to foster critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and reflective inquiry. Methodology: The research adopts a mixed-method design combining conceptual analysis of ancient Indian pedagogical traditions with an empirical survey conducted among teachers from high schools, pre-university institutions, and undergraduate colleges. Data were collected using structured questionnaires and analysed through descriptive statistical methods along with thematic interpretation of qualitative responses. Results/Analysis: The findings indicate that while teachers demonstrate moderate awareness of the Upanishadic dialogic approach, most respondents believe that discussion-based learning can significantly enhance critical thinking, student engagement, and reflective reasoning. The study also reveals that dialogic pedagogies align closely with contemporary educational frameworks such as constructivist learning theory and inquiry-based education. Originality/Value: This study bridges ancient Indian educational philosophy and modern pedagogy by examining how the Upanishadic debate technique can contribute to learner-centered educational reforms, particularly in light of policy frameworks such as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Type of Paper: Empirical Research paper.
Bhakti as Vernacular Philosophy in Pre-Trinity Telugu Compositions Traditions
Purpose: The period preceding the Carnatic Trinity represents a formative phase in South Indian musical and devotional history, during which bhakti functioned not merely as emotional piety but as a mode of philosophical articulation. This study examines Telugu devotional music from the fifteenth to seventeenth centuries as a sophisticated vehicle for transmitting metaphysical, ethical, and theological ideas to the common devotee. Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper. Results/Analysis: This paper studies the works of Annamacharya, Tallapaka Tirumalamma, Kshetrayya, Bhadrachala Ramadasu, and Narayana Teertha and seeks to establish that Telugu bhakti music represented a parallel alternative philosophical discourse to the śāstric traditions. Surrender (or śaraṇāgati), divinity, ethical selfhood, and emotional realism are components of the vernacular lyrics, musical structures, and performative contexts. Temple worship, court patronage, and public processions (or ucchavrities) facilitated the wide circulation of these compositions and their embedding of philosophy into the lived experience of the religious. By interpreting pre-Trinity Telugu devotional music as a vernacular philosophy, this paper seeks to problematize the impenetrable boundaries of emotion and intellect, devotion and metaphysics. Originality/ Values: The study demonstrates that long before the formal classicism of the Carnatic Trinity, Telugu composers had already established a robust philosophical ecosystem where song functioned as theology, ethics, and pedagogy for the masses. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.
Comparative Mysticism: Tamil Bhakti Saints and Global Mystical Traditions
Purpose: One of the greatest mystical traditions of the world is the Tamil Bhakti literature. It is literature of devotion focused on inner realization and the unitive experience with the Divine. For instance, this paper presents a comparative study of some Tamil Bhakti saints, primarily the Nāyaṉmār and Āḻvārs, and the global mystical traditions of the Indian subcontinent Sufi, Christian Mysticism, and Zen Buddhism. Being an independent literature with its own theological, historical and cultural frameworks, the Tamil Bhakti literature in this instance, shares the greatest commonality with the aforementioned global mystical traditions. Love, surrender, self-annihilation, and the experiential knowledge of the Divine beyond the prescribed rituals and dogmas are some of the common themes of this literature. Using a comparative mystical approach, this paper illustrates Tamil Bhakti literature’s engagement with a universal mystical tradition while also being anchored in South Indian religious traditions Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper. Analysis/Results: By illustrating how Tamil Bhakti literature mysticism transcends the South Indian religious traditions’ theology, the paper enhances interreligious scholarship by establishing the mysticism’s soteriological grammar of interiority. The paper concludes by placing the Tamil Bhakti saints within a contemporary mystic’s global community, highlighting their relevance to modern search for spirituality and peace. Originality/Values: In the Tamil Bhakti literature, divine intimacy is the central theme, and the literature is characterized by ego-negation, paradoxical statements, and the transcendence of organized religion. It has been documented in the various mystical traditions globally that the Escaped the institution literature love, grace, and experience share a commonality with the Sufi literature on ishq and fanā, Christian literature on agape and unio mystica, and Zen literature on satori. Mystical devotion in a culture, devoted literature and mystical expression in a culture, is often documented. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research
Sivavakkiyar as a Radical Śaiva Mystic: Protest, Paradox, and Spiritual Subversion
Purpose: Sivavakkiyar holds a special, even radical, place in the Tamil traditions of Śaiva mysticism. Commonly linked to the Siddha lineage, his verses serve as a potent counter to ritualism, caste, and religion as an institution. This paper considers Siddha Sivavakkiyar as a radical Śaiva mystic and considers his poetry to be both a form of spiritual teaching and social critique. Sivavakkiyar’s poems advocate for inner, experiential realization of Śiva (uḷḷe śivam) devotion as opposed to scripture-based practice, and external showings of faith, temple attendance, ritual purity, and the many other practices of devotion to the temples. He uses decisive, iconoclastic, and paradoxical poetry. He references the body, communal decay, the impermanent, and the illusory in order to remove false certainty. Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper. Result/ analysis: This paper also incorporates and acknowledges other work to assert that Sivavakkiyar mysticism is also a form of activism in which the critique of an order is fundamental to the attainment of enlightenment. Originality/ Values: Sivavakkiyar is described as a mystic in other works; however, the author of this paper is especially interested in placing Sivavakkiyar outside of the conventions of wider Śaiva Siddha and Tamil Bhakti mysticism. His critique of the caste system and the priest as an agent of mediation in the religious system is a forerunner to other social movements in this part of India and illustrates the social ethics of his mysticism. This study's primary focus is on arguing that the radical mysticism of Sivavakkiyar redefines devotion as an awakening that is more internal as opposed to an external phenomenon. Such an interpretation of his work is particularly pertinent to the present concerns of spirituality, social justice, and the reformation of religion. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.
The Puruṣottama Yoga Paradigm: Leveraging Chapter 15 of Bhagavad Gita's World-Tree Metaphor for Global Systems Thinking and Transcendent Ethical Leadership
Purpose: The purpose of this research case study is to examine the metaphysical architecture of Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita, specifically the Aśvattha (World-Tree) metaphor, as a foundational model for global systems thinking. It analyzes the "Puruṣottama Yoga" paradigm to distinguish between perishable, imperishable, and supreme aspects of reality for diagnosing contemporary global challenges. Additionally, the study evaluates the impact of Transcendent Ethical Leadership by leveraging the concept of the "Supreme Person" to move beyond transactional models toward self-actualization and resilient decision-making. Methodology: This qualitative exploratory research utilizes a systematic collection of data from reputable academic repositories, Google Scholar, and AI-driven large language models to ensure a comprehensive information base. The gathered data is rigorously examined through the SWOC and ABCD analysis frameworks to align with the specific research objectives of the study. By integrating these strategic tools with interpretive insights from GPTs, the methodology provides a multi-dimensional evaluation of the Puruṣottama Yoga paradigm. Results/Analysis: The analysis demonstrates that the Aśvattha metaphor provides a robust systemic framework for diagnosing global challenges at their root causes within human consciousness. Through SWOC and ABCD frameworks, the research identifies that the Puruṣottama paradigm effectively shifts leadership from ego-centric power toward a model of transcendent ethical detachment. Ultimately, the study concludes that integrating this "Puruṣottama Ethic" fosters conscious interdependence, offering a viable ontological foundation for global sustainability and peace. Originality/Value: This research case study provides a pioneering bridge between ancient Vedic metaphysics and modern organizational theory by reframing the Aśvattha (World-Tree) metaphor as a sophisticated model for global systems thinking. Its primary value lies in establishing the "Puruṣottama Yoga" paradigm as a robust ontological foundation for Transcendent Ethical Leadership, offering a strategic roadmap to harmonize material sustainability with spiritual flourishing. Type of Paper: Qualitative Exploratory Research Analysis.
Guṇa Traya Vibhāga Yoga - Triguna Theory of the Fourteenth Chapter of Bhagavad Gita for Global Well-being: Deconstructing and Transcending the Modes of Nature for Ethical Evolution and Planetary Harmony
Purpose: The Fourteenth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, Guṇa Traya Vibhāga Yoga (The Yoga of the Division of the Three Gunas), is a foundational text of Sāṃkhya philosophy, explaining the three modes of material nature (sattva, rajas, and tamas) that govern all phenomenal existence. It offers a rich framework for analyzing human psychology, behaviour, and the path to liberation. Methodology: This exploratory research case study makes use of collected information from various authentic sources, including websites, Google Scholar, and AI-driven GPTs, and is analyzed using appropriate Analysis frameworks as per the objectives of the paper. Results/Analysis: The qualitative research analysis demonstrates that the Triguna framework serves as a sophisticated diagnostic tool for deconstructing the root psychic causes of global crises by identifying the shifting proportions of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas in human behaviour. The study concludes that conscious guna management facilitates a systematic elevation of consciousness, offering a practical roadmap for individual ethical evolution and the restoration of planetary harmony. Originality/Value: This research case study provides unique value by synthesizing ancient Sāṃkhya philosophy with modern behavioural science to establish a "Guṇa-Based Evolutionary Ethic" for addressing contemporary global crises. It offers high originality through the application of dual strategic frameworks—SWOC and ABCD analysis—to transform metaphysical concepts into an actionable, stakeholder-centric roadmap for fostering planetary harmony and holistic well-being. Type of Paper: Qualitative Exploratory Research Analysis.
The Kṣetra-Kṣetrajña Vibhāga Yoga Framework of the Thirteenth Chapter of Bhagavad Gita for Conscious Leadership and Systemic Ethical Transformation in the 21st Century
Purpose: The purpose of this research case study is to analyze the metaphysical distinction between the "Field" (Kṣetra) and the "Knower" (Kṣetrajña) as presented in the Thirteenth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita to establish a foundation for conscious leadership. It explores the systematic learnings and twenty virtues identified in this framework that facilitate detached engagement and ethical decision-making in 21st-century organizational contexts. Additionally, the study aims to evaluate this conceptual model using SWOC and ABCD analysis methodologies to assess its viability for systemic ethical transformation and global sustainability. Methodology: This exploratory case study draws on information gathered from credible sources such as websites, Google Scholar, and AI-based GPT tools, and analyzes the data using suitable analytical frameworks aligned with the study’s objectives. Results/Analysis: The analysis finds that applying the Kṣetra–Kṣetrajña distinction cultivates detached engagement, enabling leaders to separate ego-driven reactions from conscious, value-based decisions, thereby strengthening ethical judgment and emotional resilience. The SWOC and ABCD evaluations indicate that, despite challenges of abstraction and implementation, the framework has strong potential for conscious leadership development, high-trust ecosystems, and sustainability-oriented governance. Overall, the case study concludes that internalizing “witness-consciousness” can drive systemic ethical transformation from the individual level to organizations and society at large. Originality/Value: The study’s originality lies in translating the Kṣetra–Kṣetrajña metaphysical distinction of the Bhagavad Gita into a practical framework for conscious leadership and systemic ethics using modern strategic tools like SWOC and ABCD analyses. Its value emerges from bridging ancient Vedic ontology with 21st-century organizational, sustainability, and governance challenges, offering a novel pathway for ethical and consciousness-based transformation. Type of Paper: Qualitative Exploratory Research Analysis.
Bhakti and Kingship: Theology, Ethics, and Self-Representation in Swathi Thirunal’s Lyrics
Purpose: Swathi Thirunal Rama Varma (1813–1846), the Maharaja of Travancore, represents a rare confluence of political authority, devotional humility, and musical genius. His lyrical corpus—composed in Sanskrit, Malayalam, Telugu, Hindi, and Manipravalam—offers a unique window into how bhakti theology was articulated from within the framework of kingship. This study examines Swathi Thirunal’s compositions as texts of self-representation, where the ruler consciously positions himself not as a sovereign above the divine, but as a dāsa (servant) of Lord Padmanābha. Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper. Analysis/ Results: Through close textual and thematic analysis, the paper explores how theological commitments to Viṣṇu-bhakti, ethical ideals of rājarṣi kingship, and personal humility are woven into his kritis and padams. The study further argues that Swathi Thirunal’s lyrics function as moral-political statements, redefining royal power as service (sevā) rather than dominance. By integrating bhakti metaphysics, ethical self-discipline, and aesthetic refinement, his works challenge conventional binaries between devotion and governance. Originality/ Values: This paper situates Swathi Thirunal within broader bhakti traditions while highlighting his distinctive contribution as a ruler-composer whose musical self-fashioning shaped the cultural and spiritual ethos of nineteenth-century Travancore. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.
Haridāsa Trinity and Democratizing Dvaita Philosophy through Devotional Expressions
Purpose: The Trinity of Haridāsa Sāhitya—Śrī Vyāsa Tīrtha, Purandara Dāsa, and Kanaka Dāsa—played a decisive role in transmitting the core tenets of Dvaita Vedānta to the common people of Karnataka and beyond. Rooted in the philosophical vision of Madhvācārya, their collective contribution lay in transforming abstract metaphysical doctrines into accessible, emotionally resonant, and ethically grounded devotional literature. Vyāsa Tīrtha provided the rigorous scholastic foundation, articulating Dvaita philosophy through debates, commentaries, and institutional leadership. Purandara Dāsa and Kanaka Dāsa, drawing from this philosophical base, employed vernacular Kannada, music, and poetic simplicity to communicate complex ideas such as the eternal distinction between jīva and Brahman, the supremacy of Viṣṇu, and the salvific power of bhakti. Their compositions bridged temple, court, and village spaces, enabling philosophical literacy among non-elite audiences. Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper. Result/ analysis: This study examines how the Trinity functioned as philosopher, pedagogue, and poet-saint, collectively democratizing Dvaita thought. By integrating reason, devotion, and social ethics, the Haridāsa Trinity ensured that Dvaita was not confined to scholastic circles but became a lived spiritual tradition for the masses. Originality/ Values: This paper analyses the Trinitarians of Haridāsa Sāhitya as a philosopher, pedagogue, and poet-saint in order to popularise Dvaita Vedānta. The Haridāsa Sāhitya Trinity of Vyāsa Tīrtha, Purandara Dāsa, and Kanaka Dāsa, through the synthesis of devotion and reason, as well as social and spiritual ethics, ensured the Dvaita Vedānta tradition was lived and practiced beyond the area of mere philosophical speculation. The Haridāsa movement accomplished what few philosophical traditions have: it successfully decoupled profound theological insight from the prerequisites of literacy, caste, gender, or monastic vocation. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.
Tiruvācakam as Lived Theology: Emotion, Experience, and Śaiva Mysticism
Purpose: Tiruvācakam, composed by Māṇikkavācakar in the 9th century CE, stands as one of the most profound spiritual texts in Tamil Śaiva literature. Unlike doctrinal treatises or systematic theological expositions, Tiruvācakam articulates theology as lived experience—embodied through emotion (bhāva), surrender (śaraṇāgati), and mystical intimacy with Śiva. This study examines Tiruvācakam as a form of lived theology, where spiritual truth is not merely conceptualized but intensely felt, sung, and enacted. Māṇikkavācakar’s verses dissolve the boundaries between devotee and deity, intellect and emotion, ritual and realization. Methodology: In this paper, the exploratory qualitative research method is used. The relevant information is collected using keyword-based search in Google search engine, Google Scholar search engine, and AI-driven GPTs. This information is analysed and interpreted as per the objectives of the paper. Analysis/ Results: Drawing upon Śaiva Siddhānta, bhakti poetics, and comparative mysticism, the paper argues that Tiruvācakam functions as an experiential theology that prioritizes inner transformation over metaphysical speculation. The text’s recurring motifs of tears, longing, divine grace, and ego-annihilation reveal a theology rooted in personal encounter rather than institutional dogma. Originality/ Values: By situating Tiruvācakam within the broader framework of Tamil bhakti traditions and global mystical literature, this study highlights its enduring relevance as a spiritual manual that integrates ethics, aesthetics, and transcendence. The paper ultimately positions Tiruvācakam as a timeless testament to Tamil spirituality’s capacity to articulate the deepest truths of human-divine communion through lived emotional experience. Type of Paper: Exploratory Research.
Cultivating the Ideal Citizen: A Modern Analysis of the Bhakti Yoga Framework in Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita for Fostering Global Ethos and Social Harmony
Purpose: The purpose of this research case study is to argue that the structured path of devotion and virtues outlined in the Twelfth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita provide a universal framework for cultivating ethical individuals. It aims to demonstrate how this framework serves as a powerful tool for addressing modern societal challenges such as polarization and ethical apathy. Ultimately, the study seeks to guide the development of a conscious, compassionate, and harmonious global society through the analysis of these timeless spiritual principles. Methodology: This qualitative exploratory research utilizes data gathered from a variety of credible sources, such as specialized websites, Google Scholar, and insights from AI-driven GPTs. The collected information is examined through structured analysis frameworks—specifically SWOC and ABCD—to align with the core objectives of the study. By integrating these traditional and modern inquiry methods, the paper ensures a comprehensive evaluation of the Bhakti Yoga framework. Results/Analysis: The results and analysis of this case study demonstrate that the Twelfth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita establishes a stable foundation for both personal mental resilience and proactive communal harmony. Through strategic SWOC and ABCD methodologies, the research highlights that the Bhakti Yoga framework offers vast opportunities for integration into modern leadership, education, and global policy despite contemporary challenges like materialism. Ultimately, the analysis positions the "Ideal Citizen" as a socially integrated agent whose ego-free actions for universal welfare provide a vital counter-narrative to modern ethical apathy and societal polarization. Originality/Value: This research case study provides original value by synthesizing ancient spiritual principles from the Twelfth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita with modern strategic analysis frameworks like SWOC and ABCD. It offers a unique, evidence-based roadmap for character education and global citizenship, demonstrating how traditional virtue ethics can be practically re-contextualized to foster social harmony in a contemporary, globalized society. Type of Paper: Qualitative Exploratory Research Analysis.
The Vishvarupa Darśana Yoga as a Framework for Global Environmental Ethics: An Analysis of Cosmic Interconnectedness and Its Imperatives for Humanity based on the Eleventh Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita
Purpose: The purpose of this research case study is to examine the Viśvarūpa Darśana Yoga of the Eleventh Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita as a philosophical and ethical foundation for global environmental responsibility. It seeks to interpret the vision of the Universal Form as a model of cosmic interconnectedness that transcends anthropocentric perspectives and redefines humanity’s moral relationship with nature. By doing so, the study aims to derive ethical imperatives relevant to contemporary environmental challenges and sustainable global action. Methodology: This exploratory case study draws on information gathered from credible sources such as academic websites, Google Scholar, and AI-driven GPT tools. The collected data are systematically examined using appropriate analytical frameworks aligned with the stated objectives of the study. Results/Analysis: The results and analysis of this research reveal that the Viśvarūpa Darśana Yoga offers a robust metaphysical and ethical framework for global environmental ethics by emphasizing radical cosmic interconnectedness and divine immanence. The application of SWOC, ABCD, and impact analysis frameworks demonstrates that the vision of the Universal Form effectively transcends anthropocentric paradigms, fostering reverential accountability, psychological resilience, and sustainable action across individual, societal, and global levels. Overall, the analysis confirms that the Eleventh Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita provides a coherent and value-driven foundation for addressing contemporary ecological challenges through a spiritually grounded, non-anthropocentric ethic. Originality/Value: The originality of this research lies in its novel interpretation of the Viśvarūpa Darśana Yoga as a comprehensive, non-anthropocentric framework for global environmental ethics, integrating ancient spiritual wisdom with modern analytical tools such as SWOC, ABCD, and impact analysis. The study adds value by offering a culturally rooted yet globally relevant ethical model that bridges philosophy, ecology, and sustainability, thereby enriching contemporary environmental discourse with a spiritually grounded perspective. Type of Paper: Qualitative Exploratory Research Analysis.
Seeing the Divine in the World: The Vibhuti Yoga of the Tenth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita as a Framework for Sacramental Vision and Ecological Ethics
Purpose: The purpose of this research case study is to examine the Vibhuti Yoga of the Tenth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita as a philosophical framework for cultivating a sacramental vision that perceives the divine as immanent within the natural and social world. It seeks to interpret how Krishna’s enumeration of divine manifestations provides a non-utilitarian ethical foundation for ecological responsibility, mental well-being, and value-based human conduct. Further, the study aims to contextualize these insights for contemporary society by systematically evaluating their relevance and applicability through qualitative exploratory analysis and strategic frameworks such as SWOC and ABCD. Methodology: This qualitative exploratory case study draws upon information gathered from a range of credible sources, including scholarly databases such as Google Scholar, relevant academic websites, and insights generated through AI-driven GPT tools. The collected data are systematically examined using suitable analytical frameworks aligned with the stated objectives of the study. Results/Analysis: The analysis reveals that the Vibhuti Yoga of the Tenth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita effectively functions as a practical framework for cultivating a sacramental vision, enabling individuals to perceive divine immanence in natural, human, and cosmic excellence. The application of SWOC and ABCD analytical frameworks demonstrates that this vision significantly strengthens ecological ethics, psychological well-being, and value-based conduct by shifting human orientation from exploitation to reverence. Overall, the findings confirm that Vibhuti Yoga offers a coherent, non-utilitarian ethical model with strong relevance for contemporary environmental consciousness, education, and societal transformation. Originality/Value: The originality of this research case study lies in its integrative reinterpretation of Vibhuti Yoga as a contemporary framework for sacramental vision and ecological ethics, systematically bridging classical Indian philosophy with modern ethical, psychological, and environmental discourses. Its value is further enhanced by the novel application of SWOC and ABCD analytical frameworks to a sacred text, offering a structured, interdisciplinary model that extends the relevance of the Bhagavad Gita beyond theology into education, policy, and sustainability studies. Type of Paper: Qualitative Exploratory Research Analysis.