IKS webinar on the Philosophy of Life in the Light of the Upanishads

Way2barak, 13 August : The Centre for Indian Knowledge Systems, Assam University, organized a one-day webinar on 11th August, which attracted participants from different colleges and universities across India and abroad. The program was coordinated by Dr. Munmun Chakraborty and inaugurated by Prof. Gangabhusan, Director, IKS, AUS. The main speaker of the webinar was Prof. Raghunath Ghose, Emeritus Professor of University of North Bengal. Dr. Sindhu Poudyal, Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy, Tripura University joined as a discussant in the webinar.

Prof. Ghose started his deliberation referring the concept of morality as presented in the very first verse of Īśa Upaniṣad. He emphasized how Upaniṣads synthesizes the transcendental dimension of our life with our mundane life in the world which reveals the essence of Vedānta and its profound importance in today’s world. The ultimate goal of our lives is not simply the enjoyment of worldly possessions, but rather finding joy through renunciation. This may seem like a conflicting idea, but it actually paves the way for self-realization and personal growth. Each individual is not an isolated being but rather a part of a universal self. We attain the true essence of our existence by integrating and synthesizing the world around us. Since unity leads to immortality, while alienation causes all suffering, the Upaniṣads encourage us to view others not as separate individuals, but as extensions of ourselves. This sense of identification with others helps us to overcome social evils as well as our limitations and ignorance.

Prof. Ghose asserted how Mahatma Gandhi following the words of Upaniṣads viewed Truth (Satya) as identical to Consciousness. Truth demands transparency, our thoughts, words, and actions must consistently align. This principle is echoed in the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, who emphasized that an ethical life requires harmony among one’s thoughts, speech, and actions. The same message is uttered in the Kena Upaniṣad. The speaker connected Upaniṣadic concepts to contemporary issues such as environmental degradation and pollution. He stressed the necessity of maintaining a harmony with our Mother Nature that is the unwavering basis of our existence and encouraged everyone to protect medicinal plants and greenery so that we can lead healthy and beautiful lives. Additionally, he explored the aesthetic dimension of our pain and suffering through the lens of the Upaniṣads. When a person experiences the essence of Brahman in this worldly existence, even pain (pathos) can become enjoyable, despite its bitterness; in Upaniṣadic terminology, this experience is referred to as karana-rasha. This reflects true detachment from worldly desires. Quoting from the Upanishads, he reminded everyone to treat their mother, father, and guests as divine. He further noted that Swami Vivekananda included the poor and uneducated in this revered list. He explained the term Āchārya, which refers to a teacher who practices what they teach and emphasized that they should also be respected as a goddess.

Finally, Prof. Ghose argued that the Indian philosophical tradition is a vast ocean encompassing many fields such as epistemology, metaphysics, aesthetics, soteriology and moral philosophy. However, as the Īśa Upanishad teaches, we cannot know everything at once. If someone believes he knows all, it reflects his limitation and ignorance. To illustrate this point, he referred Sukumar Roy’s humorous poem “Babumoshai,” which demonstrates that claiming to know everything often signals a lack of true understanding.
The webinar concluded with a lively and engaging question-and-answer session, during which Prof. Ghose addressed all inquiries with clarity. Finally, Coordinator Dr. Munmun Chakraborty expressed gratitude to the speaker, participants, and everyone involved.