1. In so far as the suggestion is that the English word ‘prostitute’ does not capture the connotations of the earlier uses of ‘Veshya’, as I said, I agree with…
Read moreColonial Consciousness and Victorian Morality
1. You suggest that calling Apsaras as “prostitutes in the court of Indra” is an extreme statement. Of course, you would be right if you mean that the English word…
Read moreVictorian morality of NRI and middle class Hindus: Prostitution, Adultery
1.1. The Indian traditions did not have the same attitude as Christianity towards prostitution or adultery. And the Indians of yesteryears were not defenders of the Victorian (and Christian) morality. Of…
Read moreWhat is the most ideal social security system (safety net)?
Let me invite you to do a thought-experiment along with me. Imagine that all human beings seek happiness. Imagine too that they can all achieve this state of being. Because,…
Read moreWhy Hindus do not eat beef?
[check this paper Beef Bans, Beef Parties and Sacred Cows ] I think there is a simpler answer to why we do not eat beef: “we do not see it as…
Read moreIs tradition akin to following moral obligations?
Traditions are inherited practices, which mean two things: they are both transmitted and learnt. The learning occurs through imitation, following instructions, through stories and so on. Consequently, traditions ‘change’ (i.e. undergo…
Read moreAchievements of Indology: Esoteric Indian traditions
A science of cultures is not Atmagyaana or Brahmagyaana. Let me also add that I find a quest for happiness a normal human striving. According to the Indian traditions, experience…
Read moreExtended reproduction of religion and revitalization of Indian traditions
1. Why did Christianity become a ‘universal’ religion? How did Christians replace the ‘chosen’ people? What was the logic behind the transformation of the Jewish god into God of the…
Read moreThe dynamic of religion: secularization and proselytization
1. Let us begin with the idea that religion is some kind of a system (or structure or whatever you feel like using) that maintains itself. That is to say,…
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