Comparative & Interreligious Studies

Agni's Evolution in Vedic Iconography and Art

By Nanditha C. Krishna

Agni, the Vedic deity of fire, holds significant importance in human history for enabling survival and development through warmth, light, and ritual practices. The *Ṛig Veda* describes Agni with…

Ancient Indian Sleep Principles: Directional Practices and Magnetic Beliefs

By V.Lalitha

The ancient Hindu practice of avoiding sleeping with the head northward is rooted in scientific principles related to magnetism and human physiology. Traditional texts like the Garga Rishi's *Ahnika…

Aryans and the Sea: Evidence from the Rgveda

By S. N. Arya

The analysis of select Rgvedic hymns reveals evidence of early Aryan engagement with the sea, challenging scholars who denied their maritime connections. References to the Sarasvati River reaching…

Ayurveda in Andhra Pradesh: History, Practice, and Cultural Context (13th-17th Centuries)

By Polavarapu Hymavathi

The PDF provides a comprehensive review of Hymavathi's *History of Ayurveda in Andhra Desha (13th-17th Century)*, published by Bhargava Publishers. The work is praised for its thorough exploration of…

Bone, Stone and Throne: Relic Veneration's Rise and Impact on Pre-Modern Chinese Society

By Dhriti Roy

The rise of relic veneration in Chinese Buddhism, particularly through the enshrinement of Gautama Śākyamuni’s remains, profoundly shaped monastic life and broader pre-modern Chinese society. This…

Brahmanical Influence on Dārikavadham Folklore in Kerala: A Comparative Study of Kaḷaṃezhuthu and Kiḷippaṭṭu

By Sreelakshmi Radhakrishnan

This study examines the societal impact on the textual tradition of *Dārikavadham* in Kerala through a comparative analysis of two narratives: *Kaḷaṃezhuthu* and *Kiḷippaṭṭu*. The research highlights…

Buddha's Dharma: Human Problems and Spiritual Solutions

By Sanjib Kumar Das

The term "Dharma" originates from the Sanskrit root "dha," meaning "to hold" or "to bear," and encompasses social, household, and spiritual responsibilities. Buddhist teachings emphasize Dharma in…

Buddha's Dialogue with Sakka: Philosophical Insights from the Sakkapañha-Sutta

By Vaibhav Kumar Srivastava

The Sakkapañha-Sutta, the twenty-first discourse in the Dīghanikāya's Mahāvagga, explores philosophical ideas through a dialogue between the Buddha and Sakka, the king of the gods. Sakka inquires…

Buddha's Revolutionary Impact on Women's Status in Ancient India

By Singh

The status of women in Buddhism remains a complex and debated topic, reflecting both progressive and restrictive elements within Buddhist teachings. Historically, pre-Buddhist India granted women…

Buddha's Revolutionary Impact on Women's Status in Ancient India

By Singh

The status of women in Buddhism remains a complex and debated topic, reflecting both progressive and restrictive elements within Buddhist teachings and historical context. Pre-Buddhist India,…

Buddhist Ethics: Non-Virtue, Merit, and the Path to Enlightenment

By Tashi Tsering

The paper analyzes the Dhammapada stanza advising against sin and promoting merit, focusing on Buddhist ethical principles. It details five factors for non-virtuous actions (basis, motivation,…

Buddhist Perspectives on Religious Pluralism and Interfaith Dialogue

By Siddharth Singh

The text explores Buddhist perspectives on religious pluralism and humanistic ideals, addressing contemporary societal challenges like conflict, prejudice, and cultural misunderstandings. It…

Christian Missionaries and Progressive Transformation in Modern Travancore

By Shaji A

The transformation of modern Travancore in the 19th and early 20th centuries was shaped by British rule, English education, and Christian missionary activities, alongside progressive administrative…

Christian Missionaries and Women's Social Emancipation in British Orissa

By B. K. Sarma

The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries saw significant social decline in Orissa due to political instability, wars, and oppressive practices like sati, infanticide, child marriage, and denial of…

Comparative Study of Ramayana and Mahabharata: Origins, Themes, and Cultural Impact

By S. Kuppusamy

This paper examines the Ramayana and Mahabharata, two foundational epics of ancient Indian ethos. The Ramayana, traditionally attributed to Valmiki, originated from a hunter’s accidental killing of a…

Comparing Pāli and Tibetan Versions of Mahāsuññata-sutta

By Animesh Prakash

The Mahāsuññata-sutta, a Pāli discourse on emptiness, is compared with its Tibetan counterpart in this study. The sutta, taught by the Buddha to Ānanda at Nigrodhārāma in Kapilavastu, explores…

Dowry System in Tamil Nadu: Historical Evolution and Social Impact

The dowry system in Tamil Nadu, rooted in ancient practices like *stridhana* (gifts given to brides during Vedic marriages), evolved into a modern social issue influenced by colonial education and…

Environment's Impact on Mind Development: Forest Meditation in Buddha's Time

By N H P R S Navarathne

This study examines the impact of natural environments, particularly forests, on mind development through the lens of Buddhist teachings. It analyzes why the Buddha emphasized forest meditation,…

Gender Inequality in Ancient Indian Buddhist Monasteries

By S. Yashodhamani

The text examines the historical evolution of gender dynamics in ancient India, focusing on societal shifts from matriarchy to patriarchal structures and the institutionalized subjugation of women…

Haribhadra's Saddarsana Samuccaya: A Compendium of Indian Philosophies

By Acharya Shri Harbhadra

The text discusses three significant Sanskrit works on Indian philosophy: Haribhadra’s *Saddarsana Samuccaya*, Sankara’s *Sarva Siddhantasara Sangraha* (though its authorship is debated), and…

Hinduism's Cultural and Artistic Heritage in Tamil Nadu

By C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar, P. K. Sundaram

The PDF content lists various publications associated with the C.P. Ramaswami Aiyar Foundation, covering diverse topics related to religion, culture, and art. Key works include "Religion, Man and…

Ideology and Environment in Vedic Culture's Origins

By Ramendra Nath Nandi

The book *Ideology and Environment: Situating the Origin of Vedic Culture* by Ramendra Nath Nandi offers a comprehensive analysis of Vedic culture, challenging traditional narratives and presenting…

Indo-Aryan Migration Debate: Balanced Perspectives on Vedic Culture Origins

By S. Gopalakrishnan

The book under review, *The Quest for the Origins of Vedic Culture - the Indo-Aryan Migration Debate* by Edward Bryant, examines the contentious historical debate surrounding the origins of Vedic…

Indraprastha: Delhi's Ancient Mahabharata-Era History Unveiled

By B. B. Lal

Delhi's historical identity as a composite of seven cities has long been a point of discussion, but archaeologist Dr. B.B. Lal challenged this narrative by exploring the city's deeper antiquity. The…