Indian Philosophy and Aesthetics

Satyagraha is a term coined by Gandhi, derived from the Sanskrit words satya (truth) and agraha (holding firmly to). It is often translated as Truth Force or Soul Force.

Satyagraha is a philosophy of nonviolent resistance. While it involves resistance, the term 'Resistance' as a standalone principle is often contrasted with the specific moral framework of Satyagraha, which emphasizes truth and nonviolence over mere agitation.

Sikhism has a strong martial tradition, especially after Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa in 1699, formalizing the Sikh warrior identity. Jainism is explicitly non-violent and pacifist.

Jainism is fundamentally pacifist, practicing ahimsa (non-violence) to an extreme degree, while Sikhism has a warrior tradition despite also valuing peace.

Jainism practices strict vegetarianism as part of ahimsa (non-violence) to avoid harming any living being, while Sikhs are not religiously required to be vegetarian, though many choose to be.

In Mahayana Buddhism, the Buddha is often elevated to a divine or god-like status, whereas in other traditions, he is viewed primarily as a human teacher.

Theravada Buddhism emphasizes the original teachings of the Buddha, viewing him as a human teacher who attained enlightenment rather than a god.

Siddhartha Gautama was born into a Hindu family and culture in ancient India, and his teachings emerged from that context.

The Vedas are the oldest scriptures of Hinduism, which were composed and passed down orally by the Aryans for centuries before being written down.

The Vedas were associated with the caste system (varna), which established social hierarchy rather than equality.

The word Dhamma is the Prakrit form of the Sanskrit word Dharma, which refers to a code of conduct or religious duty.

Ashoka's policy of dhamma was a moral code of conduct emphasizing tolerance, non-violence, and respect for elders rather than a dogmatic religious faith. It was propagated through persuasion and moral teachings, not forced upon people.

The word dhamma is the Prakrit form of the Sanskrit word dharma, which relates to duty, righteousness, and moral law. Prakrit was the common vernacular language used in Ashokan inscriptions.

Ashoka's Dhamma was a set of ethical principles and social behaviors intended to promote harmony and tolerance among his subjects.

The Jatakas are a voluminous body of literature concerning the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form.