Almost every time anglers like Gil Hawkins fish the Hudson River, they throw their catch back in the water — because PCB contamination has placed severe restrictions on what can be eaten. There's so much pollution, commercial fishing is outright banned. Marinas along the landmark river have to pay high fees to dispose of contaminated mud when they conduct routine dredging.
And while the Hudson River is being celebrated this summer, on the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's historic voyage, it still holds the awful distinction of being the nation's largest Superfund site.
None of this is likely to change
Even though a long-awaited cleanup of PCBs began last month, it may not benefit North Jersey's portion of the polluted waterway for 30 years — if at all.
"You don't just drop 1.3 million pounds [of PCBs] in the river and think the river and its fish are going to rebound after one dredging action," said Hawkins, a Leonia resident and a member of the Hudson River Fisherman's Association. "The bottom line is, the water will become cleaner, but it's going to take some time."
In order for the lower Hudson and New York Harbor to reach safe standards by 2040, about 2 million cubic yards of PCB-laden sediment — enough to fill 100,000 large dump trucks — must be dredged from the Hudson. In addition, the heavily contaminated Passaic River also needs a cleanup — because its pollution washes into the Hudson and adds to the contamination there, according to an ongoing scientific study of contaminants in the harbor.
But there is uncertainty over whether those cleanups will ever get off the ground, let alone be complete
General Electric Co., which legally released 1.3 million pounds of the banned chemical into the Hudson for decades, has yet to commit to a full $750 million cleanup of the river. The first phase of dredging, which began May 15 in an area 200 miles north of New Jersey, is considered a test run and would remove only about 10 percent the contaminated mud.
Meanwhile, the only major remediation project scheduled for the Passaic River is the removal of cancer-causing dioxins from a small portion of the riverbed in Newark.
Federal officials overseeing the Hudson dredging concede that the project's impact on the lower portion of the river will be minimal, at least in the short term.
"It's hard to say its effect down here," said Ben Conetta, the Hudson River project manager for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. "On a larger scale it can only be beneficial to everybody. But it may not be as dramatic here as it is [in upstate New York] for a number of years."
PCBs have been demonstrated to cause cancer, as well as a variety of other adverse effects on the immune system, reproductive system, nervous system and endocrine system, according to the EPA.
About 75 percent of the PCBs in New York Harbor come from the upper Hudson, where 500 pounds of the suspected carcinogen pours over the Troy Dam each year, spreading pollution all the way down the river, through New York Harbor and into Newark Bay. The rest comes from several sources, including the Passaic River, which is also a Superfund site and considered one of the most polluted waterways in America.
The Hudson PCBs originated from GE's capacitor plants in Fort Edward and Hudson Falls, N.Y., where the chemical was used as a lubricant for machine parts until it was banned in the U.S. in 1977. A critical moment occurred in 1973, when a decaying dam was removed 40 miles north of Albany and large amounts of PCBs flowed downriver.
The EPA initially decided against dredging the Hudson, believing the PCBs were entombed in the riverbed. But the agency reversed course in the late 1990s when reports showed that PCBs were escaping from the mud and migrating downstream.
After years of legal wrangling with the EPA, GE agreed to dredge 200,000 cubic yards of contaminated sediment — enough to fill the Empire State Building to the 15th floor — from the Hudson about 40 miles north of Albany. It is the first phase of the EPA's plan to dredge 2 million cubic yards.
Up to 12 excavators will scoop sediment along a 7-mile stretch through November.
The dredging will be deliberately slow to avoid stirring up PCBs in the river — one of the arguments GE made for years against dredging. Metal curtains will surround some dredge sites and work will halt when the current is too strong. Despite such precautions, EPA officials said a small amount of PCBs will become free in the river.
"There will be some increased numbers," Conetta said. "But over the long term, that number is going to go substantially down."
The contaminated sediment will be lifted onto barges and taken to a new dewatering facility in Fort Edward. Up to 2 million gallons a day can be filtered, tested and released back into the nearby Champlain Canal if it meets New York's safe water standards. The dry polluted sediment will be placed on rail cars next to the plant and taken to a disposal facility in Texas.
Once Phase 1 is complete, an independent panel will evaluate the project, looking at several areas, including the amount of PCBs that have been re-suspended in the river.
After that, there is uncertainty.
Under the EPA's plan, Phase 2 calls for 1.8 million cubic yards of sediment to be dredged from a 40-mile section of the river north of Albany. It is scheduled to start in 2011 and last five years, but GE can opt out of the project under an agreement with the EPA.
A GE spokesman said the company will wait until the report is issued on Phase 1. "When all of the information is known to the EPA and GE, then a decision will be made," said Mark Behan, a company spokesman.
Besides the $750 million combined cost of Phases 1 and 2 for GE, the company would have to pay an additional $78 million to the EPA if the company takes on Phase 2 to cover the EPA's past and future costs, according to government documents. The EPA can sue GE to perform Phase 2 or reimburse the government if the agency uses taxpayer funds to dredge the river.
Several environmental advocacy groups, who spent years fighting GE to clean up the river, are cautiously optimistic that GE will commit to Phase 2. They point to the amount of money the company has already spent — $629 million — on Hudson River projects since 1990, including dredging preparation, the construction of the water plant and the PCB cleanups at its Hudson Falls and Fort Edward plants.
But adding to the doubts is GE's ongoing court battle challenging the validity of the Superfund law itself. GE has argued that the EPA's ability to order Superfund cleanups in non-emergency situations violates the due process clause of the U.S. Constitution's Fifth Amendment.
In January, a federal judge upheld the Superfund law. GE appealed.
"That's why people have a right to be skeptical," said Alex Matthiessen, president of the Hudson Riverkeeper environmental group. "On one hand they made significant investments [to clean the Hudson]. On the other hand they are fighting the very constitutionality of the Superfund law."
Still, some environmentalists say that it's too late for GE to back out.
"If they reneged on cleaning the Hudson, they would be committing fiscal suicide," Hawkins said. "They can now advertise their efforts as a green company, as a community partner."
For the sediment in New York Harbor to be cleaned up by 2040, both phases of the Hudson must be completed, according to a finding of the Contamination Assessment and Reduction Project, a multi-agency project funded by the Port Authority.
But there is still a lot scientists don't know about PCBs in the lower Hudson, including where the hotspots are.
The CARP study found that the polluted 17-mile stretch of the Passaic River also needs to be cleaned in order for PCBs to stop migrating into New York Harbor.
Both the Hudson and Passaic are "tidally influenced," said Bob Nyman, director of the New York-New Jersey Harbor Estuary Program. "PCBs can migrate around the harbor."
But even environmental officials say it would take a Herculean effort to fully clean the Passaic, which was heavily industrialized for more than a century. Pollution is so bad in the Passaic that all fish consumption is banned. In the Hudson, by contrast, restrictions for recreational fisherman range from one to 12 meals a year, depending on the species.
PCBs migrated into the Passaic from scores of factories that once used the chemical as a lubricant additive for machinery. Unlike the Hudson, where PCBs are the dominant pollutant, there is not as much data on PCBs in the Passaic. The EPA has focused much of its recent work on cleaning up cancer-causing dioxins from a stretch of the Passaic in Newark.
Lowering the amount of PCBs could be an economic boon for the region.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spends $55 to $90 to treat a cubic yard of contaminated sediment that it scoops out of New York Harbor and the lower Hudson to keep channels deep enough for cargo vessels and cruise ships. If the contamination level falls to a standard at which sediment can be dumped off Sandy Hook, the corps would pay $10 to $16 a cubic yard and dredging would take less time, officials said.
You clean up the Hudson and clean up the Passaic and it can end up costing us significantly less to do these projects," said Lisa Baron, a project manager for the corps' harbor program.
The Palisades Interstate Park also deals with the issue when it dredges about 1,000 cubic yards of sediment each year from its marinas in Englewood and Alpine.
Because federal law prohibits the discharge of contaminated sediments back into the river, the dredged mud has to be dried and disposed of off-site. PCBs "put additional restrictions on what we can do," said James Hall, the park's executive director.
Economics aside, there is a symbolic achievement at stake.
"Most people of a whole generation think of the Hudson as a polluted river," Hawkins said. "This is an opportunity for another generation to think of it as a clean river.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Carbon capture no 'silver bullet' for climate change
The theory is simple, the debate divisive: To survive global warming, simply insert billions of dollars, suck, and blow.
It's called carbon capture and storage, and Canada is ponying up to support what is effectively big-ticket enviro liposuction for a generation of consumers who can't — or won't — stop gobbling up fossil fuels.
"This isn't the silver bullet," says Chuck Szmurlo, a vice-president with Calgary-based energy distributor Enbridge, which is spearheading a group exploring carbon capture solutions in Alberta.
"But carbon capture ... we think, has a very important role to play in enabling us to continue accessing our energy resources in a way that is consistent with our environmental targets."
Carbon capture, or CCS for short, takes greenhouse gas emissions at their source — such as the emissions from a coal-fired power plant — strips out the carbon dioxide, liquefies it and then shoves it deep into the earth forever.
Proponents say it has to be done because even if developed nations immediately moved en masse to renewables such as solar, wind, and biomass, it wouldn't make a whit of difference because emerging leaders such as China and India continue to stoke their burgeoning economic engines with coal.
Everyone from developed to developing nations could benefit from the technology, supporters say. The International Energy Agency says CCS could reduce CO2 emissions from power plants by more than 85 per cent.
But opponents such as Greenpeace are gnashing their teeth.
Why, they beseech, of all the technologies in all the labs in all the world, do the best and brightest seize not on the new dawn of solar and wind, but on a technology that serves only to prop up Old King Coal's dirty old soul?
"We need to pick our future. Do we want a green energy future or do we want a black energy future?" asks Emily Rochon of Greenpeace in an interview from Brussels, Belgium, where she tirelessly prowls hallways and offices to lobby European Union officials to move away from coal.
"CCS doesn't get us there. It keeps fossil-intensive energy infrastructure in place and at the top of the energy agenda. We've never given renewable energy the chance it deserves, so it hasn't taken off."
Canada's goal
The Australian government has invested more than $4 billion to support clean energy technologies, almost half of that for CCS. There are also test projects throughout Europe and Asia — in Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, China, Japan and elsewhere.
In Canada, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government has earmarked $1 billion for clean energy technology, much of it for CCS. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent from 2006 levels by 2020.
Seven projects have received early-stage funding, but not all have promised to go ahead.
The Harper government isn't pursuing a carbon tax, but instead plans to work for reductions through capping and trading emissions.
Bringing down the cost of the technology is critical.
While greenhouse gas numbers have spiked in the last generation, it has only been in the last decade that CCS has been pursued in earnest as a viable solution to the problem.
It may no longer be infant technology, but it's certainly still a toddler.
Different options are being examined at all stages: capturing carbon after combustion from flue gas, before combustion via gasification or stripping it after burning it in near-pure oxygen.
It could be shipped by pipeline, by train, by truck, by boat. It could be stored underground in a saline aquifer, a depleted oil and gas field, deep coal seams or used for enhanced oil recovery.
But the bottom line threatens to become a bottomless one. Projects and costs are expected to stretch into the millions and billions of dollars.
"I think ultimately, if people are serious about it, it's going to be very expensive," says Jim Childress of the Gasification Technologies Council, a U.S. group that represents 70 companies in the industry. "And our public officials are not telling anybody that."
There's more than just technology and cost to hammer out. There are also the regulatory and legal whereases and heretofores about long-term liabilities and international rules.
Public perceptions
Decision-makers also have to get the public to first understand, then buy into, an arcane science that has all the romance of an airport washroom.
Expound on syngas, flue gas and oxyfuel combustion at your next keg party and you'll likely get blank stares as your host gently takes your tumbler of diet soda and steers you toward the door.
If people do know about CCS, they likely don't want it in their backyard, especially in congested Europe, where pipelines would likely have to go near high-population areas.
Public perception problems won't end there, but will probably continue with long-term storage.
Those in favour can point to an article published this spring in the journal Nature. Scientists studied nine gas fields in Asia, Europe and North America and found that carbon dioxide stored there naturally stayed in place for millions of years.
"This is a major step forward, I think, in terms of trying to actually address one of the prime questions of carbon capture and storage, which is: 'What is going to be the fate of the CO2 if we reintroduce it to the subsurface?"' Barbara Sherwood Lollar, a University of Toronto geology professor who co-authored the study, said at the time.
Rochon fires back with two words: Lake Nyos.
Disaster in Africa
In August 1986, seven months after the Challenger space shuttle exploded, residents in the tiny village of Nyos in sun-baked western Cameroon heard a rumbling and a boom from the nearby lake.
Lake Nyos is a geologic anomaly, a tiny lake formed when a volcano filled with water. The magma chamber feeding the volcano was [and is] active, releasing carbon dioxide into the bottom of the lake, where it slowly accumulated under pressure until the lake finally flipped upside down.
The CO2 burst to the surface in a blast that shot high in the air, killing cattle 90 metres up in the nearby hills. Dissolved iron displaced from the bottom reacted to the air at the surface, turning the lake a rusty, bloody red.
The invisible gas, heavier than air, roared through the valley, displacing oxygen and suffocating every living creature — 1,800 people, 3,000 cattle and countless birds and insects — in a death zone that spread 19 kilometres.
Residents who heard the boom and went to their doorways died where they stood. Others who were standing survived, while family members lying down beside them, closer to the floor, never woke up.
Scientists have since stuck a tube down to the bottom of the lake to relieve the buildup of carbon dioxide and hopefully prevent future catastrophes.
"You can never factor out human error, pipelines and earthquakes," says Rochon. "So why would we take that risk when we don't have to?"
An imperfect solution
Because, like it or not, says Childress, CCS is an imperfect solution for an imperfect world.
"You can't objectively say that solar, wind and biomass are going to make a large enough contribution to make up for what Greenpeace wants, which is no more coal plants," he says. "That just doesn't pass the giggle test."
On that issue there's agreement. Each side believes the other is content to fiddle while the carbon burns
It's called carbon capture and storage, and Canada is ponying up to support what is effectively big-ticket enviro liposuction for a generation of consumers who can't — or won't — stop gobbling up fossil fuels.
"This isn't the silver bullet," says Chuck Szmurlo, a vice-president with Calgary-based energy distributor Enbridge, which is spearheading a group exploring carbon capture solutions in Alberta.
"But carbon capture ... we think, has a very important role to play in enabling us to continue accessing our energy resources in a way that is consistent with our environmental targets."
Carbon capture, or CCS for short, takes greenhouse gas emissions at their source — such as the emissions from a coal-fired power plant — strips out the carbon dioxide, liquefies it and then shoves it deep into the earth forever.
Proponents say it has to be done because even if developed nations immediately moved en masse to renewables such as solar, wind, and biomass, it wouldn't make a whit of difference because emerging leaders such as China and India continue to stoke their burgeoning economic engines with coal.
Everyone from developed to developing nations could benefit from the technology, supporters say. The International Energy Agency says CCS could reduce CO2 emissions from power plants by more than 85 per cent.
But opponents such as Greenpeace are gnashing their teeth.
Why, they beseech, of all the technologies in all the labs in all the world, do the best and brightest seize not on the new dawn of solar and wind, but on a technology that serves only to prop up Old King Coal's dirty old soul?
"We need to pick our future. Do we want a green energy future or do we want a black energy future?" asks Emily Rochon of Greenpeace in an interview from Brussels, Belgium, where she tirelessly prowls hallways and offices to lobby European Union officials to move away from coal.
"CCS doesn't get us there. It keeps fossil-intensive energy infrastructure in place and at the top of the energy agenda. We've never given renewable energy the chance it deserves, so it hasn't taken off."
Canada's goal
The Australian government has invested more than $4 billion to support clean energy technologies, almost half of that for CCS. There are also test projects throughout Europe and Asia — in Germany, Poland, the United Kingdom, China, Japan and elsewhere.
In Canada, Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government has earmarked $1 billion for clean energy technology, much of it for CCS. The goal is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 per cent from 2006 levels by 2020.
Seven projects have received early-stage funding, but not all have promised to go ahead.
The Harper government isn't pursuing a carbon tax, but instead plans to work for reductions through capping and trading emissions.
Bringing down the cost of the technology is critical.
While greenhouse gas numbers have spiked in the last generation, it has only been in the last decade that CCS has been pursued in earnest as a viable solution to the problem.
It may no longer be infant technology, but it's certainly still a toddler.
Different options are being examined at all stages: capturing carbon after combustion from flue gas, before combustion via gasification or stripping it after burning it in near-pure oxygen.
It could be shipped by pipeline, by train, by truck, by boat. It could be stored underground in a saline aquifer, a depleted oil and gas field, deep coal seams or used for enhanced oil recovery.
But the bottom line threatens to become a bottomless one. Projects and costs are expected to stretch into the millions and billions of dollars.
"I think ultimately, if people are serious about it, it's going to be very expensive," says Jim Childress of the Gasification Technologies Council, a U.S. group that represents 70 companies in the industry. "And our public officials are not telling anybody that."
There's more than just technology and cost to hammer out. There are also the regulatory and legal whereases and heretofores about long-term liabilities and international rules.
Public perceptions
Decision-makers also have to get the public to first understand, then buy into, an arcane science that has all the romance of an airport washroom.
Expound on syngas, flue gas and oxyfuel combustion at your next keg party and you'll likely get blank stares as your host gently takes your tumbler of diet soda and steers you toward the door.
If people do know about CCS, they likely don't want it in their backyard, especially in congested Europe, where pipelines would likely have to go near high-population areas.
Public perception problems won't end there, but will probably continue with long-term storage.
Those in favour can point to an article published this spring in the journal Nature. Scientists studied nine gas fields in Asia, Europe and North America and found that carbon dioxide stored there naturally stayed in place for millions of years.
"This is a major step forward, I think, in terms of trying to actually address one of the prime questions of carbon capture and storage, which is: 'What is going to be the fate of the CO2 if we reintroduce it to the subsurface?"' Barbara Sherwood Lollar, a University of Toronto geology professor who co-authored the study, said at the time.
Rochon fires back with two words: Lake Nyos.
Disaster in Africa
In August 1986, seven months after the Challenger space shuttle exploded, residents in the tiny village of Nyos in sun-baked western Cameroon heard a rumbling and a boom from the nearby lake.
Lake Nyos is a geologic anomaly, a tiny lake formed when a volcano filled with water. The magma chamber feeding the volcano was [and is] active, releasing carbon dioxide into the bottom of the lake, where it slowly accumulated under pressure until the lake finally flipped upside down.
The CO2 burst to the surface in a blast that shot high in the air, killing cattle 90 metres up in the nearby hills. Dissolved iron displaced from the bottom reacted to the air at the surface, turning the lake a rusty, bloody red.
The invisible gas, heavier than air, roared through the valley, displacing oxygen and suffocating every living creature — 1,800 people, 3,000 cattle and countless birds and insects — in a death zone that spread 19 kilometres.
Residents who heard the boom and went to their doorways died where they stood. Others who were standing survived, while family members lying down beside them, closer to the floor, never woke up.
Scientists have since stuck a tube down to the bottom of the lake to relieve the buildup of carbon dioxide and hopefully prevent future catastrophes.
"You can never factor out human error, pipelines and earthquakes," says Rochon. "So why would we take that risk when we don't have to?"
An imperfect solution
Because, like it or not, says Childress, CCS is an imperfect solution for an imperfect world.
"You can't objectively say that solar, wind and biomass are going to make a large enough contribution to make up for what Greenpeace wants, which is no more coal plants," he says. "That just doesn't pass the giggle test."
On that issue there's agreement. Each side believes the other is content to fiddle while the carbon burns
Rensselaer Researchers Nano-Engineer Solar to ‘Near Perfect’ Efficiency
Nano-engineering students at Rensselaer have created a solar power game-changer: more than 96% absorption of sunlight from all angles, from sunrise to sunset.
The two biggest efficiency hurdles for solar efficiency have been:
1. Solar cells absorb only part of the light spectrum.2. The sun always moves in relation to the panel.
To solve problem number one, researchers nano-invented an anti-reflective coating to make the solar cell capture the full light spectrum. Currently, solar cells reflect almost 1/3 of the sunlight that hits them. That reflected light is not harvested, which has reduced solar cell efficiency. Problem one solved.
To solve problem two, they stopped the sun in its tracks.
Well, no, actually, that would be a roundabout way to solve that problem.
Instead, they designed a nano-coating to ‘follow’ the sun’s movements and absorb every last photon of light, regardless of the suns moving position in the sky.
The problem:
Most surfaces and coatings absorb or transmit light through them from only a specific range of angles. Your glasses, for instance, absorb-transmit all the light in front of you. But much less from the periphery.
That’s why some solar panels are mechanized to slowly move so they always face the moving sun. But that uses energy, too. So the energy it takes reduces the efficiency of the panel.
‘At the beginning of the project, we asked ‘would it be possible to create a single anti-reflective structure that can work from all angles?’ said Shawn-Yu Lin, professor of physics at Rensselaer and a member of the university’s Future Chips Constellation who led the research project.
‘Then we attacked the problem from a fundamental perspective, tested and fine-tuned our theory, and created a working device,’ Lin said. Rensselaer physics grad student Mei-Ling Kuo played a key role in the investigations.
How their solution works:
Unlike typical antireflective coatings that are engineered to transmit light of only one particular wavelength, this coating stacks seven of these layers, one on top of the other, in such a way that each layer enhances the anti-reflective properties of the layer below it.
These additional layers also help to ‘bend’ the flow of sunlight to an angle that augments the coating’s anti-reflective properties. This means that each layer transmits sunlight and also helps to capture any light that may have otherwise been reflected off of the layers below it.
The seven layers, each with a height of 50 nanometers to 100 nanometers, are made up of silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide nanorods positioned at an oblique angle.
Each layer looks like (and functions like) a dense forest where sunlight is ‘captured’ between the trees. The nanorods were attached to a silicon substrate via chemical vapor disposition.
The silicon surface absorbed 96.21 percent of sunlight, after treating the material with the reflective coating.
Only 3.79 percent of the sunlight was reflected and unharvested.
The entire spectrum of sunlight from UV to visible light to infrared was absorbed, for the first time.
‘To get maximum efficiency when converting solar power into electricity, you want a solar panel that can absorb nearly every single photon of light, regardless of the sun’s position in the sky,’ said Lin. ‘Our new antireflective coating makes this possible.’
The bottom line:
This is a game changer. This nano-engineered coating could be applied to nearly any photovoltaic material for use in solar cells, says Lin. These two huge gains move solar power forward to being cost-effective for mass production.
The two biggest efficiency hurdles for solar efficiency have been:
1. Solar cells absorb only part of the light spectrum.2. The sun always moves in relation to the panel.
To solve problem number one, researchers nano-invented an anti-reflective coating to make the solar cell capture the full light spectrum. Currently, solar cells reflect almost 1/3 of the sunlight that hits them. That reflected light is not harvested, which has reduced solar cell efficiency. Problem one solved.
To solve problem two, they stopped the sun in its tracks.
Well, no, actually, that would be a roundabout way to solve that problem.
Instead, they designed a nano-coating to ‘follow’ the sun’s movements and absorb every last photon of light, regardless of the suns moving position in the sky.
The problem:
Most surfaces and coatings absorb or transmit light through them from only a specific range of angles. Your glasses, for instance, absorb-transmit all the light in front of you. But much less from the periphery.
That’s why some solar panels are mechanized to slowly move so they always face the moving sun. But that uses energy, too. So the energy it takes reduces the efficiency of the panel.
‘At the beginning of the project, we asked ‘would it be possible to create a single anti-reflective structure that can work from all angles?’ said Shawn-Yu Lin, professor of physics at Rensselaer and a member of the university’s Future Chips Constellation who led the research project.
‘Then we attacked the problem from a fundamental perspective, tested and fine-tuned our theory, and created a working device,’ Lin said. Rensselaer physics grad student Mei-Ling Kuo played a key role in the investigations.
How their solution works:
Unlike typical antireflective coatings that are engineered to transmit light of only one particular wavelength, this coating stacks seven of these layers, one on top of the other, in such a way that each layer enhances the anti-reflective properties of the layer below it.
These additional layers also help to ‘bend’ the flow of sunlight to an angle that augments the coating’s anti-reflective properties. This means that each layer transmits sunlight and also helps to capture any light that may have otherwise been reflected off of the layers below it.
The seven layers, each with a height of 50 nanometers to 100 nanometers, are made up of silicon dioxide and titanium dioxide nanorods positioned at an oblique angle.
Each layer looks like (and functions like) a dense forest where sunlight is ‘captured’ between the trees. The nanorods were attached to a silicon substrate via chemical vapor disposition.
The silicon surface absorbed 96.21 percent of sunlight, after treating the material with the reflective coating.
Only 3.79 percent of the sunlight was reflected and unharvested.
The entire spectrum of sunlight from UV to visible light to infrared was absorbed, for the first time.
‘To get maximum efficiency when converting solar power into electricity, you want a solar panel that can absorb nearly every single photon of light, regardless of the sun’s position in the sky,’ said Lin. ‘Our new antireflective coating makes this possible.’
The bottom line:
This is a game changer. This nano-engineered coating could be applied to nearly any photovoltaic material for use in solar cells, says Lin. These two huge gains move solar power forward to being cost-effective for mass production.
World's First Climate Refugees to Leave Island Home
Within a few weeks a boat filled with wide-eyed children and tearful adults will pull out from a Pacific lagoon to escape the slow death of their island home.
The group will become the world's first refugees from the effects of global warming, leaving behind a tiny speck of land that is being slowly swallowed by the rising ocean.
Ironically, the Carteret Islanders have made what is possibly the smallest carbon footprint on the planet, yet they are the first to suffer the devastating effects of a wider, polluted world they know nothing about.
Breakthrough: Concentrated Solar Power All Over Southwest US
You are looking at a picture of the solar power plant now being developed all over the American southwest by a company called eSolar. Notice: no smokestacks; no coal chutes; no rail lines stretching to the horizon for coal trains to approach. It's a beautiful sight.
Notice, too, all around the powerhouse containing the steam turbine and generator are the thermal receiver towers and mirror arrays that make this thing work using only the abundant heat energy of the sun.
This is not photovoltaic technology that directly converts the sun's rays into electric current. This is thermal technology that collects and amplifies the sun's heat energy to create steam on an industrial scale, steam that spins turbines to generate power.
You might say it's a giant water boiler, but instead of burning coal, igniting natural gas or splitting atoms to create steam power, this plant uses the heat that naturally falls on the earth.
To serve the renewable electricity needs of utility-scale energy providers, eSolar has developed a market disrupting solar thermal power plant technology. Generation can be scaled from 25 MW to over 500 MW at energy prices competitive with traditional fossil fuels.
Okay two sentences. And the company explains its value proposition around these five ideas:
Low Cost
Our heliostats are designed to fit efficiently into shipping containers to keep transportation costs low, and they are pre-assembled at the factory to minimize on-site labor. The result is a considerable capital cost reduction compared to existing solar thermal power plants.
Fast Installation
By employing a repeating frame structure and a revolutionary calibration system, eSolar has eliminated the need for high-precision surveying, delicate installation, and individual alignment of mirrors. Minimal skilled labor is needed to build the solar field.
Low Profile
The small size of eSolar's heliostats means a very low wind profile, which translates into higher reliability in all wind conditions, lower risk of wind damage, and more power plant up-time. Because eSolar heliostats are mass manufactured, complete replacement units can be stocked on site and installed quickly at low cost.
Modular and Scalable
Our power plants are structured on a 25 MW base unit, called a module, consisting of several thermal receiver towers, each with a field of heliostats. These modules are replicated as many times as necessary to fit specific requirements from 25 MW to over 500 MW.
Reliable and Stable
If one thermal receiver tower is off line, the other towers in a module continue to produce power. If one entire module is off line, power continues to be generated by the other modules in the plant. For both large and small installations, this redundancy provides a high level of energy security under a wide variety of operating conditions.
Has the myth of "clean coal" met its match? Google is betting $10 million on eSolar. It's looking like awfully smart money.
Notice, too, all around the powerhouse containing the steam turbine and generator are the thermal receiver towers and mirror arrays that make this thing work using only the abundant heat energy of the sun.
This is not photovoltaic technology that directly converts the sun's rays into electric current. This is thermal technology that collects and amplifies the sun's heat energy to create steam on an industrial scale, steam that spins turbines to generate power.
You might say it's a giant water boiler, but instead of burning coal, igniting natural gas or splitting atoms to create steam power, this plant uses the heat that naturally falls on the earth.
To serve the renewable electricity needs of utility-scale energy providers, eSolar has developed a market disrupting solar thermal power plant technology. Generation can be scaled from 25 MW to over 500 MW at energy prices competitive with traditional fossil fuels.
Okay two sentences. And the company explains its value proposition around these five ideas:
Low Cost
Our heliostats are designed to fit efficiently into shipping containers to keep transportation costs low, and they are pre-assembled at the factory to minimize on-site labor. The result is a considerable capital cost reduction compared to existing solar thermal power plants.
Fast Installation
By employing a repeating frame structure and a revolutionary calibration system, eSolar has eliminated the need for high-precision surveying, delicate installation, and individual alignment of mirrors. Minimal skilled labor is needed to build the solar field.
Low Profile
The small size of eSolar's heliostats means a very low wind profile, which translates into higher reliability in all wind conditions, lower risk of wind damage, and more power plant up-time. Because eSolar heliostats are mass manufactured, complete replacement units can be stocked on site and installed quickly at low cost.
Modular and Scalable
Our power plants are structured on a 25 MW base unit, called a module, consisting of several thermal receiver towers, each with a field of heliostats. These modules are replicated as many times as necessary to fit specific requirements from 25 MW to over 500 MW.
Reliable and Stable
If one thermal receiver tower is off line, the other towers in a module continue to produce power. If one entire module is off line, power continues to be generated by the other modules in the plant. For both large and small installations, this redundancy provides a high level of energy security under a wide variety of operating conditions.
Has the myth of "clean coal" met its match? Google is betting $10 million on eSolar. It's looking like awfully smart money.
At $1 per Watt, the iTunes of Solar Energy Has Arrived
Silicon Valley start-up called Nanosolar shipped its first solar panels -- priced at $1 a watt. That's the price at which solar energy gets cheaper than coal. Curious that this story is not on every front page.
Still, to commemorate the achievement, Nanosolar CEO Martin Roscheisen (pictured) is reserving the first three commercially-viable panels. One is staying on display at company HQ; one has been donated to San Jose's Tech Museum of Innovation
Still, to commemorate the achievement, Nanosolar CEO Martin Roscheisen (pictured) is reserving the first three commercially-viable panels. One is staying on display at company HQ; one has been donated to San Jose's Tech Museum of Innovation
China Launches 1,000 Youth Ambassadors for the Environment
China is putting its students to work this summer as climate ambassadors to spread the word about climate change and what people can do to stop it.
Through a new training program called “One Thousand Environment-Friendly Youth Ambassadors Action,” eight Chinese ministries, along with the UNDP, hope to educate 1 million people about the actions they can take to preserve the environment and limit climate change.
The program started last month with training for 1,000 high school and college students in Beijing (north China), Shanghai (east), Xi’an (northwest), Chengdu (southwest) and Guangzhou (south).
Each young ambassador is expected to train another 1,000 people, hence one million people around the nation will be informed of professional environmental knowledge. The program is sponsored by the national Center for Environmental Education and Communication, China Environmental Awareness Program, Ministry of Environmental Protection, UNDP and Johnson Controls.
In Shanghai last month, 211 young adults received the training.
Our one and a half day training was divided into five parts: Our Magic Planet, Reflection on Human Behavior, Calling for Revolution, Environmental Protection in Daily Lives, and How to Be a Qualified Ambassador.
The first four parts involved lectures in environmental science by professors from Peking University. The last part focused on the delivery: How to make an impressive speech and how to organize future training.
“After receiving this certification, I felt a strong sense of responsibility. Every time I see it, I’ll remember that I am an ambassador; I should not only be more environmental-friendly myself, but also affect everybody around me to live a greener life.” said Feifei Lan, a sophomore from Fudan University.
Over the next two months, the ambassadors will fulfill their mission in schools, communities and even corporate settings by giving speeches and training more people. The hope is that this 1-to-1,000 method will arouse an environmental-friendly typhoon around China.
Here’s a quick look at the lessons the students will be giving to the population:
1. We have only one Earth and it’s almost impossible to create a second one. Just look at the failure of Biosphere 2.
2. Climate changes that are being brought about by human actions have already destroyed the eco-systems in many parts of the world.
3. China is facing a resource crisis.
4. It’s impossible for China to separate economic development and environmental protection.
5. Take these four steps to cut energy use in your daily life: Pay attention to your habits, make a thorough plan for saving energy, implement the plan and modify the plan.
6. Consider the facts, such as these: If 10% of all the plastic bags could be reduced, 310,000 tons of CO2 emission would be reduced, thus everyone should bring a shopping bag with him or her; if 10% of all the paper could be printed with double sides, 164,000 tons of CO2 emission would be reduced, thus it’s better to print double-sides.
Through a new training program called “One Thousand Environment-Friendly Youth Ambassadors Action,” eight Chinese ministries, along with the UNDP, hope to educate 1 million people about the actions they can take to preserve the environment and limit climate change.
The program started last month with training for 1,000 high school and college students in Beijing (north China), Shanghai (east), Xi’an (northwest), Chengdu (southwest) and Guangzhou (south).
Each young ambassador is expected to train another 1,000 people, hence one million people around the nation will be informed of professional environmental knowledge. The program is sponsored by the national Center for Environmental Education and Communication, China Environmental Awareness Program, Ministry of Environmental Protection, UNDP and Johnson Controls.
In Shanghai last month, 211 young adults received the training.
Our one and a half day training was divided into five parts: Our Magic Planet, Reflection on Human Behavior, Calling for Revolution, Environmental Protection in Daily Lives, and How to Be a Qualified Ambassador.
The first four parts involved lectures in environmental science by professors from Peking University. The last part focused on the delivery: How to make an impressive speech and how to organize future training.
“After receiving this certification, I felt a strong sense of responsibility. Every time I see it, I’ll remember that I am an ambassador; I should not only be more environmental-friendly myself, but also affect everybody around me to live a greener life.” said Feifei Lan, a sophomore from Fudan University.
Over the next two months, the ambassadors will fulfill their mission in schools, communities and even corporate settings by giving speeches and training more people. The hope is that this 1-to-1,000 method will arouse an environmental-friendly typhoon around China.
Here’s a quick look at the lessons the students will be giving to the population:
1. We have only one Earth and it’s almost impossible to create a second one. Just look at the failure of Biosphere 2.
2. Climate changes that are being brought about by human actions have already destroyed the eco-systems in many parts of the world.
3. China is facing a resource crisis.
4. It’s impossible for China to separate economic development and environmental protection.
5. Take these four steps to cut energy use in your daily life: Pay attention to your habits, make a thorough plan for saving energy, implement the plan and modify the plan.
6. Consider the facts, such as these: If 10% of all the plastic bags could be reduced, 310,000 tons of CO2 emission would be reduced, thus everyone should bring a shopping bag with him or her; if 10% of all the paper could be printed with double sides, 164,000 tons of CO2 emission would be reduced, thus it’s better to print double-sides.
Vedas: Repositories of ancient Indian lore
JAGADGURU Swami Sri Bharathi Krishna Tirthaji Maharaj, the author of Vedic Mathematics, says he discovered 16 mathematical formulae, which once formed part of the parishishta (appendix) of the Atharva Veda. But the formulae are not to be found in any extant text of the Vedas. The foundations of Vedic mathematics, however, do appear in the sulva sutras and the taittiriya samhita written later. Veda is the Sanskrit word for knowledge and the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Vedas provide knowledge and form the ancient Hindu scriptures. Vedic literature is divided into the jnana kanda -- which deals with supreme knowledge -- and the karma kanda -- which deals with rituals. Included in jnana kanda are the aranyakas and the Upanishads, which are identified with various Vedas. The karma kanda consists of a samhita (a collection of mantras or incantations) and a brahmana (commentaries that explain the mantras and instruct on their use in sacrifices). Veda thus has both a narrow and broad definition. In the narrow context, Veda would mean the samhita alone, while the broad definition would in addition include the brahmanas, aranyakas and the Upanishads. In references to Vedic mathematics, Veda is used in the broad sense.
Hinduism and Ecology: Meeting Ground: Vedas And Rio
At the Rio Earth Summit in June 1992, environmental issues were hotly debated and an attempt was made to arrive at a blueprint for future conservation efforts. A document, known as Agenda 21, was issued, which provided 27 guiding principles for sustainable development.
Interestingly, several of the 'Rio principles' for environmental conservation were taught and practised in ancient India. The modern holistic approach for ecological balance is reflected in the most ancient of Indian scriptures, the Vedas.
For instance, the first Rio principle enunciates that ''human beings are at the centre of sustainable development in harmony
with Nature''. The ancient seers had prayed: ''Maintain us in well-being in summer, winter, dew-time, spring, autumn, and rainy season. Grant us happiness in cattle and children. May we enjoy your unassailed protection''.
The Prithivi Sukta of the Atharvaveda especially propounds man's close relationship with Nature. The fourth Rio principle says that ''environmental protection shall constitute an integral part of development''; several Vedic hymns expressly instructed people not to harm the waters, vegetation, and environment - '' prithiveem ma himseeh'', ''antariksham ma himseeh'', ''mapo maushadheerhimseeh' ' ( Yajurveda ).
A prayer in the Rigveda says: "We offer our reverence to Nature's great bounties, to those who are old, and to the young, may we speak with the force at our command, the glory of all divine powers. May we not overlook any of them".
The seventh Rio principle prescribes that the ''earth's eco-system should be conserved, protected and restored''. Along with land, protection of water bodies, as well as flora and fauna has been integral to India's ancient tradition. People were exhorted to conserve the environment, for as is mentioned in the Rigveda : "That is the forest, which is the tree out of which (the gods) have fabricated heaven and earth, ever stationary and undecaying, giving protection to the deities; through numerous days and dawns (men) praise (the gods for this)".
The Earth was revered as mother. According to the Atharvaveda, " bhoomih mata putroham prithivyah ", - like a mother the earth is to be respected and protected. The basics of maintaining ecological balance were well understood.
Nature demands: " Dehi me dadami te ", - you give me, and I give you ( Yajurveda ). We see the consequences globally now for not following this basic rule. We cannot exploit Nature without nurturing her in return. Our ancient seers realised that doing so would harm Nature's delicate balance.
Several Vedic hymns are prayers for maintaining balance in the functioning of all aspects of Nature, like this Rigvedic hymn: "I invoke the vast and beautiful day and night, heaven and earth, Mitra and Varun a with Aryaman, Indra, the Maruts, the mountains, the waters (of earth), the Adityas, heaven and earth, the waters (of the firmament), the whole (host of gods)".
The twenty-fifth Rio principle talks about how ''peace, development and environmental protection are interdependent and indivisible''. In ancient India, it was well understood that ecological balance is dependent on actions, good or bad, of individuals and society.
The Vedas are great treasures of knowledge. The scientific approach presented by them in viewing various entities of Nature and visualising the process of creation is amazing, given that modern tools of scientific enquiry were not available then. It is unfortunate that we have forgotten the golden principles set out in them and are proceeding towards self-destruction.
Interestingly, several of the 'Rio principles' for environmental conservation were taught and practised in ancient India. The modern holistic approach for ecological balance is reflected in the most ancient of Indian scriptures, the Vedas.
For instance, the first Rio principle enunciates that ''human beings are at the centre of sustainable development in harmony
with Nature''. The ancient seers had prayed: ''Maintain us in well-being in summer, winter, dew-time, spring, autumn, and rainy season. Grant us happiness in cattle and children. May we enjoy your unassailed protection''.
The Prithivi Sukta of the Atharvaveda especially propounds man's close relationship with Nature. The fourth Rio principle says that ''environmental protection shall constitute an integral part of development''; several Vedic hymns expressly instructed people not to harm the waters, vegetation, and environment - '' prithiveem ma himseeh'', ''antariksham ma himseeh'', ''mapo maushadheerhimseeh' ' ( Yajurveda ).
A prayer in the Rigveda says: "We offer our reverence to Nature's great bounties, to those who are old, and to the young, may we speak with the force at our command, the glory of all divine powers. May we not overlook any of them".
The seventh Rio principle prescribes that the ''earth's eco-system should be conserved, protected and restored''. Along with land, protection of water bodies, as well as flora and fauna has been integral to India's ancient tradition. People were exhorted to conserve the environment, for as is mentioned in the Rigveda : "That is the forest, which is the tree out of which (the gods) have fabricated heaven and earth, ever stationary and undecaying, giving protection to the deities; through numerous days and dawns (men) praise (the gods for this)".
The Earth was revered as mother. According to the Atharvaveda, " bhoomih mata putroham prithivyah ", - like a mother the earth is to be respected and protected. The basics of maintaining ecological balance were well understood.
Nature demands: " Dehi me dadami te ", - you give me, and I give you ( Yajurveda ). We see the consequences globally now for not following this basic rule. We cannot exploit Nature without nurturing her in return. Our ancient seers realised that doing so would harm Nature's delicate balance.
Several Vedic hymns are prayers for maintaining balance in the functioning of all aspects of Nature, like this Rigvedic hymn: "I invoke the vast and beautiful day and night, heaven and earth, Mitra and Varun a with Aryaman, Indra, the Maruts, the mountains, the waters (of earth), the Adityas, heaven and earth, the waters (of the firmament), the whole (host of gods)".
The twenty-fifth Rio principle talks about how ''peace, development and environmental protection are interdependent and indivisible''. In ancient India, it was well understood that ecological balance is dependent on actions, good or bad, of individuals and society.
The Vedas are great treasures of knowledge. The scientific approach presented by them in viewing various entities of Nature and visualising the process of creation is amazing, given that modern tools of scientific enquiry were not available then. It is unfortunate that we have forgotten the golden principles set out in them and are proceeding towards self-destruction.
vedas and environment
Human beings are never alone as a species in the Universe. They are also inter-connected with the Earth, Sun, Moon and other planets orbiting in their appointed domains. In the ultimate reality, nothing remains unconnected in the cosmos. Aligning one’s consciousness in line with the principles of natural law, he can march towards perfection and maximise his efficiency as well as effectiveness. Maintenance of natural order and pristine ecological balance is the sine qua non for ensuring human well-being.The Vedas specify four types of living beings, namely, andaja (born of eggs), jivaja (born of womb), svedaja (born of moisture) and udbhija (born of earth) and declare that these are impelled by Prajnanam (consciousness) .The Vedas deal exhaustively with the splendors of the cosmos in a wholesome manner. They unravel the mysteries of the vast and unexplored forests.The Vedas present picturesque, spectacular and diversified range of fauna and flora. They urge the human beings to protect, preserve, nurture and nourish the environment and natural habitation in its pristine glorious form.1.1 Environment managementThe Vedas attach great importance to environmental protection and purity. They insist on safeguarding the habitation, proper afforestation and non-pollution.For the welfare of all the humans and other beings, the Vedas seek a sweet and pleasant environment consisting of sweet breeze, sweet flowing rivers, sweet and beneficial herbs, sweet day and night, sweetness of earth particles, sweet fruit bearing trees, sweet and beneficial Sun and sweet bearing cows.1.1.1 HabitationThe Vedas insist that one shall protect the habitation.One should protect the habitation.There should be a fair and spacious habitation.Waters as friends of man give full protection to man's progenies.1.1.2 AfforestationThe Vedas stress the need for protection and development of forests. Human beings have to safeguard the trees. The Vedas assert that the plants and trees are verily the treasures for generations.1.1.2a Vedic quotes on afforestation1. One shall not destroy the trees.2. One shall delight in plants and waters.3. Plants are mothers and deities.4. Trees are homes and mansions.5. Gods delight themselves in plants and waters.6. Let plants be friendly to us.7. Speech is the voice of the trees, the voice that is heard in the drum, the lute and the flute.8. Trees are connected with Visnu.9. Plants and waters are treasures for generations.1.1.3 Non-PollutionThe Vedas give the clarion call for non-pollution of the environment. They condemn in unequivocal terms those who pollute and defile the environment. Waters are invoked to be friendly to humanity.1.1.3a Vedic quotes on Water1. This Universe was only water in the beginning.2. Waters and herbs should have no poison.3. Waters are to be freed from defilement.4. Waters cleanse humanity from the evil of pollution committed by it.5. Waters have satisfying savour of the honey-mixed with splendor.6. Waters bear off all defilements and cleanse people.7. Waters and plants shall be friendly to people.Vedas contain reference to a wide variety of animals and urge humanity to safeguard their well-being. Protection of animal welfare is considered important for proper human welfare. Three-fold divisions of animals are seen in the Vedas in terms of those of the air (vayavya), those of the jungle (aranya) and those of village (gramya).1.2a Vedic quotes on animals1. Let the animals of the earth and heaven, wild beasts of the forest and winged birds protect humanity from calamity.2. So many are animals, bipeds and quadrupeds.3. Prayers are offered for the welfare of animals and men.4. As haya (steed) it carries the gods, as arvan (courser) the asuras, as vajin (racer) the gandharvas and as asva (horse) the men.5. Homage is paid to the serpents on the earth, in the atmosphere in the sky, among the trees and in the wells and waters.6. Happiness is sought for quadrupeds.7. All bipeds and quadrupeds shall be free from disease.8. One shall not find fault with the animals.9. One shall increase the cattle wealth.1.3 Plant lifeThe Vedas call upon the human beings to safeguard and nourish plants and trees. The Vedas mention about plants and trees.1.3a Vedic quotes on Plant lifeThe Vedas hail the trees, the roots, the panicles, the corona, the branches, the leaves, the flowers and the fruits.Let plant and creepers grow upwards.One shall not damage the roots of the plant.Herbs have remedial powers.May fruit-bearing plants ripen.1.4 Panca bhutaThe Vedas specify the cosmic Panca bhutas ( five elements). These are akasah (space), vayuh (air), Agnih (fire), apah ( water) and Prithivi (earth).Earth, air, space, water and fire are the five great elements.The link between the Panca bhutas and men is clearly established by the following Vedic expression.From space, air.From air, fire.From fire, water.From water, earth .From earth, the herbs.From herbs, food.From food, man.1.4.1 SpaceThat which accommodates is space.Vedic quotes on Space1. Akasa is the body of the Brahman.2. This space is honey to all beings and all beings are honey to this space.1.4.2 AirThe Vedas declare that air is sweet and pleasant . It has healing powers.Vedic quotes on Air1. This air is honey to all beings and all beings are honey to this air.2. May wind blow pleasantly for us .3. Wind blows healing balm, blows all disease away.1.4.3 FireThe Vedas eulogise Agni (fire) in the form of an important cosmic force. Fire is considered to be the bestower of wealth. It is only through fire that all the oblations to the deities and forefathers are offered.Vedic quotes on Fire1. This fire is honey to all beings and all beings are honey to this fire.2. Agni is worshipped for increase in wealth and riches.3. Riches, heroes, food, progeny and longevity are sought from Agni.4. Agni is worshipped for bliss.5. Agni slays the foes.6. Agni purifies one and drives ill-fortune far away.7. One shall be victorious through the victory of Agni.8. Agni is the Brahman.1.4.4 WaterThe Vedas declare that all that is seen is water and that they are the nectar conferring happiness to all. With a social objective, they emphasise that the waters are common resources to be used by all. Water is the essence of food.Vedic quotes on water1. This water is honey to all beings and all beings are honey to this water.2. Water is mother.3. The divine water full of sweetness averts the diseases of men.4. Waters are the nectar.5. Waters are propitiated for being friendly.6. Waters are healing.7. Waters are verily bliss-conferring.8. Verily all this is water; All the created beings are waters; The vital breaths are waters; The quadrupeds are waters; Edible crops are waters; Ambrosia is water; The creator is water ; Man is water; Metres are waters; Vedic formulas are waters; Truth is water; All the desires are waters; Three worlds earth, sky and heaven are waters; Plants are waters.9. Water when drunk gets divided into three parts; The grossest ingredient is urine; The middling is blood; the subtlest is Prana.1.4.5 EarthThe Vedas glorify the earth as one’s mother and advise one not to cause injury to the earth. They proclaim that earth is the bestower of happiness, sustainer and supporter of all forms of life.Vedic quotes on Earth1. The Earth is the mother.2. The Earth makes one sharpened and brilliant3. The Earth is adorned with variegated things.4. The Earth is the giver of happiness, the sustainer of life and the supporter of all living beings5. This earth is honey to all beings and all beings are honey to this earth.
excerpts from vedvikas
Omkar, Swastika, the Saffron Colour and Purna-kumbha
India is a land of innumerable beliefs, rituals and religious symbols. These beliefs and symbols are highly respected and revered.
The origin of the syllable OM is lost in the misty past. Its not being specific to any one country or civilization is indicative of its being an universally perceptible sound for the human race. This reason for this universal perceptibility possibly lies in the fact that AAAH is the most natural sound that issues from the human larynx. This is evident when a man cries out naturally in extreme pain, anger or fear. When emotions reach an extreme pitch the articulate sounds evolved by man are not the ones that are heard, but the syllable natural to man which is AAAH.
As a devout people we normally do not go into the meaning and interpretation of our many beliefs. It is sufficient for most of us to know that they are part of the heritage handed down to us by our ancestors and in deference to tradition it becomes our duty to scrupulously and meticulously adhere to them. But by doing things without knowing the meaning behind them do we not deprive ourselves of an insight into our heritage?
Culture can be well appreciated and adapted to changing times if the meaning behind its different constituents is well understood. To develop this understanding one has to look upon all human actions as having originated in human society. While answers to all questions cannot be obtained, the acceptance of this approach at least opens the door to inquiry into the circumstances which gave rise to our revered traditions.
An attempt to interpret our religious beliefs and symbols is a challenging task. Many of these issues defy analysis and call for a judicious combination of the study of the social environment, etymology, aesthetics and philosophy. As far as aesthetics and philosophy go there exists a good deal of subjectivism and value judgement. While talking about etymology and the social environment we are on relatively firmer ground. In this chapter we have taken a set of symbols, beliefs and rituals and have attempted to examine the possible meaning behind them and the reasons which could lie behind their origin. The first religious symbol we take up is that of Om or Omkar.
OM or Omkar
The syllable OM is quite familiar to a Hindu. It occurs in every prayer. Invocation to most gods begin with this syllable. For instance we have Om Namaha Shivaya, Hari Om, Om Shanti etc. OM is also pronounced as AUM.
Is OM present in Christianity as 'Amen' and in Islam as 'Amin'?
This term occurs in various ancient and modern civilizations. It exists Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.
In Arabic the first alphabet is pronounced as aliph. In Greek it is alpha, in the Roman script it is A. Thus in many languages the first letter in the alphabet has the syllable A, with which the word AUM or OM begins. In the Greek alphabet the last letter is Omega which comes very close to OM. Thus the significance of the syllable OM as the beginning and end finds a parallel in many of the scripts associated with ancient languages.
The different ways in which Omkar is depicted. The syllable OM is not specific to Indian culture. It has religious significance in other religions also. The word Amen used among Christians at the end of a prayer is also said to be derived from the the syllable OM. Although OM is not given any specific definition and is considered to be a cosmic sound, a primordial sound, the totality of all sounds etc., Amen is said to mean 'May it be so'.
In Arabic a similar term 'Amin' has a religious significance.
This indicates some link between the various symbols and perhaps a common origin. Even in the English language the syllable ?m occurs in words having a similar meaning. for instance; Omniscience means infinite knowledge, Omnipotent means having infinite powers Omnivorous means eating or reading every thing. This syllable also occurs in words such as Omen which means a sign of something that is to occur in future, Ombudsman means a person having authority to pronounce a verdict. Thus Om is also used to signify divinity and authority.
The syllable OM is not specific to Indian culture. It has religious significance in other religions also. The word Amen used among Christians at the end of a prayer is also said to be derived from the the syllable OM. Although OM is not given any specific definition and is considered to be a cosmic sound, a primordial sound, the totality of all sounds etc., Amen is said to mean 'May it be so'.
In Arabic a similar term 'Amin' has a religious significance.
This is believed to be the original depiction of the syllable OM. We can see how similar it is to the Englisg (Latin) letter 'M' as also to the greek letter 'Omega'.
Thus the origin of the syllable OM is lost in the misty past. Its not being specific to any one country or civilization is indicative of its being an universally perceptible sound for the human race. This reason for this universal perceptibility possibly lies in the fact that AAAH is the most natural sound that issues from the human larynx. This is evident when a man cries out naturally in extreme pain, anger or fear. When emotions reach an extreme pitch the articulate sounds evolved by man are not the ones that are heard, but the syllable natural to man which is AAAH.
This sound it can be said would have been associated with man, in absence of articulate speech, as are the various sounds of barking, meowing, bellowing that we associate with different animals. This perhaps is the reason why the syllable beginning with the letter 'A' is the first one in most alphabets. And this perhaps is also the reason for the Deification of the syllable AUM or OM.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swastika
The next religious symbol which is also revered by Hindu and ranks second only to OM is the Swastika. Today, the Swastika is know the world over not as a religious symbolism of the Hindus but as the Nazi emblem. Hitler's use of the Swastika on the flag of National-socialist Germany has besmirched the Swastika. But the Swastika continues to hold a religious significance for the Hindus. Like OM, the origins of Swastika are lost in the misty realms of the past and they can only be guessed by piecing together of the surviving clues.
Unlike OM, the Swastika is not a syllable or a letter. It appears to be decorative charecter which could have originated in a hieroglyphic (pictorial) script.
The various ways in which the Swatika is depicted.
is also revered by Hindu and ranks second only to OM is the Swastika. Today, the Swastika is know the world over not as a religious symbolism of the Hindus but as the Nazi emblem. Hitler's use of the Swastika on the flag of National-socialist Germany has besmirched the Swastika. But the Swastika continues to hold a religious significance for the Hindus. Like OM, the origins of Swastika are lost in the misty realms of the past and they can only be guessed by piecing together of the surviving clues.
The word Swastika is normally believed to be an amalgam of the words Su and Asati. Su means 'good' and Asati meant 'to exist'.
As per Sanskrit grammer the words Su and Asati when amalgamated into one word become Swasti (as in the case of Su and Aaatam becoming Swagatam meaning welcome). If this derivation of the word Swastika is true, then the literal meaning of the term Swastika would be 'let good-prevail'.
There exist many types of signs which stand for the Swastika. Even the standard version has two forms the one facing the right also called the symbol of- the right hand path and the one facing the left called the symbol of the lefthand path. These two Swastikas are also considered to represent the male and female. There is also a Swastika which is an amalgam of these two types.
Did the Swastika originate as blueprint for a fort called Su Vastu?
In the conventional type of a fort, the fall of one of the gates to the attacking army would lead to the Enemy's pouring into the fort and lead to massacre or capture of all or most of its inhabitants. But under the Swastika grids fall of one of the four gates could still keep, at least three-fourths of the fort safe. The understanding of the Swastika as a blueprint for a fort can also be etymologically corroborated. In Sanskrit, Vasa means to inhabit and Vastu means habitation. While Su means good. The word Swastika might be an amalgam of the terms 'Su' and 'Vastu' pronounced as as 'Swastu') meaning 'a good habitation'.
All these forms present the Swastika to us as if it were only a symbol. But it is quite possible that Swastika was an object which played an important role in the real lives of people. Some scholars have said that in ancient times forst were builtin the shape of a grid resembling the Swastika, for defensive purposes. Under such an arrangement it was difficult for an enemy to storm into all parts of the fort simultaneously.
Did the Swastika originate as blueprint for a fort called Su Vastu?
In the conventional type of a fort, the fall of one of the gates to the attacking army would lead to the Enemy's pouring into the fort and lead to massacre or capture of all or most of its inhabitants. But under the Swastika grids fall of one of the four gates could still keep, at least three-fourths of the fort safe.
The understanding of the Swastika as a blueprint for a fort can also be etymologically corroborated. In Sanskrit, Vasa means to inhabit and Vastu means habitation. While Su means good. The word Swastika might be an amalgam of the terms 'Su' and 'Vastu' pronounced as as 'Swastu') meaning 'a good habitation'.
Incidentally in Sanskrit the term Swasta means calm or peaceful. Thus the term and concept of Swastika might as well be a derivation of the name of a defensive structure which due to its impregnable character was looked upon as a good habitation.
That this form of a defensive arrangement was a fact is also corroborated by the military practice of Chakra-vyuha used during ancient times. In the Chakra-vyuha, the army was arranged in the form of a circular grid which an enemy army was supposed to break. This was one of the techniques used during the Mahabharata war in which Arjuna's son Abhimanyu was killed. That the Chakra-vyuha was an effective form of defense and it was very diffciult to break it is corroborated by the episode of Abhimanyu in the Mahabharata. Briefly, this episode is as follows:
The clue that the Grid like the Swastika as a defensive arrangement was a fact is also corroborated by the military practice of Chakra-vyuha used during ancient times. In the Chakra-vyuha, the army was arranged in the form of a circular grid which an enemy army was supposed to break. This was one of the techniques used during the Mahabharata war in which Arjuna's son Abhimanyu was killed. That the Chakra-vyuha was an effective form of defense and it was very diffciult to break it is corroborated by the episode of Abhimanyu in the Mahabharata.
When Abhimanyu was on the family way, Sri Krishna used to take Subhadra (Abhimanyu's mother) on excursions. To humour her, Krishna used to relate many of his adventures to the pregnant Subhadra. On one such excursion Krishna was narrating his experience with the technique of Chakra-vyuha and how step by step the various circles could be penerated. It seems that Subhadra did not find this topic interesting enough for she soon went into a slumber. But someone else was interested in Sri Krishna's narration and that was the yet to be born Abhimanyu.
While Subhadra dozed off, Abhimanyu continued to carefully follow Srl Krishna's narrative of the Chakra-vyuha. But after talking for sometime and not receiving any response from Subhadra, Sri Krishna turned back and saw that Subhadra was savouring a sweet nap. Sri Krishna who had at that time come upto the seventh step of the Chakra-vyuha, gave up his narration and returned with Subhadra to the palace.
The unfortunate Abimanyu could never obtain the technique of breaking all the circles in the chakra-vyuha, but whatever he had heard Sri Krishna say, he carefully preserved in his memory. He grew up to be a brave handsome young man. Many years later when during the Mahabharata war the Kavravas set up a Chakar-vyuha and challenged the Pandavas to come forward and break it, none of the Pandavas knew the technique of doing so. At that Juncture to save the honour of the Pandavas, Abhimanyu came forward and offerred his services for the task of breaking the chakra-vyuha. Despite his incomplete knowledge of the technique he entered tne grid and overcame one circle after another till he come to the seventh one for the breaking of which he had no knowledge. Brave and ambitious es he was he fought valiantly in the unequal struggle but in vain. His strength and bravery proved no match against the skillfully laid out maze on warriors fighting whom, he met his end.
Similarly the Swastika could also have originated as a defensive structure which due to its vast practical utility was considered powerful and was sanctified.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saffron - the auspicous colour for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains
The saffron colour is considered auspicious by Hindus. This colour also has a special significance to the Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. Among the Sikhs it is considered to be a militant colour signifying a fight against injustice. Hindus and Sikhs have a saffron coloured triangular flag as their religious standard. This flag is seen flying atop Hindus temples and Gurudwaras.
This colour also has a special significance to the Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. Among the Sikhs it is considered to be a militant colour signifying a fight against injustice. Hindus and Sikhs have a saffron coloured triangular flag as their religious standard.
Buddhist bhikkus (monks living upon alms) always where saffron coloured robes. But among the Hindus this colour is most prominently visible in their flag, robes, the Tilaka (mark applied on the forehead), statues of Hindu Gods are daubed with saffron paste. In the diverse and multifaceted Hindu religion, the saffron colour is one of the few elements that commands a universal acceptance among Hindus. The fact that this colour is regarded as sacred even by the offspring Buddhist and Sikh religions indicates that this colour must have obtained a religious significance before they came into being.
Jain Munis
Jain Munis and Buddhist Bhikkus (monks living upon alms) always where saffron coloured robes. But among the Hindus this colour is most prominently visible in their flag, robes, the Tilaka (mark applied on the forehead), statues of Hindu Gods are daubed with saffron paste. In the diverse and multifaceted Hindu religion, the saffron colour is one of the few elements that commands a universal acceptance among Hindus. The fact that this colour is regarded as sacred even by the offspring Jain, Buddhist and Sikh religions indicates that this colour must have obtained a religious significance before they came into being.
Thus, Hinduism is the birthplace of the idea that the saffron colour is an auspicious one. The origin of this attitude lies in the hazy past when pigments were few and were highly prized. Plants and minerals have generally been the source for deriving pigments. The saffron pigment is traditionally derived from the saffron plant (Autumn crocus) which is called Keshar from which the saffron colour derives one of its names - Keshari. This plant is grown in the sub-Himalayan regions and is very rare. This rarity could have been a reason for this particular colour to be highly valued and this along with its golden hue raised it to the status of being a holy colour. That the golden colour of the precious yellow metal had a special status apart from the high monetary value attached to it is evident from the term Suvarna that is used to describe it. Suvarna means the good colour (Su=good, varna=colour). This word was normally used to refer to gold rather than the other word Hiranya (derived possibly as an adjective of Harina which means a deer - an animal having a golden-brown sheen). Among other words used to describe the saffron colour are Bhagva and Naranga. The term Bhagva could have been derived from the word Bhagvan (meaning God) to identify this colour as the one associated with God. Incidentally in Sanskrit the term for good fortune is Bhagya which also is indicative of the auspicious significance attached to this colour.
The "Sacred Colour" concept in Different Cultures
The sanctification of a particular colour is not peculiar to Hinduism. In other religions also this attitude is prevalent. For instance Muslims look upon Green colour as their religious standard.. Among present day Christians (originally among the Romans), the purple colour was regarded as a colour of divinity and royalty.
Green Colour in Islam
It would be interesting to recall how the green colour acquired a special significance among the Muslims.
A Mosque with the ubiquitous Green Colour.
Green as the colour of special significance must antedate the birth of Islam. Its special significance originated from the critical role which an oasis played in the lives of the Arabs. Hence the colour which stood for an oasis must have been immortalized in their consciousness. For the desert nomads, a green peck of an oasis in the vast water-starved desert must have been synonymous with hope, survival and pleasure. Islam which became the religion of Arabs in the 6th century derives almost everything from their culture. Islamic folklore and beliefs are largely born out of the culture of the Arabs. Hence the significance of the green colour to the peoples whom the Arabs engulfed in their great Jehad
The Arabs whose homeland is the birthplace of Islam is a vast desert-land. For these desert nomads the appearance of a green patch on the horizon meant an oasis and springs (sources of water) which is the life-blood for human settlement. Green as the colour of special significance must antedate the birth of Islam. Its special significance originated from the critical role of oasis played in the lives of the Arabs that the colour which stood for it must have been immortalized in their consciousness.
For the desert nomads, a green peck of an oasis in the vast water-starved desert must have been synonymous with hope, survival and pleasure. Islam which became the religion of Arabs in the 6th century derives almost everything from their culture. Islamic folklore and beliefs are largely born out of the culture of the Arabs. Hence the significance of the green colour to the peoples whom the Arabs engulfed in their great Jehad.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purnakumbha
Purnakumbha literally means a "full pitcher" (Purna = full, Kumbha = pitcher). The Purnakumbha is a pitcher full of water, with fresh leaves of the mango tree and a coconut (Sriphala) placed on the top. The Purnakumbha is an object symbolizing God and is regularly used during different religious rites. One instance of the Purnakumbha itself used as an object of worship is the Satyanarayana Puja or the worship of Lord Satyanarayana. The water in the jar is said to be the divine essence. Water has been an object of worship since a very early age among the Hindus.
Purnakumbha literally means a "full pitcher" (Purna = full, Kumbha = pitcher). The Purnakumbha is a pitcher full of water, with fresh leaves of the mango tree and a coconut (Sriphala) placed on the top. The Purnakumbha is an object symbolizing God and is regularly used during different religious rites. One instance of the Purnakumbha itself used as an object of worship is the Satyanarayana Puja or the worship of Lord Satyanarayana.
The five forces of nature - Pancha-Mahabhoota
The five forces of nature Pancha-Mahabhoota which were the first to be worshipped included water. Graphically, water is depicted by a circle in the Pancha-Mahabhootas. This circle seems to be a symbolism for fullness. Water plays an important role even today in Hindu religious rites. During all purificatory rites, water is sprinkled on the object to be purified. Before starting his meal a Hindu sprinkles water around the the banana leaf from which a meal is traditionally eaten. In ancient times before coronation a king was sprinkled with water so as to ensure an auspicious beginning to his reign. A Kumbha called the Ghata was used during solemn occasions especially during marriages to fix the auspicious time for performing the ceremony. ritual a smaller vessel with a small hole at its bottom was floated in a larger vessel full of water. The smaller vessel was gradually filled up with water flowing in through the hole and after it was full to the brim the smaller vessel would sink into the larger one. The auspicious moment decided in this manner with a Ghata was called Ghataka.
The Pancha-mahabhootas (five forces of nature) included (depicted graphically from below) earth, water, fire, air and ether (sky).
The Kumbha Mela
The Kumbha-Mela ceremony that is observed at selected places seems to be having a link with the concept of Purnakumbha. The Kumbha-Mela ceremony is a public religious event which occurs after a lapse of few years. A notable feature of the Kumbha-Mela is that it cannot be observed everywhere even at the selected time. It can be observed only at the few select places. And these select places which are on the banks of rivers like Hardwar and Prayag (Allahabad) on the banks of the Ganga, Ujjain at the banks of the Kshipra, or Nashik on the banks of the Godavari are places where the Kumbh Mela is held periodically.
The Kumbha-Mela ceremony that is observed at selected places seems to be having a link with the concept of Purnakumbha. The Kumbha-Mela ceremony is a public religious event which occurs after a lapse of few years. A notable feature of the Kumbha-Mela is that it cannot be observed everywhere even at the selected time. It can be observed only at the few select places. And these select places which are on the banks of rivers like Hardwar and Prayag (Allahabad) on the banks of the Ganga, Ujjain at the banks of the Kshipra, or Nashik on the banks of the Godavari are places where the Kumbh Mela is held periodically.
The Purna Kumbha Mela and the Ardha Kumbha Mela
The Kumbha-Mela is also of two types, one on the occasion of Purna-Kumbha (the full pitcher) and the other on the occasion of Ardha Kumbha (the half pitcher).
The Sri-Phala - Coconut
The coconut (Sriphala) which is used in the making of a Purna-Kumbha is also an independent object of worship. A coconut alone is also used to symbolize 'God' While worshipping any deity, A coconut is normally an item to be offered along with flowers and incense sticks, etc. But the coconut has a special significance as is evident from the word Sriphala meaning God's fruit. Other similar objects which also are used to symbolize divinity are the betel leaf and the areca-nut (Supari) also called betel nut as it is chewed along with the betel leaf. These items which are the objects of worship have one common element, all of them have a quality of mild intoxication. Juice tapped from a coconut tree and the coconut milk is popularly used in the making of fermented (mildily alcoholic) beverages like Neera.
Some objects which also are used to symbolize divinity are the betel leaf and the areca-nut (Supari) also called betel nut as it is chewed along with the betel leaf. These items which are the objects of worship have one common element, all of them have a quality of mild intoxication.
While this inference may sound incredible, an incidental fact that should be noted is the high value attached to alcoholic drinks like Soma and Sura by Aryans which can be seen in the references to these drinks in Vedic literature. For the hardy war-like Aryans of the Vedic period who lived a nomadic life in the wintry northern regions, such intoxicating drinks had a special significance. It may not be purely accidental that the items which later became objects of worship included those that had a quality of mild intoxication.
The origin of the syllable OM is lost in the misty past. Its not being specific to any one country or civilization is indicative of its being an universally perceptible sound for the human race. This reason for this universal perceptibility possibly lies in the fact that AAAH is the most natural sound that issues from the human larynx. This is evident when a man cries out naturally in extreme pain, anger or fear. When emotions reach an extreme pitch the articulate sounds evolved by man are not the ones that are heard, but the syllable natural to man which is AAAH.
As a devout people we normally do not go into the meaning and interpretation of our many beliefs. It is sufficient for most of us to know that they are part of the heritage handed down to us by our ancestors and in deference to tradition it becomes our duty to scrupulously and meticulously adhere to them. But by doing things without knowing the meaning behind them do we not deprive ourselves of an insight into our heritage?
Culture can be well appreciated and adapted to changing times if the meaning behind its different constituents is well understood. To develop this understanding one has to look upon all human actions as having originated in human society. While answers to all questions cannot be obtained, the acceptance of this approach at least opens the door to inquiry into the circumstances which gave rise to our revered traditions.
An attempt to interpret our religious beliefs and symbols is a challenging task. Many of these issues defy analysis and call for a judicious combination of the study of the social environment, etymology, aesthetics and philosophy. As far as aesthetics and philosophy go there exists a good deal of subjectivism and value judgement. While talking about etymology and the social environment we are on relatively firmer ground. In this chapter we have taken a set of symbols, beliefs and rituals and have attempted to examine the possible meaning behind them and the reasons which could lie behind their origin. The first religious symbol we take up is that of Om or Omkar.
OM or Omkar
The syllable OM is quite familiar to a Hindu. It occurs in every prayer. Invocation to most gods begin with this syllable. For instance we have Om Namaha Shivaya, Hari Om, Om Shanti etc. OM is also pronounced as AUM.
Is OM present in Christianity as 'Amen' and in Islam as 'Amin'?
This term occurs in various ancient and modern civilizations. It exists Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.
In Arabic the first alphabet is pronounced as aliph. In Greek it is alpha, in the Roman script it is A. Thus in many languages the first letter in the alphabet has the syllable A, with which the word AUM or OM begins. In the Greek alphabet the last letter is Omega which comes very close to OM. Thus the significance of the syllable OM as the beginning and end finds a parallel in many of the scripts associated with ancient languages.
The different ways in which Omkar is depicted. The syllable OM is not specific to Indian culture. It has religious significance in other religions also. The word Amen used among Christians at the end of a prayer is also said to be derived from the the syllable OM. Although OM is not given any specific definition and is considered to be a cosmic sound, a primordial sound, the totality of all sounds etc., Amen is said to mean 'May it be so'.
In Arabic a similar term 'Amin' has a religious significance.
This indicates some link between the various symbols and perhaps a common origin. Even in the English language the syllable ?m occurs in words having a similar meaning. for instance; Omniscience means infinite knowledge, Omnipotent means having infinite powers Omnivorous means eating or reading every thing. This syllable also occurs in words such as Omen which means a sign of something that is to occur in future, Ombudsman means a person having authority to pronounce a verdict. Thus Om is also used to signify divinity and authority.
The syllable OM is not specific to Indian culture. It has religious significance in other religions also. The word Amen used among Christians at the end of a prayer is also said to be derived from the the syllable OM. Although OM is not given any specific definition and is considered to be a cosmic sound, a primordial sound, the totality of all sounds etc., Amen is said to mean 'May it be so'.
In Arabic a similar term 'Amin' has a religious significance.
This is believed to be the original depiction of the syllable OM. We can see how similar it is to the Englisg (Latin) letter 'M' as also to the greek letter 'Omega'.
Thus the origin of the syllable OM is lost in the misty past. Its not being specific to any one country or civilization is indicative of its being an universally perceptible sound for the human race. This reason for this universal perceptibility possibly lies in the fact that AAAH is the most natural sound that issues from the human larynx. This is evident when a man cries out naturally in extreme pain, anger or fear. When emotions reach an extreme pitch the articulate sounds evolved by man are not the ones that are heard, but the syllable natural to man which is AAAH.
This sound it can be said would have been associated with man, in absence of articulate speech, as are the various sounds of barking, meowing, bellowing that we associate with different animals. This perhaps is the reason why the syllable beginning with the letter 'A' is the first one in most alphabets. And this perhaps is also the reason for the Deification of the syllable AUM or OM.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Swastika
The next religious symbol which is also revered by Hindu and ranks second only to OM is the Swastika. Today, the Swastika is know the world over not as a religious symbolism of the Hindus but as the Nazi emblem. Hitler's use of the Swastika on the flag of National-socialist Germany has besmirched the Swastika. But the Swastika continues to hold a religious significance for the Hindus. Like OM, the origins of Swastika are lost in the misty realms of the past and they can only be guessed by piecing together of the surviving clues.
Unlike OM, the Swastika is not a syllable or a letter. It appears to be decorative charecter which could have originated in a hieroglyphic (pictorial) script.
The various ways in which the Swatika is depicted.
is also revered by Hindu and ranks second only to OM is the Swastika. Today, the Swastika is know the world over not as a religious symbolism of the Hindus but as the Nazi emblem. Hitler's use of the Swastika on the flag of National-socialist Germany has besmirched the Swastika. But the Swastika continues to hold a religious significance for the Hindus. Like OM, the origins of Swastika are lost in the misty realms of the past and they can only be guessed by piecing together of the surviving clues.
The word Swastika is normally believed to be an amalgam of the words Su and Asati. Su means 'good' and Asati meant 'to exist'.
As per Sanskrit grammer the words Su and Asati when amalgamated into one word become Swasti (as in the case of Su and Aaatam becoming Swagatam meaning welcome). If this derivation of the word Swastika is true, then the literal meaning of the term Swastika would be 'let good-prevail'.
There exist many types of signs which stand for the Swastika. Even the standard version has two forms the one facing the right also called the symbol of- the right hand path and the one facing the left called the symbol of the lefthand path. These two Swastikas are also considered to represent the male and female. There is also a Swastika which is an amalgam of these two types.
Did the Swastika originate as blueprint for a fort called Su Vastu?
In the conventional type of a fort, the fall of one of the gates to the attacking army would lead to the Enemy's pouring into the fort and lead to massacre or capture of all or most of its inhabitants. But under the Swastika grids fall of one of the four gates could still keep, at least three-fourths of the fort safe. The understanding of the Swastika as a blueprint for a fort can also be etymologically corroborated. In Sanskrit, Vasa means to inhabit and Vastu means habitation. While Su means good. The word Swastika might be an amalgam of the terms 'Su' and 'Vastu' pronounced as as 'Swastu') meaning 'a good habitation'.
All these forms present the Swastika to us as if it were only a symbol. But it is quite possible that Swastika was an object which played an important role in the real lives of people. Some scholars have said that in ancient times forst were builtin the shape of a grid resembling the Swastika, for defensive purposes. Under such an arrangement it was difficult for an enemy to storm into all parts of the fort simultaneously.
Did the Swastika originate as blueprint for a fort called Su Vastu?
In the conventional type of a fort, the fall of one of the gates to the attacking army would lead to the Enemy's pouring into the fort and lead to massacre or capture of all or most of its inhabitants. But under the Swastika grids fall of one of the four gates could still keep, at least three-fourths of the fort safe.
The understanding of the Swastika as a blueprint for a fort can also be etymologically corroborated. In Sanskrit, Vasa means to inhabit and Vastu means habitation. While Su means good. The word Swastika might be an amalgam of the terms 'Su' and 'Vastu' pronounced as as 'Swastu') meaning 'a good habitation'.
Incidentally in Sanskrit the term Swasta means calm or peaceful. Thus the term and concept of Swastika might as well be a derivation of the name of a defensive structure which due to its impregnable character was looked upon as a good habitation.
That this form of a defensive arrangement was a fact is also corroborated by the military practice of Chakra-vyuha used during ancient times. In the Chakra-vyuha, the army was arranged in the form of a circular grid which an enemy army was supposed to break. This was one of the techniques used during the Mahabharata war in which Arjuna's son Abhimanyu was killed. That the Chakra-vyuha was an effective form of defense and it was very diffciult to break it is corroborated by the episode of Abhimanyu in the Mahabharata. Briefly, this episode is as follows:
The clue that the Grid like the Swastika as a defensive arrangement was a fact is also corroborated by the military practice of Chakra-vyuha used during ancient times. In the Chakra-vyuha, the army was arranged in the form of a circular grid which an enemy army was supposed to break. This was one of the techniques used during the Mahabharata war in which Arjuna's son Abhimanyu was killed. That the Chakra-vyuha was an effective form of defense and it was very diffciult to break it is corroborated by the episode of Abhimanyu in the Mahabharata.
When Abhimanyu was on the family way, Sri Krishna used to take Subhadra (Abhimanyu's mother) on excursions. To humour her, Krishna used to relate many of his adventures to the pregnant Subhadra. On one such excursion Krishna was narrating his experience with the technique of Chakra-vyuha and how step by step the various circles could be penerated. It seems that Subhadra did not find this topic interesting enough for she soon went into a slumber. But someone else was interested in Sri Krishna's narration and that was the yet to be born Abhimanyu.
While Subhadra dozed off, Abhimanyu continued to carefully follow Srl Krishna's narrative of the Chakra-vyuha. But after talking for sometime and not receiving any response from Subhadra, Sri Krishna turned back and saw that Subhadra was savouring a sweet nap. Sri Krishna who had at that time come upto the seventh step of the Chakra-vyuha, gave up his narration and returned with Subhadra to the palace.
The unfortunate Abimanyu could never obtain the technique of breaking all the circles in the chakra-vyuha, but whatever he had heard Sri Krishna say, he carefully preserved in his memory. He grew up to be a brave handsome young man. Many years later when during the Mahabharata war the Kavravas set up a Chakar-vyuha and challenged the Pandavas to come forward and break it, none of the Pandavas knew the technique of doing so. At that Juncture to save the honour of the Pandavas, Abhimanyu came forward and offerred his services for the task of breaking the chakra-vyuha. Despite his incomplete knowledge of the technique he entered tne grid and overcame one circle after another till he come to the seventh one for the breaking of which he had no knowledge. Brave and ambitious es he was he fought valiantly in the unequal struggle but in vain. His strength and bravery proved no match against the skillfully laid out maze on warriors fighting whom, he met his end.
Similarly the Swastika could also have originated as a defensive structure which due to its vast practical utility was considered powerful and was sanctified.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Saffron - the auspicous colour for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and Jains
The saffron colour is considered auspicious by Hindus. This colour also has a special significance to the Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. Among the Sikhs it is considered to be a militant colour signifying a fight against injustice. Hindus and Sikhs have a saffron coloured triangular flag as their religious standard. This flag is seen flying atop Hindus temples and Gurudwaras.
This colour also has a special significance to the Buddhists, Jains and Sikhs. Among the Sikhs it is considered to be a militant colour signifying a fight against injustice. Hindus and Sikhs have a saffron coloured triangular flag as their religious standard.
Buddhist bhikkus (monks living upon alms) always where saffron coloured robes. But among the Hindus this colour is most prominently visible in their flag, robes, the Tilaka (mark applied on the forehead), statues of Hindu Gods are daubed with saffron paste. In the diverse and multifaceted Hindu religion, the saffron colour is one of the few elements that commands a universal acceptance among Hindus. The fact that this colour is regarded as sacred even by the offspring Buddhist and Sikh religions indicates that this colour must have obtained a religious significance before they came into being.
Jain Munis
Jain Munis and Buddhist Bhikkus (monks living upon alms) always where saffron coloured robes. But among the Hindus this colour is most prominently visible in their flag, robes, the Tilaka (mark applied on the forehead), statues of Hindu Gods are daubed with saffron paste. In the diverse and multifaceted Hindu religion, the saffron colour is one of the few elements that commands a universal acceptance among Hindus. The fact that this colour is regarded as sacred even by the offspring Jain, Buddhist and Sikh religions indicates that this colour must have obtained a religious significance before they came into being.
Thus, Hinduism is the birthplace of the idea that the saffron colour is an auspicious one. The origin of this attitude lies in the hazy past when pigments were few and were highly prized. Plants and minerals have generally been the source for deriving pigments. The saffron pigment is traditionally derived from the saffron plant (Autumn crocus) which is called Keshar from which the saffron colour derives one of its names - Keshari. This plant is grown in the sub-Himalayan regions and is very rare. This rarity could have been a reason for this particular colour to be highly valued and this along with its golden hue raised it to the status of being a holy colour. That the golden colour of the precious yellow metal had a special status apart from the high monetary value attached to it is evident from the term Suvarna that is used to describe it. Suvarna means the good colour (Su=good, varna=colour). This word was normally used to refer to gold rather than the other word Hiranya (derived possibly as an adjective of Harina which means a deer - an animal having a golden-brown sheen). Among other words used to describe the saffron colour are Bhagva and Naranga. The term Bhagva could have been derived from the word Bhagvan (meaning God) to identify this colour as the one associated with God. Incidentally in Sanskrit the term for good fortune is Bhagya which also is indicative of the auspicious significance attached to this colour.
The "Sacred Colour" concept in Different Cultures
The sanctification of a particular colour is not peculiar to Hinduism. In other religions also this attitude is prevalent. For instance Muslims look upon Green colour as their religious standard.. Among present day Christians (originally among the Romans), the purple colour was regarded as a colour of divinity and royalty.
Green Colour in Islam
It would be interesting to recall how the green colour acquired a special significance among the Muslims.
A Mosque with the ubiquitous Green Colour.
Green as the colour of special significance must antedate the birth of Islam. Its special significance originated from the critical role which an oasis played in the lives of the Arabs. Hence the colour which stood for an oasis must have been immortalized in their consciousness. For the desert nomads, a green peck of an oasis in the vast water-starved desert must have been synonymous with hope, survival and pleasure. Islam which became the religion of Arabs in the 6th century derives almost everything from their culture. Islamic folklore and beliefs are largely born out of the culture of the Arabs. Hence the significance of the green colour to the peoples whom the Arabs engulfed in their great Jehad
The Arabs whose homeland is the birthplace of Islam is a vast desert-land. For these desert nomads the appearance of a green patch on the horizon meant an oasis and springs (sources of water) which is the life-blood for human settlement. Green as the colour of special significance must antedate the birth of Islam. Its special significance originated from the critical role of oasis played in the lives of the Arabs that the colour which stood for it must have been immortalized in their consciousness.
For the desert nomads, a green peck of an oasis in the vast water-starved desert must have been synonymous with hope, survival and pleasure. Islam which became the religion of Arabs in the 6th century derives almost everything from their culture. Islamic folklore and beliefs are largely born out of the culture of the Arabs. Hence the significance of the green colour to the peoples whom the Arabs engulfed in their great Jehad.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purnakumbha
Purnakumbha literally means a "full pitcher" (Purna = full, Kumbha = pitcher). The Purnakumbha is a pitcher full of water, with fresh leaves of the mango tree and a coconut (Sriphala) placed on the top. The Purnakumbha is an object symbolizing God and is regularly used during different religious rites. One instance of the Purnakumbha itself used as an object of worship is the Satyanarayana Puja or the worship of Lord Satyanarayana. The water in the jar is said to be the divine essence. Water has been an object of worship since a very early age among the Hindus.
Purnakumbha literally means a "full pitcher" (Purna = full, Kumbha = pitcher). The Purnakumbha is a pitcher full of water, with fresh leaves of the mango tree and a coconut (Sriphala) placed on the top. The Purnakumbha is an object symbolizing God and is regularly used during different religious rites. One instance of the Purnakumbha itself used as an object of worship is the Satyanarayana Puja or the worship of Lord Satyanarayana.
The five forces of nature - Pancha-Mahabhoota
The five forces of nature Pancha-Mahabhoota which were the first to be worshipped included water. Graphically, water is depicted by a circle in the Pancha-Mahabhootas. This circle seems to be a symbolism for fullness. Water plays an important role even today in Hindu religious rites. During all purificatory rites, water is sprinkled on the object to be purified. Before starting his meal a Hindu sprinkles water around the the banana leaf from which a meal is traditionally eaten. In ancient times before coronation a king was sprinkled with water so as to ensure an auspicious beginning to his reign. A Kumbha called the Ghata was used during solemn occasions especially during marriages to fix the auspicious time for performing the ceremony. ritual a smaller vessel with a small hole at its bottom was floated in a larger vessel full of water. The smaller vessel was gradually filled up with water flowing in through the hole and after it was full to the brim the smaller vessel would sink into the larger one. The auspicious moment decided in this manner with a Ghata was called Ghataka.
The Pancha-mahabhootas (five forces of nature) included (depicted graphically from below) earth, water, fire, air and ether (sky).
The Kumbha Mela
The Kumbha-Mela ceremony that is observed at selected places seems to be having a link with the concept of Purnakumbha. The Kumbha-Mela ceremony is a public religious event which occurs after a lapse of few years. A notable feature of the Kumbha-Mela is that it cannot be observed everywhere even at the selected time. It can be observed only at the few select places. And these select places which are on the banks of rivers like Hardwar and Prayag (Allahabad) on the banks of the Ganga, Ujjain at the banks of the Kshipra, or Nashik on the banks of the Godavari are places where the Kumbh Mela is held periodically.
The Kumbha-Mela ceremony that is observed at selected places seems to be having a link with the concept of Purnakumbha. The Kumbha-Mela ceremony is a public religious event which occurs after a lapse of few years. A notable feature of the Kumbha-Mela is that it cannot be observed everywhere even at the selected time. It can be observed only at the few select places. And these select places which are on the banks of rivers like Hardwar and Prayag (Allahabad) on the banks of the Ganga, Ujjain at the banks of the Kshipra, or Nashik on the banks of the Godavari are places where the Kumbh Mela is held periodically.
The Purna Kumbha Mela and the Ardha Kumbha Mela
The Kumbha-Mela is also of two types, one on the occasion of Purna-Kumbha (the full pitcher) and the other on the occasion of Ardha Kumbha (the half pitcher).
The Sri-Phala - Coconut
The coconut (Sriphala) which is used in the making of a Purna-Kumbha is also an independent object of worship. A coconut alone is also used to symbolize 'God' While worshipping any deity, A coconut is normally an item to be offered along with flowers and incense sticks, etc. But the coconut has a special significance as is evident from the word Sriphala meaning God's fruit. Other similar objects which also are used to symbolize divinity are the betel leaf and the areca-nut (Supari) also called betel nut as it is chewed along with the betel leaf. These items which are the objects of worship have one common element, all of them have a quality of mild intoxication. Juice tapped from a coconut tree and the coconut milk is popularly used in the making of fermented (mildily alcoholic) beverages like Neera.
Some objects which also are used to symbolize divinity are the betel leaf and the areca-nut (Supari) also called betel nut as it is chewed along with the betel leaf. These items which are the objects of worship have one common element, all of them have a quality of mild intoxication.
While this inference may sound incredible, an incidental fact that should be noted is the high value attached to alcoholic drinks like Soma and Sura by Aryans which can be seen in the references to these drinks in Vedic literature. For the hardy war-like Aryans of the Vedic period who lived a nomadic life in the wintry northern regions, such intoxicating drinks had a special significance. It may not be purely accidental that the items which later became objects of worship included those that had a quality of mild intoxication.
Support Our Worldwide Programs to Plant Trees!
DTrees for the Future is a 501 (c) 3 Tax-Exempt Non-Profit Organization. All donations are tax-deductible. You will receive a receipt for tax purposes. This is a secure page. It is our policy never to trade or sell any of your contact information.
If you prefer, click here to print out a donation form and mail it in.
DONATION OPTIONS • Become a member! Your membership helps us plant trees, and you receive our quarterly newsletter and can receive optional monthly e-mail updates.
Please select what type of member:
Individual Business & Foundation Student
• Renew my Membership
Please select what type of membership renewal:
Individual Business & Foundation Student
Send a Tree Planting Certificate to a friend or loved one
Give a Gift Membership to a friend or loved one
Make a donation
If you prefer, click here to print out a donation form and mail it in.
DONATION OPTIONS • Become a member! Your membership helps us plant trees, and you receive our quarterly newsletter and can receive optional monthly e-mail updates.
Please select what type of member:
Individual Business & Foundation Student
• Renew my Membership
Please select what type of membership renewal:
Individual Business & Foundation Student
Send a Tree Planting Certificate to a friend or loved one
Give a Gift Membership to a friend or loved one
Make a donation
Hindu Leader Urges Temples to Go Green
find it quite heartening to see that religious leaders are increasingly seeing that being green and their path of worship can go hand in hand. The latest example of this came through the TreeHugger editorial inbox in the form of an email from Rajan Zed, president of the Universal Society of Hinduism, urging Hindus throughout the world to make their temples more environmentally friendly and to “openly bless environmental causes, as faith coming out in support of the environment would be a remarkable signal.”
Zed went on to say that Hindus should,
Highlight the environment related issues given in the scriptures, undertake energy-saving survey of the temple buildings and become energy efficient, choose environment friendly products, limit usage of cleaning chemicals, purchase energy saving appliances/devices/machines, switch-off lights/computers/machinery when not in use, limit water usage, plant more trees, install eco-friendly energy supply, use temple grounds in environmentally friendly ways, etc.
Pretty basic recommendations here at TreeHugger and good advice for any organization, spiritual or secular.
Here are some examples of Hindu organizations, which we’ve featured in the past, that have already gotten the message:
BAPS Sri Swaminarayan Mandir is Solar Powered
This Hindu temple and cultural center in Chino Hills, California (which is still under construction at the time of this writing...) has taken extensive efforts to be environmentally friendly. The entire complex will be powered by a solar power system, solar tube lighting will be used in buildings to diminish the need for electric lighting, and the grounds will feature extensive tree planting.
Tirumala Temple Cooks 30,000 Meals Per Day with Solar Power
Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India is by some estimates the most-visited pilgrimage location in the world: Between 50,000-100,000 pilgrims visit daily and during festivals visitors can top 500,000. As part of the temple complex's activities, the communal kitchen cooks about 30,000 meal per day. In the past diesel fuel had be used to run generators to power the kitchen. This has been replaced since 2004 with solar cooking technology, allowing a pretty serious reduction in carbon emissions.
Natural Clay Ganesha Idols Reduce Pollution
You may not have ever heard of the Hindu festival of Ganesha Chaturthi, but part of it involves (in the briefest possible explanation) immersing idols of Lord Ganesha into the water. Traditionally these were made of natural clay, which dissolves quickly, but in recent years plaster of paris idols have become the norm. These idols cause several environmental hazards as they (more slowly) dissolve.
Pune-based company eCoexist has been trying to raise awareness about these environmental hazards and has begun selling natural clay idols. The company also makes natural colors for Holi, as well as other eco-sensitive products
Zed went on to say that Hindus should,
Highlight the environment related issues given in the scriptures, undertake energy-saving survey of the temple buildings and become energy efficient, choose environment friendly products, limit usage of cleaning chemicals, purchase energy saving appliances/devices/machines, switch-off lights/computers/machinery when not in use, limit water usage, plant more trees, install eco-friendly energy supply, use temple grounds in environmentally friendly ways, etc.
Pretty basic recommendations here at TreeHugger and good advice for any organization, spiritual or secular.
Here are some examples of Hindu organizations, which we’ve featured in the past, that have already gotten the message:
BAPS Sri Swaminarayan Mandir is Solar Powered
This Hindu temple and cultural center in Chino Hills, California (which is still under construction at the time of this writing...) has taken extensive efforts to be environmentally friendly. The entire complex will be powered by a solar power system, solar tube lighting will be used in buildings to diminish the need for electric lighting, and the grounds will feature extensive tree planting.
Tirumala Temple Cooks 30,000 Meals Per Day with Solar Power
Sri Venkateswara Temple in Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India is by some estimates the most-visited pilgrimage location in the world: Between 50,000-100,000 pilgrims visit daily and during festivals visitors can top 500,000. As part of the temple complex's activities, the communal kitchen cooks about 30,000 meal per day. In the past diesel fuel had be used to run generators to power the kitchen. This has been replaced since 2004 with solar cooking technology, allowing a pretty serious reduction in carbon emissions.
Natural Clay Ganesha Idols Reduce Pollution
You may not have ever heard of the Hindu festival of Ganesha Chaturthi, but part of it involves (in the briefest possible explanation) immersing idols of Lord Ganesha into the water. Traditionally these were made of natural clay, which dissolves quickly, but in recent years plaster of paris idols have become the norm. These idols cause several environmental hazards as they (more slowly) dissolve.
Pune-based company eCoexist has been trying to raise awareness about these environmental hazards and has begun selling natural clay idols. The company also makes natural colors for Holi, as well as other eco-sensitive products
Hinduism Promotes environment protection
How did religion influence or shape our attitude towards the natural environment? This is how UCLA history professor, Lynn White, answered this question in his article The Historical Roots of Our Ecological Crisis ( Published in Science in 1967), He states that the Western world’s attitude towards nature was shaped by the Judeo-Christian tradition. (He included Islam and Marxism in this tradition, that involved the concept), “God planned all (of creation) explicitly for man’s benefit and rule: no item in physical creation had any purpose save to serve man’s purposes.” According to Prof. White, Western Christianity separated humans from nature, and created a dualism, while the older religions saw (divine) spirit in every tree, river, animal and bird. White claims this Western concept encouraged exploitation and domination of nature for the benefit of man. This traditional, western exploitative attitude to ecology gave birth to the protest movements like Greenpeace that have gained strength over the last four decades, to protect the environment .
To Hindus, the concept of environment protection is not a modern phenomenon; they inherited it from their ancestors. During the earliest, formative period of their society, Hindus first perceived God’s presence around them through nature. The natural forces that governed their daily lives were considered as manifestations of an almighty creator they called the Brahman (not to be confused with the Brahmin caste).
Ancient Hindus felt Brahman’s presence in everything around them. Since these divine forces sustained all living creatures and organic things on this earth, to please God, they felt they must live in harmony with His creation including earth, rivers, forests, sun, air, and mountains. This belief spawned many rituals that are still followed by traditional Hindus in India. For example, before the foundation of a building is dug, a priest is invited to perform the Bhoomi Pooja in order to worship and appease mother earth and seek forgiveness for violating her. Certain plants, tries and rivers were considered sacred, and worshipped in festivals. In a traditional Hindu family, to insult or abuse nature is considered a sacrilegious act. A Hindu mother would severely scold her child for acts like ripping the limb of a plant or urinating or spitting on a tree or in any body of water.
Hindus believed that humans, gods and nature were integral parts of one ‘organic whole’. Ancient Hindu writers, later on, personified each of the divine force as a Devata or deity worthy of reverence and worship. Even Charvaka, the atheist philosopher of ancient India, who totally rejected Vedas, the Hindu scriptures, considered the principles of Vayu (air) Bhumi (earth), Jala (water), Agni (fire) as important factors in regulating the lives of humans, animals and plants. This Hindu worldview of ancient Vedic times became formalized into the Samkhya system of philosophy that promoted ecology-care in Hindu attitude.
This Hindu prayer called Shanti path recited to conclude every Hindu ceremony, reflect the Hindus’ connectedness with nature: “There is peace in heavenly region; there is peace in the environment; the water is cooling; herbs are healing; the plants are peace-giving; there is harmony in the celestial objects and perfection in knowledge; everything in the universe is peaceful; peace pervades everywhere. May that peace come to me!”
Alas! In the process of modernization and mimicking of western lifestyle and consumerism, modern Hindus have forgotten their ancestors’ view on ecology, and have acquired the western exploitative attitude towards nature. Lush forests have been denuded, rivers, including the sacred river Ganga (the Ganges), have become polluted with industrial wastes. Delhi has become one of the most polluted cities in the world. Many beautiful birds and animals have become extinct. This devastation is taking place in the name of progress.
The Indian environment-protection movement opposing this ecological destruction, is run by westernized elites, and based on western model. It has failed to become a mass movement, for it is devoid of spiritual foundation or content necessary to inspire Hindus. Prof. David Frawley (How I Became a Hindu), laments: “Unfortunately, Hindus have forgotten this Vedic view of the earth and don’t protect their natural environment. They have not added a (traditional) Hindu point of view to the ecology movement which is perhaps the main idealistic movement in the world today……part of the challenge of the modern Hinduism is to reclaim its connection to the earth.”
To Hindus, the concept of environment protection is not a modern phenomenon; they inherited it from their ancestors. During the earliest, formative period of their society, Hindus first perceived God’s presence around them through nature. The natural forces that governed their daily lives were considered as manifestations of an almighty creator they called the Brahman (not to be confused with the Brahmin caste).
Ancient Hindus felt Brahman’s presence in everything around them. Since these divine forces sustained all living creatures and organic things on this earth, to please God, they felt they must live in harmony with His creation including earth, rivers, forests, sun, air, and mountains. This belief spawned many rituals that are still followed by traditional Hindus in India. For example, before the foundation of a building is dug, a priest is invited to perform the Bhoomi Pooja in order to worship and appease mother earth and seek forgiveness for violating her. Certain plants, tries and rivers were considered sacred, and worshipped in festivals. In a traditional Hindu family, to insult or abuse nature is considered a sacrilegious act. A Hindu mother would severely scold her child for acts like ripping the limb of a plant or urinating or spitting on a tree or in any body of water.
Hindus believed that humans, gods and nature were integral parts of one ‘organic whole’. Ancient Hindu writers, later on, personified each of the divine force as a Devata or deity worthy of reverence and worship. Even Charvaka, the atheist philosopher of ancient India, who totally rejected Vedas, the Hindu scriptures, considered the principles of Vayu (air) Bhumi (earth), Jala (water), Agni (fire) as important factors in regulating the lives of humans, animals and plants. This Hindu worldview of ancient Vedic times became formalized into the Samkhya system of philosophy that promoted ecology-care in Hindu attitude.
This Hindu prayer called Shanti path recited to conclude every Hindu ceremony, reflect the Hindus’ connectedness with nature: “There is peace in heavenly region; there is peace in the environment; the water is cooling; herbs are healing; the plants are peace-giving; there is harmony in the celestial objects and perfection in knowledge; everything in the universe is peaceful; peace pervades everywhere. May that peace come to me!”
Alas! In the process of modernization and mimicking of western lifestyle and consumerism, modern Hindus have forgotten their ancestors’ view on ecology, and have acquired the western exploitative attitude towards nature. Lush forests have been denuded, rivers, including the sacred river Ganga (the Ganges), have become polluted with industrial wastes. Delhi has become one of the most polluted cities in the world. Many beautiful birds and animals have become extinct. This devastation is taking place in the name of progress.
The Indian environment-protection movement opposing this ecological destruction, is run by westernized elites, and based on western model. It has failed to become a mass movement, for it is devoid of spiritual foundation or content necessary to inspire Hindus. Prof. David Frawley (How I Became a Hindu), laments: “Unfortunately, Hindus have forgotten this Vedic view of the earth and don’t protect their natural environment. They have not added a (traditional) Hindu point of view to the ecology movement which is perhaps the main idealistic movement in the world today……part of the challenge of the modern Hinduism is to reclaim its connection to the earth.”
hindusim and science
Hinduism is probably the only religion which provides great support for science and scientific discoveries. Most of the modern day inventions can be found in ancient Hindu scriptures. Below is a compiled list of the scientific discoveries of this era which can be found in the ancient scriptures.
Cosmology & psychology
According to India's ancient texts, around 3000 BCE sage Kapil founded both cosmology and psychology. He shed light on the Soul, the subtle elements of matter and creation. His main idea was that essential nature (prakrti) comes from the eternal (purusha) to develop all of creation. No deeper a view of the cosmos has ever been developed. Further, his philosophy of Sankhya philosophy also covered the secret levels of the psyche, including mind, intellect and ego, and how they relate to the Soul or Atma.
Medicine (Ayurveda), Aviation
Around 800 BCE Sage Bharadwaj, was both the father of modern medicine, teaching Ayurveda, and also the developer of aviation technology. He wrote the Yantra Sarvasva, which covers astonishing discoveries in aviation and space sciences, and flying machines - well before Leonardo DaVinchi's time. Some of his flying machines were reported to fly around the earth, from the earth to other planets, and between universes. His designs and descriptions have left a huge impression on modern-day aviation engineers. He also discussed how to make these flying machines invisible by using sun and wind force. There are much more fascinating insights discovered by sage Bharadwaj.
Medicine, Surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology. anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, embryology, blood circulation
Around this era and through 400 BCE many great developments occurred. In the field of medicine (Ayurveda), sage Divodasa Dhanwantari developed the school of surgery; Rishi Kashyap developed the specialized fields of paediatrics and gynaecology. Lord Atreya, author of the one of the main Ayurvedic texts, the Charak Samhita, classified the principles of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, embryology, blood circulation and more. He discussed how to heal thousands of diseases, many of which modern science still has no answer. Along with herbs, diet and lifestyle, Atreya showed a correlation between mind, body, spirit and ethics. He outlined a charter of ethics centuries before the Hippocratic oath.
Rhinoplasty, amputation, caesarean and cranial surgeries, anesthesia, antibiotic herbs
While Lord Atreya is recognized for his contribution to medicine, sage Sushrut is known as the "Father of surgery". Even modern science recognizes India as the first country to develop and use rhinoplasty (developed by Sushrut). He also practiced amputation, caesarean and cranial surgeries, and developed 125 surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, and needles.
Lord Atreya - author of Charak Samhita. Circa 8th - 6th century BCE. Perhaps the most referred to Rishi/physician today The Charak Samhita was the first compilation of all aspects of ayurvedic medicine including diagnoses, cures, anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, and blood circulation (excluding surgery).
He wrote about causes and cures for diabetes, TB, and heart diseases. At that time, European medicine had no idea of these ideas. In fact, even today many of these disease causes and cures are still unknown to modern allopathic medicine.
Other unique quality of Ayurveda is that it uncovers and cures the root cause of illness, it is safe, gentle and inexpensive, it sees 6 stages of disease development (where modern medicine only sees the last two stages), it treats people in a personalized manner according to their dosha or constitution and not in any generic manner.
Further, Ayurveda being the science of 'life', Atrea was quick to emphasize, proper nutrition according to dosha, and perhaps above all else, that there was a mind/body/soul relationship and that the root cause of all diseases and the best medicine for all conditions is spiritual and ethical life.
Rishi Sushrut is known as the father of surgery & author of Sushrut Samhita. Circa 5 - 4th century BCE. He is credited with performing the world's first rhinoplasty, using anesthesia and plastic surgery. He used surgical instruments - many of them look similar to instruments used today; and discussed more than 300 types of surgical operations. One of the Ayurvedic surgical practices being used today in India involves dipping sutures into antibiotic herbs so when sewed into the person, the scar heals quicker and prevent infection. The modern surgical world owes a great debt to this great surgical sage.
Atomic theory
Sage Kanad (circa 600 BCE) is recognized as the founder of atomic theory, and classified all the objects of creation into nine elements (earth, water, light or fire, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul). He stated that every object in creation is made of atoms that in turn connect with each other to form molecules nearly 2,500 years before John Dalton. Further, Kanad described the dimension and motion of atoms, and the chemical reaction with one another. The eminent historian, T.N. Colebrook said, "Compared to scientists of Europe, Kanad and other Indian scientists were the global masters in this field."
Chemistry alchemical metals
In the field of chemistry alchemical metals were developed for medicinal uses by sage Nagarjuna. He wrote many famous books including Ras Ratnakar, which is still used in India's Ayurvedic colleges today. By carefully burning metals like iron, tin, copper, etc. into ash, removing the toxic elements, these metals produce quick and profound healing in the most difficult diseases.
Astronomy and mathematics
Sage Aryabhatt (b. 476 CE) wrote texts on astronomy and mathematics. He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim the earth was round, rotating on an axis, orbiting the sun and suspended in space. This was around 1,000 years before Copernicus. He was a geometry genius credited with calculating pi to four decimal places, developing the trigonomic sine table and the area of a triangle. Perhaps his most important contribution was the concept of the zero. Details are found in Shulva sutra. Other sages of mathematics include Baudhayana, Katyayana, and Apastamba.
Astronomy, geography, constellation science, botany and animal science.
Varahamihr (499 - 587 CE) was another eminent astronomer. In his book, Panschsiddhant, he noted that the moon and planets shine due to the sun. Many of his other contributions captured in his books Bruhad Samhita and Bruhad Jatak, were in the fields of geography, constellation science, botany and animal science. For example he presented cures for various diseases of plants and trees.
Knowledge of botany (Vrksh-Ayurveda) dates back more than 5,000 years, discussed in India's Rig Veda. Sage Parashara (100 BCE) is called the "father of botany" because he classified flowering plants into various families, nearly 2,000 years before Lannaeus (the modern father of taxonomy). Parashara described plant cells - the outer and inner walls, sap color-matter and something not visible to the eye - anvasva. Nearly 2,000 years -later Robert Hooke, using a microscope described the outer and inner wall and sap color-matter.
Algebra, arithmetic and geometry, planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, and mathematical techniques. force of gravity
In the field of mathematics, Bhaskaracharya II (1114 - 1183 CE) contributed to the fields of algebra, arithmetic and geometry. Two of his most well known books are Lilavati and Bijaganita, which are translated in several languages of the world. In his book, Siddhant Shiromani, he expounds on planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, and mathematical techniques. Another of his books, Surya Siddhant discusses the force of gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton. Sage Sridharacharya developed the quadratic equation around 991 CE.
The Decimal
Ancient India invented the decimal scale using base 10. They number-names to denote numbers. In the 9th century CE, an Arab mathematician, Al-Khwarizmi, learned Sanskrit and wrote a book explaining the Hindu system of numeration. In the 12th century CE the book was translated into Latin. The British used this numerical system and credited the Arabs - mislabelling it 'Arabic numerals'. "We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made." - Albert Einstein.
Metallurgy
India was the world-leader in Metallurgy for more than 5,000 years. Gold jewellery is available from 3,000 BCE. Brass and bronze pieces are dated back to 1,300 BCE. Extraction of zinc from ore by distillation was used in India as early as 400 BCE while European William Campion patented the process some 2,000 years later. Copper statues can be dated back to 500 CE. There is an iron pillar in Delhi dating back to 400 CE that shows no sign of rust or decay.
There are two unique aspects to India's ancient scientists. First their discoveries are in use today as some of the most important aspects of their field; and are validated by modern technological machines. Second, their discoveries brought peace and prosperity rather than the harm and destruction of many of our modern discoveries.
Cosmology & psychology
According to India's ancient texts, around 3000 BCE sage Kapil founded both cosmology and psychology. He shed light on the Soul, the subtle elements of matter and creation. His main idea was that essential nature (prakrti) comes from the eternal (purusha) to develop all of creation. No deeper a view of the cosmos has ever been developed. Further, his philosophy of Sankhya philosophy also covered the secret levels of the psyche, including mind, intellect and ego, and how they relate to the Soul or Atma.
Medicine (Ayurveda), Aviation
Around 800 BCE Sage Bharadwaj, was both the father of modern medicine, teaching Ayurveda, and also the developer of aviation technology. He wrote the Yantra Sarvasva, which covers astonishing discoveries in aviation and space sciences, and flying machines - well before Leonardo DaVinchi's time. Some of his flying machines were reported to fly around the earth, from the earth to other planets, and between universes. His designs and descriptions have left a huge impression on modern-day aviation engineers. He also discussed how to make these flying machines invisible by using sun and wind force. There are much more fascinating insights discovered by sage Bharadwaj.
Medicine, Surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology. anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, embryology, blood circulation
Around this era and through 400 BCE many great developments occurred. In the field of medicine (Ayurveda), sage Divodasa Dhanwantari developed the school of surgery; Rishi Kashyap developed the specialized fields of paediatrics and gynaecology. Lord Atreya, author of the one of the main Ayurvedic texts, the Charak Samhita, classified the principles of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, embryology, blood circulation and more. He discussed how to heal thousands of diseases, many of which modern science still has no answer. Along with herbs, diet and lifestyle, Atreya showed a correlation between mind, body, spirit and ethics. He outlined a charter of ethics centuries before the Hippocratic oath.
Rhinoplasty, amputation, caesarean and cranial surgeries, anesthesia, antibiotic herbs
While Lord Atreya is recognized for his contribution to medicine, sage Sushrut is known as the "Father of surgery". Even modern science recognizes India as the first country to develop and use rhinoplasty (developed by Sushrut). He also practiced amputation, caesarean and cranial surgeries, and developed 125 surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, and needles.
Lord Atreya - author of Charak Samhita. Circa 8th - 6th century BCE. Perhaps the most referred to Rishi/physician today The Charak Samhita was the first compilation of all aspects of ayurvedic medicine including diagnoses, cures, anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, and blood circulation (excluding surgery).
He wrote about causes and cures for diabetes, TB, and heart diseases. At that time, European medicine had no idea of these ideas. In fact, even today many of these disease causes and cures are still unknown to modern allopathic medicine.
Other unique quality of Ayurveda is that it uncovers and cures the root cause of illness, it is safe, gentle and inexpensive, it sees 6 stages of disease development (where modern medicine only sees the last two stages), it treats people in a personalized manner according to their dosha or constitution and not in any generic manner.
Further, Ayurveda being the science of 'life', Atrea was quick to emphasize, proper nutrition according to dosha, and perhaps above all else, that there was a mind/body/soul relationship and that the root cause of all diseases and the best medicine for all conditions is spiritual and ethical life.
Rishi Sushrut is known as the father of surgery & author of Sushrut Samhita. Circa 5 - 4th century BCE. He is credited with performing the world's first rhinoplasty, using anesthesia and plastic surgery. He used surgical instruments - many of them look similar to instruments used today; and discussed more than 300 types of surgical operations. One of the Ayurvedic surgical practices being used today in India involves dipping sutures into antibiotic herbs so when sewed into the person, the scar heals quicker and prevent infection. The modern surgical world owes a great debt to this great surgical sage.
Atomic theory
Sage Kanad (circa 600 BCE) is recognized as the founder of atomic theory, and classified all the objects of creation into nine elements (earth, water, light or fire, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul). He stated that every object in creation is made of atoms that in turn connect with each other to form molecules nearly 2,500 years before John Dalton. Further, Kanad described the dimension and motion of atoms, and the chemical reaction with one another. The eminent historian, T.N. Colebrook said, "Compared to scientists of Europe, Kanad and other Indian scientists were the global masters in this field."
Chemistry alchemical metals
In the field of chemistry alchemical metals were developed for medicinal uses by sage Nagarjuna. He wrote many famous books including Ras Ratnakar, which is still used in India's Ayurvedic colleges today. By carefully burning metals like iron, tin, copper, etc. into ash, removing the toxic elements, these metals produce quick and profound healing in the most difficult diseases.
Astronomy and mathematics
Sage Aryabhatt (b. 476 CE) wrote texts on astronomy and mathematics. He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim the earth was round, rotating on an axis, orbiting the sun and suspended in space. This was around 1,000 years before Copernicus. He was a geometry genius credited with calculating pi to four decimal places, developing the trigonomic sine table and the area of a triangle. Perhaps his most important contribution was the concept of the zero. Details are found in Shulva sutra. Other sages of mathematics include Baudhayana, Katyayana, and Apastamba.
Astronomy, geography, constellation science, botany and animal science.
Varahamihr (499 - 587 CE) was another eminent astronomer. In his book, Panschsiddhant, he noted that the moon and planets shine due to the sun. Many of his other contributions captured in his books Bruhad Samhita and Bruhad Jatak, were in the fields of geography, constellation science, botany and animal science. For example he presented cures for various diseases of plants and trees.
Knowledge of botany (Vrksh-Ayurveda) dates back more than 5,000 years, discussed in India's Rig Veda. Sage Parashara (100 BCE) is called the "father of botany" because he classified flowering plants into various families, nearly 2,000 years before Lannaeus (the modern father of taxonomy). Parashara described plant cells - the outer and inner walls, sap color-matter and something not visible to the eye - anvasva. Nearly 2,000 years -later Robert Hooke, using a microscope described the outer and inner wall and sap color-matter.
Algebra, arithmetic and geometry, planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, and mathematical techniques. force of gravity
In the field of mathematics, Bhaskaracharya II (1114 - 1183 CE) contributed to the fields of algebra, arithmetic and geometry. Two of his most well known books are Lilavati and Bijaganita, which are translated in several languages of the world. In his book, Siddhant Shiromani, he expounds on planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, and mathematical techniques. Another of his books, Surya Siddhant discusses the force of gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton. Sage Sridharacharya developed the quadratic equation around 991 CE.
The Decimal
Ancient India invented the decimal scale using base 10. They number-names to denote numbers. In the 9th century CE, an Arab mathematician, Al-Khwarizmi, learned Sanskrit and wrote a book explaining the Hindu system of numeration. In the 12th century CE the book was translated into Latin. The British used this numerical system and credited the Arabs - mislabelling it 'Arabic numerals'. "We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made." - Albert Einstein.
Metallurgy
India was the world-leader in Metallurgy for more than 5,000 years. Gold jewellery is available from 3,000 BCE. Brass and bronze pieces are dated back to 1,300 BCE. Extraction of zinc from ore by distillation was used in India as early as 400 BCE while European William Campion patented the process some 2,000 years later. Copper statues can be dated back to 500 CE. There is an iron pillar in Delhi dating back to 400 CE that shows no sign of rust or decay.
There are two unique aspects to India's ancient scientists. First their discoveries are in use today as some of the most important aspects of their field; and are validated by modern technological machines. Second, their discoveries brought peace and prosperity rather than the harm and destruction of many of our modern discoveries.
hindusim and science
Hinduism is probably the only religion which provides great support for science and scientific discoveries. Most of the modern day inventions can be found in ancient Hindu scriptures. Below is a compiled list of the scientific discoveries of this era which can be found in the ancient scriptures.
Cosmology & psychology
According to India's ancient texts, around 3000 BCE sage Kapil founded both cosmology and psychology. He shed light on the Soul, the subtle elements of matter and creation. His main idea was that essential nature (prakrti) comes from the eternal (purusha) to develop all of creation. No deeper a view of the cosmos has ever been developed. Further, his philosophy of Sankhya philosophy also covered the secret levels of the psyche, including mind, intellect and ego, and how they relate to the Soul or Atma.
Medicine (Ayurveda), Aviation
Around 800 BCE Sage Bharadwaj, was both the father of modern medicine, teaching Ayurveda, and also the developer of aviation technology. He wrote the Yantra Sarvasva, which covers astonishing discoveries in aviation and space sciences, and flying machines - well before Leonardo DaVinchi's time. Some of his flying machines were reported to fly around the earth, from the earth to other planets, and between universes. His designs and descriptions have left a huge impression on modern-day aviation engineers. He also discussed how to make these flying machines invisible by using sun and wind force. There are much more fascinating insights discovered by sage Bharadwaj.
Medicine, Surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology. anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, embryology, blood circulation
Around this era and through 400 BCE many great developments occurred. In the field of medicine (Ayurveda), sage Divodasa Dhanwantari developed the school of surgery; Rishi Kashyap developed the specialized fields of paediatrics and gynaecology. Lord Atreya, author of the one of the main Ayurvedic texts, the Charak Samhita, classified the principles of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, embryology, blood circulation and more. He discussed how to heal thousands of diseases, many of which modern science still has no answer. Along with herbs, diet and lifestyle, Atreya showed a correlation between mind, body, spirit and ethics. He outlined a charter of ethics centuries before the Hippocratic oath.
Rhinoplasty, amputation, caesarean and cranial surgeries, anesthesia, antibiotic herbs
While Lord Atreya is recognized for his contribution to medicine, sage Sushrut is known as the "Father of surgery". Even modern science recognizes India as the first country to develop and use rhinoplasty (developed by Sushrut). He also practiced amputation, caesarean and cranial surgeries, and developed 125 surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, and needles.
Lord Atreya - author of Charak Samhita. Circa 8th - 6th century BCE. Perhaps the most referred to Rishi/physician today The Charak Samhita was the first compilation of all aspects of ayurvedic medicine including diagnoses, cures, anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, and blood circulation (excluding surgery).
He wrote about causes and cures for diabetes, TB, and heart diseases. At that time, European medicine had no idea of these ideas. In fact, even today many of these disease causes and cures are still unknown to modern allopathic medicine.
Other unique quality of Ayurveda is that it uncovers and cures the root cause of illness, it is safe, gentle and inexpensive, it sees 6 stages of disease development (where modern medicine only sees the last two stages), it treats people in a personalized manner according to their dosha or constitution and not in any generic manner.
Further, Ayurveda being the science of 'life', Atrea was quick to emphasize, proper nutrition according to dosha, and perhaps above all else, that there was a mind/body/soul relationship and that the root cause of all diseases and the best medicine for all conditions is spiritual and ethical life.
Rishi Sushrut is known as the father of surgery & author of Sushrut Samhita. Circa 5 - 4th century BCE. He is credited with performing the world's first rhinoplasty, using anesthesia and plastic surgery. He used surgical instruments - many of them look similar to instruments used today; and discussed more than 300 types of surgical operations. One of the Ayurvedic surgical practices being used today in India involves dipping sutures into antibiotic herbs so when sewed into the person, the scar heals quicker and prevent infection. The modern surgical world owes a great debt to this great surgical sage.
Atomic theory
Sage Kanad (circa 600 BCE) is recognized as the founder of atomic theory, and classified all the objects of creation into nine elements (earth, water, light or fire, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul). He stated that every object in creation is made of atoms that in turn connect with each other to form molecules nearly 2,500 years before John Dalton. Further, Kanad described the dimension and motion of atoms, and the chemical reaction with one another. The eminent historian, T.N. Colebrook said, "Compared to scientists of Europe, Kanad and other Indian scientists were the global masters in this field."
Chemistry alchemical metals
In the field of chemistry alchemical metals were developed for medicinal uses by sage Nagarjuna. He wrote many famous books including Ras Ratnakar, which is still used in India's Ayurvedic colleges today. By carefully burning metals like iron, tin, copper, etc. into ash, removing the toxic elements, these metals produce quick and profound healing in the most difficult diseases.
Astronomy and mathematics
Sage Aryabhatt (b. 476 CE) wrote texts on astronomy and mathematics. He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim the earth was round, rotating on an axis, orbiting the sun and suspended in space. This was around 1,000 years before Copernicus. He was a geometry genius credited with calculating pi to four decimal places, developing the trigonomic sine table and the area of a triangle. Perhaps his most important contribution was the concept of the zero. Details are found in Shulva sutra. Other sages of mathematics include Baudhayana, Katyayana, and Apastamba.
Astronomy, geography, constellation science, botany and animal science.
Varahamihr (499 - 587 CE) was another eminent astronomer. In his book, Panschsiddhant, he noted that the moon and planets shine due to the sun. Many of his other contributions captured in his books Bruhad Samhita and Bruhad Jatak, were in the fields of geography, constellation science, botany and animal science. For example he presented cures for various diseases of plants and trees.
Knowledge of botany (Vrksh-Ayurveda) dates back more than 5,000 years, discussed in India's Rig Veda. Sage Parashara (100 BCE) is called the "father of botany" because he classified flowering plants into various families, nearly 2,000 years before Lannaeus (the modern father of taxonomy). Parashara described plant cells - the outer and inner walls, sap color-matter and something not visible to the eye - anvasva. Nearly 2,000 years -later Robert Hooke, using a microscope described the outer and inner wall and sap color-matter.
Algebra, arithmetic and geometry, planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, and mathematical techniques. force of gravity
In the field of mathematics, Bhaskaracharya II (1114 - 1183 CE) contributed to the fields of algebra, arithmetic and geometry. Two of his most well known books are Lilavati and Bijaganita, which are translated in several languages of the world. In his book, Siddhant Shiromani, he expounds on planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, and mathematical techniques. Another of his books, Surya Siddhant discusses the force of gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton. Sage Sridharacharya developed the quadratic equation around 991 CE.
The Decimal
Ancient India invented the decimal scale using base 10. They number-names to denote numbers. In the 9th century CE, an Arab mathematician, Al-Khwarizmi, learned Sanskrit and wrote a book explaining the Hindu system of numeration. In the 12th century CE the book was translated into Latin. The British used this numerical system and credited the Arabs - mislabelling it 'Arabic numerals'. "We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made." - Albert Einstein.
Metallurgy
India was the world-leader in Metallurgy for more than 5,000 years. Gold jewellery is available from 3,000 BCE. Brass and bronze pieces are dated back to 1,300 BCE. Extraction of zinc from ore by distillation was used in India as early as 400 BCE while European William Campion patented the process some 2,000 years later. Copper statues can be dated back to 500 CE. There is an iron pillar in Delhi dating back to 400 CE that shows no sign of rust or decay.
There are two unique aspects to India's ancient scientists. First their discoveries are in use today as some of the most important aspects of their field; and are validated by modern technological machines. Second, their discoveries brought peace and prosperity rather than the harm and destruction of many of our modern discoveries.
Cosmology & psychology
According to India's ancient texts, around 3000 BCE sage Kapil founded both cosmology and psychology. He shed light on the Soul, the subtle elements of matter and creation. His main idea was that essential nature (prakrti) comes from the eternal (purusha) to develop all of creation. No deeper a view of the cosmos has ever been developed. Further, his philosophy of Sankhya philosophy also covered the secret levels of the psyche, including mind, intellect and ego, and how they relate to the Soul or Atma.
Medicine (Ayurveda), Aviation
Around 800 BCE Sage Bharadwaj, was both the father of modern medicine, teaching Ayurveda, and also the developer of aviation technology. He wrote the Yantra Sarvasva, which covers astonishing discoveries in aviation and space sciences, and flying machines - well before Leonardo DaVinchi's time. Some of his flying machines were reported to fly around the earth, from the earth to other planets, and between universes. His designs and descriptions have left a huge impression on modern-day aviation engineers. He also discussed how to make these flying machines invisible by using sun and wind force. There are much more fascinating insights discovered by sage Bharadwaj.
Medicine, Surgery, paediatrics, gynaecology. anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, embryology, blood circulation
Around this era and through 400 BCE many great developments occurred. In the field of medicine (Ayurveda), sage Divodasa Dhanwantari developed the school of surgery; Rishi Kashyap developed the specialized fields of paediatrics and gynaecology. Lord Atreya, author of the one of the main Ayurvedic texts, the Charak Samhita, classified the principles of anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, embryology, blood circulation and more. He discussed how to heal thousands of diseases, many of which modern science still has no answer. Along with herbs, diet and lifestyle, Atreya showed a correlation between mind, body, spirit and ethics. He outlined a charter of ethics centuries before the Hippocratic oath.
Rhinoplasty, amputation, caesarean and cranial surgeries, anesthesia, antibiotic herbs
While Lord Atreya is recognized for his contribution to medicine, sage Sushrut is known as the "Father of surgery". Even modern science recognizes India as the first country to develop and use rhinoplasty (developed by Sushrut). He also practiced amputation, caesarean and cranial surgeries, and developed 125 surgical instruments including scalpels, lancets, and needles.
Lord Atreya - author of Charak Samhita. Circa 8th - 6th century BCE. Perhaps the most referred to Rishi/physician today The Charak Samhita was the first compilation of all aspects of ayurvedic medicine including diagnoses, cures, anatomy, embryology, pharmacology, and blood circulation (excluding surgery).
He wrote about causes and cures for diabetes, TB, and heart diseases. At that time, European medicine had no idea of these ideas. In fact, even today many of these disease causes and cures are still unknown to modern allopathic medicine.
Other unique quality of Ayurveda is that it uncovers and cures the root cause of illness, it is safe, gentle and inexpensive, it sees 6 stages of disease development (where modern medicine only sees the last two stages), it treats people in a personalized manner according to their dosha or constitution and not in any generic manner.
Further, Ayurveda being the science of 'life', Atrea was quick to emphasize, proper nutrition according to dosha, and perhaps above all else, that there was a mind/body/soul relationship and that the root cause of all diseases and the best medicine for all conditions is spiritual and ethical life.
Rishi Sushrut is known as the father of surgery & author of Sushrut Samhita. Circa 5 - 4th century BCE. He is credited with performing the world's first rhinoplasty, using anesthesia and plastic surgery. He used surgical instruments - many of them look similar to instruments used today; and discussed more than 300 types of surgical operations. One of the Ayurvedic surgical practices being used today in India involves dipping sutures into antibiotic herbs so when sewed into the person, the scar heals quicker and prevent infection. The modern surgical world owes a great debt to this great surgical sage.
Atomic theory
Sage Kanad (circa 600 BCE) is recognized as the founder of atomic theory, and classified all the objects of creation into nine elements (earth, water, light or fire, wind, ether, time, space, mind and soul). He stated that every object in creation is made of atoms that in turn connect with each other to form molecules nearly 2,500 years before John Dalton. Further, Kanad described the dimension and motion of atoms, and the chemical reaction with one another. The eminent historian, T.N. Colebrook said, "Compared to scientists of Europe, Kanad and other Indian scientists were the global masters in this field."
Chemistry alchemical metals
In the field of chemistry alchemical metals were developed for medicinal uses by sage Nagarjuna. He wrote many famous books including Ras Ratnakar, which is still used in India's Ayurvedic colleges today. By carefully burning metals like iron, tin, copper, etc. into ash, removing the toxic elements, these metals produce quick and profound healing in the most difficult diseases.
Astronomy and mathematics
Sage Aryabhatt (b. 476 CE) wrote texts on astronomy and mathematics. He formulated the process of calculating the motion of planets and the time of eclipses. Aryabhatt was the first to proclaim the earth was round, rotating on an axis, orbiting the sun and suspended in space. This was around 1,000 years before Copernicus. He was a geometry genius credited with calculating pi to four decimal places, developing the trigonomic sine table and the area of a triangle. Perhaps his most important contribution was the concept of the zero. Details are found in Shulva sutra. Other sages of mathematics include Baudhayana, Katyayana, and Apastamba.
Astronomy, geography, constellation science, botany and animal science.
Varahamihr (499 - 587 CE) was another eminent astronomer. In his book, Panschsiddhant, he noted that the moon and planets shine due to the sun. Many of his other contributions captured in his books Bruhad Samhita and Bruhad Jatak, were in the fields of geography, constellation science, botany and animal science. For example he presented cures for various diseases of plants and trees.
Knowledge of botany (Vrksh-Ayurveda) dates back more than 5,000 years, discussed in India's Rig Veda. Sage Parashara (100 BCE) is called the "father of botany" because he classified flowering plants into various families, nearly 2,000 years before Lannaeus (the modern father of taxonomy). Parashara described plant cells - the outer and inner walls, sap color-matter and something not visible to the eye - anvasva. Nearly 2,000 years -later Robert Hooke, using a microscope described the outer and inner wall and sap color-matter.
Algebra, arithmetic and geometry, planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, and mathematical techniques. force of gravity
In the field of mathematics, Bhaskaracharya II (1114 - 1183 CE) contributed to the fields of algebra, arithmetic and geometry. Two of his most well known books are Lilavati and Bijaganita, which are translated in several languages of the world. In his book, Siddhant Shiromani, he expounds on planetary positions, eclipses, cosmography, and mathematical techniques. Another of his books, Surya Siddhant discusses the force of gravity, 500 years before Sir Isaac Newton. Sage Sridharacharya developed the quadratic equation around 991 CE.
The Decimal
Ancient India invented the decimal scale using base 10. They number-names to denote numbers. In the 9th century CE, an Arab mathematician, Al-Khwarizmi, learned Sanskrit and wrote a book explaining the Hindu system of numeration. In the 12th century CE the book was translated into Latin. The British used this numerical system and credited the Arabs - mislabelling it 'Arabic numerals'. "We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made." - Albert Einstein.
Metallurgy
India was the world-leader in Metallurgy for more than 5,000 years. Gold jewellery is available from 3,000 BCE. Brass and bronze pieces are dated back to 1,300 BCE. Extraction of zinc from ore by distillation was used in India as early as 400 BCE while European William Campion patented the process some 2,000 years later. Copper statues can be dated back to 500 CE. There is an iron pillar in Delhi dating back to 400 CE that shows no sign of rust or decay.
There are two unique aspects to India's ancient scientists. First their discoveries are in use today as some of the most important aspects of their field; and are validated by modern technological machines. Second, their discoveries brought peace and prosperity rather than the harm and destruction of many of our modern discoveries.
Japan urges India climate action
The Japanese Foreign Minister, Hirofumi Nakasone, has urged India to play more of an active role in combating global warming and climate change.
Speaking at a joint news conference in Tokyo with the visiting Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna, Mr Nakasone said India should exercise more leadership.
He said Delhi could do so in a more positive way and with more perspective.
The Indian minister responded by saying that any deal to combat global warming must be fair for emerging nations.
'Ambitious and equitable'
"We agreed that climate change is an important global challenge," Mr Krishna said. He is on a four-day visit to Japan
"We hope that all countries will participate constructively."
The Indian foreign minister stressed the need for "an ambitious and at the same time equitable and fair outcome" at the Copenhagen international climate conference later this year.
He said that any international climate change agreement must ensure that developing countries "are able to continue their economic growth at an accelerated pace".
The December summit in Denmark is intended to secure a new international agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.
India - like China - has refused to commit to emission cuts in the new treaty until developed nations, particularly the US, also pledge to meet climate change targets.
Mr Nakasone said that Delhi could play a leading role in persuading other developing countries to commit themselves to a new treaty.
"I expressed my hope and expectations for India to exercise its leadership even more positively and comprehensively," he said.
"The minister and I shared the view that we should step up our bilateral dialogue on this issue."
Japan announced in June that it hoped to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 8% from 1990 levels by the end of the next decade.
But that target has been described as too little, too late by environmentalists.
Mr Krishna's visit is the first to Japan by an Indian minister since Prime Minister Manmohan Singh named his new cabinet in May.
Speaking at a joint news conference in Tokyo with the visiting Indian Foreign Minister SM Krishna, Mr Nakasone said India should exercise more leadership.
He said Delhi could do so in a more positive way and with more perspective.
The Indian minister responded by saying that any deal to combat global warming must be fair for emerging nations.
'Ambitious and equitable'
"We agreed that climate change is an important global challenge," Mr Krishna said. He is on a four-day visit to Japan
"We hope that all countries will participate constructively."
The Indian foreign minister stressed the need for "an ambitious and at the same time equitable and fair outcome" at the Copenhagen international climate conference later this year.
He said that any international climate change agreement must ensure that developing countries "are able to continue their economic growth at an accelerated pace".
The December summit in Denmark is intended to secure a new international agreement to replace the Kyoto Protocol, which expires in 2012.
India - like China - has refused to commit to emission cuts in the new treaty until developed nations, particularly the US, also pledge to meet climate change targets.
Mr Nakasone said that Delhi could play a leading role in persuading other developing countries to commit themselves to a new treaty.
"I expressed my hope and expectations for India to exercise its leadership even more positively and comprehensively," he said.
"The minister and I shared the view that we should step up our bilateral dialogue on this issue."
Japan announced in June that it hoped to cut its own greenhouse gas emissions by the equivalent of 8% from 1990 levels by the end of the next decade.
But that target has been described as too little, too late by environmentalists.
Mr Krishna's visit is the first to Japan by an Indian minister since Prime Minister Manmohan Singh named his new cabinet in May.
EDF: It's not a hoax, there's no conspiracy, the Earth is warming
Some of the commenters on this blog question whether global warming is happening and whether man-made greenhouse gases are causing it.
Some commenters worry that legislation to limit greenhouse gases might do more harm than good.
The following is the Environmental Defense Fund's response to such statements.
Our blog readers who are concerned about climate change might like to see these responses. And our blog readers who are more concerned about climate change legislation might have some fun with this.
It's interesting to me that Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, opposes climate change legislation, according to the EDF statement. His West Texas district includes lots of oil companies, but it also happens to be the second-largest wind capacity district in the country. Many of Conaway's constituents might benefit financially from climate change legislation.
Jump for the EDF responses.
10 Outrageous Claims
10) "Wake up, America. There hasn't been any global warming, which is what we heard over and over and over again - there hasn't been any global warming for 10 years." - Rep. Dana Rohrabacker (R-CA)
No warming for 10 years? Well, not exactly true. 1998 was the 2nd hottest year on record while 2008 was only the 8th hottest. So, if you only look at those two years, you might assume there hasn't been any warming. But, 2005 was the hottest year on record and the warmest decade on record is 1998 through 2008. The trends are clear. The planet is warming. Period.
9) "You want to talk about a massive new welfare program for energy? It's in here too... It's a whole new welfare program for energy." - Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR)
If you want to talk welfare, what about the hundreds of billions the oil, gas and coal industries have received in subsidies and tax breaks over the years?
8) "God has put us on this Earth as responsible stewards of these resources, and we ought to use them responsibly. This bill does not do it. In fact, it does nothing good. The only meaningful thing that it might do is provide a relatively meaningless photo op for our President in December in Copenhagen as he stands to brag about what America has done while the leaders of India and China laugh at us behind his back." - Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX)
We look forward to working with Rep. Conaway to strengthen this bill and to fight for the strongest possible international global warming treaty later this year.
7) "Energy producing states like Oklahoma will be economically punished and devastated." - Rep Tom Cole (R-OK)
Rep. Cole should have a look at climate models showing that Oklahoma could spend nearly the entire summer with 100+ temperatures by the end of the century. Talk about devastating.
6) "We should not be the first lemming to jump off the cliff." - Rep. Doc Hasting (R-WA)
That's an interesting point given that the U.S. is the only industrial country in the world that never ratified the Kyoto global warming treaty and that much of Europe is operating under a carbon cap right now.
5) "[For some, this bill is an] economic death sentence." - Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA)
As opposed to the current economy in which we are held hostage by our reliance on foreign oil and in which only last summer we saw gas prices exceed $4/gallon.
4) "The whole point of cap-and-trade is to make fossil fuels, or 85 percent of the energy we consume, more expensive." - Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA)
No, the point of this bill is to cap global warming pollution, put Americans back to work building out our clean energy future, and free us from our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.
3) "Do you want to throw away the economic prosperity for nothing, because that's what this bill does. And for what, to satisfy the twisted desires of radical environmentalists." - Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA)
With millions of Americans out of work and the economy in recession, it might not be the best time to talk about "throwing away our economic prosperity" or to support the status quo.
2) "[This will bring us back to] hunting and gathering." - Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI)
Yeah, when we look at solar panels, hybrids and windmills, that's exactly what comes to mind - hunting and gathering societies.
1) "The idea of human induced global climate change is one of the greatest hoaxes perpetrated out of the scientific community. It is a hoax... We need to be good stewards of our environment, but this is not it, it's a hoax!" - Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA)
A global conspiracy involving thousands of scientists taking tens of thousands of measurements on everything ranging from ice core samples to the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere to sea level rise, hundreds of governments around the world working to address global warming pollution, dozens of science academies that have endorsed the reality of global warming and urged action, as well as hundreds of millions of people around the world who have joined the movement to promote global warming action.
And, we're all coordinating our activities to push this hoax because...?
Some commenters worry that legislation to limit greenhouse gases might do more harm than good.
The following is the Environmental Defense Fund's response to such statements.
Our blog readers who are concerned about climate change might like to see these responses. And our blog readers who are more concerned about climate change legislation might have some fun with this.
It's interesting to me that Rep. Mike Conaway, R-Texas, opposes climate change legislation, according to the EDF statement. His West Texas district includes lots of oil companies, but it also happens to be the second-largest wind capacity district in the country. Many of Conaway's constituents might benefit financially from climate change legislation.
Jump for the EDF responses.
10 Outrageous Claims
10) "Wake up, America. There hasn't been any global warming, which is what we heard over and over and over again - there hasn't been any global warming for 10 years." - Rep. Dana Rohrabacker (R-CA)
No warming for 10 years? Well, not exactly true. 1998 was the 2nd hottest year on record while 2008 was only the 8th hottest. So, if you only look at those two years, you might assume there hasn't been any warming. But, 2005 was the hottest year on record and the warmest decade on record is 1998 through 2008. The trends are clear. The planet is warming. Period.
9) "You want to talk about a massive new welfare program for energy? It's in here too... It's a whole new welfare program for energy." - Rep. Greg Walden (R-OR)
If you want to talk welfare, what about the hundreds of billions the oil, gas and coal industries have received in subsidies and tax breaks over the years?
8) "God has put us on this Earth as responsible stewards of these resources, and we ought to use them responsibly. This bill does not do it. In fact, it does nothing good. The only meaningful thing that it might do is provide a relatively meaningless photo op for our President in December in Copenhagen as he stands to brag about what America has done while the leaders of India and China laugh at us behind his back." - Rep. Mike Conaway (R-TX)
We look forward to working with Rep. Conaway to strengthen this bill and to fight for the strongest possible international global warming treaty later this year.
7) "Energy producing states like Oklahoma will be economically punished and devastated." - Rep Tom Cole (R-OK)
Rep. Cole should have a look at climate models showing that Oklahoma could spend nearly the entire summer with 100+ temperatures by the end of the century. Talk about devastating.
6) "We should not be the first lemming to jump off the cliff." - Rep. Doc Hasting (R-WA)
That's an interesting point given that the U.S. is the only industrial country in the world that never ratified the Kyoto global warming treaty and that much of Europe is operating under a carbon cap right now.
5) "[For some, this bill is an] economic death sentence." - Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-GA)
As opposed to the current economy in which we are held hostage by our reliance on foreign oil and in which only last summer we saw gas prices exceed $4/gallon.
4) "The whole point of cap-and-trade is to make fossil fuels, or 85 percent of the energy we consume, more expensive." - Rep. Glenn Thompson (R-PA)
No, the point of this bill is to cap global warming pollution, put Americans back to work building out our clean energy future, and free us from our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.
3) "Do you want to throw away the economic prosperity for nothing, because that's what this bill does. And for what, to satisfy the twisted desires of radical environmentalists." - Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA)
With millions of Americans out of work and the economy in recession, it might not be the best time to talk about "throwing away our economic prosperity" or to support the status quo.
2) "[This will bring us back to] hunting and gathering." - Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-MI)
Yeah, when we look at solar panels, hybrids and windmills, that's exactly what comes to mind - hunting and gathering societies.
1) "The idea of human induced global climate change is one of the greatest hoaxes perpetrated out of the scientific community. It is a hoax... We need to be good stewards of our environment, but this is not it, it's a hoax!" - Rep. Paul Broun (R-GA)
A global conspiracy involving thousands of scientists taking tens of thousands of measurements on everything ranging from ice core samples to the concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere to sea level rise, hundreds of governments around the world working to address global warming pollution, dozens of science academies that have endorsed the reality of global warming and urged action, as well as hundreds of millions of people around the world who have joined the movement to promote global warming action.
And, we're all coordinating our activities to push this hoax because...?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)