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Abstract

The spirit of enquiry, inherent in humankind, has led us to ask certain fundamental questions about the functioning universe and its origin. Knowledge about the former constitutes science; about the latter is philosophy. Our knowledge brought through science and philosophy has resulted in tremendous advances in the quality of our life. However, as philosophy gave birth to institutionalized religions, rigidity and dogmatism set in and this has become the cause of conflict and wars.

Indian philosophical systems are basically free from institutional structure and therefore one finds in them the freedom to challenge an accepted dogma. Thus numerous schools of thought have evolved. Institutionalization leads inevitably to a closed system, authoritarianism, and often to proselytizing to enlarge the realm of power and jurisdiction. This is the root of religion-based conflicts.

The motivation for this presentation is to discuss how a true understanding of Indian philosophical systems helps us to realize and appreciate the essential oneness of the metaphysical core of various religions. Only this realization of the basic commonality of religions can bring about world peace.

Dr. Ramanujam is a former Professor and Head, P.G.Dept of Physics, NGM College, Pollachi, India.Academic He is M.Sc. in Physics, and carried out his Ph.D. on Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. He has published approximately 20 papers in the areas of Relativity, Quantum Mechanics and Cosmology in National and International Journals, attended about 30 Seminars and Conferences at National and International levels, and guided many Scholars for M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees.

Dr. Ramanujam has been trained in Philosophy, Simplified Kundalini Meditation and Kayakalpa techniques under the direct guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

Currently he is Secretary of the Brain Trust. Brain Trust was constituted to propagate the Vethathirian ideals, teachings and philosophy to students at all levels and to the public all over the world for promoting harmony and understanding. "Vethathirian Model of the Universe and Beyond" addresses the current challenges facing various branches of science, especially with reference to the concepts of gravity and the nature of life and mind.

braintrust@vethathiri.org