Indian civilisation is the oldest surviving civilisation of the world. The vital reason behind its survival is the dynamism, adaptive capabilities, inclusiveness and humanistic approach. These attributes are grounded upon the concept of public and universal welfare and well being. The famous Rig Vedic Mantra Ano Bhadrah Kratayo Yantu Vishwatah- Let the noble thoughts come from all the directions is the first declaration of dynamism. In the Vedic and post Vedic literature, no commandments are given. Things are always evolving. After the prayer for noble thoughts, the sage wishes to hear and see the auspicious things - Bhadram Karnebhih Shrunuyama and Bhadram Pashyemakshiryajatrah. As a result towards the end of the Rigveda, the sage desires the collective consciousness to evolve in all the aspects of life - Sangachhadhwam Sanvadadhwan Samvo Manansi Janatam.

 

The dynamic journey of the Vedic thoughts gets culminated into the Upanishads where the sages realised that the same Supreme Energy vibrates into all and all and everything is divine - Sarvam Khalvidam Brahma and Aham Brahmasmi. This realisation of all in one and one in all gave rise to the declaration in the post Vedic period that Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah Sarve Santu Niramayah. Let all be happy and healthy. Let all see the auspicious and nobody should suffer. The beauty of the vision of the sage in the above declaration is that wherever happiness, health and welfare are referred, the seer has used the plural number whereas the context of suffering is confined to the singular number. The concept of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam or the entire globe is that one family has the greatest humanistic and universal resonance. Nowhere either in Vedic or post Vedic literature we find any sectarian or community based prayers or hymns. Whatever good the seer demands from the divinity is meant for all .

 

What to speak of human beings, prayers are meant for other species and stakeholders of the environment like earth, water, vegetation, air, etc. The Shanti Mantra invokes peace for the entire cosmos. There is a tradition in Sanskrit literature that the text starts with Mangalacharana or the auspicious invocation. All invocations of Sanskrit literature call for the welfare of all. These invocations are not confined to particular groups, classes, communities or areas.

 

This is the universal and all encompassing vision and approach of Indian traditions. Even the non Vedic philosophies and streams of beliefs are not sectarian. They are meant for one and all. Contrary to the spirit of Indian traditions, the prayers and invocations of some other streams of faith and philosophies are centred around their own community and persons of faith. But Indian soul has lived for all. In words of F M Mueller, the great German philologist - whatever sphere of human mind you may select for whether it may be language or religion, mythology or philosophy,whether you like it or not,because of some of the most valuable and instructive materials of the history of man are treasured up in India and India alone.