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Importance of Sanskrit Mantras and Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems in

Sustainable Development

Conference Paper · May 2023

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PROCEEDINGS 25-27 May 2023, NIT Calicut

Importance of Sanskrit Mantras and Ancient Indian Knowledge

Systems in Sustainable Development

Nidhi Yadav
School of Management Studies, National Institute of Technology-Calicut,
NIT Campus P.O., Calicut - 673 001, Kerala
E Mail: nidhieco@gmail.com

Abstract: In the rapid development age, people must remember the importance of Samskaras, daily
mantras, meditation, prayer, Yoga, and spiritual faith. The loss of such spiritual faith in universal
energy, which governs all of us, living or non-living, leads to misleading development. Most of the
guardians are in a blind competition to send their children to English medium schools and to make
them technically advanced. Undoubtedly, this technical education makes such students get into
highly paid jobs and placements, but at the cost of mental peace and health. Such teaching does not
guarantee sustainable development because most of the students during their study face depression,
anxiety, and many psychological and physical disorders. Later, it causes severe social-ecological and
economic loss. However, the new education policy emphasizes a holistic approach to include all the
sections of the society in education in the local languages as well. Initiatives of the Central
Government towards the Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) in various educational institutes not only
bring awareness of the ancient knowledge system, such as Veda, Puranas, Upanishad, Yoga,
Mantra, Ayurveda, Astrology, and Meditation but also make familiar the current generation with the
most ancient language Sanskrit. The awareness of Sanskrit itself will bring a positive change in
today’s youth and empower them enough to bring sustainable development. Our old knowledge
system has various Sanskrit mantras following the different routines from morning waking up to
getting sleep. Following such a routine makes a person full of positive energy and guides throughout
the day and life. It enables a person with a healthy, happy, and prosperous body and brain, which is
essential to make India a developed nation. This study highlights the importance of the Sanskrit
mantras and Indian Knowledge Systems for productive and sustainable development systems.

1. Introduction
With the struggling phase of Covid-19 pandemic, the importance of Yoga,
Ayurveda, and the implications of Indian knowledge system-based therapy was not only
adopted by Indians but also by other countries. However, the importance of Yoga,
Ayurveda, and Astrology has been recognized long back. The celebration of International
Yoga Day on June 21st is an example. The first International Day of Yoga, with the theme
“Yoga for Harmony and Peace,” was celebrated on June 21st, 2015, by the honorable Prime
Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi. The event also set Guinness World Records for the
most nationalities represented at a Yoga event, with 35,985 practitioners in a single session
at a single location (Ministry of Ayush, 2023).

Various sacred scriptures open the way of knowledge in front of us. There may be a
lot of conflicts and contradictions in different belief and faith systems but ultimately, all of
us are dealt with by only one and foremost universal energy. Different faith systems call it
God, Eshwar, Allah, Bhagwan, Ram, Krishna, Rahim, Goddess Durga, Waheguru, Mahavir
Swami, Lord Buddha, Prophet Mohammed, Lord Jesus, etc. Different faith systems show
 30th Swadeshi Science Congress 2023

different ways of life, which leads to a goal to connect the universal energy that leads to
divine peace, which is the goal of human birth. It can be achieved through meditation, also.
Meditation shows the path of Nirguna Upasana, while different faith systems show a
Saguna Upasana. “Upasana is the worship of God, who is everywhere, in everyone”. The
path of Upasana is essential today because most of us cannot relate to the transcendental
state of God, and to appreciate the wholeness of life that is God (Anon., 2008).

Revolutionary changes occurred in occult science, Astrology, Yoga, meditation,

Reiki, and various spiritual and technical fields, for a few years, particularly during and
post-pandemic period. On the one side, people lost their employment opportunities and
lives. On the other hand, people started to find a way to connect to themselves through
various means of online Yoga, meditation, Astrology, and occult sciences. A fascinating fact
is that people found the opportunity to work, learn, and teach online. Various research
studies have been conducted in Astrology to see the impact of solar planets on the Covid-19
pandemic (Subedi et al., 2020; Waghe and Dash, 2020; Wadhwani, 2021). Astrology
knowledge was limited to very few people for a community in ancient times or given by a
qualified Guru as per eligibility but now welcomes all interested. Many people learnt
Astrology online and started to practice it through various apps. A couple of years back, it
was very tough to find expert astrologers, but now we can find them online in multiple apps.
Rahu is one of the seven planets responsible for the internet becoming active during the
current period. Rapid internet use, artificial intelligence, dependency on machine learning,
data science, etc., is due to the planetary position (Wadhwani, 2020). On one hand, people
started to use high levels of technology, and on the other hand, they began to invent inner
peace through the Indian knowledge system. It all happened due to planetary positions, and
the New Education Policy 2020 (NEP) is the outcome of it.

During and after Covid-19, people adopted the ancient Indian Knowledge System to
improve their health, immunity, employment opportunities, and other means (Pramod,
2023). People started spreading their knowledge world-wide through their YouTube
channels, apps, and social media platforms. One can see various advertisements of different
astrological apps, where anyone can get a paid consultation. ‘Astro Sage’, ‘Astro Yogi’,
‘Astro Talk’, and ‘Guruji app’ are examples of various Astrology-based applications. People
have started to make their profession in astrological sciences. It became a source of
livelihood as lucrative jobs are available for astrologers, healers, and tarot readers. Astrology
has different branches; all its components emerge from ancient Indian knowledge systems.
Vedas are our inheritance and source of knowledge (Rao et al., 2018). Knowledge cannot be
stored in books but conceptualized, memorized, or adopted in life. In ancient times,
knowledge was not just the acquisition as preparation for energy or to earn a livelihood.
Still, it was beyond schooling based on the Gurukul system for the complete realization and
liberation of the self (NEP, 2020). Self-realization can happen when one gets connected
directly with the universal energy under the guidance of a qualified Guru who is self-
realized. Such self-realized and qualified Gurus can guide their disciplines through Mantras
to achieve a higher state of mind.

India was the home of world-class institutions such as Takshashila, Nalanda,

Vikramshila, and Vallabhi, which set the highest standards of multidisciplinary teaching and
research. The New Education Policy 2020 again aims to bring world-class standards by
promoting our heritage, ancient Indian Knowledge System, interdisciplinary and
PROCEEDINGS 25-27 May 2023, NIT Calicut

humanitarian research, and technological advancement. The impact of the NEP can be
observed in various educational organizations promoting and establishing a Division on
IKS, emphasizing Sanskrit, Ayurveda, Vedas, Astrology, and unexplored ancient
knowledge. The Ministry of Education is promoting research and development through
various projects on Indian Knowledge System. This paper focuses on the importance of
Sanskrit Mantras and the ancient Indian knowledge system in sustainable development
concerning new education policy. Accordingly, this paper has the following objectives:

1. To analyse the importance of the most ancient language, Sanskrit

2. To understand the role of the IKS in Sustainable Development
3. To critically analyse the new education policy and IKS

2. A chronological study of the Indian Knowledge Systems

Since they are believed to contain the fundamental knowledge relating to the
underlying cause of, the function of, and individual response to the existence, the name
“Veda” means “Knowledge”. They are regarded as one of the world’s oldest religious
works. It is accurate to refer to them as “Scripture” because they are holy writings that
describe the nature of the Divine. The Vedas, however, is not thought to have been revealed
to a particular person or people at a specific historical moment, unlike the scriptures of other
religions; instead, it is believed that they have always existed and were discovered by sages
during deep meditation at some unknown time before 1500 BCE (Rukmini, 2020).

In India, between 1500 and 500 BCE (the so-called Vedic Period), the Vedas were
written down after many generations of oral transmission from teacher to pupil. To maintain
the integrity of what was initially heard, masters would make students memorize them
forward and backward, focusing on correct pronunciation.

In contrast to other texts called ‘Smritis’ (“What is remembered”), such as accounts

of great heroes and their battles in works like the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Bhagavad
Gita (although some sects regard the Bhagavad Gita as ‘Shruti’), the Vedas are thus
regarded as Shruti, meaning “What is heard.” The texts which make up the Four Vedas are
Rig Veda, Sama Veda, Yajur Veda, and Atharva Veda.

Since the Upanishads were the first Vedic texts to be translated into foreign
languages and because they provide their discourse in conversation and narrative form, they
are the most well-known and frequently read of the Vedic texts. On the other hand, the four
Vedas are thought to be the exact sounds of the Divine that, when spoken or sung, imitate
the Universe’s first vibrations. Considering this, it is impossible to translate them; hence,
everything read in a translation should only be taken as a paraphrase, i.e., in Sanskrit.
Therefore, it is evident that Sanskrit is the ancient language and the mother of all languages,
and the source of eternal knowledge.

The Upanishads are the most well-known and frequently read because of their
importance. According to the Indo-Aryan Migration idea, the Vedic vision was created in
Central Asia and transported to India during the decline of the native Harappan Civilization
(c. 7000–600 BCE) during c. 2000–1500 BCE, fusing that culture’s beliefs with their own.
However, according to the out-of-India theory, this vision was already created by the
Harappan Civilization, which exported it from India to Central Asia before bringing it back
with the migration of the Indo-Aryans.
 30th Swadeshi Science Congress 2023

Various studies have been conducted recently to understand the importance of

ancient Vedic wisdom and Sanskrit Mantras on well-being leading to sustainable
development (Borah, 2012; Kumar and Giri, 2020; Bhattacharya, 2014; Trivedi, 2013). In
Indian culture, the Earth is considered “Dharti Mata” (The Mother Earth). In Sanskrit, it is
called Vasundhara. Vasundhara is another name for Earth. Vasu means “wealth,” and dhara
means “one who holds.” In IKS, one Mantra is dedicated to Mother Earth: “Samudra
Vasane Devi Parvata Stana Mannddale Vissnnu Patni Namas Tubhyam Paada Sparsham
Kssamasva Me”. “I salute you, Bhumi Devi, the wife of Lord Vishnu and wearer of sea-
inspired attire with a mountainous breast. I apologise for touching Your Holy Body - Earth -
with my feet”. It is evident that with such respect to Mother Earth, we will not harm Mother
Earth or other natural resources. This phrase is traditionally chanted before setting foot on
the Earth in the morning. By doing this, we beg the Goddess Earth’s pardon for stepping on
her.

We worship various planets in different ways. The Sun is worshipped in the morning
after a bath by offering water in a copper pot and with salutations of Surya Namaskar in
other yogic forms. It impacts in miraculous ways our body, mind, and brain. It is said as we
get energy or sunlight from the Sun to survive and moonlight to nurture various medicinal
plants, the same way we get affected by different levels of energy of multiple planets. Indian
wisdom guides us to have harmony with nature in a scientific way which ultimately leads to
sustainable development.

Vedas are Anadi, meaning they have no clear beginning. They hold all the
information. Knowledge was only retained in memory back then. The Rishis desired both
dissemination of this knowledge to the whole population and its preservation for future
generations. The Vedas are the ultimate repository of knowledge. The information is
presented as “richas” and “sooktas.” The ‘realized’ Gurus were the only ones with access to
the Vedas. Upanishads and Bhashyas were composed to make them fewer complex sections
of the Vedas accessible to a more significant population of individuals with at least some
level of mental development. There are four Vedas: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and
Atharvaveda. Apart from Vedas, there are six Vedangs: Shiksha (Phonetics), Kalpa
(Rituals), Vyakaran (Grammar), Nirukta (Etymology), Chhanda (Metres), and Jyotish
(Astrology). Astrology is one among the Vedangs (Mahadevan et al., 2022).

3. Sanskrit and Indian Knowledge System

The Sanskrit language and the Indian knowledge system have a rich and
interconnected history. In India, Sanskrit is an ancient Indo-Aryan language traditionally
used for religious, philosophical, scientific, and literary purposes. It is considered as the
language of the Vedas, the ancient scriptures of Hinduism. The Indian knowledge system,
often called the Indic or Indian intellectual tradition, encompasses a wide range of
disciplines and areas of study. It includes philosophy, religion, literature, mathematics,
astronomy, medicine, yoga, and other branches of knowledge. This knowledge system has
evolved over thousands of years and has been influenced by diverse philosophical schools
and cultural developments within the Indian subcontinent.

The Sanskrit language was crucial in preserving and transmitting this knowledge
system. Many ancient texts were composed in Sanskrit, including the Vedas, Upanishads,
PROCEEDINGS 25-27 May 2023, NIT Calicut

Brahmanas, Puranas, and philosophical treatises. Sanskrit served as the medium through
which ideas and knowledge were communicated, debated, and refined by scholars and
practitioners across different regions of India. The very first texts, such as the Rigveda (“The
Veda Composed in Verses”), which scholars typically date to around 1500 BCE, come from
the northwest of the Indian subcontinent, the region of the ancient seven rivers (Sapta
Sindhava), although Vedic documents represent the dialects then spoken in the northern
midlands of the Indian subcontinent and areas immediately to its east.

Sanskrit influences us because of the ancient sound vibrations, as opposed to many

components of language that affect us because of their meaning. In Sanskrit, each syllable
can affect us differently. When we talk in our everyday languages and chant AUM or OM,
we are not looking for a specific meaning; instead, we want to experience a vibrational,
almost mystical effect. Sanskrit Mantras can help to focus, relieve stress and anxiety, and
generate positive energy. The heavenly vibrational frequencies of this ancient language, not
the words’ meanings, are supposed to heal the body through sound vibrations in Yoga
practices.

4. How does the Sanskrit Mantra affect life?

Sanskrit Mantras are sacred sounds, words, or phrases repeated or chanted as a form
of spiritual practice in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other Indian traditions. The chanting of
Sanskrit Mantras is believed to have various effects on individuals and their lives. Chanting
Sanskrit Mantras requires concentration and focus. Regular practice of Mantra repetition can
help improve engagement and enhance mental clarity. This can positively affect daily life
activities that require attentiveness and focus. The rhythmic and repetitive nature of Mantra
chanting can induce a sense of calmness and relaxation. It can help reduce stress, anxiety
and promote overall well-being. Chanting Mantras are often used to meditate to attain inner
peace. Chanting Sanskrit Mantras is believed to create a vibrational resonance that connects
the individual to the divine or higher consciousness (Radha, 1993). This connection can
provide a sense of spiritual upliftment, guidance, and a link to something greater than
oneself. Mantras often carry specific meanings and intentions. By repeating positive and
uplifting Sanskrit Mantras, individuals reinforce those intentions and affirmations in their
minds. This can help cultivate positive thoughts, attitudes, and emotions, leading to a
positive outlook.

We are all aware that energy makes up the entirety of the cosmos. When the ancients
started chanting the old Vedic hymns in the old oral Sanskrit tradition, they were acutely
conscious of this powerful force. These sacred sounds were said to have come from the
cosmos and been sent down through the ages to heal and influence the energy around us.
The meaning of Sanskrit Mantras is secondary to the effects of the sound waves, even
though humans are meaning-making machines. When we use a Mantra or even listen to it,
we can access the curative power of this beautiful and primordial language of the cosmos
without worrying about its meaning.

It is believed that Sanskrit Mantras carry specific vibrations and energy patterns.
Chanting Mantras activate and harmonize these energies within the body, mind, and subtle
systems (Paul, 2006). This can promote balance, healing, and alignment of the individual's
energetic and physical aspects. It's advisable to approach Mantra practice with respect and
guidance from experienced practitioners or teachers who can adequately instruct and
understand the specific Mantras and their intended purpose.
 30th Swadeshi Science Congress 2023

5. Yoga, meditation, Sanskrit Mantras, science, and sustainable development

Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Yog’ (connection) with self-consciousness
and universal consciousness. Yoga has been emphasized for a few years in India and other
countries because it is a source of positive energy. As each coin has two sides, there are
always two sides to every aspect of something. For example, Good vs. Bad, Positive vs.
Negative, Day vs. Night, Beginning vs. End, etc. Different postures of Yoga help to
maintain good health and scientifically balance the whole body, mind, and brain. Sometimes
various diseases can be cured without medication with the help of Yoga and meditation.
Yoga is used for some narrow purposes, such as health and concentration. But in ancient
times, Yoga meant to unite with universal energy, the higher self or self-realization
(Frawley, 1999; Taneja, 2014). Yoga refers to the connection of one's consciousness with
the highest awareness. Yoga's eight rungs or limbs - yama, niyama, asana, pranayama,
pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi - are all included in this process (Simpson,
2021; Patil and Dave, 2021; Werner, 2016). The realization of oneself, which is Yoga's
main objective, is achieved through the rigorous practice of these rungs (Taneja, 2014).

Each living and non-living thing is sustained in the world with energy. Energy
(E=MC2) “Mass times the square of the speed of light equals energy” (Hecht, 2011;
Mamedov and Esmer, 2014). The equation’s most fundamental claim is that energy and
mass (matter) are interchangeable; they are just different manifestations of the same thing.
Energy converts from one form to another. But its fame is primarily because of its
association with one of the most devastating weapons produced by humans –
the atomic bomb. That is against sustainable development. A famous Sanskrit Mantra in
Shrimad Bhagwat Gita also mentioned the soul or energy.

(Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, 2.23)

The energy or soul has been described in Gita in the following words: “Naina
chindanti astr i naina dahati p vaka , na caina kledayanty po na o ayati m ruta ”.
The meaning of this Sanskrit Mantra can be translated into the following words. “The soul
cannot be destroyed by fire or by weapons. It cannot be wet or dry by water or wind. Either
the soul is everlasting or cosmic energy” (Pereira and Reddy, 2016). It is predicted by
quantum mechanics that there is a Soul or consciousness (Mohammed, 2019). Various
studies have proven the existence of the Soul (Mândrea and Chiril , 2017; De Aquino, 2012;
Mohammed, 2019; Bhadra, 2017; Pereira and Reddy, 2016). Science, including Quantum
Physics, is now seriously debating on the existence of the Soul. A few Morning Mantras are
mentioned in the Indian Knowledge System to be chanted in the morning. The very first
mantra after getting up is to be used as follows as per the Vishnu Purana.

,
,

When one awakens in the morning, one prays to the three Tattvas of Success,
Knowledge, and Strength in the form of “Karaagre Vasate Lakshmi, Kara-Madhye
PROCEEDINGS 25-27 May 2023, NIT Calicut

Saraswati, Kara-Moole Sthitaa Gowri, Mangalam Kara-Darshanam”. It can be translated as

“Goddess Lakshmi lying on the tip of the hand (fingers); Goddess Saraswati resides in the
palm's centre; It is lucky to glance at the hands in the morning because Goddess Gowri
occupies a position at the base (wrist) of the hand”. It is noted here that Goddess Lakshmi is
the divine energy responsible for wealth that can be earned if one is forced toward one’s
goal or Lakshya. Lakshmi in Sanskrit is derived from the root words Lak a, which indicate
"goal, aim, objective" and "to perceive, observe, know, understand." These roots give
Lakshmi’s symbolism: know and comprehend one’s objective. Lak a a, which means "sign,
target, aim, symbol, attribute, quality, lucky mark, auspicious opportunity," is a phrase that
is linked. Lakshmi denotes a "kindred mark, sign of pleasant prosperity" (Muir, 1873;
Chatterjee, 2001).

Goddess Saraswati is known as the Goddess responsible for wisdom or knowledge

that is the name Saraswati is a combination of the Sanskrit words for "she who possesses"
and "pooling water" (Saras), which can also be interpreted as "speech" in some contexts
(Gan and Mohanty, 2005). Regarding the origin and development of Saraswati, intriguing
narratives are recorded in numerous Puranas. Mahalakshmi, Mahakali, and Mahasaraswati
are three of the main manifestations of feminine principles mentioned in the Devi Mahatmya
section of the Markandeya Purana. The wrist, where the Shakti, or Gauri or Mahakali, is
located, is where the power to use the hands originates. Even if Kali, Durga, Kamakshi,
Meenakshi, Gauri, and Parvati are all regarded as aspects of Sakti, i.e., power or energy
(Kinsley, 1988). She gives the other two power mentioned as Saraswati and Lakshmi. One
cannot imagine working or thinking without any energy. Energy is necessary before
achieving anything using the mind, body, or brain.

The divinity of knowledge, Saraswati, is the consort of the creator Brahma, who
believes that creation requires knowledge. Resources are necessary for sustenance; hence the
Goddess of money, resources, and prosperity, Lakshmi, is the companion of the sustained
Vishnu. Since transformation requires energy, the Goddess of power, Shakti, Parvati, Gauri,
etc., is the consort of the transformer, Shiva.

A scientific explanation can be here that Lakshmi is within our grasp or thumb.
Using our opposite thumbs, we can create or earn resources, till the fields, and build a space
shuttle because we can develop tools, control things with our hands, etc. The hand that acts
like a hook control over our destiny. With information, we hold our fate, or perhaps they
couldn't find Saraswati a better place in the palm. Further, the wrist joint, which is where
the shakti, or power, is located, gives one the ability to use their hands which is the source of
energy to use creativity to earn.

A ‘Divine Book of the Soul’ that aids in understanding the consciousness of the
Universe is the Devi Mahatmya, also known as the "Durga Saptashati." The Divine Mother
explains the workings of Her Play (Leela) as the world and life through divine allegory, how
human consciousness and the consciousness of the Universe function, and how to live a
good life. Another Sanskrit Mantra mentioned in the ancient heritage knowledge system
supports sustainable development by realizing the immense respect and importance of Earth
by calling it Mother Earth.
 30th Swadeshi Science Congress 2023

The Bhumi Sukta of the Atharva Veda is humanity's earliest environmental

declaration (Rajendran, 2022). It is a prayer to the nurturing the planet, i.e., the Earth in the
mother form as it holds us in the form of the Sanskrit Mantra; “Samudra-Vasane Devi
Parvata-Stana-Mannddale; Vissnnu-Patni Namas-Tubhyam Paada-Sparsham Kssamasva-
Me”. The meaning of the above Sanskrit Mantra can be translated as: “(Oh Mother Earth) O
Devi, You Who Wear the Ocean as Your Garments and have the Mountains as Your Bosom,
O Consort of Lord Vishnu, Salutations to You; I Beg Your Pardon for Touching Your Holy
Body with My Feet”. It is a plea to the planet, or the Earth, as is being considered our
mother as it nurtures all of us. Before leaving the bed, say a forgiveness prayer to our
everyday tasks and shape our future; we have trampled and stepped on Mother Earth. It
indicates harmony with our environment and nature and gives the following message. “Keep
life simple and contribute to the well-being of Nature. Grow trees and keep our globe green.
Protect the environment, and it will continue to nourish us”. Another Sanskrit Mantra
mentioned in the Garuda Purana and Bhavishya Purana under the Indian Philosophy is as
follows (Mishra, 2020).

The translation of the above Sanskrit Mantra can be described as follows: “May
everyone be joyful, may everyone be disease-free, may everyone have good luck, and may
none experience bad luck”. The above Mantra may also be recited regularly to promote
overall tranquilly. This mantra has physiologic as well as psychological impacts on the
organism. The Mantras of Svasti and Shanti can be used as a form of daily meditation for
maintaining a balanced, cheerful, and relaxed life by relaxing the soul and mind and
purifying the inner being.

Even though the prayer itself is composed in Vedic text and appears in several
ancient Indian knowledge scriptures, right as ‘Sarve’ literally means all or everything,
‘Sukhina’ means pleasure or excitement, and ‘Niramaya’ implies health or free of illness,
with the prayer concluding with a tranquil expression of good health and happiness. Ancient
people provided us with the exquisite Mantra "Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah" that can be
performed to ward off disease. Various studies have used this Mantra in explaining the
welfare of all through the Indian philosophy (Chaturvedy, 2021; Chaurasia, 2021; Erlich,
2022).

Three Sanskrit words - Vasudhaa (Earth/world), iva (like), and kutumbakam

(large/extended family) - combine to form the phrase Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam. The verse is
referenced in the Maha Upanishad (VI.72), Hitopadesha, and other Indian literary works. All
differences in this world are of degree and not of a kind because oneness is the secret of
everything (Sridhar and Gayatri, 2021). The verse’s context describes the qualities of a
person who has gained the highest level of spiritual development and can carry out his
responsibilities in the outside world without feeling any connection to material possessions.
Such learning from IKS guides us for sustainable development in India and considers the
whole world as a family. It considers including everyone in a single-family or talks about
PROCEEDINGS 25-27 May 2023, NIT Calicut

inclusive growth, which is the soul of sustainable development goals when zero hunger, no
poverty, and many other goals to be considered for the development of all countries,
including developing and developed countries. The world needs to adopt such knowledge
and oath to achieve sustainable development goals in 2030.

6. Discussion and Conclusion

Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems, including the Vedic and Ayurvedic traditions,
emphasize the inter-connectedness and harmony between humans and nature. Sanskrit
mantras often reflect this worldview, promoting a deep respect for the environment and
recognizing humanity's role as caretakers of the Earth. By incorporating these principles into
sustainable development practices, there can be a greater focus on conservation, sustainable
resource management, and ecological balance. Sanskrit Mantras are often chanted as a form
of meditation or spiritual practice, promoting mindfulness and heightened consciousness.
These practices can cultivate a sense of inter-connectedness, empathy, and ethical
responsibility towards the environment and society. By incorporating Ayurvedic principles
into sustainable development approaches, there can be an emphasis on promoting health,
well-being, and a balance between human development and the natural environment.
Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems often encourage community participation, local
governance, and decentralized decision-making. These principles foster inclusive and
participatory approaches to sustainable development, ensuring that local communities have a
voice and agency in shaping their future. This can lead to more effective and sustainable
solutions that address local needs, promote social consistency, and reduce inequalities.

Vedas are Anadi. Meaning that there is no beginning or end of such scriptures
described in the ancient language Vaidik Sanskrit. The knowledge can be decoded with a
practical awareness of Sanskrit. Also, Sanskrit is a scientific language with a unique
vibration/frequency. By correctly chanting certain Sanskrit Mantras, the human body, mind,
and soul can achieve a higher self-state under the guidance of a qualified or self-realized
Guru. Understanding the role of the Indian Knowledge System in sustainable development
concept has been systematically discussed in the paper, explaining some Vedic Sanskrit
Mantras and their implications for sustainable development. If these Mantras are adopted by
each person in the world, SDGs can be achieved by 2030 at the global level. Further
research needs to be carried out to implement various ancient knowledge systems to increase
the productivity and health of mankind to encourage a healthy, happy, and prosperous life
throughout the world. Now it is the time to open the way of knowledge for all sections of
society to support sustainable development. IKS should not be confined to a particular
religion or community; all should have the right to use it and prosper. Knowledge should be
utilized for the well-being of all, including living or non-living, as we all are governed by
one and foremost universal energy; all have rights to it.

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Rajendran, A. (2022) - Importance of Bhoomi Pooja in Hinduism – Worship of earth before

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