Ancient Thought

Over the past few centuries, we have lost something deep, something archaic: a thread to our historic consciousness. By we, I mean the world at large, and the thread of our historic consciousness, I refer to the vast body of knowledge, experience, stories, practices, and ideas that gave us self and civilization, in particular, I refer to the “Indic” historic consciousness, our Itihasa Purana. I use the terms Itihasa and Purana in the sense of something ancient (Purana) and true (itihasa means it occurred thus). While these two terms are Sanskrit terms, they don’t only apply to “Hinduism” but rather all ideas, thoughts, experience, knowledge and practices that were born in the ancient lands of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Zoroastrianism (and it’s older religions) and other South/South-East Asian and Central Asian regions.
I have spent most of my life learning, studying and living this historic consciousness (I will interchangeably use the terms Vasana (knowledge derived from memory/experience) and Dharma (in this context meaning knowledge systems or body of knowledge). Having lived in both America and India, I have seen a societal tendency to ignore, misunderstand or explain away these ancient Dharmas as if they are not relevant or are too primitive. In India, there is a tendency to view these Dharmas as fixed, immutable or sacrosanct, instead of being living and dynamic. These ancient Dharmas have been continuous and thriving for thousands of years, practiced by millions but not really engaged within a conscious manner. I want to start the dialogue again, I want to grapple with it and try to understand it.
I have a strong grasp and knowledge of some of these Dharmas but by no means am I an expert. I can’t nor do I have the hubris to think that I know a lot, this a vast ocean of knowledge and experience, it is the story of humanity, the sublime, the dirt and the divine. I will have many people join me in this confrontation and communication with these Dharmas, people who have different knowledge, experience and ideas. The people joining me in providing you with content have their own expertise, knowledge, perspectives, sadhana (practice) and experience. We will jointly produce a variety of content: blogs, podcasts, interviews, debates, source materials, artistic endeavors, and stories. We will bring on experts in these areas and those who have countervailing views.
The internet and modern society has opened up innumerable avenues and sources of knowledge and information but not all of them are accurate, valuable or accessible. The ancients had wisdom and standards which we have lost and misunderstood, it has left us struggling to engage with the world in a meaningful way. This is another meaning of Dharma, the moral, ethical and spiritual standards of society. These perspectives of Dharma are missing today and I truly believe they will help us become better or at minimum strive to improve.
Meru Media, the project we have started, is an attempt to bring out this wisdom and grapple with it in the modern world. We want to do something to address this gap and more importantly offer perspectives in working through the chaos and difficulty of existence, buttressed by the wisdom of ancient great people. I hope you will join us in this endeavor and if it brings you value then bring others to join us. Thank you.
“Sam Gacchadhvam Sam Vadadhvam Sam Vo Manamsi Janatam
Deva Bhagam Yatha Purve Sanjanana Upasate”
Come Together, Speak Together, Let our minds together be one as the Devas of old sat together in harmony
“Samano Mantrah Samitiha Samani Samanam Manah Saha Cittamesham
Samanam Mantram Abhi Mantraye Vaha Samanena Vo Havisha Juhomi”
Let our speech be one as united voices, Let our minds be united with thoughts of the Knowing Ones. Let us share a common purpose and worship as one
“Samani Va Akutih Samana Hrudayani Vaha
Samanaamastu Vo Mano Yatha Vaha Susahasati”
Let our goal be one and singular, Let our hearts/minds join as one, United in our thoughts. At peace with all beings, let us be together in harmony.
Rig Veda Mandala 10

About Author

Mukunda

Mukunda Raghavan: Mukunda is a jack of all trades but master of none. His educational background is a mix of political science, criminology, psychological and philosophy. He received his Juris Doctorate in Law from Boston University and was simultaneously working on his Masters in Philosophy focusing on continental philosophy (not completed). He has practiced as a prosecutor in New York City, General Counsel and Operating Officer of a healthcare company in Southern California, Head of Business and Operations for a legal tech company in India and is now in Strategy and Development. Much like his career, Mukunda’s intellectual interests and knowledge is varied, he is interested in Indian and Western philosophy, world mythology, Quantum Physics, Consciousness Studies, Psychology and variety of other fields.

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