Akshar-Purushottam Darshan Presented at 25th World Congress of Philosophy in Rome

HI INDIA NEWS DESK
With the blessings and guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan—a classical philosophical school of thought and practice of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya—was presented and warmly received at the 25th World Congress of Philosophy in Rome, Italy.

The eight-day conference took place from August 1 to 8, 2024, at the historic Sapienza University of Rome, one of the oldest universities in the world and the largest in Europe. The event attracted over 5,000 scholars and students of philosophy from more than 120 countries, representing diverse disciplines and backgrounds.

This prestigious academic gathering, organized by the International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP), served as a platform for some of the world’s brightest minds to engage in profound discussions and rigorous exchanges of ideas. Participants explored contemporary global challenges and sought a deeper understanding of human existence through 89 philosophical sub-disciplines.

On August 2, 2024, the Congress hosted a significant session focusing on spiritual ecology and Akshar-Purushottam Darshan. Chaired by Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami, the session aimed to reexamine our underlying attitudes and beliefs about the environment through the lens of religious philosophy, particularly Akshar-Purushottam Darshan.

Scholars from the UK, USA, and India presented research on how the philosophical exploration of Akshar-Purushottam Darshan manifests in practical expressions of devotion, ethical living, and service to humanity and the natural world. Professor Balaganapathi Devarakonda, a Philosophy professor at Delhi University, remarked, “I was delighted to see Akshar-Purushottam Darshan so enthusiastically received at such a large academic event. The Akshar-Purushottam school of Vedanta has its roots in sacred Sanatan Hindu texts, but it may be unfamiliar to some Western scholars of philosophy. It was very encouraging to see them engage with its fundamental values and beliefs, which can have a powerful positive impact in our world today.”

In addition to the formal sessions, swamis engaged in interactive workshops, collaborative dialogues, and informal gatherings, allowing meaningful connections with scholars. This facilitated the sharing of philosophical ideas and learning in a genuine spirit of open academic dialogue and mutual enrichment.

During a personal meeting, Professor Luca Scarantino, President of FISP and the World Congress of Philosophy, and Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami discussed key takeaways from the conference and future directions. Both emphasized the enduring relevance of philosophy in contemporary society and the need for continued dialogue and exploration. Professor Scarantino also expressed gratitude to Pujya Bhadreshdas Swami for presenting Akshar-Purushottam Darshan at the conference.

Following their philosophical discussion, Professor Scarantino was honored to receive ‘Swaminarayan-Bhashyam,’ the Swaminarayan Sampradaya’s classical Sanskrit commentaries on the Vedanta Prasthanatrayi, elucidating the principles of Akshar-Purushottam Darshan, from the author himself, Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami.

Professor Noburu Notomi, President of the Philosophical Association of Japan and host of the next World Congress of Philosophy, was also present at the meeting. He extended an invitation to BAPS to present the Akshar-Purushottam Darshan at the 26th World Congress of Philosophy, scheduled to be hosted in Tokyo in 2028.