Religion is Meaningless Without Action: Scholars at Varanasi Symposium
International scholars gather in Varanasi for a symposium on using traditional wisdom to solve modern conflicts, climate change, and ethical crises.
In the heart of one of the world's oldest living cities, a gathering of the world's brightest minds has sent a powerful message: the theoretical beauty of religion and philosophy is worthless unless it is mirrored in human conduct. International philosophers, academicians, and scholars converged in Varanasi for the World Symposium on Ancient Wisdom for Modern Challenges, aiming to find solutions to today's volatile global crises through the lens of traditional knowledge systems.
The symposium served as a cross-civilizational melting pot, where insights from Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and African philosophy were woven together to address urgent issues such as climate change, resource distribution, criminal justice, and the persistence of war.
Beyond Force: The Quest for Global Consensus
A central theme of the deliberations was the need to move away from coercion and self-interest in international relations. Thaddeus Metz, a Research Professor of Philosophy at the University of Pretoria, South Africa, argued that the world needs a shared global consensus based on mutual principles.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Metz explained that the goal is to enable different cultures and civilizations to relate to one another without resorting to force. He emphasized the search for values and principles that are reasonable and acceptable to disputing parties, providing a stable foundation to move forward on critical issues like the allocation of wealth and global conflict resolution.
The Art of Listening and Co-Creation
While the goal is agreement, some scholars warned against rushing the process. Cross-cultural philosopher Chiara Robbiano highlighted a common flaw in international dialogue: the tendency for conversations to become a series of "competing monologues."
Robbiano urged the importance of patience and active listening. She suggested that true "co-creation" happens only when participants linger with one another and appreciate a different perspective for what it is, rather than trying to force it into their own preconceived categories.
Compassion and the Vulnerable
The dialogue also touched upon the deep inequalities of modern society. Representing the University of Johannesburg, Zahraa McDonald drew from Islamic traditions to emphasize the ethical necessity of uplifting the marginalized.
McDonald spoke about the concept of Shura (consultation) combined with compassion. She noted that in a world where not everyone is granted an equal right to speak, dialogue must be an act of compassion that considers the origin of the other person and prioritizes the needs of the most vulnerable.
From Philosophy to 'Aachaar'
The spiritual and historical weight of the venue was highlighted by Gauri Mahulikar, the Educational Director at the Chinmaya International Foundation. She described Varanasi as a historic crucible of knowledge where thinkers have traditionally come to test and exchange ideas.
Mahulikar delivered a poignant critique of modern spirituality, invoking the Sanatan principle of Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram. She asserted that no religion or tradition is lacking in thought, but the crisis lies in the lack of practice.
"Unless religious principles translate from pure philosophy into Aachaar (conduct) and Vyavahaar (interpersonal relations), religion holds little meaning," Mahulikar stated.
The symposium underscores a growing global realization: the geopolitical, environmental, and societal collapses of the modern era may not be solvable by modern tools alone, but may require a return to the ethical foundations laid down by ancient civilizations.