1. Bibliography of Sanskrit Manuscripts and Books
The Samskriti Foundation is working on two groundbreaking research initiatives aimed at preserving and promoting India’s intellectual heritage. These projects focus on two distinct but equally important domains: Science & Technology and Philosophy, as documented in Sanskrit manuscripts and ancient texts. Each project seeks to shed light on the treasures of knowledge preserved in India’s classical literature, creating resources that will be invaluable for scholars, students, and cultural enthusiasts.
1.1 Bibliography of Sanskrit Manuscripts & Books on Bharatiya Science & Technology
This initiative focuses on compiling a comprehensive bibliography of Sanskrit manuscripts and books that highlight India’s contributions to science and technology. The project aims to document over 5,000 manuscripts and ancient books, spanning various disciplines such as:The key objective is to provide modern accessibility to these texts through electronic cataloguing, which will include advanced search capabilities. This initiative not only broadens our understanding of ancient Indian scientific advancements but also bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and contemporary academic research. Astronomy and Mathematics, Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering and Architecture, Alchemy.
1.2 Bibliography of Sanskrit Manuscripts & Books on Philosophy
The second project delves into India’s profound contributions to philosophical thought. Indian philosophy, preserved in Sanskrit manuscripts, offers unparalleled insights into human existence, consciousness, ethics, and spirituality. This initiative focuses on creating a bibliography of manuscripts and books that explore the rich philosophical traditions of ancient India.
By documenting and cataloging these manuscripts, this project seeks to provide a systematic understanding of Indian philosophical traditions. It will enable scholars to engage deeply with the foundational principles that continue to shape Indian thought and culture, hidden in these treasures of ancient manuscripts and books.
2. Online ‘Upanishad Reader’ – A Step towards Accessible Wisdom
- Online ‘Upanishad Reader’ – A Step towards Accessible Wisdom
The Samskriti Foundation is thrilled to announce an innovative initiative: the Online Upanishad Reader, a dedicated platform aimed at simplifying and enriching the study of the Upanishads. This project presently focuses on three foundational Upanishads—Isha, Kena, and Katha—and is designed to make these profound texts accessible to both beginners and advanced learners.
The Upanishads, revered as the pinnacle of Indian philosophical thought, explore timeless questions about the self, the universe, and the ultimate reality. With the Online Upanishad Reader, the Samskriti Foundation aspires to bring the wisdom of these texts to a global audience through an interactive and engaging platform.
Key Features of the Online Upanishad Reader
The platform is thoughtfully designed with three distinct modes, catering to diverse learning needs:
- Chant Mode: Users can listen to the chanting of Upanishadic mantras while the corresponding text is displayed on the screen. This mode is perfect for those who wish to immerse themselves in the rhythm and resonance of the Upanishads, fostering a meditative and auditory connection with the text.
- Teach-Me Mode: In this mode, learners can focus on mastering the pronunciation and intonation of the mantras. Each mantra is broken down for clarity, enabling users to chant accurately under expert guidance. This feature is especially valuable for those new to Sanskrit or Vedic chanting.
- Learn-More Mode: For those seeking a deeper understanding, this mode offers commentaries on each mantra from the perspectives of the three major philosophical schools of Indian thought, Advaita, Dvaita & Vishishtadvaita. This unique feature allows users to explore the rich interpretative traditions of the Upanishads, making the platform an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and spiritual seekers.
The Online Upanishad Reader aims to bridge the gap between traditional learning and modern accessibility. By integrating audio, textual, and philosophical components, the platform ensures that learners can engage with the Upanishads in a manner that is both comprehensive and user-friendly.
Whether one seeks to chant the mantras, understand their linguistic intricacies, or delve into their philosophical depths, the Online Upanishad Reader is designed to support every step of the journey.
3. Ramanuja and Vedanta Desika Portals – Preserving and Sharing the Wisdom of Two Spiritual Giants
Samskriti Foundation is working on projects aimed at making the profound teachings of two towering figures in Vishishtadvaita Vedanta—Sri Ramanujacharya and Sri Vedanta Desika, accessible to a wider audience. The Ramanuja Portal and the Vedanta Desika Portal will feature all of their works in both text and audio formats.
3.1 Sri Yatiraja Sukti-Sudha – The Ramanuja Portal
‘Sri Yatiraja Sukti-Sudha’- The Ramanuja Portal is being developed with the goal of making the vast and influential works of Sri Ramanujacharya available to learners, scholars, and devotees across the world. As one of the most important philosophers in Indian history, Sri Ramanuja’s writings on Vishishtadvaita and Bhakti philosophy have shaped spiritual thought for centuries. Currently, the portal is focused on digitizing Sri Bhashyam, one of his key texts that explains the Brahma Sutras from a Vishishtadvaita perspective. As part of the ongoing project, Sri Bhashyam content has been updated, and more of Sri Ramanuja’s works will follow soon, ensuring the portal becomes a comprehensive resource for anyone wishing to explore his teachings in-depth.
3.2 Sri Desika Darshanam- Vedanta Desika Portal
In parallel, the ‘Sri Desika Darshanam’ – The Vedanta Desika Portal is being developed to share the vast body of work by Sri Vedanta Desika, another prominent figure in Vishishtadvaita Vedanta. Sri Vedanta Deshika’s writings on theology, philosophy, and devotion have had a profound impact on the spiritual landscape of India. Like the Ramanuja Portal, this platform will present both text and audio versions of Sri Vedanta Desika’s works. The portal will be regularly updated, offering an ever-expanding library of his writings, including commentaries, hymns, and philosophical treatises.
By offering these portals in both text and audio formats, we hope to make the teachings of Sri Ramanujacharya and Sri Vedanta Desika available to a global audience, ensuring that their wisdom can be easily accessed by scholars, spiritual seekers, and anyone interested in the Vishishtadvaita Vedanta tradition. Through these initiatives, we aim to honour and preserve their spiritual and philosophical legacy, ensuring that their teachings continue to inspire future generations.
5. Nyayakosha – A Comprehensive Online Portal for ‘Nyaya’ Terminology
Another unique initiative by Samskriti Foundation is Nyayakosha, an innovative online portal dedicated to providing a comprehensive understanding of terms related to Nyaya, the ancient Indian system of logic and reasoning. This portal serves as an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts of Nyaya Shastra, offering detailed insights into the key terminology used in this profound philosophical discipline.
Nyayakosha is a carefully curated digital platform designed to bridge the gap between the rich terminology of Nyaya Shastra and modern learners. The portal offers:
- Meanings: Detailed definitions of words related to Nyaya, along with their contextual usage in philosophical texts.
- Etymology and Derivation: Insights into the origin and structure of key words, helping users understand the roots of Nyaya terms.
- Translations: Accurate translations of difficult or complex terms to make the teachings of Nyaya more accessible.
- Synonyms and Antonyms: A comprehensive list of related words and their opposites, enriching the user’s understanding of the terms within their broader philosophical context.
- Examples: Practical usage examples from Nyaya texts that demonstrate how the words are employed in real-world discourse.
The Nyayakosha portal is not just a dictionary but a gateway to the intricate world of Nyaya philosophy. It provides links to relevant references from Nyaya texts, helping users directly access the primary sources where the terms are used. This feature makes Nyayakosha an indispensable tool for both novice learners and seasoned scholars, allowing them to deepen their understanding of Nyaya Shastra and engage with its texts more effectively.
