Universal Crisis, The Humanism in the Upaniṣads: A South Asian Response to Global Turbulence

Kuntol Ganguly

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.84113

Universal Crisis, The Humanism in the Upaniṣads: A South Asian Response to Global Turbulence

Author(s)	Dr. Kuntol Ganguly
Country	India
Abstract	This paper aims to tackle the current challenge of hyper-individualism, social fragmentation and moral decay by offering a framework for change inspired by ancient philosophy from South Asia. It assumes that the present day world's unrest and social disrespect is a spiritual flaw, neglecting the eternal soul (Atman). When they lose this transcendent self, they fall into the clasp of fear and greed and become oppressors of the weak and helpless and alienate people even in intimate relationships. In modern political discourse, phrases such as integrity and equality are often used to preserve vested interests, but the Upaniṣads provide a truly authentic program of global and active humanism. The study of Vedic texts and their classification reveals that the Upaniṣads contain a taxonomy of texts, indicating the extent to which they summarise various ritualistic practices and concepts into short, all-encompassing philosophical nuggets. It explores the basic pillars of the material world, especially the nature of absolute cosmic unity (Brahman) and the union with individual self (Atman) which, in turn, eliminates the bases of hate and division. This spiritual non-duality becomes ethical responsibilities in action. The concept of "sacrificial enjoyment" (Tena tyaktena bhuñjīthā) is an important antidote to predatory consumerism, and happiness is defined as a moral failure if it is excessive. In addition, the paper discusses the traditional trio of restraints (rising, Dāmyata (self-control), Datta (charity), Dayāadhvam (compassion) as the key instruments for maintaining human dignity. The paper shows how historical critiques of 'world-denying' pessimism come to terms with world-denying optimism in Upaniṣadic philosophy, which is dynamic and rooted in universal joy (Ānanda). It asserts the elevation of human dignity through the principle of nothing being superior to Man and the universal vision that the entire world is a single nest (Yatra viśvaṁ bhavatyekarīḍam), which offers the modern society a sustainable way forward towards actual cohabitation, mutual respect and a global harmony.
Keywords	Upaniṣads, Universal Humanism, Cosmic Unity, Ethical Restraint, Global Turbulence.
Field	Sociology > Philosophy / Psychology / Religion
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-07-20
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i04.84113

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Universal Crisis, The Humanism in the Upaniṣads: A South Asian Response to Global Turbulence

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