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Akshar-Purushottam Darshan presented at the World Congress of Philosophy in Rome
The gathering served as a platform for in-depth discussions across 89 philosophical sub-disciplines, addressing contemporary global challenges.
A formal session on Akshar-Purushottam Darshan. / Courtesy Photo/Lenin Joshi
Akshar-Purushottam Darshan, a classical philosophical school of thought and practice from the Swaminarayan Sampradaya, was presented and received at the 25th World Congress of Philosophy.
The event took place from Aug.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 conference, organized by the International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP), attracted over 5,000 scholars and students from more than 120 countries. The gathering served as a platform for in-depth discussions across 89 philosophical sub-disciplines, addressing contemporary global challenges and fostering a deeper understanding of human existence.
On Aug.2, 2024, a dedicated session on spiritual ecology and Akshar-Purushottam Darshan was held. Chaired by Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami, the session aimed to inspire a re-examination of attitudes towards the environment through the lens of Akshar-Purushottam Darshan.
Scholars from the UK, USA, and India presented research on how the principles of Akshar-Purushottam Darshan manifest in practical applications, such as devotion, ethical living, and service to humanity and nature.
Professor Balaganapathi Devarakonda, a Philosophy professor at Delhi University, commented, “I was delighted to see Akshar-Purushottam Darshan so enthusiastically received at such a large academic event. Of course, 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, so it was very encouraging to see them be interested in, learn about, and engage with its fundamental values and beliefs that can have such a powerful positive impact in our world today.”
Dignitaries at the 25th World Congress of Philosophy. / Courtesy Photo/Lenin JoshiIn addition to the formal sessions, the Swaminarayan swamis facilitated interactive workshops, collaborative dialogues, and informal gatherings, fostering meaningful connections with scholars. These activities enabled a genuine exchange of philosophical ideas in a 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 the 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.
After their philosophical discussion, Professor Scarantino was honored to receive a copy of ‘Swaminarayan-Bhashyam,’ the Swaminarayan Sampradaya’s classical Sanskrit commentaries on the Vedanta Prasthanatrayi, elucidating the principles of Akshar-Purushottam Darshan, directly from the author, Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami.
Professor Noburu Notomi, President of the Philosophical Association of Japan and host of the next World Congress of Philosophy, also attended the meeting. He invited BAPS, which is a volunteer-driven Hindu spiritual organization, to present Akshar-Purushottam Darshan at the 26th World Congress of Philosophy, scheduled to be held in Tokyo in 2028.
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