Wisdom From India - Set of Seven
In this seven-part series of fascinating lectures, renowned scholar Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi explores the philosophy and religious practices that evolved in and around his native India and contrasts them with Judeo-Christian beliefs.
- Item number: 97820D
- Media type: DVD
- Running Time: 550 min
- Region: All
- Production Year: 2010-2012
- Producer: BOM International
Description
Lecture 1: Karma and Reincarnation - While much of secular philosophy tells us we can't know if we live in a moral universe, karma and reincarnation tell us the universe is a perfect system of cause and effect...whatever you did in your past life will catch up to you in the next life. But what about free will? Are we really just cogs in a cosmic machine? How does the Judeo-Christian worldview address the problem of ethical behavior and personal dignity?
Lecture 2: Buddhism - Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi says that Buddhism is a serious contender for religious preeminence in the West. Having rejected the Bible, many are attracted to Buddhism's offer of tranquility and escape from self. What does Buddhism teach and how does it compare to the Christian Gospel?
Lecture 3: Hinduism - Hinduism is a powerful worldview, and many facets of that worldview are gaining acceptance in the West. Dr. Vishal Mangalwadi traces the complex history of Hinduism in India and explores the ramifications of the idea that everything in the universe is one.
Lecture 4: Yoga - In this lecture we learn about the various types of Yoga and the spiritual worldview that forms the background of this popular practice. Dr. Mangalwadi answers the question: Can a person engage in Yoga as a form of exercise and relaxation without necessarily buying into all its religious implications?
Lecture 5: Astrology - Twenty-five percent of Americans take astrology seriously, according to a Baylor University study. Astrology is a central component of the New Age movement, and many use it as a tool for self-discovery. Do the positions of the stars really have any effect on personal and sociological events on the earth? Dr. Mangalwadi explores the evidence surrounding astrology and considers how it relates to the Judeo-Christian worldview.
Lecture 6: Ecology - Many believe that global warming and other ecological crises are the number one threat to humanity and the planet, while others believe that global warming is a hoax. Why are ecological issues so divisive? In this lecture, Dr. Mangalwadi explores various philosophies of the environment and asks: If the crisis is real, who is to blame? Is religion or secularism at the heart of the problem? How are we to understand the biblical mandate to “subdue and rule over the earth”?
Lecture 7: Vegetarianism - In this lecture, Dr. Mangalwadi explores the history and meaning of vegetarianism from the Eastern religious viewpoint, the secular viewpoint and the Judeo-Christian viewpoint. Is vegetarianism healthier than eating meat? Is it cruel to slaughter animals for food? Why do most Christians reject vegetarianism?
