Akshar-Purushottam Darshan at the World Congress of Philosophy 2024, Rome, Italy

With the blessings and guidance of His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, Akṣara-Puruṣottama Darśana was presented and warmly received at the World Congress of Philosophy in Rome, Italy, between 1 and 8 August 2024. Overall, the conference drew more than 5,000 scholars and students of philosophy from over 120 countries and diverse disciplines and backgrounds.

The 25th World Congress of Philosophy, held in the historic city of Rome, brought together some of the brightest minds from around the globe. This prestigious event, organised by the International Federation of Philosophical Societies (FISP), served as a platform for scholars, thinkers, and enthusiasts to engage in profound discussions and a rigorous exchange of ideas on various philosophical topics.

The eight-day conference was hosted at the Sapienza University of Rome, one of the largest universities in Europe, with delegates converging from all over the world.

In his keynote address during an illuminating opening ceremony at the Terme di Caracalla, Professor Luca M. Scarantino, President of FISP and the World Congress of Philosophy, highlighted the importance of philosophy in addressing contemporary global challenges and fostering a deeper understanding of human existence.

Throughout the conference, attendees had the opportunity to participate in a wide array of sessions covering 89 diverse philosophical sub-disciplines. From ethics and metaphysics to political philosophy and aesthetics, the sessions were designed to cater to varied interests and expertise levels. Notable sessions included discussions on the role of philosophy in technology, such as artificial intelligence, as well as environmental ethics, and the intersection of philosophy and art.

On Friday 2 August, an insightful round table session was held by the Congress that focused on spiritual ecology – an emerging field of study that integrates ecology, science, and religion – and Akṣara-Puruṣottama Darśana.

Chaired by Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami, the round table sought to catalyse a re-examination of our underlying attitudes and beliefs about the environment through a lens of religious philosophy, specifically Akṣara-Puruṣottama Darśana.

In his welcome address, Bhadreshdas Swami provided a succinct introduction to Bhagwan Swaminarayan, the Swaminarayan tradition, and the Akṣara-Puruṣottama school of thought, before explaining how the philosophical exploration of Akṣara-Puruṣottama Darśana finds practical expression through devotion, ethical living, and service to humanity and the natural world.

Professor Aksharananddas Swami presented a paper on ‘Bridging Worlds, Reframing Dichotomies: The Ecological Relevance of the Bhagavad-Gītā’s Yajñas,’ in which he proposed an ecological framework through yajña, emphasising selfless action and interconnectedness for environmental stewardship.

Dr Paramvivekdas Swami, presenting on ‘Ahiṃsā (Non-Violence) and Ecological Ethics,’ demonstrated how key philosophical principles underlying the practice of ahiṃsā can provide a robust, sustainable framework for a more environmentally friendly way of life.

Professor Balaganapathi Devarakonda, Professor of Philosophy at Delhi University in India, spoke on ‘Spirituality Meets Sustainability’, drawing upon several key Vedic passages elucidating Akṣara-Puruṣottama Darśana.

In his paper on ‘Rethinking Nature according to Akṣara-Puruṣottama Darśana,’ Dr Paramtattvadas Swami unpacked the spiritual connection between Puruṣottama, creation, and humanity to underpin humanity's relationship with and responsibility towards nature.

Tilak Parekh, a doctoral researcher from the University of Cambridge in the UK, explained how mandirs can be useful vehicles for addressing our current environmental challenges.

Professor Devarakonda later added, “I was delighted to see Akṣara-Puruṣottama Darśana so enthusiastically received at such a large academic event. Of course, the Akṣara-Puruṣottama 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.”

In addition to formal sessions, the conference featured interactive workshops and collaborative dialogues. These sessions encouraged participants to engage in hands-on activities and in-depth discussions, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual learning. Workshops on philosophical pedagogy, critical thinking, and cross-cultural philosophy were particularly well-received.

Swamis used these opportunities as well as informal gatherings to make meaningful connections with scholars whereby they could share philosophical ideas and learn from each other in a genuine spirit of open academic engagement and mutual enrichment.

In a private meeting, Professor Scarantino, President of the World Congress of Philosophy, and Bhadreshdas Swami discussed key takeaways from the conference and future directions, both reiterating the enduring relevance of philosophy in contemporary society and the need for continued dialogue and exploration. Professor Scarantino also thanked Bhadreshdas Swami for presenting Akṣara-Puruṣottama Darśana at the conference.

After this philosophical discussion, the classical Sanskrit commentaries of the Swaminarayan Sampradaya on the Vedanta Prasthanatrayi, called the ‘Swaminarayan-Bhashyam,’ which elucidate the principles of Akṣara-Puruṣottama Darśana, were gifted to the president by the author himself, Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami.

Professor Noburu Notomi, President of the Philosophical Association of Japan and host of the next World Congress of Philosophy, was also present at the meeting. He warmly reciprocated in the scholarly discussion and reaffirmed the vital role of philosophy in addressing the complexities of the modern world. Professor Notomi invited Akṣara-Puruṣottama Darśana to be presented at the 26th World Congress of Philosophy, scheduled to be hosted in Tokyo in 2028. 

On Tuesday 6 August 2024, volunteers from BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha also met with the Indian Ambassador to Italy, Her Excellency Vani Rao, in her office at the Indian Embassy in Rome.

Ambassador Rao was pleased to learn about the conference proceedings from the volunteers as well as receive literature on Akṣara-Puruṣottama Darśana and the Swaminarayan Sampradaya. 

In another meeting at the Embassy, Mahamahopadhyaya Bhadreshdas Swami met with other Indian diplomats, including Dr Jujjavarapu Balaji, Minister of Agriculture for India in Italy and Executive Board Member of the United Nations’ World Food Programme, and Shri Amararam Gurjar, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy. Their discussions covered the role and value of Indian as well as Western philosophical traditions and practices for the benefit of wider society.