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Penniless Yogi Baba Ramdev Controls a Billion-Dollar Corporation
- orf 8y ago> Ramdev and Balkrishna laid off the strikers, who then alleged that the ashram’s medicines contained unlisted ingredients, including crushed human skulls. A lab test found human DNA. Well that certainly took an unexpected dark turn. Pretty interesting article and worth a read, he seems like an interesting character. Based purely off this I'd say he seems to be a pretty unscrupulous businessman who hides behind a veneer of yoga and piousness, but who really knows.
- throwaway76557 8y agoI'd be very wary of anything the English media (or in general any WASP-oriented ones) have to say about this person. - He is associated with the Sangh Parivar. - Advocates for nativism of very anarchist character. - Asks (and takes out ads) not to support multi-national companies (tidbit: East India Companies led to India's industrial ruination) - He is massively popular, for having taken Yoga to the masses, and poses a threat to the geopolitically loaded "harvesting" efforts by Xtian missionaries (see Africa for comparison). People who have done one or the other of the above have been targeted by journalists in India (Sadhguru, Kanchi Jeeyar, Nithyananda...), often with planted stories, and with backing by 'neutral' NGOs, or 'secular' state apparatus etc. In short, what is not mentioned in the article is that, he has no shortage of enemies. Personally, their products are often much much better (esp. the tooth paste & instant noodles), and often at a fraction of the cost of Unilever's brands.
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- collyw 8y agoThat seems to be jumping to conclusions a lot. I am pretty sure human DNA is one of the most common contaminants in lab tests.
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- xevb3k 8y agoWeirdly, I’ve seen human skulls for sale on eBay. I’d guess there are various issues in adding them to medicines however... But it sounds possibly more likely someone trying to get back at the company to me. I mean, what’s the marketing value of adding human skulls to your medicines if you don’t tell people about it? Elsewhere medicines claiming to contain human flesh have been sold on the black market, it’s all pretty horrifying: https://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/31/chinese-cannibalism-infant-flesh-outrages-world/ https://m.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/31/chinese-canni...
- joker666me 8y agoThe whites shall never allow a browns to Lord over them...ramdev is being prepped for a takeover by the 'juice'ish overlords....
- marcelluspye 8y agoFWIW, ebay says it forbids the sale of human remains. If you do find real skulls on there, you should probably report them. https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-items/human-remains-body-parts-policy?id=4325 https://www.ebay.com/help/policies/prohibited-restricted-ite...
- pvaldes 8y agoThe human skulls and skeletons sold for students should be bleached, probably distroying most human DNA if not all. Temporarily owning a (second) human skull is legal in some countries under some circumstances. For example more than 5 years after the people passing out, scientific use only, and a permit from the family (or bones unidentified and left in an ossuary for decades). The governments allow thousands of permits each year.
- openfuture 8y agoWhat an extraordinarily dangerous man.
- xstartup 8y agoNo more dangerous than Mark Zuckerburg.
- throwaway76557 8y agoHe is on the Anglo-American side though.
- braythwayt 8y agoIs "whataboutism" in the dictionary? Asking for a sarcastic friend.
- xstartup 8y agoDoing my part to keep his billionaire power in check.
- tomrod 8y agoI encourage you to look into (and avoid) tu quoque and whataboutism. They aren't convincing argument strategies. As to your comparison, as far as I know Zuck isn't selling dangerous consumables, but rather selling your information. One has a direct harm, the other has potential harm.
- xstartup 8y agoI am not sure how you came to those conclusions you make. Zuck isn't just selling data. The ads which are deeply targetted haunt you, it feeds on the insecurity of a person and reinforces their beliefs. This has caused many teenagers to suicide. He is as dangerous as Ramdev if not more.
- throwaway76557 8y agoBaba Ramdev, chose to take Indian traditions back to the Indian people. People who really wanted money/fame/wealth took it to the Caucasians (or of late the deracinated Indian middle class); and more often than not speak more in English than in any of India's multitudinous tongues. Therein lies my respect for him. His "liberation theology" attacks India's problems on so many fronts, that it's truly inspiring.
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- throwaway76557 8y agoBetter read, http://www.opindia.com/tag/baba-ramdev/ http://www.opindia.com/tag/baba-ramdev/
- gnufied 8y agoCan confirm - was in India this February and Patanjli Corp. is everywhere. There are patanjli stores in small towns, big cities, posh neighborhoods and slums. My parents know ramdev like they know a family member. 10 years ago my dad would start his day with yoga instructions from baba ramdev. FWIW getting people to do yoga was definitely good, because middle aged Indian men hardly do any exercise. So when Baba ramdev launched this line of products, somehow my parents put absolute trust in him. Nothing would convince them to look at finer print. Patanjali corp. definitely looks like a heady mix of religion, politics and ayurveda. FDA equivalent in India will have hard time finding faults in those products because everything can be swept under the rug of "western consipariec" and boy power they wield.
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- perfectstorm 8y agoThe current GOI is not going to ban Ramdev's products.
- John4234 8y agoFor people outside india reading this comment must know why even educated people support ramdev. Its simple. Its the caste system in india. As per the vedas(the bible of hinduism) only the brahmin caste should be allowed to education. Basically they want entitlement by birth and not by capability.
- ratsimihah 8y agoAnyone else having trouble skimming this on mobile?
- Sharma 8y agoNot sure if Baba Ramdev is all good and clean or not but I myself have used(and have been using) Patanjali's products and they are pretty good. If they are all herbal and chemical free as they claim then all good. But even if they are not, it would be same as using other products.
- aq3cn 8y agoBaba Ramdev has a YouTube channel called Bharat Swabhiman. He has put up the hour long videos on how those products are made inside factory. You are welcome to check it out. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JTVbUw6hIo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8JTVbUw6hIo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YOFI403okU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1YOFI403okU PS: I suppose you understand Hindi language.
- kranner 8y agoIt would not be the same as using other products because lab tests have found impurities exceeding safe limits in his edible products multiple times. This is even mentioned in the article. And nothing, not even herbs, are "chemical free." His whole shtick is based on the age-old crap of denouncing industrial products as full of harmful chemicals and projecting herbal products as nothing but beneficial. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/baba-ramdev-s-patanjali-products-fail-uttarakhand-quality-test/story-bXo4XySEajw7ZDby4GISML.html https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/baba-ramdev-s-pata... https://thewire.in/politics/ramdev-patanjali-fails-fssai-tests-fined https://thewire.in/politics/ramdev-patanjali-fails-fssai-tes...
- nabla9 8y agoRelevant Frank Zappa song. Cosmik Debris: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtx4ZJ1cwI0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtx4ZJ1cwI0
- steve-benjamins 8y ago> “Idealism is easy when you have nothing,” Karamveer told Pathak-Narain. “It’s what you do when you have fame, money, or power that matters.” I know it’s cliche but it’s cliche for a reason.
- papeda 8y agoSeems like some people are really into power, to the extent that they'll forswear most of the things people generally use power to obtain (money, material possessions, sex, etc) and just focus on the power itself as an end.
- xstartup 8y agoCash in the bank depreciates faster than power so. How do you tax power?
- vinayms 8y agoIf Indian movies (no no not just Bollywood) had a site like tvtropes, this one would be real life example of SmilingStealthySanyasi. Though many of the modern sanyasis shun the stereotypical saffron robes (while maintaining the essential flowing beards), they are living embodiment of this trope nonetheless. Such characters were rife in Indian movies till late 90s. These guys are typically evil, ranging from simple peripheral villains, to owners of casinos with attached brothel services, to full fledged drug lords and terrorists. As for Ramdev, though we don't know yet if he is evil of that proportion, there is no dearth of people speculating that he launders money, which is worse. They also speculate who his clients are. But, of course, these speculators don't have enough time, money and motivation to follow up and provide proof; they wait and watch, hoping to say "I told you so" one day. But since the political clout these sanysais wield is common knowledge, its anyone's guess as to when the reveal will happen. These poor sods are more likely to die of old age without ever uttering that.
- aphextron 8y agoFunny, it seems we have our own Sanyasi here in the US as well. But instead of Saffron robes, it's just a Saffron color face.
- mark_edward 8y agoYellow peril?
- dang 8y agoPlease don't do this here.
- eklavya 8y agoYeah, it's not like he became big in a political regime which tried to kill him. We should wait for the "reveal" because people are speculating and Bollywood portrayal of sanyasis is as good as having proof.
- unmole 8y ago> he became big in a political regime which tried to kill him In which alternate universe?
- vthallam 8y ago> Patanjali’s ayurvedic brand has soared in the climate of Hindu nationalism that lifted India’s ruling party, the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party, to victory in 2014 This is wrong on so many levels. People got tired of corruption from the previous Govt and voted for Modi who had a track record of clean govt for over 12 years. If Hindu Nationalism is a thing, BJP would come to power every time because over 70% of the population in India is Practicing Hindu's.
- aq3cn 8y agoLet them have a name for defeat of their ecosystem. Its apparent that we devout Hindus are alone in the world. None of the world institution lean to speak on behalf of us. It will not stay like this for long.
- notyme 8y agoIt is tragic that being "devout hindu" has turned into "Us vs. Them" when in fact hindu religion advocates universality for all living beings (chetana) even non-living (jada) but the profound lessons are conveniently overlooked for sectarian politics. The core message of Bhagvata-Gita and Bhagvata-Purana, two of the most revered scriptures is the "Everything is the Lord, there is nothing besides the Lord" Bhagvada-Gita Chapter 7 Verse 19, bahūnāṁ janmanām ante jñānavān māṁ prapadyate vāsudevaḥ sarvam iti sa mahātmā su-durlabhaḥ "Vasudevah sarvam iti", everything is the Lord there is nothing besides the Lord. Jesus Christ said "If you do not love your brother whom you can see, how can you love God whom you cannot see?" If "devout hindus/christians/etc" realize this message the World could be heaven on earth. After most hindu prayers there is invocation of "Shanti Shanti Shanti" i.e. Peace Peace Peace to All. It is most unfortunate that such ancient religion has forgotten its core principle. [0]https://www.vedabase.com/en/bg/7/19 https://www.vedabase.com/en/bg/7/19
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- aq3cn 8y agoI made a statement saying that I feel that people of my community dont have global voice. It is my perception. You quoted/misquoted from here or there and proved me sectarian along with saying we forgot our core principle. Let me start: Did you hear about this controvercy? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_textbook_controversy_over_Hindu_history https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California_textbook_controvers... When I say I am alone, I mean that I dont expect my fair representation in global stage as in the example above. Looks like you know a bit about Gita. Allow me to ask two simple question? 1. Why did Krishna guide Arjun to kill Kaurawa? 2. Why did Krishna belive that Duryodhan does not deserve power? If you cannot answer these simple questions, please dont preach me anything about Gita.
- chauhankiran 8y agoPatanjali has give a tough competition to other products. I read in local newspaper that, Parle's ( A popular biscuits company ) top level manager saying that, his mother and other family members are eat Patanjali biscuits. i.e. they have competition in their home even!
- modi15 8y agoI use their toothpaste all the time. It has a very earthy organic flavor and immediately contrasts with the strong 'chemical' taste of traditional toothpaste. To be fair, the toothpaste though is an exception. Most of the patanjali products are similar to other products on the market - the only difference seem to be that they skip the strong flavors/chemicals in favor of the basic ones and market it as more 'organic'. The subtext is that they are also a LOT cheaper so the market laps it up. Indians have a widespread distrust of western personal care products and the science of Ayurveda is considered superior. Patanjali has taken the first step in monetizing this belief at scale. I don't think they would be the last. Ayurveda is poised to go the way of Yoga. Everyone should get ready to hop on.
- adictator 8y agoThe best thing is that other companies like Colgate etc have started including the Panchanga (Hindu calendar) to voo consumers. Otherwise there is no way they can even compete with Patanjali brands. This is a new age that is beginning, an age of truth & hopefully it will continue. Try Patanjali's Chyawanprash as well, much better than the others.
- blindwatchmaker 8y agoHop onto using products based on pseudoscience instead of stuff that's actually clinically tested? It seems pretty dangerous too: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2755247/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2755247/ The number of people from India who fall for this nonsense is astonishing; it would make more sense if it was just targeted at the poor and uneducated, but it seems to encompass everyone. I guess education doesn't cure stupid.
- mayankkaizen 8y agoBe careful when you try to paint an entire field with a single color. There is a prevalent trend of doing this even though one can't even name 3 not so typical ayurvedic medicines. Ayurvedic system isn't completely pseudo-science, though there are some nonsensical stuffs here and there. I mean when someone says ayurvedic system can treat cancer, you have reasons to laugh at it. I am not a doctor or even a pharmacist but my dad's been running a medical shop since last 45 years. And he sells entire range of Ayurvedic medicines along with allopathic medicines. I know of hundreds of cases where ayurvedic medicines performed far better than allopathic medicines. Yes hundreds of cases. In fact, even I myself have recommended ( and have used myself) a particular ayurvedic medicine for treatment of chronic fever where allopathic treatment just didn't work. And it worked miraculously in every single cases. There are countless other examples. My point is, don't call ayurvedic system pseudoscience just because it is 'intellectually superior' viewpoint. Have seen too many people calling ayurvedic system bullshit even when they can't even tell the name of 3 medicines.
- adictator 8y agoWhile the Patanjali brand products are quite decent and many times better (ingredients wise & effect) than competing products, it is a matter of great pride for Indians to use Swadeshi (made in India) products. Many of the products use ancient techniques & ingredients that, never mind other people, many Indians themselves feel ashamed to use (probably they are lured to everything Western). That apart, Baba Ramdev is one heck of a human being, simple & very hard working. Follow his Prana Yama & other Yoga techniques to get rid of stress & many ailments in your body & mind.
- aq3cn 8y agoI like to make multiple things clear which may cause confusion to many: Ben Cair, author of the article, does not undersatand Hindi language. So lets not expect that he can sucessfully paint a correct picture. Hinduism is not based on dogma, so calling it a religion is an insult to it. The correct word would be Dharma. Similary, calling a Yogi religious person or Godman is an insult because a religious person is supposed to be sectarian whereas a Yogi sees everyone including opponents as equal. Swamy Ramdev has been open about taking forward the movement of vedic renaissance. Patanjali is just a transparent tool to arrange funds to promote research in Ayurveda and forgotten scriptures. Aachaya Balakrishna also has talked about reasons for suffering of farmer. He says that in developed country up to 80% is processed food, whereas here in India only 5-6% food gets processed. He likes to increase the percentage, so that our farmers gets to earn decent money. Cow urine has anti bacterial compounds [1]. We Hinuds have been traditionally using cow urine for disinfection of a surface since thousands of years. > Baba Ramdev renounced the material world. So why is he selling toothpaste, instant noodles, and toilet cleaner? Renouncing the material world does not mean disconnecting from the material around you. It means avoiding the pursuit of seeking pleasure for five senses. A yogi is the person who is indifferent to pleasure or pain, reward or punishment etc. It is the commitment which has to be observed first. Also, we hindus dont have western holy/unholy concept. Our god/divinity is everywhere, be it enemy or shit or toilet cleaner. Everything is sacred, serving its purpose. > Ramdev says his worldview is “scientific, secular, and universal”—but he also claims yoga can “cure” homosexuality and has openly fantasized about beheading people who refuse to chant nationalist slogans. Read books by Swamy Vivekananda on Raj Yog, Karma Yog, Bhakti Yog and Gyan Yog to understand the Yogic philosophy and his point of view. Swamy Ramdev has never opposed homosexuality as the perception given here. Yes, he said that it is because of the respect for consitution he holds himself back otherwise he has the potential to behead those conspiring against the nation & its heritage. I can certainly say that Ben Cair does not know Philosophy of Yoga, otherwise he would not be making such lose comments and wondering how can a "Godman" sell toilet cleaner. Ref: [1] Upadhyay, Ravi Kant, Pratibha Dwivedi, and Shoeb Ahmad. "Antimicrobial activity of photo-activated cow urine against certain pathogenic bacterial strains." African journal of biotechnology 9.4 (2010).
- xstartup 8y ago
- mkbkn 8y agoI have used some of the Patanjali's products. Some are good and healthier than others and sometimes cheaper than the market price. Oh yes, he has a dark side too. Relevant reading - Godman To Tycoon https://www.infibeam.com/Books/godman-tycoon-priyanka-pathak-narain/9789386228383.html#variantId=P-M-B-9789386228383 https://www.infibeam.com/Books/godman-tycoon-priyanka-pathak...
- intended 8y agoWorth noting, how nascent Indian markets can be swayed by popular sentiments and nationalism. Not that it’s bad or good. Just that it is. Many people blindly buy patanjali material, even if it’s found to have issues or high ash content or other problems.
- sremani 8y agoPeople buy Apple products blindly too and so do they buy Pampers (diapers). Indian markets are notnascent. How many people who do diddly squat research but swear by the soaps in Whole foods? Are these people any different? The whole world is looking for a way away from "synthetic" in the US the Whole Foods etc lead the charge in India Pantanjali is the brand associated with it.
- mayankkaizen 8y agoMy dad's been running a chemist shop for 45 years. He also sells ayurvedic medicines. And he'd been associated with right-wing outfits in the past. It is not like Patanjali medicines are better than other. Some of them are (for example I personally use their toothpaste). It is more about cult system and current socio-political environment in India. These days, in India, 'hindu nationalism' along with 'anti-Congress' movement is on the rise. And Ramdev has projected himself as an ultimate ambassador of everything Hinduism or Hindu-Nationalism has to offer (Yoga, Ayurvedic medicines, Made in India products, true ascetic life, spirituality etc etc). The right-wing central government and rise of Ramdev are not two separate phenomena. They are closely entwined. And they both support each other. As things stand now, no political party can dare to touch Ramdev. He has too much clout because of his countless followers. Even his traditional political opponents don't want to mess with him. His business is probably far bigger than described in many news articles. We don't have financial numbers. His tax filings have been shady and noone can question him. He's bought may be thousands of acres of lands from government at 75-80% discount so that he can 'promote yoga and ayurveda'. I also read somewhere he actually bought an island somewhere in Europe though not sure about it. Even a small town with population less than 15000 has at least half dozen shops which sells only Patanjali products. No other FMCG company has this much clout. This is all about cult following and current rise of hindu nationalism in india. Better ayurvedic medicines and Yoga teachers have always been around. But Ramdev was there at the right time (widespread use of SM, anti-Congress sentiments), did all the right things, projected himself as an ultimate 'patriotic and honest hindu yoga guru' effectively. Now he is selling noodles, chocolates and cosmetic products in the name of patriotism and spirituality.
- no1name 8y agoHe seems to be doing well considering there are people who have problem with the words 'nationalism', 'right wing' etc. Baba Ramdev is neither of these. He's just a guy doing business and is pretty good at it. Whether you like it or not, he's the future of India.
- mayankkaizen 8y agoI know he is neither of these. What I am trying to say is that he is a spiritual thug and a shrewed businessman. > he's the future of India. I think you wrote it as a joke. Or may be I couldnt see him that way as I am not a member of Ramdev cult.
- dingo_bat 8y ago> On a three-axis chart of holiness, capitalism, and lumbar flexibility, he occupies a point beyond anyone else on Earth. I don't know why the author thinks capitalism and holiness are orthogonal. Overall the article is full of these unfounded preconceptions.
- chatman 8y agoThey sell untested, unapproved products. It is a govt backed corporation.
- sg0 8y agoOne reason Patanjali products are popular is because they are significantly cheaper than alternatives from Unilever or similar companies. With demonetization in India, middle class is still experiencing cash woes (and have less faith in the government), and will pander to cheaper FMCG alternatives for their daily needs. I believe this company is either going to crash or reduce its operations at some point in the future to remain profitable (unless BJP stays in power for the indefinite future). Either they will have to increase prices (due to raised wages of workers), which will make their products less competitive, or they will have to really spend money on replacing BS products that purportedly contains cow urine and animal remains.
- abhigupta 8y agoNot sure if you have been to India but the "cash woes" were gone more than a year ago :) Patanjali products are selling well because people like the products and Patanjali doesn't seem to be driven by profit-motives ATM, thus leading to lower prices.
- srean 8y agoWell that's true if you redefine 'year', 'woe' 'profit-motives' etc -- a necessary skill to have to support current government's narratives. http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/atms-run-out-of-notes-here-s-the-reason-behind-the-massive-cash-crunch-118041700331_1.html http://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/atms... https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/atms-run-dry-in-heart-of-hyderabad-bankers-say-stop-hoarding-cash/articleshow/63654928.cms https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/atms-run-...
- naruvimama 8y ago"Margo" and "Neem paste" were the only big brand-name neem based products on sale in supermarkets until a few year ago. Now every MNC brand has a neem/turmeric variant. It is no secret that a lot of Pharma companies steal traditional knowledge systems, isolate the active molecules and patent it. Modern medicine is also based on clinical studies and not full understanding of all the side effects. Ayurveda is based on 1000's of yers of clinical observations, with no commercial bias.
- arseraptor 8y agoYou jelly? Is uneducated, fucksticks worth a ton through shrewd execution and misdirection only the purvey of whites?
- eklavya 8y agoI don't know there have been a lot of slander campaigns against this man and for good reason. He has reduced the market of very large multi nationals by about 50% It's true that some of his products are cheaper because well they are cheap :) But so what's wrong with that? Are the competitors any saints? You know what use whatever you think is good, it's that simple. I use some of his products because I like them and I know Patanjali is having a direct net positive effect on the local economy.
- mrath 8y agoI went to India after three years last months. I had the impression that everybody in India love Patanjali products. But once I am at home I never saw a single Patanjali product. I was talking to my sister on this, she said the products are not great. She was not they were bad, but more like soap does not smell great. Oil smell worse than the competitors. She even said people make fun of these products. Just a different view point. I went to India after three years last months. I had the impression that everybody in India love Patanjali products. But once I am at home I never saw a single Patanjali product. I was talking to my sister on this, she said the products are not great. She was not they were bad, but more like soap does not smell great. Oil smell worse than the competitors. She even said people make fun of these products. Just a different view point.
- geek29 8y agoAnother western group jealous about a "native" company beating western cosmetic giants in their own game using traditional knowledge and branding. Whoever is saying Patanjali/Ayurveda is pseudo-science is hypocrite. There is hardly anything scientific when it comes to commerce and business. Instead of asking questions like How "educated people trust this?" people should try to know why people love those products..Most of the cosmetics and food-beverage products are sold due to marketing not based on real merits be it on - being healthy scientific or having excessive chemicals or organic. Patanjali is smartly branding itself "indic" on top of existing yoga-fame of Ramadev. All Patanjali has to do is offer products with less chemicals, even a marginal improvement on quality is perceived as "superior" to existing cosmetics. Its smart marketing and forces of open market acting..Giants like Coalgate and others too have tried to offer products which sound "ayurvedic" which proves ayurveda does offer solutions to common medical problems and cosmetics. In 1990s, coalgate used to market its paste as salt free and superior as indians used salt traditionally for mouth cleaning. In 2009 it came up with toothpaste with salt and marketed it as "superior" bcoz it has salt. Few years ago, carbon. And now "Neem" after Patanjali and Dabur(Meswak). So I will ask counter question to person terming ayurveda as pseudo-science, just bcoz a company markets itself using "modern clinical science" does not mean it better. Same applies for Patanjali using ayurveda. There are other players in indian market who offer similar products using ayurvedic solutions. In summary, Ayurveda is not pseudo-science in fact has proven solutions for generic cosmetic and common medical problems - just like any other culture having their own alternate medicines. Western giants too have taken interests and offer "ayurvedic" products. Patanjali has beaten its competitors effectively. Also, MNCs which use science for marketing effectively control "scientific" progress as MNCs put their own commercial interests first. In such scenarios, competitors which employ traditional alternate medicines are good counter forces. Today science is miss-used more.
- no1name 8y agoBaba Ramdev's business is an indicator of things to come in India. As India is resurgent, we will see more such mega enterprises which connect to India's ancient Hindu past. In many ways the ancient Indian civilization was much superior to Western civilization. His business is successful because there's a market for it. People are happy to connect with their forgotten past by rejecting the West in a big way.
- KozmoNau7 8y ago>"In many ways the ancient Indian civilization was much superior to Western civilization." Which ways, specifically? Certainly not health nor longevity. This rewrite of history to make ancient Hinduism appear much greater is very similar to the history rewrite currently happening in China, to retroactively make Han Chinese appear as a superior and united culture.
- no1name 8y agoWesterners did everything to belittle the Eastern civilizations when the West was laying the foundations of its own civilization. So it's very difficult for people who have lived and educated in the West to realize that Eastern civilizations were at the height of glory once. When Indian sages were debating intricate points of philosophy, people in the West were still in caves and lead a tribal existence. Hindu metaphysics is much superior to any other metaphysical system in the world. This informs its science and religion. West has made some gains but what that research is worth will only be known a few centuries from now when history is written. It's easy to be blinded by the current events and lose perspective.
- KozmoNau7 8y ago>"Westerners did everything to belittle the Eastern civilizations when the West was laying the foundations of its own civilization." That is a very uncharitable view. For centuries, trade flourished between east and west, and there was widespread exchange of both goods and ideas. The racism and distrust of "orientals" or "easterners" didn't come until much later, primarily in the era of colonialism (a seriously black mark on western history, as you know) and it didn't actually put a stop to trade and exchange of ideas. >"So it's very difficult for people who have lived and educated in the West to realize that Eastern civilizations were at the height of glory once." Not at all. We are very much aware of the great history of India, China, the Arab world and northern Africa, to name a few key areas where great civilizations of the ancient world flourished. Mostly in broad terms of course, it's hard enough to know every detail of your own history, never mind one that happened halfway around the world. But similarly, you can say that it's very easy for people who have lived and been educated in the east, to not realize the heights reached by western civilizations. One's own history is much closer, obviously. >"When Indian sages were debating intricate points of philosophy, people in the West were still in caves and lead a tribal existence." That is not a very charitable view. In this time period, the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations flourished, and you would hardly call them tribal cave people. Some people in the west (especially in the colder, harsher northern areas) lived in tribal societies, just as some people in the east did. But to completely ignore the great civilizations around the Mediterranean sea is not a very informed view to take. >"Hindu metaphysics is much superior to any other metaphysical system in the world." By which measure? Remember that contemporary western civilizations also had intricate spiritual and philosophical systems. >"It's easy to be blinded by the current events and lose perspective." I will contend that it is much easier to be blinded by past glory, and especially a historically "massaged" and "improved" view of ancient history. The danger of having a backwards perspective is that you become blind to current events and the future. We cannot live in the past, and "we were great once, you know" is a dead end, not a way forward. Personally, I am disturbed by this strong rise of hindu nationalism (and nationalism in general), because we have seen what it can lead to. Massacres, world wars, conquest of "lesser people", widespread oppression, economies set back by decades or even centuries. We should endeavor to never repeat these mistakes.
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- azifali 8y agoPatanjali manufactures products with manufacturing date in the future; No lab tests of products - throw in plenty of arsenic, some cow urine and call it Ayurveda. Sell it in the open market with the backing of the current government. How easy can it get?
- boruto 8y agoDo you have any source on arsenic claim?
- no1name 8y agoBusinesses like that of Patanjali are the future of India. We are gonna see many such mega corporations which connect to ancient roots of India. We need better, more Indophilic, coverage of such businesses. Dunno why Hacker News keeps removing my comments, as if I am saying something wrong.