What is knowledge if it does not lead to the realization of the Self? What is truth if it is not lived? Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) are not isolated disciplines—they are a vast, interconnected network of intellectual, spiritual, and experiential traditions that together weave the fabric of Sanātana Dharma. Unlike the fragmented and compartmentalized approach to knowledge seen in the West, IKS view knowledge as an integrated whole—where dharma, artha, kāma, and moksha form the four essential pillars of human existence, guiding individuals not only in their intellectual pursuits but in their ethical, emotional, and spiritual development.

At the heart of IKS lies a recognition that knowledge is not merely information to be processed or facts to be memorized, but a pathway to understanding the nature of reality, the self, and the cosmos. Whether through the profound metaphysical inquiries of Vedānta, the ethical discourses of Nyāya, or the healing wisdom of Ayurveda, Indian Knowledge Systems offer a holistic approach that encompasses the physical, mental, and spiritual realms. This section of the Journal of Sanātana Dharma invites a deeper exploration of the rich tapestry of IKS, uncovering the interrelations between philosophy, science, art, governance, and spiritual practice that have shaped India’s millennia-old intellectual traditions.

How do the Vedas encapsulate the entire spectrum of knowledge, from the physical sciences to metaphysical truths? What makes the Nyāya system of logic more than just an academic discipline, but a tool for personal liberation? How do the ancient practices of Yoga and Vedanta connect the individual mind to the universal consciousness? The ultimate aim of IKS is not just to impart knowledge, but to awaken the deeper capacities of the human being—creating individuals who are not only scholars but spiritually awakened beings, who understand the interconnectedness of all life and the ultimate purpose of existence.

We invite contributions on:

• The foundational pillars of Indian Knowledge Systems: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Darshanas, and Itihāsas
• The holistic approach of IKS: Integrating spirituality, ethics, science, and philosophy
• The interconnections between Nyāya (logic), Mīmāṁsā (interpretation), and Vedanta (metaphysics)
• The role of Bhakti (devotion), Jnana (knowledge), and Karma (action) in the spiritual framework of IKS
• Yoga as a science of consciousness and its interrelation with Indian epistemology and metaphysics
• The contribution of Ayurveda, Jyotisha (astrology), and Sthapatya Veda (architecture) to IKS
• The educational frameworks in IKS: The Gurukula system, Vidyā (learning), and Śravaṇa, Manana, Nididhyāsana (listening, contemplation, realization)
• The significance of oral traditions and Paramparā (lineage) in preserving IKS
• Indian Mathematics and Astronomy: From Nālanda to the contributions of Aryabhata, Bhaskara, and Brahmagupta
• IKS and its intersection with contemporary scientific discourse: Quantum physics, consciousness studies, and ecological wisdom
• Decolonizing knowledge: Challenging Western-centric epistemologies and reviving indigenous models of education, governance, and spirituality
• The role of IKS in addressing contemporary societal crises: Ecological degradation, social inequality, and ethical dilemmas

The scope of Indian Knowledge Systems is vast, and its application transcends time and space. It offers not just intellectual pursuits but transformative experiences—where knowledge is not merely an external acquisition but an inward journey. Whether through the metaphysical inquiry into the nature of Brahman and Atman, the intellectual rigor of Nyāya logic, or the artistic expressions embedded in sacred texts, stotras, and Tantras, IKS invites the seeker to experience truth not just as a concept but as a lived reality.

We welcome research, critical essays, and interdisciplinary explorations that delve into the multiple facets of Indian Knowledge Systems—where the realms of science, philosophy, spirituality, and ethics converge, creating a holistic vision of life that is as relevant today as it was millennia ago. By reclaiming and reintegrating IKS into contemporary discourse, we can provide solutions to modern challenges and pave the way for a future grounded in ancient wisdom, universal truths, and a deep respect for the interconnectedness of all beings. IKS is not just a relic of the past; it is the blueprint for a harmonious, sustainable, and enlightened future.