Recently a two volume study was released in which fundamental concepts concerning our views of nature are discussed on a deep level from the philosophical backgrounds of various cultures the world over, ancient and modern.
For the development of our understanding of and approach to nature and life in general for the centuries to come it is of utmost importance not only to rely on the findings of the cultures which seem to dominate the world at present, but to understand much more about the total heritage of human thought at large from ancient times to present.
We live in a time when humanity itself has become an ecological and evolutionary problem for the earth rather than a participating friend. At the same time we live in a unique epoch where many cultures of past and present come together, intermingle and fructify each other.
The concepts of cycles in nature, causality, hierarchical relationships, ecology and evolution are discussed from the angle of a select number of high cultures which determine our views and attitudes. This work is a selected presentation of important expressions concerning these concepts, their contrast with general occidental scientific thinking, and speculation about what may be the outcome of the blending of global thought.
At the end of the book, recorded interviews based on 20 questions with representative individuals in India, America and Europe have been printed in full.
The study has been carried out in full respect for all human thinking, and the values and achievements of the great minds of all traditions. It is the conviction of the author that, running through the garland of multicolored beads which make up the totality of human evolution is the thread called truth, and that, despite the differences in approach and on the outer level, truth is what everyone is yearning for.
About the author
Rudi Jansma was born in 1949 in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. He studied neo-tropical vegetation science and nature preservation. He worked for various environmental groups concerned with tropical ecosystems. Also he studied philosophy and Sanskrit. He did intensive studies in Theosophy and Eastern and other non-occidental thought systems, which led to a PhD. at the Intercultural Open University based in The Netherlands. He traveled extensively and was in close contact with many cultures. At present he lives in Rajasthan, India. He hopes and expects that the knowledge and ethics of these and other cultures will significantly contribute to the global culture of the coming ages.
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Joint Publication by Motilal Banarsidass Publ. Pvt. Ltd., Delhi & Prakrit Bharati Academy, Jaipur.
The book can be ordered from: and
Price Indian Rupees 2950 (2 vol. set). Bookseller’s discount 25%. ISBN 978-81-208-3198-8 (Set) 911 pp.
At present (December 2009) Rs 2950 equals about US$ 63.25; Euro 44.- Extra outside India: packing and sending.