India

What were the elements of the practice of sati that drew the attention of Bernier?

François Bernier, a 17th-century French physician and traveller, wrote extensively about his experiences in India, including his observations on the practice of sati. Sati was a Hindu funeral practice where a widow would immolate herself on her husband’s funeral pyre. Bernier’s attention was drawn to several elements of this practice: Voluntariness vs. Coercion: Bernier noted…

What are the main features of Indian Ethics?

Indian ethics, deeply rooted in its varied philosophical, religious, and cultural traditions, provides a holistic view of life and its meaning. The vast and diverse ethical teachings found in Indian scriptures, philosophies, and traditions have influenced the moral and spiritual fabric of the Indian subcontinent for millennia. Here are some of the main features of…