RE-CONCEPTUALIZING SOCIETY: A CRITICAL EXPLORATION OF THE CONCEPTUAL STRUCTURE OF CLASSICAL INDIAN THOUGHT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF DAYA KRISHNA

Daya Krishna challenges conventional interpretations of society in classical Indian philosophy, encouraging a rethinking of its conceptual foundations. He notes that while ancient Indian thought lacks a direct equivalent to the modern term society, it provides a profound framework for understanding collective human existence through concepts such as samāja, samasti, and varna. By exploring the interdependence between individual and collective well-being, Daya Krishna critiques rigid readings of varna, dharma, and dāna, advocating for a more open, flexible, and ethically grounded understanding. Engaging with Western thought, he envisions a society founded on mutual support, selfless service, and the recognition of intrinsic human values. His philosophy presents Indian thought as a living, evolving tradition capable of addressing contemporary ethical and social challenges with compassion and creativity.