Bridging the Left With Indian Philosophy

Bridging the Left with Indian Philosophy

Recently, I came across a quote by a renowned author that struck me: "Indian communists never tried to praise the culture of India, while Lenin hailed the Russians as the greatest, and Mao hailed the Chinese as the greatest." As a leftist, I was initially offended by this statement, but upon deeper reflection, I realized there is some truth to it, though not entirely.

The question that lingered in my mind for a few moments was: What can this "uncivilized" Indian society, with its millions of divisions in the name of caste and religion, offer? This is the most common perception held by many, especially when one's view is clouded by the blind absorption of European philosophy and culture.As a political science student, our studies initially focused on European philosophical thought rather than Indian political philosophy. Of course, colonialism played a significant role in shaping this approach. However, I want to explore a new perspective.

Leftism vs. Indian Philosophy

When we look at India's current political landscape, it becomes apparent that reactionary forces are in power, often manipulating Indian culture to serve their agenda. These forces consistently portray left-wing parties as anti-Indian, a narrative that resonates with people who deeply identify with Indian culture. This leads to the unfortunate marginalization of the left in India, as they fail to establish a strong connection with the cultural and philosophical roots of the country.

The failure of left parties to ground themselves in the Indian context can be attributed, in part, to their reluctance to engage with Indian philosophy. There is, however, a philosophical similarity between leftist thought and Indian philosophy that can provide a bridge.

Hegel’s philosophy, particularly his ideas on consciousness, had a significant influence on Marx. Hegel believed that true freedom for an individual is realized when one understands themselves as part of a greater whole. This concept resonates with the Indian philosophical idea of Brahman, which encapsulates the belief that "I am that" – the notion of an individual realizing their unity with the universal.While Marx connected liberation to material conditions, true freedom in a communist society is achieved when individuals see themselves as part of a greater whole, contributing according to their ability and receiving according to their needs. In this framework, philosophical freedom is fully realized

Marx was also influenced by Ludwig Feuerbach’s work, particularly his Essence of Christianity. Feuerbach argued that humans are alienated from their true essence by external forces, particularly religion. He suggested that people must recognize their true nature and understand their connection with the divine. This concept is echoed in the Indian philosophy of Tat Tvam Asi ("That Thou Art"), which expresses the idea that individuals are not separate from the divine, but rather one with it.There are many ways we can relate leftist tradition to Indian philosophy. At its core, the left advocates for the good of all, for a society that ensures freedom and equality for every individual. This idea of universal good and liberation from societal barriers is echoed in Indian philosophy, which emphasizes freedom from the cycles of suffering and illusion. Moreover, Indian philosophy has always emphasized community life, promoting collective well-being and cooperation. The left's focus on solidarity and collective action aligns with the communal life promoted by Indian philosophical traditions, which highlight the interconnectedness of individuals within society.

Why the Left Rejects Indian Philosophy ?

The left's disconnect from Indian philosophy can be attributed to two primary reasons.

First, the foundations of Indian philosophy were primarily shaped during the Vedic era, a time when society was deeply divided into hierarchical structures, with a powerful elite controlling knowledge. This system fostered resentment among the marginalized groups, who were excluded from philosophical discussions. Over time, this resentment towards the caste system and social hierarchy evolved into a broader critique of Indian philosophy, especially among those who aligned with leftist movements.

The second factor contributing to the left's distance from Indian philosophy lies in the historical reverence for European philosophy. During the colonial era and even beyond, European intellectual traditions were often viewed as more advanced and valuable compared to Indian cultural and philosophical practices. Western thought, with its emphasis on reason, individualism, and scientific inquiry, was held in high regard as the benchmark for intellectual progress. This perception led to a deep-rooted belief that Indian philosophy was either primitive or insufficiently rational, further diminishing its standing in academic and political circles.

As a result, European ideas became the yardstick against which all other philosophies were measured, and Indian philosophy was often sidelined or misinterpreted. The left, especially in its early forms, embraced these Western ideas, aligning with the critique of traditional structures, including the caste system and colonialism, but did so through a lens shaped by European philosophical ideals. This created a disconnect from India's indigenous philosophical heritage, as it was overshadowed by the prevailing notion that Western thought was inherently superior. Thus, the left's emphasis on European philosophical frameworks, rather than a deeper engagement with Indian philosophical traditions, further distanced them from the profound teachings and wisdom embedded in India's ancient texts.

Need for Left's Redirection 

There has always been a noticeable gap between leftist ideologies and Indian philosophy. Historically, Indian communists were not particularly fond of embracing the rich philosophical traditions of India. However, in the present day, where conservative forces are increasingly using these traditions to manipulate people, the left can no longer afford to remain silent.

The left's stance should not be one of rejecting India's philosophical heritage, nor should it aim to endorse regressive social systems. Rather, it should find ways to engage with the positive aspects of Indian philosophy that emphasize values like community life, cooperation, and social harmony—ideals that have often been overlooked or underappreciated.

The left should not ignore these aspects of Indian philosophy, especially when they hold the potential to resonate with those who have been denied the opportunity to learn about them. It is crucial for the left to reclaim these ideals, not to align with conservatism, but to offer a more inclusive vision of society—one rooted in cooperation, mutual respect, and collective well-being.

In the end, being left is not about rejecting the wisdom of the past, but about choosing the right position to guide us toward a more just and harmonious future.