Vedic Mathematics
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Vedic system is its coherence.
Instead of a hotch-potch of unrelated techniques the whole system is
beautifully interrelated and unified: the general multiplication method,
for example, is easily reversed to allow one-line divisions and the simple
squaring method can be reversed to give one-line square roots. And
these are all easily understood. This unifying quality is very satisfying,
it makes mathematics easy and enjoyable and encourages innovation.
In the Vedic system 'difficult' problems or huge sums can often be
solved immediately by the Vedic method. These striking and beautiful
methods are just a part of a complete system of mathematics which is
far more systematic than the modern 'system'. Vedic Mathematics
manifests the coherent and unified structure of mathematics and the
methods are complementary, direct and easy.
The simplicity of Vedic Mathematics means that calculations can be
carried out mentally (though the methods can also be written down).
But the real beauty and effectiveness of Vedic Mathematics cannot
be fully appreciated without actually practising the system. One can
then see that it is perhaps the most refined and efficient mathematical
system possible.
Vedic Mathematics < click to go to Page Vedic Mathematics
Amazing Science (Part 6)
The Kautiliya Arthasastra
Minerals and Metals and Ethnobiological Information
The Iron Pillar that Does Not Rust
Amazing Science (Part 7)
History of mathematics in India
Amazing Science (Part 8)
The elevating spirit of Indian Music
The destructive effects of Acid Rock music
(Page Music)
__________________
Amazing Science (Part 1)
(Saints and Science)
By Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha
Amazing Science, Cosmology and Psychology, Medicine (Ayurveda),
Aviation, Surgery, Paediatrics, Gynaecology, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Embryology, Blood Circulation, Rhinoplasty, Amputation, Caesarian and Cranial surgeries, Anesthesia, Antibiotic herbs, Atomic theory, Chemistry Alchemical Metals, Astronomy and Mathematics, Geography, Constellation science, Botany and Animal science, Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry, Planetary positions, Eclipses, Cosmography, and mathematical techniques, Force of Gravity, The Decimal, Metallurgy.
Preamble
By Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha
When we look at scientists who are credited with the most important ideas of our time we find mainly Greeks, Europeans, Americans listed. Yet western history seems to have been arbitrarily begun during the Greek era. In fact, when we extend the boundaries of history to view the longer span of history we find some amazing developments predating "modern" history originating in India more than 5,000 years ago.
The ancient thinkers of India were not only scientists and mathematicians, but also deeply religious, esteemed saints of their time. While it may surprise some to think of religious sages as mundane scientists, the Indian view is that religion (universal) and science are but two sides of the same coin - in short…semantics. Whether one calls a natural phenomena wind or the wind god - Vayu - one is speaking of the same thing.
Yet it seems that having a spiritual foundation not only brought out important discoveries still in use today, but these discoveries also were helpful without causing harm or destruction.
In fact this article will cite the origins of some amazing and here-to-for mis-credited discoveries as coming from India. Some examples include so-called Arabic numerals, the concept of the zero, so-called Pythagorean theory, surgery and more. It may seem astonishing, but the ancient texts are there to show the thinking and writing of these great Indian thinkers.
Why is India not credited? It seems that in the West we have a condescending, Euro- or Greco-centric view that civilizations older than Greece were uncivilized barbarians. This notion was further melded into our collective psyche through Hollywood's portrayal of ancient cultures. One only has to look at old Tarzan movies to see ancient tribes shown as barbaric, superstitious idol worshipping people. Tarzan himself was shown to be a non-speaking animal-like person. In fact, in the original books, Tarzan was a well-educated and highly eloquent speaker.
Chauvinistic misrepresentation exists even today. Nearly every book written on the history of mathematics is equally biased. The one bright spot is the Crest of the Peacock. Even this year, during the recent Hindu festival, the Kumbha Mela - the largest human gathering in history (70 million people) the modern-day press mainly reported on the most negative aspects of the event.
It was not credited as the largest gathering, nor was it pointed out that for 1 week, the area was the worlds largest city (larger population than London, Tehran, Rio, Paris, Chicago, Beijing, Hyderabad and Johannesburg put together). Virtually no one spoke of
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Vedic system is its coherence.
Instead of a hotch-potch of unrelated techniques the whole system is
beautifully interrelated and unified: the general multiplication method,
for example, is easily reversed to allow one-line divisions and the simple
squaring method can be reversed to give one-line square roots. And
these are all easily understood. This unifying quality is very satisfying,
it makes mathematics easy and enjoyable and encourages innovation.
In the Vedic system 'difficult' problems or huge sums can often be
solved immediately by the Vedic method. These striking and beautiful
methods are just a part of a complete system of mathematics which is
far more systematic than the modern 'system'. Vedic Mathematics
manifests the coherent and unified structure of mathematics and the
methods are complementary, direct and easy.
The simplicity of Vedic Mathematics means that calculations can be
carried out mentally (though the methods can also be written down).
But the real beauty and effectiveness of Vedic Mathematics cannot
be fully appreciated without actually practising the system. One can
then see that it is perhaps the most refined and efficient mathematical
system possible.
Vedic Mathematics < click to go to Page Vedic Mathematics
Amazing Science (Part 6)
The Kautiliya Arthasastra
Minerals and Metals and Ethnobiological Information
The Iron Pillar that Does Not Rust
Amazing Science (Part 7)
History of mathematics in India
Amazing Science (Part 8)
The elevating spirit of Indian Music
The destructive effects of Acid Rock music
(Page Music)
__________________
Amazing Science (Part 1)
(Saints and Science)
By Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha
Amazing Science, Cosmology and Psychology, Medicine (Ayurveda),
Aviation, Surgery, Paediatrics, Gynaecology, Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, Embryology, Blood Circulation, Rhinoplasty, Amputation, Caesarian and Cranial surgeries, Anesthesia, Antibiotic herbs, Atomic theory, Chemistry Alchemical Metals, Astronomy and Mathematics, Geography, Constellation science, Botany and Animal science, Algebra, Arithmetic and Geometry, Planetary positions, Eclipses, Cosmography, and mathematical techniques, Force of Gravity, The Decimal, Metallurgy.
Preamble
By Swami Sada Shiva Tirtha
When we look at scientists who are credited with the most important ideas of our time we find mainly Greeks, Europeans, Americans listed. Yet western history seems to have been arbitrarily begun during the Greek era. In fact, when we extend the boundaries of history to view the longer span of history we find some amazing developments predating "modern" history originating in India more than 5,000 years ago.
The ancient thinkers of India were not only scientists and mathematicians, but also deeply religious, esteemed saints of their time. While it may surprise some to think of religious sages as mundane scientists, the Indian view is that religion (universal) and science are but two sides of the same coin - in short…semantics. Whether one calls a natural phenomena wind or the wind god - Vayu - one is speaking of the same thing.
Yet it seems that having a spiritual foundation not only brought out important discoveries still in use today, but these discoveries also were helpful without causing harm or destruction.
In fact this article will cite the origins of some amazing and here-to-for mis-credited discoveries as coming from India. Some examples include so-called Arabic numerals, the concept of the zero, so-called Pythagorean theory, surgery and more. It may seem astonishing, but the ancient texts are there to show the thinking and writing of these great Indian thinkers.
Why is India not credited? It seems that in the West we have a condescending, Euro- or Greco-centric view that civilizations older than Greece were uncivilized barbarians. This notion was further melded into our collective psyche through Hollywood's portrayal of ancient cultures. One only has to look at old Tarzan movies to see ancient tribes shown as barbaric, superstitious idol worshipping people. Tarzan himself was shown to be a non-speaking animal-like person. In fact, in the original books, Tarzan was a well-educated and highly eloquent speaker.
Chauvinistic misrepresentation exists even today. Nearly every book written on the history of mathematics is equally biased. The one bright spot is the Crest of the Peacock. Even this year, during the recent Hindu festival, the Kumbha Mela - the largest human gathering in history (70 million people) the modern-day press mainly reported on the most negative aspects of the event.
It was not credited as the largest gathering, nor was it pointed out that for 1 week, the area was the worlds largest city (larger population than London, Tehran, Rio, Paris, Chicago, Beijing, Hyderabad and Johannesburg put together). Virtually no one spoke of