...The principles pertaining to - ascetic control of mental tendencies and adoption of honesty, generosity, mutual trust, healthy cooperation, morality, integrity of character and deeds, altruist service, sincere fulfilment of moral and social responsibilities towards the family, society, nation and the world, courageous attitude and endeavors to fight against injustice, immorality, exploitation, superstition, communalism, castism and similar tendencies and effects in the personal and social domains, constructive efforts for healthy maintenance of ecosystem and purification of the environment of life, etc - are fundamental to the creative practices propagated under the banner of Indian culture.

How the above mentioned 'virtual idealism' could be naturally assimilated in the activities and behavioral transactions of daily life? This has been the focus of what constitutes the 'traditions' of the Indian culture. In the present volume, Acharya Sharma has eloquently guided the practicalities of the above disciplines and traditions. He has also described the scientifically viable methods of suitable conditioning of mind for this purpose.

The word "culture" is a literal translation of the word “sanskrati” in Sanskrit language. According to Sanskrit grammar, the word "sanskrati" means - that action, method or system which has (or which pertains to) virtuous tendencies. Restraining of the agile mind and cultivation of virtuous tendencies in it is emphasized in the Bhaarteeya Sanskrati (Indian Culture) because mind is the sole source of orientation of one's attitude, deeds and character. The subtle impulses of consciousness are expressed in the intellect, thoughts and sentiments via the medium of the four inner layers of mind - namely, mana, buddhi, chitta and ahamkaara.

Because of its sound footing on the in-depth knowledge of human psychology and science of spirituality, the Indian philosophy adequately deals with unlimited expansion of different aspects of human life - including those at the most personal to those at the global levels. Because, Nature and every form of existence has also been treated here as a manifestation of universal consciousness, the materialistic domain of the world and the nature, functions and activities of the gross body too fall within the consideration of this philosophy. The original structure and relevance of the Indian culture is therefore regarded as universal.

The logic behind the traditions of - multiple manifestations of God, worshiping of idols, wearing sacred thread (yagyopaveet), keeping hair knot (shikhaa), putting a tilaka (sacred mark on the forehead), using a rosary while chanting mantras, etc, is discussed in the present volume perspicuously and with the information on the purpose and educational and social implications of - celebrating different festivals, fasting, pilgrimages, performing the rituals of shraaddha - tarpana for the dead members of the family, etc.

It is possible only for the trenchant intellect of a spiritual saint and eminent scholar like Acharya Sharma, to present the vast expansion of the principles and practices of Indian culture so precisely and completely in a compact volume. Most importantly, the scientific basis and nature of above practices and other components of Indian cultural system are also deciphered here to enable the reader distinguish between superstitions and devotion or between the deformed traditions and the original nature of the Indian culture and help him follow the righteous and scientifically justified mode of life accordingly...