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Journal of Indian Knowledge Systems and Contemporary Learnings

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Editor in Chief : Prof. (Dr.) Teena Bagga

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The Great Cultural Transposition: A Purusharthic Analysis of Western Secular Mindfulness and Contemporary Indian Consumerism

  • Aviral Mishra Aviral Mishra Assistant Professor Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Noida, India India Aviral Mishra ORCID Id ,  
  • Shubhanker Yadav* Shubhanker Yadav Corresponding author Assistant Professor, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India India Shubhanker Yadav ORCID Id
Received: September 06, 2025
Accepted: October 24, 2025
Published: December 26, 2025
Volume: 1 (2) | Page: 1-9

Abstract

In a time of unprecedented global connectivity, the world is witnessing a major civilizational “swap”: the West is increasingly turning toward the contemplative “Nivritti” traditions of the East through the secularized mindfulness movement, while India - the birthplace of spirituality – is rapidly moving into a “Siliconized” era of aggressive “Pravritti” and material aspiration. This chapter uses the foundational Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) framework of the Purusharthas (Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksha) to examine and explain this cultural transposition.

The research highlighted a dual crisis of Purusharthic dissociation. In the West, the “Saffronization” of wellness has resulted in “McMindfulness” - a form of spiritual technology disconnected from Dharma (ethics) and reshaped as a tool for Artha (neoliberal productivity). On the other hand, the “Siliconization” of India has given birth to a “Sacred Materialism,” where the pursuit of wealth (Artha) by intensifying education and developing digital skills runs the risk of overpowering the ultimate goal of Moksha (liberation).

Through a comprehensive synthesis of contemporary literature (2020–2025) and sociological trends, this paper argued that both of these movements have become “Artha-centric,” leading to a global imbalance in which skills and material success are prioritized over wisdom. In order to correct this, the author proposed a model of Samanvaya (Integration), which advocates for a “Contemporary Learning” paradigm based on a strong ethical framework, wherein technical skilling and psychological well-being are anchored. This paper serves as a crucial intervention for educators, policymakers, and all global citizens who are trying to navigate the tension between digital advancements and spiritual authenticity.

Keywords: indian knowledge systems (iks), purusharthic dissociation, mindfulness, siliconization of india, samanvaya (cultural integration)

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