Vasudaiva Kutumbakam is a Sanskrit phrase which translates to “the world is one family.” It is an ancient Vedantic aphorism that highlights a social philosophy founded on a deeply spiritual understanding. The three words constituting this phrase are:
Vasudha, meaning ‘The Earth or the world.’
Iva, meaning ‘similar to or like.’
Kutumbakam, meaning ‘family.’
In the months preceding the 2023 G20 Summit, which took place in New Delhi with great pomp and show in September last year, highlighted the event’s motto, “Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.” Large banners displaying the logo and motto of the event adorned streets across the country, underscoring a message, “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
But what does Vasudaiva Kutumbakam mean and how is it relevant in today’s global scenario? Let’s answer this for you here.
अयं बन्धुरयंनेति गणना लघुचेतसाम्
उदारचरितानां तु वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् ॥
The above is the 71st verse from Chapter 6 of one of the 108 Vedic Sanskrit texts, Maha Upanishad. The exact date and founder of these texts are still undetermined. Here goes its English translation:
“This is mine, this is yours; such counting is for those with a narrow mind. For those with a noble character and an elevated soul, the entire world is one family.”
The focal points of the twenty participating nations at the 2023 G20 Summit were equitable growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusivity on a global scale, to name a few.
However, the event’s motto of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam brings forth an ancient wisdom that has slipped into oblivion amidst modern-day geopolitical tensions, divisive politics, and individual disillusions.
A borderless land for everyone under one sky
We all live under the same sky, but unfortunately our lands and our people are divided. The idea of borders—physical and mental—pollutes the minds of many who are rigidly fixed on their ego’s strife for individual identity.
In reality, Vasudaiva Kutumbakam is a boundless, all-inclusive philosophy that goes beyond geographical boundaries. In an age where religious, cultural, social and intellectual differences have only divided more than united people, this ancient dictum is the thread that connects us all.
The essence of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam lies in its humanitarian approach to creating universal unity, peace and harmony. While the current global geopolitical conflicts and divisive political agendas may challenge it, embracing this enduring philosophy can bring about a significant shift in the collective paradigm.
There is a silver lining of change appearing on the horizon as more and more people have come to realize that everything in this universe is connected in a clear cause-and-effect relationship. Anything caused in one corner of the world affects another corner. Be it the material creation (prakriti) or individuals (jeevatma), each one exists in balance and harmony.
A clique of more aware souls is embracing the spiritual nature of this material existence and the interconnectedness between everything. This profound realization, although understood and accepted by only a select few, is a significant step ahead along the evolutionary curve of the collective consciousness.
Engrossed in our materialistic pursuits of varying nature, we have forgotten that we are all coexisting on a single plane—our Mother Earth. The first constituent word in Vasudaiva Kutumbakam, Vasudha, is a feminine term that testifies the motherly inclusivity of our home planet. Irrespective of people’s nature, vocation, and beliefs, Mother Earth holds a place for everyone. Earth belongs to everyone and everything and she nurtures all of creation indiscriminately.
Fragmented identities, cultures, and societies can be tied together with a simple realization that we are all walking on the same planet, irrespective of our inherent differences. The life force, called prana in yogic science, that sustains a rose also sustains a cactus. The same life force sustains an Indian as much as it sustains any other living being in any corner of the world.
So, if we live on the same source of life, why do we consider the divisions that geographical borders and perceptual differences have brought about? That’s where we have lost the essence of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam. As a result, limiting belief systems of narrow minds have manifested as a tug-of-war for power and identity, creating rifts between individuals and between nations that are tough to fill.
The concept of “one earth” signifies an ideal yet metaphorical borderless land to walk on. It’s one open space under one sky meant for all. This is where all boundaries and differences—religious, cultural, social, and individual—dissolve to weave each constituent of creation together. The fabric that is woven as a result is of one global kutumbakam or family.
Manifesting the idea of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam
Vasudaiva Kutumbakam is a social philosophy that thrives on spiritual, cosmic principles of oneness. The concept is a propulsion of humanitarianism—something that is meant for all. The philosophy creates one large umbrella of unity under which diversity of thoughts, beliefs, traditions, and cultures is celebrated. It’s a magnetic force that keeps everyone and everything attached solidly.
The truth is that an illusion of separation keeps people divided. This illusion can be annihilated when one shifts one’s perspective from their ephemeral egos to eternal consciousness. While the idea of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam may seem quite far-fetched in today’s world of unending conflicts, it can be one of the most pragmatic philosophies that can shape societies.
Nations, both small and large, celebrate diversity under one national identity. Our own country India is a shining example of “unity in diversity.” However, infusing the idea of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam into the existing social and political fabric of any place would require a collective transformation.
Individuals and nations have to delve deeper into the nature of our existence to understand the spirit that connects us all. Beliefs that create separation, pursuits that create conflicts, and attitudes that create adharma (unrighteousness) are better abandoned than harboured to uphold the idea of Vasudaiva Kutumbakam.
So, as we go further into the 21st century, let’s take a collective step to embrace Vasudaiva Kutumbakam and open our arms to receive creation’s bounty. As one global family with a shared future, let’s open our hearts to all humans and live on the principles of unity, inclusivity and mutual harmony. After all, our earth is our home and anyone who dwells here is family. Vasudaiva Kutumbakam
