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1. A Philosophical Exploration of Radical Forgiveness

Author:
William J. Long
Publication Date:
03-2018
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
Forgiveness in its many forms is a remarkable individual and interpersonal achievement that can restore one’s identity and reconstitute one’s relationship with another. Forgiveness is important in rectifying social wrongs and can contribute to constructive inter-personal and inter-group relations. Existing decisional or emotional explanations for forgiveness do not fully account for the transformative experience of the most radical forms of forgiveness. Exploring personal identity from Buddhist and Western philosophical perspectives can help us locate a new understanding of this form of forgiveness. Some of those who forgive deeply do so by transitioning from one cognitive-emotional state to another radically different one. This reappraisal is mediated by the experience of the nonessential nature of the self and the other, and this realization, in turn, allows for a profound transformation in personal identity and interpersonal relations.
Topic:
Philosophy, Buddhism, and Forgiveness
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan

2. National Dialogue and Social Contract

Publication Date:
04-2017
Content Type:
Policy Brief
Institution:
Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS)
Abstract:
This brief summarizes the findings of the third working group on Counter-Violent Extremism (CVE), which deliberatedupon the need for holding national dialogue(s) to address critical politico-philosophical issues in the country, especially those producing and/or supporting extremism, and whether a revised social contract could provide answers.
Topic:
Security, Terrorism, Violent Extremism, Philosophy, Social Contract, Dialogue, and Countering Violent Extremism
Political Geography:
Pakistan and South Asia

3. Individual and Society: A Socio- Philosophical Account of Iqbal’s thought

Author:
Shagufta Begum and Aneeqa Batool Awan
Publication Date:
07-2014
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
South Asian Studies
Institution:
Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab
Abstract:
There are so many long debates on the puzzle of individual and society. Some people favor that individual is the basic unit of society so main focus should be individual. Others favor the main importance of the society. The purpose of this paper is to address these two extremes. The paper addresses these questions: Is the controversy of individual and society a solvable issue or not? What are those social aspects which make an individual civilized? Can individual survive as a mere individual having no connection with any society? What are the benefits which an individual can only have from a society? All these questions will be analyzed with the thought of Allama Muhammad Iqbal that how he deals with the relationship of individual and society
Topic:
Philosophy, Society, Individual, Consciousness, Atomism, Holism, Potentiality, and Actuality
Political Geography:
South Asia

4. A Zhabdrung Phunsum Tshogpa (zhabs drung phun sum tshogs pa) Thangka from the National Museum of Bhutan Collection∗

Author:
Ariana Maki
Publication Date:
10-2011
Content Type:
Journal Article
Journal:
Journal of Bhutan Studies
Institution:
Centre for Bhutan & GNH Studies (CBS)
Abstract:
Visions, and the ability to articulate them in an accessible fashion, play a crucial role in disseminating religious tradition, lineage and claims to legitimacy. Further, visions can and do stand as testimony to significant persons, entities and events. The visions of religious masters and treasure revealers give rise to new doctrines and practices, while a leader’s vision frequently provides the impetus for the development and implementation of institutions and ideals. And the visions of artists offer tangible forms to religious and philosophical concepts. The third king of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (‘jigs med rdo rje dbang phyug, 1928-1972, r. 1952-1972), was a key visionary who redefined the path of his kingdom in many ways, by bringing Bhutan into the UN, abolishing labour taxes, and significantly overhauling the structure of the government. It was also his foresight that established the National Museum of Bhutan (‘brug rgyal yongs ‘grems ston khang; Figure 1). When the National Museum opened in 1968, only a few personal guests of the royal family and some government officials visited. Today, the number of museum guests surpasses 20,000 annually. Seven floors of galleries showcase Bhutanese visual culture from its earliest phases, and span archaeological finds, paintings, postage stamps, weaponry, bronze ware, traditional crafts, natural history specimens and religious treasures. The article intends to illustrate how iconography can frequently illuminate what lies behind a particular work of art, and as a result can increase our understanding of the time, place and context that gave rise to it. This painting, like so much of Bhutanese art functions in the religious and philosophical realms, and, due to the circumstances of its creation, carries with it strong political overtones as well. Beyond attesting to a lineage, some works illustrate how particular individuals saw themselves, or, how they wanted to be perceived.
Topic:
Government, Religion, Culture, Philosophy, and Museums
Political Geography:
South Asia and Bhutan