Ayurveda to Aurobindo Book Launch Critiques Western Appropriation Using "U-Turn Theory"

Rajiv Malhotra's book launch highlights cultural appropriation, U-Turn Theory, and misinterpretations of Indian knowledge systems, especially Sri Aurobindo's contributions.

on Sep 02, 2024

Ayurveda Aurobindo Western Appropriation

Author and expert on Indian culture, Rajiv Malhotra, suggested that it's important for Indians to realize that many aspects of Western culture and accomplishments have their roots in Indian traditions. The issue of cultural appropriation, from practices like yoga to ingredients like turmeric, is being questioned.

Malhotra explained that much of Indian culture has been obscured by what is often perceived as Western culture. He pointed out examples such as the patenting of Basmati rice in the US and the adoption of Ayurveda. He also mentioned that this extends to knowledge systems.

During the launch of his book, The Battle for Consciousness Theory: A Response to Ken Wilber’s Appropriation of Sri Aurobindo’s Work and Other Indian Thought, which he co-authored with Manogna Sastry and Kundan Singh, Malhotra introduced what he called the U-Turn Theory.

He stated, "I initiated this book because I was developing something called the U-turn theory and the theory of digestion." He explained that this is how Indian thought is assimilated into a Western framework, repackaged, and presented as something new.

In addition to addressing other cultural injustices, the book aims to American theorist Ken Wilber, accusing him of adapting and misinterpreting the ideas of Indian philosopher Sri Aurobindo to fit his flawed theory.

Manogna Sastry discussed the book’s comparative study of Wilber’s work from 1977 to the present and stated, “Our detailed analysis shows how Wilber reduces the entire scope of Sri Aurobindo’s work and Vedic thought into a single Western-centric quadrant.”

Malhotra expressed his frustration over Indians' lack of awareness about Sri Aurobindo’s contributions despite the popularity of repackaged versions of his ideas in the West. He mentioned spending three decades trying to set the record straight.

He explained, “Leaving behind a for-profit career to pursue this research full-time, I spent over 30 years immersed in the study and dissemination of Indian knowledge.”

The book, which has been in the works since the 1990s, was officially launched at the Alliance Française Auditorium in New Delhi on 22 August during a three-hour-long event.

The event attracted such a large audience that some attendees had to stand. The book’s authors were joined on stage by chief guest Karan Singh, former Union minister, and guest of honour Professor Kapil Kapoor, with Dr Shruti Nada Poddar moderating.

Sastry summed up the event by saying, “Among the innumerable contributions Bharata has made to the global stage, the most majestic are its unparalleled insights into consciousness, the nature of reality, and human psychology.”