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T h e D a i l y B e l l N e w

T h e D a i l y B e l l N e w

s w

s w

i r e - I t ' s F R

i r e - I t ' s F R

E E

E E

!

!

J e f f r e y A r m s t

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g o n t

r o n g o n t h e M y s t e r i e s o f

h e M y s t e r i e s o f I n d i a n

I n d i a n

C

Cu l t u r e , t

u l t u r e , t h e

h e R

Re l e v a n c e

e l e v a n c e o f

o f H i n d u V e d a s

H i n d u V e d a s a n d

a n d t h e

t h e

R

Re a l i t y o f

e a l i t y o f A n c i e n t

A n c i e n t F

Fl y i n g M a c h i n e s

l y i n g M a c h i n e s

Sunday, December 19, 2010 – with

Sunday, December 19, 2010 – with Anthony WileAnthony Wile

The Daily Bell

The Daily Bell

is pleased to

is pleased to

present an exclusive

present an exclusive

interview

interview

with

with

Jeffrey Armstrong (left).

Jeffrey Armstrong (left).

Introduction: 

Introduction: 

Jeffrey Armstrong is an award-winning author of 

Jeffrey Armstrong is an award-winning author of 

numerous books on Vedic knowledge including his recent book: 

numerous books on Vedic knowledge including his recent book: 

Spiritual Teachings of the Avatar, Ancient Wisdom for a New World.

Spiritual Teachings of the Avatar, Ancient Wisdom for a New World.

He is a philosopher, practitioner and teacher of the Vedas for the 

He is a philosopher, practitioner and teacher of the Vedas for the 

past 40

past 40

years. He

years. He

has degrees in

has degrees in

Psychology, History

Psychology, History

&

&

Comparative Religions, and Literature and had a successful career 

Comparative Religions, and Literature and had a successful career 

as an executive in Silicon Valley before turning to teaching full time.

as an executive in Silicon Valley before turning to teaching full time.

Jeffrey Armstrong (Kavindra Rishi) is the founder of VASA – Vedic 

Jeffrey Armstrong (Kavindra Rishi) is the founder of VASA – Vedic 

Academy of Sciences &

Academy of Sciences &

Arts in

Arts in

Vancouver Canada.

Vancouver Canada.

His work aims

His work aims

at promoting

at promoting

higher 

higher 

education in the Vedic sciences, showing their roots in Veda and Vedanta, taking an integrated 

education in the Vedic sciences, showing their roots in Veda and Vedanta, taking an integrated 

approach with

approach with

the different Vedic disciplines. As

the different Vedic disciplines. As

the Vice

the Vice

President and International

President and International

Media 

Media 

Coordinator for the Vedic Friends Association (VFA), Jeffrey Armstrong is a global advocate for 

Coordinator for the Vedic Friends Association (VFA), Jeffrey Armstrong is a global advocate for 

the Sanatana Dharma Culture.

the Sanatana Dharma Culture.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

Give us some background, where did you grow up?

Give us some background, where did you grow up?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

I am one of those people that people often ask: How did you do all that

I am one of those people that people often ask: How did you do all that

in one

in one

life? I

life? I

was born

was born

in Detroit, Michigan

in Detroit, Michigan

and by the

and by the

time I

time I

was 13

was 13

I

I

had

had

become

become

more

more

interested than anyone I knew in questions such as: Who are we? Why are we here? What is

interested than anyone I knew in questions such as: Who are we? Why are we here? What is

life? I was a philosopher in the making, but I sure wasn't surrounded by many others in the

life? I was a philosopher in the making, but I sure wasn't surrounded by many others in the

suburbs of Detroit. Eventually, everything I did became directed toward answering these

suburbs of Detroit. Eventually, everything I did became directed toward answering these

questions.

questions.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

Did you focus on these issues in college?

Did you focus on these issues in college?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

I went off to university and spent five years working on a double major,

I went off to university and spent five years working on a double major,

one in psychology and one in creative writing, literature, and poetry. During that time – which

one in psychology and one in creative writing, literature, and poetry. During that time – which

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was also the 60s – I was intensely involved in social developments and what was going on in

was also the 60s – I was intensely involved in social developments and what was going on in

the world and the experiences of the time. From that I was led, in almost every subject that I

the world and the experiences of the time. From that I was led, in almost every subject that I

entered into, toward India. It is my opinion that if one studies most any modern subject with real

entered into, toward India. It is my opinion that if one studies most any modern subject with real

diligence, they will be led, as I was, to India. India has the largest simultaneously scientific and

diligence, they will be led, as I was, to India. India has the largest simultaneously scientific and

spiritual 'library' known to exist.

spiritual 'library' known to exist.

I then spent five years in a Yoga ashram, as a celibate monk, being trained in the knowledge

I then spent five years in a Yoga ashram, as a celibate monk, being trained in the knowledge

and practices of India. At the end of that time I spent two years learning Vedic Astrology. In the

and practices of India. At the end of that time I spent two years learning Vedic Astrology. In the

west, Astrology is mostly considered entertainment but in India it is a very serious and rigorous

west, Astrology is mostly considered entertainment but in India it is a very serious and rigorous

science. Then I went back for another degree in History and Comparative Religion where I spent

science. Then I went back for another degree in History and Comparative Religion where I spent

3 more years and then a year of graduate work in South Asian studies at the University of

3 more years and then a year of graduate work in South Asian studies at the University of

Wisconsin. I also studied modern dance, various forms of martial arts, fencing, Chinese herbal

Wisconsin. I also studied modern dance, various forms of martial arts, fencing, Chinese herbal

studies and rode and trained horses for many years.

studies and rode and trained horses for many years.

Starting in

Starting in

1980 I

1980 I

began working

began working

in

in

corporatio

corporatio

ns

ns

in

in

Silicon Valley.

Silicon Valley.

I

I

first

first

worked

worked

for

for

Apple

Apple

Computer as their Middle Eastern Sales Manager and then spent the next 7 years at the heart

Computer as their Middle Eastern Sales Manager and then spent the next 7 years at the heart

of the explosion of Silicon Valley, in various Executive Sales & Marketing positions. Finally, I

of the explosion of Silicon Valley, in various Executive Sales & Marketing positions. Finally, I

decided I would prefer to work outside the corporation, as a consultant, rather than inside. So, I

decided I would prefer to work outside the corporation, as a consultant, rather than inside. So, I

built a

built a

career for

career for

myself as

myself as

a

a

corporate motivationa

corporate motivationa

l

l

speaker

speaker

and spent the

and spent the

next

next

10

10

years

years

speaking to Fortune 500 companies around the world. That was my work until 14 years ago,

speaking to Fortune 500 companies around the world. That was my work until 14 years ago,

when I made the commitment to be a full time spiritual teacher. During all these years, I have

when I made the commitment to be a full time spiritual teacher. During all these years, I have

been an avid Mystical poet and have written over 1,600 poems describing the philosophy of

been an avid Mystical poet and have written over 1,600 poems describing the philosophy of

India in modern English.

India in modern English.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

How did you get interested in Indian culture and

How did you get interested in Indian culture and

religion

religion

?

?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

Religion 

Religion 

is the wrong word to use for India's teachings. Religion is a

is the wrong word to use for India's teachings. Religion is a

word that is more accurately applied to the Middle Eastern Abrahamic cultures. Judaism,

word that is more accurately applied to the Middle Eastern Abrahamic cultures. Judaism,

Christianity and Islam are religions. The origin of the word religion, from the Latin, is

Christianity and Islam are religions. The origin of the word religion, from the Latin, is

re-legare 

re-legare 

(a

(a

legalistic system of rules given by God) or '

legalistic system of rules given by God) or '

bound by rules 

bound by rules 

.' Re = tied up or connected by, and

.' Re = tied up or connected by, and

ligion =

ligion =

legare =

legare =

ligam

ligam

ents = to tie

ents = to tie

, bind or bandage 

, bind or bandage 

. The usual idea is that the practitioner of a

. The usual idea is that the practitioner of a

religion is

religion is

bound up 

bound up 

in rules or laws. This especially applies to the three Abrahamic religions of

in rules or laws. This especially applies to the three Abrahamic religions of

Judaism, Christianity and Islam, whereas the spiritual practices of India are called a Dharma

Judaism, Christianity and Islam, whereas the spiritual practices of India are called a Dharma

Culture. The main difference is religions generally have one book of rules and stories whereas a

Culture. The main difference is religions generally have one book of rules and stories whereas a

Dharma culture has a library of spiritual and material knowledge aimed at understanding who we

Dharma culture has a library of spiritual and material knowledge aimed at understanding who we

really are and how to properly use everything around us. The phrase Dharma Culture is a more

really are and how to properly use everything around us. The phrase Dharma Culture is a more

accurate descriptor for India, as compared to the 'Indian religion' or 'Hindu religion.'

accurate descriptor for India, as compared to the 'Indian religion' or 'Hindu religion.'

At the core of the Abrahamic Religions is a set of rules given by God that we are told we must

At the core of the Abrahamic Religions is a set of rules given by God that we are told we must

follow because a specific vision of God and His prophet said so. That is not the basis of the

follow because a specific vision of God and His prophet said so. That is not the basis of the

Vedic Spiritual Library of India.

Vedic Spiritual Library of India.

India does

India does

not

not

have a

have a

single book or

single book or

an

an

authoritarian/disciplinarian God, it uses an entirely different approach to the question of who we

authoritarian/disciplinarian God, it uses an entirely different approach to the question of who we

are and

are and

it

it

is

is

certainly more

certainly more

philosop

philosop

hical

hical

than a

than a

Religion, but

Religion, but

it

it

also

also

contains

contains

many

many

other

other

components. It has a library of self-actualizing sacred knowledge, rather than just one dogmatic

components. It has a library of self-actualizing sacred knowledge, rather than just one dogmatic

book.

book.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

What do you believe in and why? What application does it have to the West?

What do you believe in and why? What application does it have to the West?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

My lifelong effort has been to try to find things that are universally true

My lifelong effort has been to try to find things that are universally true

rather than relatively true and I believe that the largest library of that information exists in India

rather than relatively true and I believe that the largest library of that information exists in India

in spite of the fact that India is a very fragmented culture right now due in large part to 1200

in spite of the fact that India is a very fragmented culture right now due in large part to 1200

years of violent colonization by outside invading forces. This library of knowledge stretches back

years of violent colonization by outside invading forces. This library of knowledge stretches back

for thousands and thousands of years and is, as far as I know, the largest repository of the

for thousands and thousands of years and is, as far as I know, the largest repository of the

universal truth that exists on our planet.

universal truth that exists on our planet.

What we now call the West is the outgrowth of a tribal or city/state approach to living on the

What we now call the West is the outgrowth of a tribal or city/state approach to living on the

planet. This means if you take care of your tribe, you are seen as good. So, to all those tribes

planet. This means if you take care of your tribe, you are seen as good. So, to all those tribes

who were fighting against each other for thousands of years in a series of wars, that essentially

who were fighting against each other for thousands of years in a series of wars, that essentially

meant that as long as the spoils of the wars were brought back and shared amongst the tribe,

meant that as long as the spoils of the wars were brought back and shared amongst the tribe,

they were good. Alexander the Great was a prime example of this. He went out to rape, pillage

they were good. Alexander the Great was a prime example of this. He went out to rape, pillage

and conquer, and was a monster to the rest of the world, but was considered great by his

and conquer, and was a monster to the rest of the world, but was considered great by his

people, hence the name. He was really great at being a warmonger, and a rapist and a pillager.

people, hence the name. He was really great at being a warmonger, and a rapist and a pillager.

But he brought his people back the spoils of war. India, on the other hand, is the only culture of

But he brought his people back the spoils of war. India, on the other hand, is the only culture of

its size in the world that has never gone out and tried to spread its beliefs by war. In fact, it has

its size in the world that has never gone out and tried to spread its beliefs by war. In fact, it has

consistently given shelter to anyone from any culture. So, to compare histories, the west is a

consistently given shelter to anyone from any culture. So, to compare histories, the west is a

competitive, war-based civilization and India has been a nurturing, cooperation-based civilization

competitive, war-based civilization and India has been a nurturing, cooperation-based civilization

on an epic scale. I am involved in the process of practicing and transferring that cooperative

on an epic scale. I am involved in the process of practicing and transferring that cooperative

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culture of India to the war-based culture of the west at a crucial time when it is needed very

culture of India to the war-based culture of the west at a crucial time when it is needed very

much.

much.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

Let us go back in time. How old is humankind?

Let us go back in time. How old is humankind?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

This is one of the most striking things about India. Indians of pre-modern

This is one of the most striking things about India. Indians of pre-modern

history calculated the age of the universe in trillions of years. This is also the culture that gave

history calculated the age of the universe in trillions of years. This is also the culture that gave

us zero, the numerals that we use – so-called Arabic have their roots in India – as do

us zero, the numerals that we use – so-called Arabic have their roots in India – as do

trigonometry and calculus, astronomical calculation and a view that says the universe is not only

trigonometry and calculus, astronomical calculation and a view that says the universe is not only

billions, but trillions of years in age and that we are eternal beings who are simply visiting the

billions, but trillions of years in age and that we are eternal beings who are simply visiting the

material world to have the experience of being here. So, the point is, India holds a massive

material world to have the experience of being here. So, the point is, India holds a massive

cosmological view of us – and that humans have existed for trillions of years, in varying stages

cosmological view of us – and that humans have existed for trillions of years, in varying stages

of existence. And further, over time humans will continue to populate the many universes again

of existence. And further, over time humans will continue to populate the many universes again

and again.

and again.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

You wrote a book about this. Can you explain?

You wrote a book about this. Can you explain?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

The book I wrote is called: The Spiritual Teachings of the Avatar,

The book I wrote is called: The Spiritual Teachings of the Avatar,

publishe

publishe

d

d

by Atria/Beyond Words an imprint of

by Atria/Beyond Words an imprint of

Simon and Schuster. The word Avatar means

Simon and Schuster. The word Avatar means

the

the

descent of the Transcendental Divine or Supreme Being to the Earth for the purpose of

descent of the Transcendental Divine or Supreme Being to the Earth for the purpose of

revealing things we need to know about both living here and the nature of the Transcendental

revealing things we need to know about both living here and the nature of the Transcendental

itself. In other words, to inform us of that which is currently beyond our sight.

itself. In other words, to inform us of that which is currently beyond our sight.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

Are there lost Indian cities under the sea?

Are there lost Indian cities under the sea?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

There is at least one that was discovered in 2001 in the Bay of Cambay,

There is at least one that was discovered in 2001 in the Bay of Cambay,

which is off the west coast of India. In a routine, environmental scan of the bottom of the sea, a

which is off the west coast of India. In a routine, environmental scan of the bottom of the sea, a

city was discovered which turns out to have the largest megalithic stones of any city in ancient

city was discovered which turns out to have the largest megalithic stones of any city in ancient

times; artifacts were dated to about 10,000 years ago. This find hasn't yet been recognized in

times; artifacts were dated to about 10,000 years ago. This find hasn't yet been recognized in

mainstream intellectual and academic circles but is nonetheless a momentous discovery which I

mainstream intellectual and academic circles but is nonetheless a momentous discovery which I

am sure will eventually contribute to the review of our current theories of the age of human

am sure will eventually contribute to the review of our current theories of the age of human

civilization. The city sits in about 150 feet of water, which indicates it was built before the last

civilization. The city sits in about 150 feet of water, which indicates it was built before the last

melting of the polar ice caps, which most geologists date conservatively at about 12,000 years

melting of the polar ice caps, which most geologists date conservatively at about 12,000 years

ago. It appears to have had a building format similar to the cities of Harappa and Mohendro

ago. It appears to have had a building format similar to the cities of Harappa and Mohendro

Daro

(3000-Daro (3000-

5000 BCE), which were

5000 BCE), which were

previously thoug

previously thoug

ht to be

ht to be

the oldest cities of India

the oldest cities of India

(and

(and

located in what is now called Pakistan). But this underwater city off the coast of India suggests,

located in what is now called Pakistan). But this underwater city off the coast of India suggests,

conservat

conservat

ively, 15,000 years of sophisticated human history in

ively, 15,000 years of sophisticated human history in

India.

India.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

Did the ancient Indians know how to fly and to build flying machines? Are there

Did the ancient Indians know how to fly and to build flying machines? Are there

replicas of these machines on the

replicas of these machines on the

tops of ancient temples?

tops of ancient temples?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

On the latter question, I am not sure I have heard that there are replicas

On the latter question, I am not sure I have heard that there are replicas

of the airplanes or Vimanas as they were referred to in the epic histories of India. But there are

of the airplanes or Vimanas as they were referred to in the epic histories of India. But there are

two

two

Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the two

Indian epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, the two

epic poems that supposedly took

epic poems that supposedly took

place 5,000 years ago and over 1.2 million years ago in India, and the Ramayana actually

place 5,000 years ago and over 1.2 million years ago in India, and the Ramayana actually

begins with a scene in which a very sophisticated stolen airplane is being flown all over the

begins with a scene in which a very sophisticated stolen airplane is being flown all over the

Earth. Such ancient stories, thousands and thousands of years old, have no logical reason for

Earth. Such ancient stories, thousands and thousands of years old, have no logical reason for

talking about airplanes in any modern sense. Yet they do.

talking about airplanes in any modern sense. Yet they do.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

Did this civilization possess nuclear weapons?

Did this civilization possess nuclear weapons?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

It did not possess nuclear weapons as we know them and there is no

It did not possess nuclear weapons as we know them and there is no

evidence that India cultivated radium or other atomic materials at all. There is reference to a

evidence that India cultivated radium or other atomic materials at all. There is reference to a

particular kind of mantra-based weapon that was used along with bows and arrows and is called

particular kind of mantra-based weapon that was used along with bows and arrows and is called

a "Brahmastra." This weapon supposedly could release nuclear-like energy with pinpoint

a "Brahmastra." This weapon supposedly could release nuclear-like energy with pinpoint

accuracy. So not exactly nuclear, but its use produces the same consequence of bringing an

accuracy. So not exactly nuclear, but its use produces the same consequence of bringing an

intensely powerful explosion to a targeted area: complete and fiery destruction. But in the epics

intensely powerful explosion to a targeted area: complete and fiery destruction. But in the epics

there is

there is

nothing that resembles the nuclear reactors or

nothing that resembles the nuclear reactors or

nuclear contamina

nuclear contamina

tion we see today. India

tion we see today. India

is also unique

is also unique

in that,

in that,

historicall

historicall

y, none of their

y, none of their

wars were

wars were

fought with

fought with

or agains

or agains

t

t

civilian

civilian

populations. Even in the massive Mahabharata war, warriors fought warriors on a sequestered

populations. Even in the massive Mahabharata war, warriors fought warriors on a sequestered

field of battle,

field of battle,

leaving civilians untouched.

leaving civilians untouched.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

Are there lost power sources and other ancient technologies that we could perhaps

Are there lost power sources and other ancient technologies that we could perhaps

reclaim with enough study?

reclaim with enough study?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

This is a question that is once again coming to light. For example, there

This is a question that is once again coming to light. For example, there

is a recent though controversial book out called

(5)

a British submarine captain, Gavin Menzies. Regardless, China and India had very sophisticated

a British submarine captain, Gavin Menzies. Regardless, China and India had very sophisticated

sea faring technology, which is

sea faring technology, which is

now proven, and with

now proven, and with

that technology and with

that technology and with

the

the

many

many

inventions that both cultures created, it is becoming more and more clear that there was an

inventions that both cultures created, it is becoming more and more clear that there was an

extensive technological culture at an earlier time period in history than generally thought, that

extensive technological culture at an earlier time period in history than generally thought, that

was spread all over the planet. It is now considered very likely that China and India had the

was spread all over the planet. It is now considered very likely that China and India had the

ability to circumnavigate the entire planet. The ships that were launched from China in 1423

ability to circumnavigate the entire planet. The ships that were launched from China in 1423

were 300 feet long and double-hulled and could stay at sea for 300 days at a time. Menzies

were 300 feet long and double-hulled and could stay at sea for 300 days at a time. Menzies

further suggests that many inventions attributed to Leonardo de Vinci were actually from a book

further suggests that many inventions attributed to Leonardo de Vinci were actually from a book

that the Chinese brought to Italy in 1423 on a global, seafaring expedition. Either way, China and

that the Chinese brought to Italy in 1423 on a global, seafaring expedition. Either way, China and

India and Egypt appear to have had sophisticated technologies for thousands and thousands of

India and Egypt appear to have had sophisticated technologies for thousands and thousands of

years before modern times. And for the record, it is also common historical knowledge that both

years before modern times. And for the record, it is also common historical knowledge that both

Egypt and China acknowledge their debt to India as the oldest culture.

Egypt and China acknowledge their debt to India as the oldest culture.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

How were the great stone blocks used by ancient builders moved from place to

How were the great stone blocks used by ancient builders moved from place to

place?

place?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

This still remains a mystery. There are actually conjectures that this was

This still remains a mystery. There are actually conjectures that this was

done with so-called psychic ability and powerful sound vibrations called mantras, yet there is no

done with so-called psychic ability and powerful sound vibrations called mantras, yet there is no

proof of this

proof of this

theory. All that

theory. All that

aside, so-called modern man

aside, so-called modern man

constant

constant

ly and

ly and

profound

profound

ly

ly

underesti

underesti

mates the brilliance

mates the brilliance

of so-

of so-

called primitive man.

called primitive man.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

What happened to this ancient civilization?

What happened to this ancient civilization?

Was it worldwide?

Was it worldwide?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

There is a lot of evidence that it was global and as I mentioned many

There is a lot of evidence that it was global and as I mentioned many

were

were

seafaring and

seafaring and

using

using

extremely accurate

extremely accurate

astronomic

astronomic

al,

al,

heliocen

heliocen

tric calculations

tric calculations

for

for

both

both

Earth and celestial motions, indicating an understanding that the Sun is at the center of the solar

Earth and celestial motions, indicating an understanding that the Sun is at the center of the solar

system and that the Earth is round. Elliptical orbits were also calculated for all moving celestial

system and that the Earth is round. Elliptical orbits were also calculated for all moving celestial

bodies. The findings are remarkable. What India calculated thousands of years ago, for example

bodies. The findings are remarkable. What India calculated thousands of years ago, for example

the wobble of the Earth's axis, which creates the movement called precession of the equinoxes

the wobble of the Earth's axis, which creates the movement called precession of the equinoxes

 – the slowly changing motion that completes one cycle every 25,920 years – has only recently

 – the slowly changing motion that completes one cycle every 25,920 years – has only recently

been validate

been validate

d

d

by modern

by modern

science.

science.

Was this knowledge given to them by divine beings as they claim? Was there inter-galactic

Was this knowledge given to them by divine beings as they claim? Was there inter-galactic

travel? Did the people in India have contact with beings or knowledge from other planets? We

travel? Did the people in India have contact with beings or knowledge from other planets? We

don't know, but what is certain is that they had mathematical/astronomical understanding that is

don't know, but what is certain is that they had mathematical/astronomical understanding that is

extremely precise and agrees with many of the results of astronomy today. There is no other

extremely precise and agrees with many of the results of astronomy today. There is no other

way to explain why India and these ancient cultures would have such precise knowledge other

way to explain why India and these ancient cultures would have such precise knowledge other

than the fact that they were in a period of impressive technology and culture beyond our present

than the fact that they were in a period of impressive technology and culture beyond our present

understanding.

understanding.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

The

The

modern

modern

Hindu spirituality is

Hindu spirituality is

a

a

reflection of

reflection of

this

this

ancient

ancient

civilization

civilization

and

and

its

its

knowledge?

knowledge?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

Reflection is probably a good word because India has been aggressively

Reflection is probably a good word because India has been aggressively

colonized for the last 1200 years. Some scholars have suggested that as many as 60 million

colonized for the last 1200 years. Some scholars have suggested that as many as 60 million

people died in the process of both the Muslim and British colonization of India. Whatever the

people died in the process of both the Muslim and British colonization of India. Whatever the

numbers, that a holocaust of this proportion hasn't even been discussed in terms of history

numbers, that a holocaust of this proportion hasn't even been discussed in terms of history

speaks for itself. But what is simultaneously amazing is that the culture of India is as intact as it

speaks for itself. But what is simultaneously amazing is that the culture of India is as intact as it

is compared to what one would expect from such extreme abuse and what we usually see with

is compared to what one would expect from such extreme abuse and what we usually see with

other decimated indige

other decimated indige

nous groups all

nous groups all

across the

across the

world.

world.

Sixteenth century India has been described as the wealthiest country in the world, with the best

Sixteenth century India has been described as the wealthiest country in the world, with the best

universal educational system – all of which has obviously become seriously damaged. India of

universal educational system – all of which has obviously become seriously damaged. India of

today does not accurately represent the ancient culture, but what is amazing is that the India of

today does not accurately represent the ancient culture, but what is amazing is that the India of

today, without funding or resources, has spread its knowledge around the world. Today, there

today, without funding or resources, has spread its knowledge around the world. Today, there

are probably as many as 100 million people practicing aspects of yoga – not because India

are probably as many as 100 million people practicing aspects of yoga – not because India

spent a lot of money trying to spread its culture, but because that knowledge is, I would say,

spent a lot of money trying to spread its culture, but because that knowledge is, I would say,

innately desired and needed by people all over the world.

innately desired and needed by people all over the world.

So, to look at current India and then ask if their deep cultural knowledge is useful for today is

So, to look at current India and then ask if their deep cultural knowledge is useful for today is

misguided and ignorant. Present day India is damaged badly by recent colonization, internally

misguided and ignorant. Present day India is damaged badly by recent colonization, internally

corrupt and in many ways ruled by foreign interests opposed to its basic culture. But if we look

corrupt and in many ways ruled by foreign interests opposed to its basic culture. But if we look

deeply into the storehouse of ancient knowledge that the original culture possessed, we will find

deeply into the storehouse of ancient knowledge that the original culture possessed, we will find

a legacy profoundly useful for the world we live in today.

a legacy profoundly useful for the world we live in today.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

Did ancient Indians consort

Did ancient Indians consort

with

with

aliens and travel

aliens and travel

through time

through time

or to

or to

other

other

dimensions?

(6)

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

The cosmology of India describes our universe as having fourteen

The cosmology of India describes our universe as having fourteen

parallel realities on multiple levels, all existing and intersecting within the material realm in which

parallel realities on multiple levels, all existing and intersecting within the material realm in which

we are currently living.

we are currently living.

One of those levels is called the

One of those levels is called the

Deva 

Deva 

realm. The Deva realm is supposedly the home of the

realm. The Deva realm is supposedly the home of the

beings who actually conduct the laws of nature to which we are subject. This view of Divine

beings who actually conduct the laws of nature to which we are subject. This view of Divine

helpers is much misunderstood as the so-called many gods or also as demi-gods, but in India

helpers is much misunderstood as the so-called many gods or also as demi-gods, but in India

they were

they were

never viewed

never viewed

as God,

as God,

gods, demi-

gods, demi-

gods

gods

or

or

in

in

competitio

competitio

n with

n with

God.

God.

They

They

were,

were,

instead, viewed as souls

instead, viewed as souls

(or more

(or more

accurate

accurate

ly

ly

atmas) like us,

atmas) like us,

but living

but living

on another plane

on another plane

of

of

material reality and performing specific jobs as administrators of the laws of nature. So, gods is

material reality and performing specific jobs as administrators of the laws of nature. So, gods is

the wrong word for many reasons, the main one being it implies 'God,' which is not an Indian

the wrong word for many reasons, the main one being it implies 'God,' which is not an Indian

word in the first place. These beings are called Devas, meaning beings who 'work in the light'

word in the first place. These beings are called Devas, meaning beings who 'work in the light'

assisting the Supreme Being by enforcing the laws of nature that allow the universe to function

assisting the Supreme Being by enforcing the laws of nature that allow the universe to function

as it does.

as it does.

Different yet similar to us, Devas are viewed in India, by analogy, much as someone who works

Different yet similar to us, Devas are viewed in India, by analogy, much as someone who works

in the passport department giving out visas. Devas give out the passports (enforcing the laws of

in the passport department giving out visas. Devas give out the passports (enforcing the laws of

Nature) and we are people using and receiving the passports (obeying the laws of Nature).

Nature) and we are people using and receiving the passports (obeying the laws of Nature).

So as for the alien question, it was always the view in India that there are other dimensions of

So as for the alien question, it was always the view in India that there are other dimensions of

intelligent life in our universe who communicate with humans and that the Devas specifically are

intelligent life in our universe who communicate with humans and that the Devas specifically are

the

the

intelligen

intelligen

ces operating

ces operating

behind the

behind the

laws

laws

of Nature.

of Nature.

But

But

the

the

Vedic

Vedic

culture

culture

wouldn't

wouldn't

have

have

described these beings as aliens in the way we currently think of aliens, as coming from another

described these beings as aliens in the way we currently think of aliens, as coming from another

planet in a metal ship, parking their ship (or crashing their ship in Roswell) et cetera. The Vedas

planet in a metal ship, parking their ship (or crashing their ship in Roswell) et cetera. The Vedas

describe infinitely multiple universes filled with many Earth-like and other diverse planets and

describe infinitely multiple universes filled with many Earth-like and other diverse planets and

many kinds of intelligent beings living in these other dimensions, some in contact with this realm.

many kinds of intelligent beings living in these other dimensions, some in contact with this realm.

The closest modern analogs are found in some of the theories of quantum physics, one being

The closest modern analogs are found in some of the theories of quantum physics, one being

string theory, which suggests there are something like eleven parallel realities that are running

string theory, which suggests there are something like eleven parallel realities that are running

simultaneously with ours. This idea in physics, of parallel realities crisscrossing, is undeniably

simultaneously with ours. This idea in physics, of parallel realities crisscrossing, is undeniably

reminiscen

reminiscen

t of

t of

the ancient teachings from India.

the ancient teachings from India.

Finally, beyond these many material realms, the Vedas state that there is an eternal

Finally, beyond these many material realms, the Vedas state that there is an eternal

Transcendental realm or abode which, though non-material, makes periodic visits to our physical

Transcendental realm or abode which, though non-material, makes periodic visits to our physical

plane here on Earth. The Transcendental is not considered a material realm and thus represents

plane here on Earth. The Transcendental is not considered a material realm and thus represents

yet another form of visitation that sometimes takes place. In the Vedas, these intentional

yet another form of visitation that sometimes takes place. In the Vedas, these intentional

visitations from the Transcendental are called Avatars – literally the descent of higher beings

visitations from the Transcendental are called Avatars – literally the descent of higher beings

from the Transcendental to the material realms.

from the Transcendental to the material realms.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

How did such a powerful civilization perish and why?

How did such a powerful civilization perish and why?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

By a definition given in the Vedas, everything within matter changes and

By a definition given in the Vedas, everything within matter changes and

is in flux, eternally. Specifically, younger, more physically vital cultures from the cold climates

is in flux, eternally. Specifically, younger, more physically vital cultures from the cold climates

came in

came in

with

with

a

a

new power,

new power,

technolo

technolo

gy and

gy and

energy that

energy that

was

was

able to, let's

able to, let's

say,

say,

exploit

exploit

the

the

situation of a diverse and cooperative India that had also become somewhat corrupt and

situation of a diverse and cooperative India that had also become somewhat corrupt and

decrepit. Ancient India is probably the poster child for a diverse, complex, cooperative society

decrepit. Ancient India is probably the poster child for a diverse, complex, cooperative society

that by this definition allowed a lot of bio-diversity. Ironically, that was actually a weakness when

that by this definition allowed a lot of bio-diversity. Ironically, that was actually a weakness when

Europeans came in and wanted to conquer India, to rape and pillage her wealth or to religiously

Europeans came in and wanted to conquer India, to rape and pillage her wealth or to religiously

convert the population, as with Islam and Christianity. After all, might does not make right.

convert the population, as with Islam and Christianity. After all, might does not make right.

D a i l y B e l l :

D a i l y B e l l :

We believe the West is afflicted by money power – a group of wealthy families that

We believe the West is afflicted by money power – a group of wealthy families that

want to centralize control over the world and are causing misery. How does your philosophy

want to centralize control over the world and are causing misery. How does your philosophy

account for this?

account for this?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

The philosophy of India is very clear. We human beings are here with

The philosophy of India is very clear. We human beings are here with

the ability to utilize our free will and the spectrum is anywhere from enlightened to 'endarkened.'

the ability to utilize our free will and the spectrum is anywhere from enlightened to 'endarkened.'

The enlightened end of the spectrum is where the laws of Nature reside, and is called the Deva

The enlightened end of the spectrum is where the laws of Nature reside, and is called the Deva

view. The 'endarkened' view is the philosophy of the so-called Asuras, who are always against

view. The 'endarkened' view is the philosophy of the so-called Asuras, who are always against

the enlightened way of being. We humans can choose to cooperate for the good of all and align

the enlightened way of being. We humans can choose to cooperate for the good of all and align

ourselves with the Devic view or we can choose to be entirely selfish and only concerned for the

ourselves with the Devic view or we can choose to be entirely selfish and only concerned for the

personal gain and pleasure of a few. The dark Asuric choice brings fear, destruction, chaos,

personal gain and pleasure of a few. The dark Asuric choice brings fear, destruction, chaos,

exploitation and is always imposed by a small uncaring minority, enslaving the masses and

exploitation and is always imposed by a small uncaring minority, enslaving the masses and

farming them

farming them

like animals

like animals

to steal

to steal

their

their

life energy.

life energy.

All

All

the

the

Vedic stories

Vedic stories

show

show

this

this

human

human

potential for abuse of free will and the problems it can create.

potential for abuse of free will and the problems it can create.

The Indian epics are rife with classic conflicts involving those who care only for themselves,

The Indian epics are rife with classic conflicts involving those who care only for themselves,

subvert the laws of nature, create artificial inorganic societies, cannibalize other living entities

subvert the laws of nature, create artificial inorganic societies, cannibalize other living entities

(7)

and make a few people very wealthy and powerful at the expense of large numbers of innocent

people.

It is the Avatars who come to fight against these dark beings. So anything like a global world

government or a single global power or technology that subverts a freedom-based and

sustainable reality with a manufactured and degrading pseudo-reality is considered, in the Vedic

way of thinking, as Asuric, or against the light, against truth and blind to the good of all. The

likelihood of such groups being out there is considerable. They are only acting in their selfish

interest and do not care if they cause harm to large numbers of people. Ironically, the Vedas

make it very clear that massive so-called wealth is actually most efficiently and easily acquired

by literally not caring at all about sucking the life-force out of people and the Earth.

D a i l y B e l l :

What is the fusion between "Western technology and Eastern wisdom [that] offers a

revolutionary new vision for multiculturalism and responsible expansion?"

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

The most scientific language that exists on our planet is Sanskrit. The

Sanskrit language has four thousand grammatical rules, making it more precise than either

Greek or Latin. Sanskrit by its sheer specificity explains why the citizens of India have never

made a wide distinction between material science and spiritual science. Sanskrit also helps

explain how a so-called primitive, ignorant and Pagan people were able to so rapidly take over

the IT industry. Behind Sanskrit is a temperament that is not against science but rather weds

science and our spiritual nature together into a single important subject: Divine Intelligence. The

key principal here is that the original culture of India thinks in the longest possible cycles and

believes that we are not supposed to brutally exploit the resources of the planet, the

non-renewable resources of the planet, let alone control or enslave people in the process. We are

supposed to use our scientific and technological abilities to work in harmony with the laws of

nature.

This is based on the belief that nature is intelligent, conscious, purposeful, and not random – 

and that the natural order of the universe is to be supported by us, not subverted by us. In the

future, if we are fortunate, the technological capabilities that have now been developed will be

wedded with a renewable idea of energy and we will stop exploiting the non-renewable energy

resources of our planet and use our abilities to create a recycling, renewable and therefore a

good-for- the-future way of living on the planet. Because right now, in so many ways, from

energy to money, we are living as if there will be no future – and we will certainly leave a terrible

mess for our children given what is being done. Regardless of what we see today, India's

teachings have always stood for a renewable and cooperative relationship with the resources of

the universe and the freedom of individuals.

D a i l y B e l l :

You write of your views "this will help take our success beyond the present-day

definitions of a profit-only marketplace." How so?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

The large corporation as we know and define it now generally has a

financial responsibility (which encompasses most of its other responsibilities) to its Board of

Directors, only to bring in profit. It has the rights of an individual with no moral responsibilities.

Corporations are still based on the colonial ethos that we can go out and harm the rest of the

world as long as we bring the results back to our own country. These giant corporations become

'too big to fail,' are often deeply subsidized by taxpayer money, are products of the State in

many nefarious ways and often have a revolving door of positions and lobbyists between

themselves and government. Of course this isn't good for the planet and it creates animosity

among many groups. Given the immense powers of technology, this rape and pillage attitude will

inevitably lead to more and more war, more destruction and misery, and more debt. It continues

at a rapid pace right now with the corporate world trying to own more and more resources like,

for instance, water, with the idea that individuals or corporations should be able to own

non-renewable, life-sustaining resources, neither of which is acceptable morally, as history has

shown and the Vedas have warned.

This robber baron mentality needs to be replaced by a new mentality. I call it the CCO and every

corporation should have one – the Chief Conscience Officer. Why? Because as I said, and as it

is said in the Vedas, massive wealth in the material world is most easily acquired via the

exploitation of both resources and people – and is therefore always tempting to certain beings.

Ideologies aside, without compassion and corporation, there is no well-being.

D a i l y B e l l :

What is the ancient Yoga philosophy and how does it teach valuable skills that are

applicable to all areas of life?

(8)

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

The purpose of Yoga is two-fold. One is the purpose to live in harmony

with the laws of nature. The second is to empower each individual spiritual being to be

autonomous and ultimately to be able to fly their airplane, (their divine consciousness), back to

the Transcendental realm from which they originally came. This leads to a political viewpoint that

says our education should maximize as many human beings as possible to achieve their highest

human potential and not put them in positions of bondage where they are degraded in any

means whatsoever. The yogic ethos is that we should arrange life so that, as far as is possible,

human beings are not degraded in consciousness by performing their work but have the

greatest possible opportunity to remain conscious of their true, Divine Nature, which will lead

them as far as possible in that direction. All of this, by definition, has to be accomplished without

the use of intimidation, forced-conversion or coercion.

D a i l y B e l l :

You write, "The real treasures of the East weren't jewels, spices or exotic perfumes

  – but the amazing treasure house of sacred and universal knowledge. This knowledge,

increasingly validated by modern science, is now being embraced by leading edge corporations,

professionals and leaders throughout the world." What are some examples?

J e f f r e y A r m s t r o n g :

As I mentioned earlier, what is unique about the library of India is that it

was recorded in the Sanskrit language, which has not degraded over time to any significant

extent. This is unlike other religions and spiritual paths and bodies of knowledge that were

written in languages which have often become obsolete or are no longer clearly understood.

Thus, the treasure house of knowledge that I am talking about goes back accurately for

thousands and thousands of years. The literature contains the precise understandings of the

ancients and is still being transmitted by traditional teachers in India to the modern world.

It is well known that Greek advancements in knowledge have affected our world for a couple

thousand years. Socrates, the famous Greek philosopher, was the teacher of Plato. Socrates of

course claims to have been enlightened by the teachings of Pythagoras who preceded him by

200 years. It is also historically known and should be remembered that Pythagoras studied in

India; he was a vegetarian, virtually unheard of anywhere else, and learned the philosophy of

India and taught it in Greece.

So if we are to accept the well-known saying in academia that western philosophy is simply

footnotes to Plato, it is then logical to say that the knowledge of India has been leaking into our

culture for thousands of years. That this is not understood is a shame because it's both

extremely exciting and a huge aspect of our human heritage. The Abrahamic religions, however,

especially Islam and Christianity, have been very resistant to this idea because of their own

institutional agendas. So knowledge from India that leaked in to other cultures has often

remained either hidden or was simply incorporated into western thought without credit to India.

The so-called American 'transcendentalists' – Emerson and Thoreau et cetera – are one tiny

example of this. Today – and for the last 100 years and perhaps especially the last 50 years – 

the influence of ancient India is being revealed in full force and clarity. As part of that knowledge

are a number of things, including the empowerment of women as seen clearly in the view of a

feminine as well as masculine Divine and the consciousness that the Earth is in very tangible

ways a living entity described as Gaia, Bhumi (In Sanskrit) or Mother Earth.

The awareness of how we eat and how we live in our bodies is also vital to the Vedic philosophy

and Yoga. It is also a viewpoint promoting bio-diversity both personally and sustainably. Firstly,

individuals should never be coerced into a particular spiritual viewpoint. Secondly, we are living

on a single organism, planet Earth, and it is in everyone's best interest to cooperate with one

another since we ultimately all breathe the same air and drink the same water. This is initially

accomplished by developing a vision of ALL living beings as divine in nature.

Finally, it is a bio-diverse vision that both creates and supports an open Internet, considered by

many technological idealists to be one of the great hopes of our planet trying to find a way to

know and cooperate with each other instead of being in a competitive and destructive

relationship. If we can keep the Internet open, then that is one of the key places where

bio-diverse ideas in a potentially open and cooperative environment can meet and are meeting.

This interview, for example, with less than mainstream ideas, could be distributed in a short time

to millions of eager listeners who hope that this is possible. That positive and idealistic ethos

also lives in some corporations, more each day – of course, not all of them are robber barons.

Indeed, there are so many negative invisible and unseen forces that exist in the background for

the purpose of manipulating our economy, our private lives, our food source and what is defined

as medicine and so forth. For those invisible forces to be brought out into the open requires

communication environments that allow for that possibility. This publication is an example and

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