Zero: A Vedic Perspective on the Concept of Nothingness
I magine a world without the number zero. It might seem strange to us today, but once upon a time, the concept of nothingness didn’t even exist in mathematics! Zero, often viewed merely as a placeholder or an empty space, is much more than that—it holds deep philosophical and mathematical significance. Let's embark on a fascinating journey through ancient Indian wisdom, particularly the Vedas, to discover how the concept of zero emerged and transformed mathematics as we know it. 1. The Vedas: Ancient Treasures of Knowledge The Vedas are like ancient libraries of knowledge, written between 1500 and 500 BCE. They encompass everything from spirituality to rituals and mathematics! These texts, revered in Hindu philosophy, are considered some of the oldest writings in the world, holding keys to understanding the universe and ourselves. Meet the Four Vedas: Rigveda: Hymns and prayers. Yajurveda: Ritual instructions. Samaveda: Chants and melodies. Atharvaveda: Spells and wisdo...