15/11/2009

Jeevan Vidya
(Workshop Handout)

Prepared by:

Atishi Marlena & Praveen Singh

Maanavsthali, Bhopal
Last edited: October, 2009
Feedback welcome at: atishi@gmail.com, pravsing@gmail.com

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1. Setting the context

We human beings seek happiness

It is our inseparable innate nature
We can easily verify this in ourselves, and in our fellow
human beings: that whatever a human being does,
they do it because they believe, that it would bring
them happiness

A natural question then arises: Do we not attain

happiness in our living?
A quick assessment reveals that we do.
However

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UNHAPPINESS

HAPPINESS

If we were to draw a (simplistic) graph of our lives, it would

look something like the following:

TIME

Thus, it is not that we do not attain happiness while we live.

What eludes us is its continuity. ..
And if we do a little introspection, wed find that it is not just
happiness that we are looking for, but lasting happiness !

If we were to seek a name for

these below the x-axis points or
situations, one appropriate
name for them would be
Problems.

Loosely speaking thus, we could say that our need for lasting
happiness is not met because we encounter Problems in our
lives.
We can also try and enumerate some of these events or
circumstances we have labeled Problems in order to identify
them unambiguously.

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Problems: some examples, and a classification

Personal Problems
Environmental Problems
Pollution, Resource Depletion,
Vanishing Eco-systems
Climate Change, Natural
calamities, Newer Diseases

Social Problems

Loneliness, Boredom,
Purposelessness
Lack of clarity on what to do, why
to do
Lack of self-confidence, inferiority

Inter-personal Problems

Poverty, Injustice, Exploitation

Stark differences of opinion

Corruption, Dysfunctional socioeconomic-political systems

An absence of shared goals

Conflict of interest, classes,

Fundamentalism, Terrorism, War

Lack of trust,Jealousy, hatred

Feelings of neglect, disrespect
Perception of not being understood, cared,
valued

While the graphic could suggest these are disjoint, it is important

to realize that all these types of problems are inter-affecting,
interacting, and inter-related. One often leads to the other, and
vicious cycles manifest

A natural question now arises:

Who/what causes the Problems?

If we look around us, we can classify all entities into four
broad categories
The Material Order, The Pranic Order, The Animal Order, and
Human Beings

A quick look at the interactions between them reveals

that the first three orders exist in harmony within
themselves, and with all the others.
It is only human interactions, be it amongst themselves,
or with the other three categories that seem to be the
cause of problems!

Thus, it can safely be said that all problems have

their root in the doings of human beings

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It is indeed a sad paradox:

We as human beings seek lasting happiness.
However, by our very own doings, we are
manifesting problems, that obstruct us from
achieving it!
Why would human beings do so?!
Let us look at a simple model of human behaviour to
try and get to the root of this matter

How do we go about seeking happiness?

A model of Human Behaviour

1 Each human
being has an
innate need
for lasting
Happiness

Each human
being possesses
an
Understanding
(or Worldview)

These
shape our
aspirations,
pursuits,
goals,
purpose of
life

4 Shape our
behavior at all
levels, namely,
With ourselves
With our
Family
In Society
With rest of
Nature

5
Results in desired or
undesired outcomes
at one/more levels.
In other words, it
results in
Happiness(harmony)
or Unhappiness
(disharmony)

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It is easy to see from the above diagram that

the culprit lies in box #2:
That is,
it is incorrect or incomplete understanding
that manifests as Problems in our lives.

If Problems are indicators of incomplete / incorrect

understanding in us humans, two possibilities exist:
No such understanding /
worldview exists which
can fulfill the innate
human need for lasting
happiness

The Existential design is

unfortunate: there are entities called
the human being whose innate need
is to seek lasting happiness, but
there is no possibility for the
fulfillment of that need in Existence!
Problems will always exist

Such an understanding /
worldview exists. It is
only that we, as
mankind, have not
discovered it fully yet!

Thus current undesired

outcomes only imply
inadequacies / incorrectness
/ incompleteness in our
current worldview.
Hope for human fulfillment
stays alive!

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Our contention:

No such
Understanding exists
which can fulfill the
innate human need for
happiness

Such an
Understanding
exists. It is only that
we, as mankind, have
not discovered it fully
yet!

Jeevan Vidya is a proposal that deserves a sincere look-in as

potentially such an Understanding / Worldview

What is Jeevan Vidya?

Jeevan Vidya is the outcome of the search of Shri A. Nagraj, who
lives in Amarkantak, Madhya Pradesh, in his quest for answers for a
purposeful and humane way of life
It is essentially a proposal for happy / meaningful / fulfilling living
for all human beings
A proposal implies that we all need to evaluate it for our self, by
our self, within our self
It lays forth a definite exposition of what a human being is, of
everything around us, and consequently of a purposeful and
humane way of life.
These expositions go on offer resolutions along all dimensions of
human life, namely education, health, production and exchange,
socio-economic organization, justice and ecological sustenance.

The precise name of Jeevan Vidya is -

.

This translates into English as Co-Existentialism

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The JV proposal
attempts to

Thus, it presents
an

Identify our true

needs and goals;
in the process
also help
evaluate what we
currently believe
to be our needs
and goals

Understanding of
the Self

Outline a means
of
fulfillment of our
true needs and
goals

Understanding
the inherent
design/harmony
in Existence
(i.e., Understanding of
everything around us
and their interactions
and interrelationships)

It is thus, an
exercise in self
exploration,
which unfolds
into an
understanding of
all of Existence!

It provides a basis
for harmony in
the self, and
harmonious living
along all
dimensions of our
lives

Before we get into the details of the proposal of such an

understanding, a natural question arises that demands to be
addressed. The question is as follows:

If we are saying that Problems are nothing but

indicators of an incomplete or incorrect
understanding, then why have we (as mankind) not
used these problematic events or circumstances to
complete/correct our understanding?
Because in our understanding, we have incorporated certain
beliefs that make us, advertently or inadvertently, either
escape from, or ignore, or suppress,
these problems!

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For example, consider the following oft held beliefs

If people live together then there is bound to be some
conflict. The sensible thing to do is learn to make
compromises.
If one had enough money, everything would be okay.
Happiness and unhappiness are both part of life. It would be
difficult to appreciate happiness (harmony) if we did not also
experience unhappiness (disharmony).
Anger, jealousy, selfishness are natural human traits. These
are found in everyone.
Tiffs between a husband and wife are natural.
If one has got a good education, has a good job, married and
children, then life is settled.
Everyone cannot be successful. Success is something some
people attain at the cost of others.

and some more

If problems were to finish, progress would stop and life would
become boring, stagnant and monotonous.
Man can, and has to conquer nature. Technology can solve all
problems.
The level of consumption is a measure of development , of
human progress. Thus economic development is not only
good, it is essential.
Development would invariably be accompanied with some
effects like pollution, displacement, natural resource
depletionIts a price we have to pay for the benefits of
development.

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The question worth asking on all such beliefs are:

Are they really true?
Are we satisfied while holding them in ourselves?
And most importantly, does living them lead to the
fulfillment of our innate need for happiness? In other
words, are these beliefs working for us??
OR

Have we accepted them without a rigourous evaluation of

their truth value?
Are they mere compromises we have accepted in absence
of better answers?
The most disastrous consequence however is that once we
advertently or inadvertently hold them as true, the quest for
a better answer stopswe start living with sub-optimalities!

The incompleteness or inadequacy in our Understanding

is of two types:
1. The process by which we develop our understanding has a
flaw: We form beliefs without adequately evaluating/knowing
their truth value.
2. The content of our understanding is incomplete: This means
that all that we need to know/understand in order to live a
happy, fulfilling, harmonious life is not known/understood by
us.

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The flaw in the process of understanding

BELIEVING
(without evaluating / knowing)

WHY?

Due to faith

Due to absence of
habit, framework for
evaluation

Due to fear / lure

So, will a BELIEF always be wrong?

No, It could be wrong

Or, it could be right

If wrong, it certainly leads to

incorrect understanding, and
therefore to undesired results in
living; this equals Problems or
unhappiness
But more viciously, once held
true, it often closes the door on
looking what is right in that
context

Lack of our own certainty regarding the

beliefs correctness could lead to doubts and
fears while living it
Inability to convey to another why the belief is
right hence everyone has their own right. It
becomes difficult to arrive at consensus
which is an important requirement when we
live with fellow humans.
This also manifests as Problems or unhappiness

A proposed process of understanding

KNOWING
(and then believing)

Enquiring: Asking the four questions of:

What?

Why?

How?

How much?

Evaluating the answer:

Do I find it acceptable and fulfilling?

Would people around me find it acceptable and fulfilling?
Would all human beings find it acceptable and fulfilling?

Realising the answer, i.e., Living it to attain

Harmony in oneself
Mutual fulfilment with fellow human beings
Harmony & Coexistence with all other entities in Nature

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Proposed contents of a complete

understanding

1.
Understanding
the Self

3.
Understanding
Society

2.
Understanding
`the Family

4.
Understanding
Nature and
Existence

Proposed contents of a complete understanding (contd.)

Some indicative questions
SELF:
Who/What am I ?
What needs if fulfilled,
can bring me happiness?
What is worth striving
for, for a human being?
Is there a purpose to
my life?

SOCIETY:
What is human Society for?
What are the various
dimensions of a humane
society? What kind of
society do we aspire to
become?
How should Society be
organised?
What is my role in Society?

FAMILY:
What is the purpose of a
family?
What do we expect in
relationships? What does it
mean to be a good parent /
child / sibling / friend?
How can relationships be
mutually fulfilling?
NATURE & EXISTENCE:
What are the laws / cycles /
relationships in nature that we
humans need to be aware of?
How should we interact with
Nature?
Is there some meaning /
purpose / design in the
Universe? What is my role in
it?

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Coming back to the model of Human Behaviour, let us now

look at Box # 1, and try and understand Human Happiness

1Each human
being has an
innate need
for lasting
Happiness

4 Shape our

3 These
shape our
aspirations,
pursuits,
goals,
purpose of
life

2 Each human
being possesses
an
Understanding

behavior at all
levels, namely,
With ourselves
With our
Family
In Society
With rest of
Nature

(or Worldview)

Results in desired or
undesired outcomes
at one/more levels.

In other words, it
results in
Happiness(harmony)
or Unhappiness
(disharmony)

Understanding Happiness:
The Sources

Sensory Inputs

Feelings (of trust, love, respect,

friendship) towards fellow human
beings

State / Feelings of being purposeful

in oneself, of a clarity of goals and
the means to achieve them

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Which source can offer lasting happiness ?

1. Sensory
Interactions

2. Feelings with
fellow
human beings

3. State of
purposefulness
within oneself

NO SCOPE

NOT SURE

NOT SURE

Feels good only

when the body
needs them. Since
the needs of the
body are not
continuous, this can
inherently not feel
good all the time

While it cannot be
ruled out as a
possible source,
our experience in
relationships
generally is of ups
and downs

While this too cannot be

ruled out as a possible
source, the fulfillment from
most of the goals we have
achieved or striven for in
the past, does seem to fade
with time

Could it be that the goals / purpose we

identified have been:
Driven by comparison, circumstance and have
therefore become irrelevant after some time?
Not complete enough so some aspects of our lives
have got left out?
Not meaty enough so as to fully quench us?
Not high enough so on reaching them, we want
more?

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Lasting happiness: here is a proposition

State/Feeling of
purposefulness
within oneself

Human life has a definite

purpose one that can
fulfill the human potential,
and concomitantly satisfy all
human needs. Living out this
purpose would offer lasting
happiness.

Sensory
Interactions

Feelings with
fellow
human beings

Relationships based
on the purpose
befitting the human
potential, which would
mutually enrich all
participants offer the
possibility of lasting
happiness

Interestingly, once the

need for lasting
happiness is met from
the other two sources,
do sensory pleasures
also get balanced and
right-sized.

The way to Lasting Happiness rests on our ability to identify, and

live out, a purpose that fulfills the human potential

What could be such a purpose that fulfils the

human potential?
Let us use the innate activities in any human being to infer/deduce one.
All Human Activity

Trying to
Understand Things

Living out
(or Validating & Actualising)

our Understanding

Proposition: Purpose of
human life, is to
Understand Everything
i.e. Develop a Complete
Understanding

Live / Actualise
a Complete
Understanding

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What is everything in
Understanding Everything?

What will actualize or manifest?

1.
2.

1.
Understanding
the Self

2.
Understanding
`the Family

3.

4.
3.
Understanding
Society

4.
Understanding
Nature and
Existence

Samadhaan i.e. complete

understanding in the individual
Samriddhi and mulyamayata i.e.
meeting of material needs and
mutual fulfillment in the family
Nyaya i.e. justice, fairness,
complementarity, mutuality, trust
in society
Saha-Astitva, i.e., everlasting and
ever enriching harmony amongst
four orders in Nature

This is the true purpose or

goal of human life: Lasting
Happiness is nothing but
understanding and
manifesting the composite of
the above four!

The Human Purpose (or the human goal)

We seek a state of completeness,
a state of harmony along all
dimensions of our life
We all want to attain all that is
possible for a human being
It is an inside-out process through
which the human being
understands and fulfills his
relationship with all entities in
Existence

Co-existence,
ever-enriching
sustainability in
Nature
Trust,
Complimentarity
Justice, fairness
in Society

Prosperity
and mutual
fulfillment in
the Family
Self: A state
of being
resolved,
samadhaanit

One can evaluate in oneself that nothing short of this would fully
quench any human being
and that nothing more is desired!

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In light of what we said so far, we can compare

what we currently assume as the purpose of our lives,

how we live therefore, and its implications

with

what this proposal trying to point towards

Current living a snapshot

What we
Seek?
Not always
very clear
Or at best,
I should
feel good

Goals /
Purpose

Methods

More Money,
Sensory
Power,
Position,
Pleasures
Looks than others
Material
Sensory
acquisition
Indulgences
Attention
from others
And, symptom
More and
suppression
as a
more of the
means
to
alleviate
above
problems

Results

Individuals
Unhappy Haves & Unhappy Have-nots
Problems of purposelessness, loneliness, lack
of clarity, ill-health, depression are universal
Families
Material fulfillment is the primary aim of the
union
Material symbols gain primacy
Differences of opinion, lack of trust, polarities
Neglect of emotional requirements
Society
Socio-economic classes
Full of conflicts
Fear, lack of trust, exploitation dominates
interactions between man and man
Nature
Exploited! Abused! Polluted! The earths ecosystem is on the brink of disaster

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The proposal suggests

What we
Seek
Lasting
Happiness

Goal

Method

Harmony at all
levels of life:
Individual
Family/Interpersonal
relationships
Society
Nature

Completing our
Understanding
And living out or
actualizing the
Complete
Understanding

Results

Individuals
Resolved
Social
Self-reliant

Families
Prosperous
Continuity of feelings of
trust, respect, love. etc

Society
Just, equitable
Mutually fulfilling roles
Trust, security, fearlessness

Nature
Harmony, Co-existence
Balance in nature

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2. Understanding the Self

Any Understanding of the Self ought to answer

1.
2.

What do I seek ? Is there a purpose to my life?

What are my Needs ? And is there and assured means of their
fulfillment?

How are my needs linked to what I seek?

3.
4.

Who / what am I?
What are my capabilities / potential? Or in other words, how do I
function?
And, in the above context, the following also need to be answered:
5. What is my relationship with fellow humans? And how do I fulfill it,
and feel fulfilled myself?

6.
7.

What is common to all human beings? What is different, and why?

What is my relationship with the rest of Nature? And how do I fulfill

it, and feel fulfilled myself?
Is there some design / purpose to all of Existence? Can we
understand it? Do we need to understand it?

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What do we humans seek?

Perpetual or Lasting Happiness

We seek

Sensory Pleasures
And, the sources of
Human Happiness are
Feelings with fellow Human

Beings

(The state of) Purposefulness
in the Self

Possibility for lasting

happiness lies in

Understanding and living out

a purpose that fulfills of the
human potential

Understanding Human Needs

Each Human being
has two distinct kind of
needs

Psychological Needs

Need to know / to understand

Need for feelings of Trust,

friendship, Love, Respect etc.,
from and towards, fellow
human beings

Material Needs

Food, shelter

Means of production, transport &

communication etc.

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Let us look at the human needs in some more depth:

Psychological Needs

Material Needs

Knowledge / Understanding
Trust, friendship, Love, Respect

Food, shelter, means of production,

transport & communication etc.

Who needs these?

I need them

Required for the Body

When / how often is it needed?

All the time; Perpetually;
When my body requires it
How is the need fulfilled?
Via right Understanding in myself, and via the sense of
fulfillment/validation in living out that understanding
with fellow humans, and rest of nature

Via Material objects

(obtained from nature)

How much is required?

Not quantifiable, but required in its
Quantifiable: though quantity
compeleteness
might differ for each individual
Are requirements of all human beings the same?
Yes; every individual needs them in their No. Depends on circumstance,
totality
age / place /time.

Human Being: Composition & Needs

Each Human being is the
union of two distinct entities
A conscient entity
We would call it the Jeevan (
)

Psychological Needs are the needs of

the Jeevan or the conscious entity

A bio-physical entity
which is the Body

Material Needs are for the body

Material things cannot fulfill Psychological needs, &

Psychological things cannot fulfill Material needs
Both are required by each human being for fulfillment of their
innate need of lasting happiness
Since they cannot supplant each other, each human being will
have to have a clear program for the fulfillment of both of
these types of needs

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Causes for the misunderstanding, currently, regarding

our needs
We take ourselves to be only the body, hence we are unable to identify the
two types of needs clearly
It is the psychological needs that are not identified clearly and
separately, consequently their fulfillment remains suspect
However, the need is felt. And consciously or subconsciously, we try to
fulfill psychological needs through material means: This is the gravest
flaw in our understanding
Confusion furthered due to the prevalence of a body centric materialistic
worldview in everyone around us - all success, achievement get measured
by ones material achievements / possessions
People around us thus tend to seemingly Respect us / give attention
based on our material possessions thereby giving us the illusion of
psychological needs indeed being met through material means. One
can however see through this illusion quite easily, if one is willing to
Our own sense of self-worth also comes from the same. And even if
we evaluate their limitations, clear alternatives do not seem available
The insecurity, uncertainty that has got built-in in current living/world also
do not make it easy for us to be able to quantify(limit) our material needs

It is indeed amazing how this single overlooking is at

the root of ALL our problems!
Since material means inherently do not have the capability to fulfill
psychological needs, attempting to do the same inadvertently but
invariably results in
Material amassing and sensory excess along
with, all Production solely for profit
This is not possible without Exploitation
Of nature
Resource depletion
Pollution
Ecological imbalance

Of human beings
Formation of classes (Exploiters, Exploited)
Struggle, Conflict, War,
Naxalism, Crime, Terrorism

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Linkage between human needs and what

humans seek, as per this proposal
We seek lasting happiness
This is materialised through the fulfillment of both the kinds
of our needs namely psychological and material
The assured way of fulfillment of both these needs, or in
other words, the assured way of getting what we seek, is
through a complete understanding of Existence in the human
being. This then manifests as
Prosperity and mutually fulfilling relationships in the family
Behaviour that ensures Justice, Trust, mutualcomplimentariness in society
A lifestyle that ensures sustainable and ever enriching
harmony in Nature

Relationship between Jeevan and the Body

The body is a means or instrument of/for the Jeevan (
)

With any means or instrument, one has to

Learn how to use it
Give it due care and maintenance
Know its purpose, and deploy it for the same. Otherwise, no
joy/fulfillment/meaningfulness would be experienced

The purpose of this means (i.e. the body) is to actualise

the goal/purpose of the Jeevan
The purpose of jeevan, as discussed before is to understand all of
Existence and to be able to live out that understanding
As a result experience fulfillment and harmony in itself, and fulfill its
relationship with all other entities in its environment

The Jeevan interacts with the body via the brain

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Understanding the capabilities/functioning of

Jeevan (
 )
1. With an incomplete/inaccurate understanding
2. In the process of trying to build a complete
understanding (via this proposal)
3. In a state of complete understanding

The functioning of Jeevan

With a body centric, and incomplete/inaccurate worldview

DESIRE
(to fulfill need for happiness)

Desire governed by our beliefs of

1. Self = body, and consequently
material means would fulfill
psychological needs
2. A worldview of competition, conflict
and struggle

Pleasing to the Senses

ANALYSIS & COMPARISON

(to plan and execute the Desire) Comfort /Convenience
Monetary Impact

CHOICE (to actualise the Desire,

manifested via speech, action,
behaviour) and consequently,
EXPERIENCING

Analysis & Comparison

deploys limited
parameters of
consideration

Consequently our
choices, more often
than not, yield
undesired experiences

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The functioning of Jeevan

With a body centric, and incomplete/inaccurate worldview (contd.)

The innate expectation is for the

experience of lasting happiness.
Neither are we aware of that, nor do
we deploy assured means for its
fulfillment.

DESIRE

Our current desires generally offer us

either short term happiness, or no
happiness, or unhappiness.

ANALYSIS & COMPARISON

We tend to interpret this lack of

fulfillment as not having had enough
of what we desired, or wanting some
other variation, largely within the
same domain.
We start all over again with a new
desire. This cycle keeps repeating.

CHOICE, EXPERIENCING

The functioning of Jeevan (  - !")

In the process of trying to build a complete understanding via this proposal

Realisation,

and consequently,

(
)

Actualisation
(45
45)
45

Understanding, and consequently, Resolve

Actively initiate based on

complete information of
this proposal

(
)

(
3)
3

Purposive Contemplation

Desire

(./
./)
./

Comparison
(
)

Experience
()

($
$)
$

Analysis
('(
'( )

Choosing
()

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On Purposive Contemplation (./

./)
./)
Each entity in Existence has an innate order/harmony, and it
plays a meaningful / harmonious role in the larger order
Purposive contemplation is to understand, for each entity, this innate
harmony, and its role in the larger order/harmony
Asking the question of why or attempting to understand the
purpose of any entity acts as a facilitating tool for this process
(47 8 )

It requires, as pre-requisites,
Complete information about the design of Existence(-
:  8 < )
A strong acceptance and striving for the human purpose/goal (
= 8 " "? ; @ 8 )
Deployment of the innate human ability of imagination /
guesstimation (3, ) in order to understand
Existence

The functioning of Jeevan (

 -
'.
'.)

In a state of complete understanding

EXISTENTIAL REALISATION
COMPLETE UNDERSTANDING
DESIRE

Desire incorporates both psychological

needs and material needs

KEY SHIFT
ANALYSIS & COMPARISON

CHOICE , EXPERIENCING

Rship with fellow

humans
Sensory
Rship with
Nature

Health

Fruitioning of the
Human Purpose

Prosperity

Analysis &
Comparison
incorporate
all interdependencies

Desired & Harmonious outcomes

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Parameters of consideration in the state of incomplete

understanding
Body Centric view of the Self, incomplete understanding of Existence

Considerations in our choices are limited to

Is it going to be pleasurable to my senses?
Is it going to be comfortable /convenient to live?
Is it going to be monetarily beneficial for me ?
This is bound to happen, as human happiness is
understood largely along material, bodily needs. The
world is seen as a place of struggle and competition, with
each person fending for themselves

The key shift that happens in a state of complete understanding

is the enhancement in the parameters of consideration
Jeevan + Body view of the Self, Complete understanding of Existence
Seeing the co-existential design of existence, seeing oneself as Jeevan
and the body - with two different kinds of needs, seeing the interrelationships with fellow humans and nature and the imperative of
harmony with them in order to ensure ones own happiness
spontaneously enhances ones considerations to include
Relationships with fellow humans (/)
Harmony amongst all four orders of nature ()
Living in a manner that engenders fructification of the human goal for myself
and for others (45)
Sensory gratification gets regulated ('4)
Comfort/convenience get regulated in light of what is beneficial for the body
(C)
Material gain gets morphed into consideration for prosperity ( D)

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Technically speaking, The functioning of Jeevan

In a state of complete understanding

Realisation
(
)

Actualisation
(45
45)
45

Understanding Resolve
(
)

(
3)
3

Purposive
Contemplation

Desire

Comparison

Analysis

(./
./)
./

(
)

Experience
()

($
$)
$

Understanding
(what goes on in the
I or jeevan)

('(
'( )

Choosing
()

Living it Out
Our actions /speech / behavior

(what is manifested
using the body)

At this point, an obvious question arises that needs

to be addressed. The question is as follows:

If we are saying that Jeevan basically demonstrates two

activities that of understanding things and living out
its understanding then what is stopping it from autoinitiating Purposive Contemplation (./) and
attaining Existential Realisation (
) ?

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15/11/2009

Why have we not been able to direct our innate activities to their
rightful culminatory states? Identifying the digressions:
All Human Activity

Trying to See/Understand things

We are not really aware that this potential is

meant to understand the purpose/design of
Everything. Seeing/understanding has largely
happened via believing without evaluating.
Currently, when we are bored / unhappy /
perturbed, then on seeing something
new/different, we experience relief for some
time. This is because the newness of this situation
distracts us away from our problem.
Consequently, we have developed a habit of
seeking newness/variety.
This potential has thus been misled to seek
temporary relief or happiness in newness. Hence it
has not reached its destined culmination

Living out / Expressing ourselves

Understanding the Self, and being

assured about the Self is one of our most
basic needs
In absence of this understanding of the
self (and consequently being unsure
about our self worth), all our expression
(living out) gets driven by seeking
attention / assurance about oneself
This is so because getting
attention/assurance gives us a temporary
semblance of self-worth (F )
All our living/behaviour has got misled
towards this end

Analysing the digressions:

What is problematic if we continue to operate this way?
The continuity of happiness is not achieved in these
digressory mechanisms
Even for the temporary happiness thus achieved, we are
dependent on external sources
These mechanisms lead to all kinds of problems in the self,
the family, society and nature thus eventually being
detrimental to our innate need itself!

29

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3. Understanding the Family

The proposals for a humane family are natural

corollaries to this base proposal about the human
purpose/goal
NATURE:
Co-existence,
ever.
enriching sustainability

SOCIETY:
Trust, Justice,
.
Complimentariness
FAMILY:
Prosperity
and
.
Mutual fulfillment
INDIVIDUAL:
resolved by virtue
of possessing a
complete
understanding

30

15/11/2009

What the graphic is basically trying to say is

The human being first needs to understand all of Existence
And then, via an inside out process, actualize and validate that
understanding by manifesting harmony across all four levels of
our lives.
In this process, we feel fulfilled as well as fulfill our relationship
with all other entities in Existence!
It is this state that all of us human beings seek. We might not yet
be fully aware of it, but nothing less than this can quench any
human being. And nothing more is sought...

Consequently, in this proposal , participation in the family and

society, and humane conduct, are naturally pegged to this state
termed as the human purpose /goal.

The human family, and its purpose

A human family is a definite group of people, who are
together willingly, in order to help each other actualise the
human purpose
Consequently, the family is the first level of actualisation of
the human purpose
It is the family where the adults role is to be living examples
of resolved and actualised humans, from whom the young
ones learn and pick their Understanding
It is the place where we first experience, and then develop
the capability to live out human values like trust, respect,
love, gratitude, commitment.
It is the basic building block for participation and
contribution to society and the larger humane order
Family is, thus, the basic unit that provides an individual
physical, social and psychological moorings.

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15/11/2009

Self- fulfillment begins in the family

Human being
Physical /Material Needs

Psychological Needs

Physical nurture and care,

esp. for children, the aged
and the ill
Ensuring Prosperity

Care, security, and

development of the right
understanding, in children
Validation and actualization of
the understanding of adults, in
the process of their living

Prosperity means, the family

is able to definitively identify its physical / material requirements

produces a safe surplus over the requirement
And, the production is by means that ensure harmony in nature, and with
fellow humans

Humane values
As naturally experienced and lived by a resolved individual

GRATITUDE

ESTEEM

LOVE

CARE

RECEPTIVITY
for
EXCELLENCE

GUIDANCE by
EXAMPLE

TRUST

RESPECT

COMMITTMENT

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15/11/2009

1. Trust ('G
'G)
'G

In any person (starting with ourselves) we need to identify two

components to any act: the intention behind it and the and actual
action/behaviour
Despite the best of intentions, no one can perform the right behaviour
consistently unless he/she has the right Understanding
It is the right Understanding (of human relationship / the purpose of human
togetherness) that ensures right action: It is the consistency of this that
engenders trust
We need to first see this in ourselves- ie our intent is right, and then based on
right Understanding, we are able to perform the right action consistently; In
other words, trust starts with trust in oneself , via a process of understanding
oneself, understanding Existence
Understanding the nature of the Self, one is able to see that the same process
applies to any other human being
Thus, we start with trust in the intention of the other individual; and then
work for trust in his actions/behaviour through a sharing of right
Understanding

2. Respect/Correct Evaluation (H
H)
H

An understanding of what constitute qualities and abilities worthy of a

human being
An evaluation of oneself in this light
Correctly evaluating the other individual in light of the above, and
respect of these qualities and abilities in others
Caveats
Need to ensure that the quality/attributes of a complete human being
are devoid of ones own (possibly whimsical) beliefs about the same
Need to be careful of a tendency to over-evaluate, or under-evaluate

3. Commitment ()
A sense of responsibility towards the growth of a fellow human being
Perseverance in helping each other actualise the human goal/become
a complete human being

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4. Care (
)

Responsibility towards the physical wellbeing of a fellow human being

Predominantly applicable during childhood, old age, or during ill-health

Imperatives for correct execution

An understanding of the functioning/mechanism/requirements of a
human body: this comes only by living healthily and hygienically
Especially in the case of children, one needs to be cognisant that each
human being is the composite of a jeevan and a body and while a
young ones body is small, they too has a jeevan which
Desires happiness
Behaves / lives based on its understanding
Has the capability and willingness to understand things, including
the design / function / workings of their body
Child raising is about helping the child become responsible, and not to
take on their responsibility

5. Receptivity for Excellence (I!

I!)
I!

In light of the human purpose, a curiosity, willingness and receptivity to

learn/do what is required for completing ones understanding, and
actualising it
And to be able to generate such receptivity in ones fellow humans
Success in generating this manifests in the other individual as an earnest
and spontaneous willingness to learn / do what is worthy of a human
being

6. Guidance by Example (3

3)
3
Once one has succeeded in generating curiosity / willingness /
receptivity in the fellow human being for the right Understanding, one
needs to quench that by providing the right Understanding
This can only be done by living it out oneself!

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7. Gratitude (
J)
J

Acknowledgement of assistance received in ones journey to

becoming a complete human being
Gratitude is expressed as sincerity and depth of feeling/behaviour
towards the benefactor

8. Esteem (
)

Recognise and value what is worthy of a human being

It manifests as adoption (of the attribute/quality/ability) in a
spontaneous / free-willed / voluntary manner

9. Love (4
4)

This is the cumulative expression of all the other 8 values/feelings

It is a constancy of these values/feelings in ones behaviour in order to
help a fellow human being move towards the human goal / attain
completeness
Loving behaviour is cognisant of where the fellow human being
stands (in terms of their understanding/capability to grasp etc) and an
expression appropriate to the situation
This implies expressing it in a form that is easily assimilable by the
fellow human being
Or, enhancing the assimilation capability of the fellow human
being, if the case may so require

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Nyaya or justice or humane conduct

towards another human being

The purpose of all human relationships is to assist the

other attain completeness and harmony at all the four
levels of ones life
Nyaya or justice manifests in a relationship when we are
able to
understand the expectations in light of the above
purpose
and, fulfill those expectations
Both parties experience fulfillment in this process
This proposal, in the form of humane values, has pegged very
tangible, understandable and practical meanings to all of the
above

The Family : a look at the current situation

As per our current worldview, we
largely recognize the needs of a
human being to be material /
financial needs
And remember we had said that,
How we think/live/act is shaped by
our worldview
Be it towards fellow humans,
or towards nature
All our systems be it our
education system, our
production and exchange
system, our political system,
our social system then
develop as a superstructure
with its foundation in our
worldview

Consequently, the purpose of the family in

our current context has got rather stunted:
The togetherness is often reduced to
ensuring that the material needs of the
members are met
Material symbols have assumed
significant primacy often becoming the
only barometer for how much one cares
for another
Relationships tend to get ignored in the
pursuit of material well-being the
definition of which is always elusive /
shifting
We feel the lack of
love, trust, respect, commitment,
gratitude
sharing beyond the regular
material/logistical issues

but are rarely able to peg what is missing

36

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4. Understanding Society

Society: the next level of actualization of the

human purpose/goal
Nature and all of
Existence

Society: The
next level of
actualization
Family: The
first level of
actualization
Self: A
resolved
individual

Society: where the complete human potential manifests, where

the harmony amongst all four orders in nature actualizes...

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A Humane Society can be studied along the

following dimensions
Education
System
Justice,
Security,
Coordination
System

Exchange
System

Health
System

Production
system

Key idea to keep in mind

Our current systems are shaped by our
current worldview

Whatever we deem valuable, whatever we

aspire for as human beings and society, all
our systems, advertently or inadvertently,
start catering to those values and aspirations

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15/11/2009

Let us begin with

Education
System
Justice,
Security,
Coordination
System

Exchange
System

Health
System

Production
system

Education System: Purpose

Current System

Proposed System

We see a human being = a

body, so human needs are
understood largely as material
needs
The education system thus
equips human beings primarily
to fulfill their material needs.
(Even those do not seem to be
getting fulfilled for all human
beings)

Human being = I + Body

Needs = Material + Psychological
So, the purpose of education
ought to be to equip all human
beings to fulfill both their needs:
of self fulfillment and of
material prosperity

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Education System: Content

Current System

Proposed System

Information Overload
Disassociated Subjects
Inter-linkages and big
picture missing parts
do not add to a
meaningful whole
Consequently, the
question of meaning and
purpose of our life get
no attention
Primacy to skills (because it
caters to employability)

Approach: a whole-to-parts
approach thus various subjects fitin in light of an overall innate
harmony/purpose
Content: An understanding of the self,
of all of Existence; and consequently
of a humane family, humane society
and humane conduct
Skills: Equip each individual with a
multiplicity of skills to help meets
ones material needs; and have an
eagerness to contribute to the
production process

Education System: Process

Current System

Works on the assumption that

children dont want to
learn/know, and that one has to
use fear or incentives to make
them learn
Does not factor in variations in
childrens current ability,
learning speed. All children
have to learn the same content
in fixed time frame
Values are taught like other
informational subjects. Teachers
continue to live in contradiction
to taught values.

Proposed System
Human design is such that children want
to learn. Learning environments need to
be created to answer their questions.
Learning has to relate to their life and
needs
Learning has to take place at the pace of
each individual. Time frames can vary for
different students. Learning
environment based on an understanding
of L, M, N
Teachers need to be living the right
understanding that they want to
children to learn

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Education System: expected output

Each individual would have:
Self-Confidence

In the ability to meet both ones material and psychological needs,

and in possessing the capability to play a meaningful role in a
humane world order

Respect for qualities and abilities worthy of a human being

Manifested as a desire to emulate and live them

Also manifested as respect of individuals possessing these qualities

Balance between ones understanding and living

Just/fair/enriching in ones behaviour towards other human
beings
Self-reliance in meeting ones material needs
An eagerness to play their role in bringing about a humane
world order

We will now move to

Education
System
Justice,
Security,
Coordination
System

Exchange
System

Health
System

Production
system

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15/11/2009

Health System
A look at the causes of ill-health today (slide 1 of 2)

Excessive sensory indulgence: attempt to get lasting happiness from material

means
Production systems that ignore the cycles of nature, relationship with humans
Produce is often harmful from a health perspective
Pollution in the environment, consequently absence of clean air, water, etc.
Adulteration in food

An imbalanced lifestyle in the pursuit on unending money, power, fame: and

sometimes just driven by the necessity of competition

Absence of a correct understanding of the human body. Hence, inappropriate

eating and living habits
Allopathy: largely symptom suppression

Consequently, mental stress: psychosomatic disorders

Always learning: consequently, side effects - humans have become guinea pigs

All issues rooted in our way of living in what we believe

will bring us happiness in other words, in our worldview

Health System
A look at the causes of ill-health today (slide 1 of 2)
Ill-health too has its roots in our lack of a complete
understanding of
The I or the self: what it needs, and how would they be fulfilled
The body: its needs, functioning, impact of our habits, lifestyle
and the external physical environment on it
Is there any role of the seasons, the seasonality of produce, etc.
that we have ignored due to our limited consideration of
comfort/convenience/sensory pleasure
Is physical labour a necessity for good health?

Relationship with fellow humans

Relationship and the inherent harmony in nature

Natures inherent design is free of serious disease. But that

would manifest only if we understand the innate harmony and
live accordingly

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Health system: Proposal

To be healthy, there is a need to:
Understand that a human being = I + Body
Identify the human purpose and live in accordance with it
Happiness through purposeful living, and happiness through
human relationships automatically regulates sensory intakes
Understand the design of the human body, and living in
accordance with that design
Scope and eagerness for productive physical activity in everyones life

Understand the cycles of nature

Surface of the earth economy

In essence, only a happy, resolved and fulfilled human being

can ensure good health for themselves

We will now move to

Education
System
Justice,
Security,
Coordination
System

Exchange
System

Health
System

Production
system

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15/11/2009

Production system
Underlying malaise in the current system
In the current worldview, we seek fulfillment via material means
only
Material things inherently do not have the capability to fulfill us
psychologically
We interpret the unquenched psychological need as being caused
by not having had enough of the material pursuit(s)
An endless material quest starts and we are never able to become
deterministic about our material requirements!
Further, despite our material and sensory excess, we continue to
feel unfulfilled
This unending need for more material acquisition currently fuels
both ends of the production chain both the producers, and the
consumers

Production system
The current system (contd.)

The producers are also human beings living the same worldview. The sole
intention of all production is thus profit. All questions with regards
production, namely,
> what to produce
> how much to produce
> where to produce > how to produce
respond only to the metric of profit measured purely in monetary
terms.
Life is a struggle. One has to compete to survive. Nature is a resource for
mans use it has to be tamed/conquered. These beliefs play out in the
production process as well: Exploitation thus becomes inevitable both
of fellow humans and of Nature
Society with classes
Ransacking of nature, result as a corollary

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Production system
The current system (contd.)

Through the process of exploitation over centuries, the means of

production have got concentrated in a few hands. Over time, the gap
between the haves and the have-nots grows
Conflict, unrest in society grows
Production is centralized as that is purported to offer benefits of scale; In
reality, the costs are often getting externalized to nature, and humans
Production is based on raw materials not available locally: need for
imperialism, war
Costs are externalized: industry-politician nexus
Perceived demand is created using advertising.
Products sell freedom, liberty, peace, tranquility, respect, achievement!

Production system
The current system (contd.)

Through the process of exploitation over centuries, the means of

production have got concentrated in a few hands. Over time, the gap
between the haves and the have-nots grows
Conflict, unrest in society grows
Production is centralized as that is purported to offer benefits of scale; In
reality, the costs are often getting externalized to nature, and humans
Production is based on raw materials not available locally: need for
imperialism, war
Costs are externalized: industry-politician nexus
Perceived demand is created using advertising.
Products sell freedom, liberty, peace, tranquility, respect, achievement!

45

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Production system: so what is the solution?

Having the right understanding of
Psychological and Material needs of a human being, and
their means of fulfillment
Understanding human-human relationship
Understanding the human-nature relationship

Proposed Production system: key features

Production for fulfillment of material needs of human beings
Material needs get right-sized when psychological needs are
understood, de-linked from material things, and met

Production based on an understanding of the cycles and

interrelationships in Nature
Ever-enriching cyclicity in nature: Sustainability++
Surface-of-the-Earth economy
Fair and equitable compensation for human effort involved
Equitable ownership of resources of production, with each
family being associated with production
Decentralised systems of production
Most basic needs of communities met locally

46

15/11/2009

We will now move to

Education
System
Justice,
Security,
Coordination
System

Exchange
System

Health
System

Production
system

Exchange-Storage Systems
Current System
Exchange with the motive of gain.
Not just gain, gainomania!
The more exploitative / extractive a
transaction is, the bigger success it would
be considered!

Price is the only determinant of

value. And price (or exchange rate) is
determined solely by demand and
supply. By the same logic, human
effort is compensated very differently
across different professions.
Storage of goods is primarily with the
intention of hoarding of creating
artificial shortages.

Proposed System
Fair Exchange: the value of goods
exchanged is the same thus both
parties emerge satisfied from each
transaction
This is a natural tendency when we
see our relationship with the fellow
human being.
Valuation of goods: based on the
human effort that has gone into
producing it, and the usefulness of
the produced object.
Storage with the intent of facilitating
a harmonious humane order, and not
for profit

47

15/11/2009

We will now move to

Education
System
Justice,
Security,
Coordination
System

Health
System

Production
System

Exchange
system

Justice-Security-Coordination System
Current Systems
All constitutions deploy a mechanism of fear and force to enforce laws
Crime to tackle crime! War to stop war!
Constitutions: No method to arrive at consensus
A worldview of conflict and competition can inherently not formulate laws
which are equitable and fair to all. The question of consensus / willing
conformity thus does not arise. Fear and force become a necessity.
Governance: has also be come a profession for the same ends, i.e. of
material gain
And since politics offers the largest potential gains, some of the most malintentioned aspire to, and more often than not, get there!

48

15/11/2009

Justice-Security-Coordination System
Proposed System
The human purpose and the co-existential design in Existence present a
basis for universal consensus. From it emanates a proposal for universal
human fulfillment, and is thus naturally acceptable to all who are willing
to study it.
The proposition of humane conduct discussed earlier in this session
become a basis for a universal humane constitution.
Participation in societal coordination would be a voluntary activity by
people with a complete understanding.
They would be people who have ensured prosperity within the family,
and want to contribute to the functioning of the larger humane because
it gives them psychological fulfillment, and not for some monetary need
or other narrow self-interest of theirs.
They would be elected via a funneling up process.

49

15/11/2009

5. Understanding Existence

What is meant by Existence?

It means All that Exists
Other appropriate words could be
The Universe
The Cosmos
Reality

And, it is being proposed that the human being needs to, and
can, understand all of Existence

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15/11/2009

Why understand Existence?

All worldviews/philosophies would implicitly or explicitly, have the

following structure:
BEHAVIORAL LEVEL
All worldviews posit courses of action, behavioral recommendations, or a way of
life
which is backed by some

REASON / LOGIC
<which is an explanation of why one should act/live/behave in that manner
which is posited to have a
basis in

EXISTENTIAL DESIGN
The reason/logic is based on a design of Existence / Reality, as believed and
posited by that worldview.

Why understand Existence? (contd.)

An example of what has been said on the previous slide

[BEHAVIORAL LEVEL]
A worldview might recommend kindness towards fellow human beings.
which could be backed by

[PROPOSED REASON / LOGIC]

<that if one is kind to fellow humans beings, God would bestow well-being upon
you.
which could be backed by

[PROPOSED EXISTENTIAL DESIGN]

There exists a God; God has such a capability; and that God behaves/functions in
such a manner; and human beings desire well-being to bestowed upon them.

Thus it is evident that any worldview would work, or more

precisely, hold true only if it has discovered the actual design
of Existence. That is, it has understood things as they really are.

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15/11/2009

Why does the human being need to

understand Existence?
As brought out earlier,

Human beings have an innate need of happiness

Humans pursue this innate need based on their
understanding of

Themselves and what would bring them happiness

Everything around them, namely fellow humans, and rest of
Nature, the inter-connections and the inter-relationships

Thus, not only do humans need to understand Existence

for their very functioning, they need to understand
Existence to figure out the design, inherent in Existence,
for quenching their innate need for happiness

What does it mean to understand Existence?

Understanding Existence entails answering the following interrelated questions:
1. What all is there in Existence? ( P ?)
Alternatively, can we list all the entities that are there in Existence

2. Is there a pattern / order / definiteness to the interactions and

manifestation of the entities therein? If yes, what is it?
( ?)

3. And in light of the above two answers, can we discern a

purpose to Existence? ( P7 ?)
4. And most importantly, what are the implications of this
Existential design for human beings.

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15/11/2009

Understanding Existence
1. What all is there in Existence? (  P ? )
Alternatively, can we list all the entities that are there in
Existence
2. Is there a pattern / order / definiteness to the interactions and
manifestation of the entities therein? If yes, what is it?
( ? )

3. And in light of the above two answers, can we discern a

purpose to Existence? (  P7 ? )
4. And most importantly, what are the implications of this
Existential design for human beings.

Existence = All that exists

EXISTENCE
Matter
Matter is in the form of individual
units; Units imply they have
definite shape and size

Space
Space is without shape or size

Units are localised, but infinite in

number

Space is everywhere: it is all

pervasive, and infinite in
expanse

The units of Matter are active /

dynamic

Space has no activity. It is

constant or changeless

Being active implies matter is

energised

Space is the energy that

energises matter

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15/11/2009

Existence is eternal
Eternal implies it is neither created, nor destroyed; that is,
the Universe has no beginning and no end.
All entities in existence consequently are also eternal
Thus, neither Matter, nor Space have a beginning or end
Matter is active / dynamic. And thus what is observed (in matter)
is change and tranformation

In other words, to exist is the innate nature of all entities

in Existence

Understanding Existence
1. What all is there in Existence? (  P ? )
Alternatively, can we list all the entities that are there in
Existence

2. Is there a pattern / order / definiteness to the

interactions and manifestation of the entities
therein? If yes, what is it? (  ? )
3. And in light of the above two answers, can we discern a
purpose to Existence? (  P7 ? )
4. And most importantly, what are the implications of this
Existential design for human beings.

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15/11/2009

Existence = Matter (as units) immersed in Space (energy)

Immersed, hence Energised;

Energised, hence Active (or dynamic / displaying activity);
and the Activity is definite, harmonious and purposive.

Thus, critical to understanding Existence is understanding the

activity in matter the pattern, definiteness and purpose in this
activity

The activity in Matter (

)
)
(C. U.) Atoms

Jeevan

Transformation

(C. S.) Atoms

Molecules
Agglomerations
of molecular
Matter
(Stars, Planets,
Asteroids etc)

Bio-macromolecules
(Amino acids,
Nucleic Acids)

Living Cells

Plants
Animal
Bodies
C.U. = Constitutionally
Unsaturated
C.S. = Constitutionally
Saturated

Human Body

Animals

+
+

Humans

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15/11/2009

The activity is definite and ordered, resulting in the

spontaneous emergence of these four orders

MATERIAL
ORDER

Composed of
atoms and
molecules

PRANIC
ORDER

Composed of
cells (which are
made up of
atoms and
molecules)

These atoms can change their

constitution, and are hence called
constitutionally unsaturated atoms

ANIMAL
ORDER

HUMAN
ORDER

Animal Body +
Conscient
Entity

Human Body
+ Conscient
Entity

Animal Body is
composed of
cells

Human Body is
composed of
cells

Conscient Entities are constitutionally

saturated atoms.
They enliven bio-physical bodies of
animals and humans.

Jeevan, the conscient entity

Jeevan is a constitutionally saturated atom, formed by transformation of

constitutionally unsaturated atom(s)
The formation of the jeevan atoms is also a definite step in the entire
emergence in matter

The Jeevan atom has the capability to enliven a bio-physical body which
possesses a developed brain/nervous system
It is this jeevan that is our true self, as distinct from the bio-physical unit
called the body

As it is constitutionally saturated, once formed, it stays for ever. Thus

Jeevan is eternal
The Jeevan atom manifests a desire to live, in animals
This actualises as species-specific, biologically-determined, behaviour in
animals

It manifests free-will along with the ability to imagine and understand in

humans, along with an expectation for happiness; and, it evidences
fulfillment of the expectation of happiness in a human being on realisation
of the Co-existential harmony in Existence

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The Four Orders in Nature:

as a consequence of the definite activity in Matter
The
Four
Orders

Innate Nature

Defining Activity

Basis for
Definiteness of
Behaviour

Capability
demonstrated

Mineral
Order

To exist

CompositionDecomposition

Pranic
Order

To exist and to
Respiration
grow, reproduce,
evolve newer
species

Species based
(
)

Animal
Order

To exist, grow,
reproduce, and
a desire to live

Species specific
behaviour with
incipient stages of
belief based
behaviour

Species based
(
)

Believe;
Recognise;
Respond accordingly

Human
Order

All of the above

plus a desire to
live with
happiness

Free will based on

imagination,
understanding

Understanding
dependent

Know; Believe;
Recognise;
Respond accordingly

Atomic / Molecular
Configuration

Recognise;
Respond
accordingly

Existence is Co-existential (slide 1 of 2)

The nature of Existence is Co-existential. This implies
Each order is useful and complementary for the other orders; There is
complete harmony across all orders

This Co-existence is expressed by each entity as follows

Each entity is first an order(harmonious) in itself, and then it plays a
definite role in the larger order(harmony)

Order / Harmony = Purposeful behaviour; Definite behaviour;

Mutually beneficial behaviour;
There is no struggle or conflict in Existence.

Harmony exists: It does not have to be created

A human being however has to understand this innate harmony/order
in Existence in order to live in harmony with oneself, and with all other
entities around them

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Existence is Co-existential (slide 2 of 2)

Existence is manifestation of successively higher evidences of
Co-existence from material order, to pranic order, to plant
order, to human order
This manifestation is a spontaneous consequence of the coexistence of space and matter.
There is no third entity that acts as a doer or controller, i.e.,
while there is definiteness, there is no law-determiner

Human beings also evidence an expectation for harmony

within, and for co-existential participation in the larger order
They can realise this only upon understanding the innate
harmony in Existence

Understanding Existence
1. What all is there in Existence? (  P ? )
Alternatively, can we list all the entities that are there in Existence

2. Is there a pattern / order / definiteness to the interactions and

manifestation of the entities therein? If yes, what is it?
( ?)

3. And in light of the above two answers, can we

discern a purpose to Existence? ( P7 ?)
4. And most importantly, what are the implications of this
Existential design for human beings.

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The Emergence in Nature is definite and purposive

Material
Evolution

Evolution of the
Conscient

Human
Body

LIVING ORDER

Divya Maanav

Dev Maanav

Maanav

Jeevan:

Amaanav

A constitutionally
saturated atom

Animal
Bodies

MATERIAL ORDER

Formation
of the
conscient

STAGE 2

ANIMALS

STAGE 1

All activity in Existence is towards the manifestation of the

two stages depicted in the previous slide
Stage 1 happens automatically, i.e., human beings have no
active role to play in it
Stage 2 involves conscious involvement of humans
This conscious contribution starts when we humans
understand this natural tendency/direction in Existence,
and see how it is aligned to our own need for happiness
It is in the manifestation of a continuity of complete human
beings, generation after generation, that Existence attains its
purpose of bringing forth entities that exhibit co-existential
behaviour by choice based on their own understanding and
free-will.
This is the purpose of Existence.

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Understanding Existence
1. What all is there in Existence? (  P ? )
Alternatively, can we list all the entities that are there in Existence

2. Is there a pattern / order / definiteness to the interactions and

manifestation of the entities therein? If yes, what is it? (
 ? )

3. And in light of the above two answers, can we discern a

purpose to Existence? (  P7 ? )

4. And most importantly, what are the implications of

this Existential design for human beings.

It is only on understanding the

Jeevan and its needs, and
the definite emergence in Existence, and
the co-existential nature of Existence,
that humane conduct becomes a natural
and spontaneous natural expression in me

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This is so because
Only on understanding Jeevan, we understand that
Psychological and material needs of humans are two
different kinds of needs
Psychological needs are fulfilled by understanding all of
Existence, and living co-existentially consequently feeling
fulfilled by meaningfully contributing towards ones family
and towards a universal humane order
Material needs are determined, and get right-sized only
after psychological needs are understood and fulfilled
The innate need of a Jeevan to live a purposeful and fulfilling
life is met when one is able to meet both ones psychological
and material needs

This is so because(contd)
Only on understanding the innately co-existential design
in Existence, we understand that
All entities in Existence are ordered in themselves and play a
harmonious role in the larger order
Humans too have an innate need to experience harmony
within, and to manifest co-existential behaviour in their living.
The harmony within happens on understanding all of Existence
(the definite emergence therein), and consequently
understanding ones own purpose and role in all this.
The co-existential behaviour gets spontaneously manifest
thereafter. This is what is termed humane conduct.

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What is humane conduct?

Put simply, humane conduct is
That which ensures harmony and fulfillment within
myself
And ensures harmony/mutual fulfillment with fellow
human beings
And ensures harmony amongst the four orders in
Nature

In the family and society, humane conduct

manifests as
Self Reliance in meeting material needs (swa-dhan)

This is via contribution in the production activities of the family

Morality (swa-nari / swa-purush)

An understanding and fulfillment of ones roles and
responsibilities towards all fellow human beings
in a manner that is satisfying and mutually enriching for both
parties

Living that ensures adherence to

The principles of conservation of all natural resources
Right Utilization of all natural resources i.e., utilization for the
actualization the human purpose for oneself and for fellow humans

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The human growth/fulfillment ladder

Parameters of
consideration
(Q'R)

Subhuman
stage
,
L

Human
Stage

, C@

Behaviour
characterised
by

Manifests as

Pleasurable to
senses
Material Gain /
Loss
Beneficial to
Body

Greater fame, power,

wealth, looks, attention
than others

Inferiority /
Superiority
centered
dishonesty,
spitefulness,
cruelty

Low / over-estimated self-esteem

Excessive individualism
Obsessive materialism,
profiteering, sensory indulgences

Justice in Human
Relationships

Complete Understanding
within oneself and
actualising a prosperous
and harmonious family

, ,

Participation and actualization of

harmony largely at the level of
Self & Family

Justice in Human
Relationships,
Harmony along all
dimensions of
human life

The above and working

towards a just and
undivided society,
universal humane order

, ,
T, ,
,

While retaining all characteristics

of the human stage, the sphere of
meaningful influence and
intervention enlarges thus focus
of efforts and activity enhances to
contribution towards a humane
world order

Complete
/ Ideal
Human

Goals

Humane Behaviour (
)

Dheerta

Constancy of Nyaya in behaviour

Veerta

Live in such a way that it engenders/enhances, in fellow

human beings, the capability to live with nyaya

Udaarta

Deployment of all material resources in actualisation of

humane living / humane world order

Daya

Let live and live;

Aiding a fellow human being to grow without interfering in
his life/journey;
To serve that (understanding or skill), which is appropriate
for a fellow human, based on his/her capability to grasp

Kripa

To enhance the capability to grasp / understand in a fellow

human (N )

Karuna

Cumulation of Daya and Kripa, i.e., to serve appropriate

material when the capability to understand exists, or enhance
capability to understand where it is lacking

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Thats all for now

Afterword
This outline has been prepared by us (Atishi and Praveen)
while we are still in the process of understanding SahaAstitvavaad.
Minor possibility of error/incompleteness in interpretation thus exists

The Setting the Context section, overall flow and structure of

the presentation, and language, used here have been
developed to make the material amenable for an introductory
workshop
We have used our own judgement on that hence a complete match
with the terminology of the philosophy is not claimed

However, our experience, over the last many years of

conducting these workshops, has been that this material does
meet its objective of a basic introduction fairly satisfactorily

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