(KVE 301) Unit 2: Understanding Harmony in the Human Being

Understanding human being as a co-existence of the sentient ‘I’ and the material ‘Body’

To understand a human being as a combination of the "sentient 'I'" and the "material 'body'" in simple terms, think of it like this:

• Sentient 'I' (Self or Consciousness): This part of us is our inner self, which includes our thoughts, emotions, understanding, and awareness. It’s the part that feels, makes decisions, experiences happiness, and thinks about what's right or wrong. This is the "I" or the true essence of a person. It’s not physical or visible; rather, it’s more like our mind or spirit.
• Material 'Body': The body is the physical aspect we can see and touch. It includes our arms, legs, brain, heart, and all the other organs. The body needs food, water, and rest to function, and it performs actions based on instructions from the "I."

Example: Imagine a person driving a car:

• The sentient 'I' is like the driver who decides where to go, how fast to drive, and when to stop. The driver uses the car to reach destinations and make decisions.
• The material 'body' is like the car itself, which follows the commands of the driver. It has no awareness or understanding of its own. It can only function as directed.

So, in a human, the "I" is like the driver (our consciousness and mind), while the body is like the car (the physical form that takes actions). Both are necessary to work together, but they serve different purposes: the "I" experiences life, and the body allows it to interact with the physical world.

Understanding the needs of Self (‘I’) and ‘Body’

Understanding the needs of the Self (or "I") and the Body can be simplified as recognizing that each has different types of needs:

• Needs of the Self ('I') – Sukh: Sukh refers to happiness, inner peace, and contentment, which are needs of our consciousness or inner self. These needs are not physical and can’t be fulfilled by material things. Instead, they come from relationships, love, respect, understanding, purpose, and self-fulfillment. Sukh is a lasting feeling of well-being and satisfaction.
• Needs of the Body – Suvidha: Suvidha means physical comfort and convenience, which are needs of the body. These are material needs like food, water, shelter, clothes, rest, and physical health. Suvidha is temporary because our body constantly needs more of it, like food every day or clothes to keep us warm.

Example Imagine a person who has a well-paying job and a luxurious lifestyle (fulfilling suvidha) but feels lonely and disconnected (lacking sukh).

• Suvidha is covered: This person has all the comforts—good food, a nice house, a car, and physical health—meeting the body's needs.
• Sukh is missing: Despite having material comforts, the person feels unhappy or lonely because they may be missing emotional connections, purpose, and inner peace.

In short, Suvidha takes care of the body's needs and is essential for physical survival, while Sukh satisfies the self’s needs and brings inner happiness. Both are essential for a balanced life, but they fulfill different aspects of our being.

Understanding the Body as an instrument of ‘I’ 

To understand the body as an instrument of the "I" (self), imagine that the body is a tool or vehicle that our inner self uses to experience, act, and enjoy life.

• "I" as the Doer: The "I" is the one who makes decisions, plans, and directs actions. The body follows these directions and physically carries out those actions. So, "I" decides, and the body acts.
• "I" as the Seer: The "I" is the one who observes and experiences everything happening around. The body, with its senses (eyes, ears, etc.), gathers information, but it’s the "I" that understands or interprets what it sees, hears and feels.
• "I" as the Enjoyer: The "I" is the one that actually feels happiness, sadness, or pleasure. The body might taste delicious food, but it’s the "I" that enjoys the taste. So, the body provides the experience, but the "I" feels the joy.

Example Think of a person using a camera to take photos:

• Doer: The person (representing the "I") decides when to take a photo and where to aim the camera. The camera itself doesn’t decide; it just captures the image.
• Seer: The person looks through the lens to observe the scene. The camera allows the person to see what is there, but it’s the person who really interprets what they see.
• Enjoyer: When they view the photo, it’s the person who feels satisfaction or joy, not the camera.

Similarly, the "I" uses the body to do things, observe the world, and enjoy experiences. The body is simply an instrument—like a camera, it performs actions, but it’s the "I" that truly drives, understands, and enjoys life.

Understanding the characteristics and activities of ‘I’ and harmony in ‘I’

Understanding the characteristics and activities of the "I" (or the self) and achieving harmony within the "I" is about understanding our inner nature, what we need to feel peaceful, and how we can achieve a sense of balance and happiness.

Characteristics of "I"

The "I" is our inner self—the part that thinks, feels, and understands life. Some of its main characteristics include:

• Awareness: The "I" is aware of itself and its surroundings. This awareness allows us to recognize our feelings, thoughts, and needs.
• Decision-Making: The "I" has the power to choose. We decide what actions to take, what goals to pursue, and what is right or wrong.
• Purpose: The "I" seeks meaning and purpose, which gives our life direction and helps us feel fulfilled.

Activities of "I"

The "I" performs many activities that help us understand life and interact with the world:

• Thinking: The "I" reflects, plans, and considers different options before making choices.
• Feeling: The "I" experiences emotions like happiness, love, sadness, and curiosity.
• Learning: The "I" gathers knowledge and grows through experiences, making us wiser over time.
• Aspiring: The "I" sets goals and dreams. It gives us a sense of direction, like becoming a better person or achieving a personal goal.

Harmony in "I"

Harmony in the "I" means having a balanced, peaceful, and content state within ourselves. When our thoughts, emotions, and actions align, we experience inner peace and happiness. Harmony in the "I" can be achieved through:

• Self-Acceptance: Understanding and accepting ourselves helps reduce inner conflict and brings peace.
• Clear Purpose: When we know our purpose or what’s important to us, we feel more stable and focused.
• Positive Relationships: Kindness, respect, and understanding in our relationships also bring peace within us.
• Healthy Choices: Making decisions that align with our values and goals helps maintain inner balance.

Example: Imagine a musician tuning their instrument before playing:

• Awareness: They listen carefully to each note to hear if it’s in tune.
• Decision-Making: They decide which notes need adjusting.
• Purpose: Their goal is to create a beautiful sound.

When all the strings are in harmony, the music sounds beautiful. Similarly, when our thoughts, feelings, and actions are aligned, we feel inner peace and harmony in the "I."

Understanding the harmony of I with the Body

To understand the harmony between the "I" (self) and the body, let's look at two key concepts: Sanyam and Swasthya.

• Sanyam (Self-Regulation): Sanyam means having control and balance over our thoughts, desires, and actions. It’s about the "I" being mindful and making sure that it isn’t pushing the body into unhealthy habits. When the "I" practices sanyam, it avoids things that harm the body, like overeating, lack of sleep, or too much stress.
• Swasthya (Health): Swasthya means the state of being healthy, where the body functions well and feels energized. When we practice sanyam, the body is more likely to stay in swasthya, as we take care of it properly by providing good food, rest, exercise, and a balanced lifestyle.

Example: Imagine you are driving a car:

• Sanyam: As the driver (representing the "I"), you follow traffic rules, drive at a safe speed, and avoid reckless behavior. This is like self-regulation, where you’re taking care of the car and making sure it’s driven safely.
• Swasthya: The car stays in good condition, runs smoothly, and doesn’t break down often because you’re driving responsibly.

In the same way, when the "I" (our inner self) practices sanyam, it guides the body towards good habits, leading to swasthya (good health). This harmony between the "I" and the body keeps us feeling balanced, energetic, and well both inside and out.

Correct Appraisal of Physical Needs

A correct appraisal of physical needs means understanding and fulfilling the body's real needs without overindulging or under-satisfying them. It's about knowing what the body truly requires for good health and comfort, rather than confusing these needs with unnecessary desires or habits.

• Identifying Basic Needs: The body has specific physical needs like food, water, sleep, shelter, and exercise. These are essential for survival and health.
• Avoiding Excess: Sometimes, people consume more than they need, like eating when they’re not hungry or buying items just for status. Correct appraisal is knowing what’s enough to stay healthy and comfortable, without overdoing it.
• Being Mindful: Practicing self-control helps us differentiate between actual needs and desires, which might not be beneficial for us.

Example: Imagine you're eating:

• Correct Appraisal: You eat a balanced meal that satisfies hunger, provides energy, and supports health.
• Over-indulgence: You eat double the amount or have excessive junk food, even if you’re not hungry. This doesn’t support health and could lead to weight gain or health issues.
• Under-Satisfaction: You skip meals or eat too little, which leaves you feeling tired and unwell.

By correctly appraising physical needs, you meet the body’s requirements in a balanced way, which keeps you feeling good without creating problems from excess or lack.

Meaning of Prosperity in detail

In simple terms, prosperity means having a sense of well-being, security, and happiness in life. It’s more than just money—it’s feeling fulfilled, having what you need to live comfortably, and feeling peaceful and content.

Key Aspects of Prosperity

• Material Needs are Met: This includes having enough food, clothing, a home, and financial security. It means you’re not struggling for basic needs and have a steady income or resources.
• Feeling of Enoughness: Prosperity isn’t just about accumulating wealth but also feeling satisfied and content with what you have. You don’t feel the need to constantly chase more.
• Happiness and Peace: True prosperity includes mental and emotional well-being. It’s not just about what you have but also feeling balanced, happy, and free from stress.
• Ability to Give and Share: When you’re prosperous, you have enough to help others and share. This could be through supporting family, helping friends, or even donating to causes you care about.

Example: Imagine two people, Alex and Jamie:

Alex has a high-paying job, a big house, and an expensive car, but they constantly worry about money, want more luxury, and rarely have time for family or relaxation. Despite having wealth, Alex doesn’t feel truly happy or content.

Jamie has a smaller income, a modest home, and a regular car, but they feel grateful and satisfied with what they have. Jamie has enough to meet basic needs, enjoys time with family, and feels peaceful and secure. Jamie can even save a little and help others occasionally.

In this example, Jamie experiences true prosperity because it’s not only about wealth but a balance of security, peace, contentment, and the ability to live well with what one has.

Programs to ensure Sanyam and Swasthya

Programs to ensure Sanyam (self-regulation) and Swasthya (health) are about creating routines or practices that help us live balanced, healthy lives. These programs guide us to take care of both our inner self and our body, promoting harmony between the two.

Programs for Sanyam (Self-Regulation)

Self-regulation is about controlling our desires, managing stress, and developing positive habits. Programs for Sanyam may include:

• Mindfulness Practices: Activities like meditation, deep breathing, or journaling help us become more aware of our thoughts and emotions. This allows us to make mindful choices rather than acting impulsively.
• Setting Boundaries: This includes creating limits for things like screen time, social media, or unhealthy foods. Setting boundaries helps us develop discipline and prevent overindulgence.
• Goal-Setting: Setting personal goals (like exercising regularly, spending more time with family, or learning something new) keeps us focused on our priorities and reduces distractions.

Programs for Swasthya (Health)

These programs focus on keeping the body in good shape, ensuring it gets proper care. Programs for Swasthya include:

• Healthy Eating: Eating a balanced diet with nutritious foods like vegetables, fruits, and whole grains gives the body what it needs to stay energized and strong.
• Exercise Routines: Regular exercise, such as walking, yoga, or sports, keeps the body fit and active, supporting overall physical health.
• Adequate Rest: Proper sleep and rest help the body recover and stay healthy. Programs that encourage regular sleep routines help ensure we get enough rest.

Example:: Consider a simple wellness program that combines Sanyam and Swasthya:

• Morning Routine: Start the day with 10 minutes of meditation (Sanyam) for mental calm and 15 minutes of stretching or exercise (Swasthya) for physical energy.
• Balanced Diet: Following a diet plan that includes healthy meals, avoiding junk food, and practicing portion control (Sanyam).
• Sleep Schedule: Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day to ensure enough rest (Swasthya).

In this example, both Sanyam (self-discipline) and Swasthya (physical health) are addressed, creating a balanced lifestyle that promotes overall well-being.

Unit 1: Basic Guidelines, Content, and Process for Value Education

UNIT-3: Understanding Harmony in the Family and Society