Human being as co‐existence of the self and the body��
Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
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Introduction:�The concept of the human being as a co-existence of the self and the body reflects the duality inherent in human existence. It suggests that humans are not solely defined by their physical bodies but also by their consciousness, emotions, thoughts, and experiences – what is often referred to as the "self.“
The self encompasses aspects such as personality, identity, beliefs, values, and subjective experiences. It is the internal essence that differentiates one individual from another and gives each person a unique perspective on the world. The self is often seen as the seat of consciousness, the locus of decision-making, and the source of subjective experiences such as emotions and desires.
On the other hand, the body represents the physical aspect of human existence. It includes biological structures, physiological processes, sensory perceptions, and motor functions. The body serves as the interface through which the self interacts with the external world, enabling experiences, actions, and expressions.
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
The co-existence of the self and the body implies that humans are not purely physical beings or disembodied minds but rather an integrated whole, where the mental and physical aspects are intricately connected.
This perspective acknowledges the dynamic interplay between mind and body, where psychological states can influence physical health, and bodily sensations can shape mental experiences.
Various philosophical and psychological theories have explored this relationship between the self and the body, ranging from dualism, which posits a clear separation between mind and body, to monism, which considers them as two aspects of the same underlying reality. Additionally, disciplines such as neuroscience, cognitive psychology, and existential philosophy continue to investigate the nature of human consciousness and embodiment, shedding light on the complexities of our existence as both selves and bodies.
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
The activities and potentialities of the self encompass a wide range of psychological processes, behaviors, and capabilities that define human experience. These include:
Self-awareness: The ability to introspect and reflect on one's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself.
Consciousness: The state of being aware of one's surroundings, sensations, thoughts, and feelings, which enables intentional action and decision-making.
Agency: The capacity to initiate and control one's actions, making choices based on personal goals, values, and beliefs.
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
Identity: The sense of self that arises from one's unique characteristics, experiences, social roles, and cultural affiliations, shaping how individuals perceive themselves and relate to others.
Autonomy: The freedom to act in accordance with one's own will and values, independent of external influences or constraints.
Emotional regulation: The ability to manage and express emotions effectively, leading to psychological well-being and adaptive coping strategies.
Self-esteem and self-efficacy: The belief in one's worth and capabilities, influencing confidence, motivation, and resilience in the face of challenges.
Meaning-making: The process of constructing personal meaning and purpose in life, often through relationships, achievements, spirituality, and creative pursuits.
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
These activities and potentialities of the self can contribute to both harmony and contradiction within the individual
Harmony: When the activities and potentialities of the self are aligned with each other and with external circumstances, individuals experience a sense of coherence, fulfillment, and well-being. For example, when a person's actions reflect their values and goals, and their emotions are in sync with their thoughts and experiences, they are likely to feel a sense of harmony within themselves.
Contradiction: On the other hand, conflicts or inconsistencies among different aspects of the self can lead to inner turmoil, confusion, and psychological distress. For instance, when there is a discrepancy between one's ideal self and their actual behaviors, or when personal values conflict with societal expectations, individuals may experience cognitive dissonance or identity crises.
Navigating these tensions and achieving greater harmony within the self often involves processes of self-reflection, self-acceptance, and personal growth. Therapy, self-help practices, and mindfulness techniques can also facilitate the integration of different aspects of the self, fostering greater alignment, authenticity, and well-being.
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
Consequences
of Imagination from the three Sources
–
Self
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organisation or Enslavement?
If your
imagination is motivated by preconditioning or sensation, you may or may not be in harmony
with the natural acceptance. Therefore, you may be in a state of happiness within or unhappiness within.
Your happiness is dependent or enslaved by your precondition
ing and sensation. And then there is a large possibility that there is contradiction in your desires, leading to contradiction
in your thoughts and then expectations. In such a state of contradiction within, your imagination is
enough to keep you unhapp
y all the time.
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
There is a possibility that a large share of your imagination
is enslaved by preconditionings and sensations, while a very small share is guided by your natural acceptance. One thing to note here is that sensation is not an enslavement in itself. Through sensation only, the Self is able to take proper care of the Body. But problem arises when you
try to associate happiness with favourable sensations. Similarly, there could be some preconditioning which may also be right. But unless you verify it, and validate in your living, it is just like an enslavement. And this leads to unhappiness.
Role of Education-Sanskar (Enabling the Transformation to Human Consciousness)
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
Appraisal of the Current Status
Over the last 100 years or so, there have been significant improvements in terms of longer life spans,
in dealing with communicable diseases and trauma, but yet, ensuring health remains a question mark
The problem is in the wrong assumptions, one of which is that human being is the Body. With this
assumption, happiness is sought through favorable sensation through the Bo
dy. Further, the assumption that we will get happiness from sensation through the consumption of physical facility has led to a high demand for it. Most of the present - day disorders are psycho - somatic in nature. ‘Psycho’ has to do with the Self and ‘Somatic’ has to do with the Body. Disharmony in the Self causes disharmony in the Body causing psycho-somatic problems. These effects are very prominent when the individual is living with the assumption “I am the Body”.The Way Ahead There is a need to understand human being as it is (as coexistence of Self and Body). The significant part is having the feeling of self
regulation in the Self. This can happen only when the Self is in harmony, i.e. there is right understanding and right feeling in the Self. With a feeling of self -regulation, the Self will naturally nurture, protect and rightly utilize the Body, resulting in health of the Body. Key Takeaways
The Body is an instrument of the Self. Harmony of the Self with the Body is ensured when Self has the
Feeling of self- regulation and there is health in the Body.
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
Programme for Self regulation and Health As we discussed earlier, feeling of self regulation is the feeling of responsibility in the Self for nurturing, protection and right utilization of the Body.
We can now detail it further:
Nurturing the Body
Nurturing means providing the necessary inputs to the Body. The right inputs nurture the Body, without disturbing its harmony.
The programme for nurturing and maintaining health of the Body includes the following:
1a. Intake 1b. Routine
2a. Physical Labour 2b. Exercise
3a. Balancing internal and 3b. Balancing breathing of body
external organs of body
4a. Medicine 4b. Treatment
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
Protecting the Body
Providing a conducive physical environment includes clothing, shelter etc. is all a part of protection of the Body.
Right Utilisation of the Body
Right utilization of the Body would mean that it is used in the process of fulfilling human aspiration, which is basically the need of the Self. If one is using the Body in the process of fulfilling the needs of the Self, it is right utilization of the Body. It would include work with rest of nature to produce physical facility required for the Body.
Revisiting Prosperity in the Light of the Harmony between the Self and the
Body
The need for the physical facility is essentially related to fulfillment of this feeling of responsibility towards the Body, i.e. we need physical facility for nurturing the Body (food…), for protecting the
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi
Body (clothes, shelter…) and for rightly utilizing the Body (instruments…) and that’s it. And if we can see this clearly, we can also see that the physical facility required to ensure each one of them is required in limited quantity. Hence, prosperity is very much possible.
As an exercise, one can list all the physical facilities required for these three purposes, and see whether they are limited. Next, one can assess the available facilities, and see if they are more than required. If not, then how much more will be required can be worked out. This will clearly give a vision for ensuring prosperity.
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Department of Information Technology, BVCOE, New Delhi