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UNIVERSAL HUMAN VALUES 2: UNDERSTANDING HARMONY

20GE301

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UNIT 4

UNDERSTANDING HARMONY IN THE NATURE AND EXISTENCE - WHOLE EXISTENCE AS COEXISTENCE

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Department: THIRD & FOURTH SEMESTER – CSE, CDS, ADS, CE, ME & ECE, EEE, EIE AND IT

Batch/Year : 2022-2023 / II

Created by : DEPARTMENT OF SCIENCE & HUMANITIES, RMKEC

Date : 21-10-2022

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

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COURSE OBJECTIVES

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• The objective of the course is fourfold:
• Development of a holistic perspective based on self-exploration about themselves (human being), family, society and nature/existence.
• Understanding (or developing clarity) of the harmony in the human being, family, society, and nature/existence
• Strengthening of self-reflection.
• Development of commitment and courage to act.

PREREQUISITES

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1. Awareness of basic concepts of physics at higher secondary school level.
2. Fundamental knowledge in mathematics on topics like calculus (differentiation, integration), trigonometry and geometry.
3. Trusting your intuition by applying basic common sense
4. Conceptual learning
5. Passion for understanding how things work, enjoy playing with ideas

SYLLABUS

COURSE OUTCOMES

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On completion of this course, the students will gain knowledge and will be able to

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CO – PO/PSO MAPPING

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LECTURE PLAN

4.1 Understanding Harmony in the Nature and Existence - Whole existence as coexistence

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Understanding the harmony in the Nature

Nature is the collection of units – consciousness units as well as material units. There is abundance in nature – whatever is required by any order is available in nature. By its very being, nature is organized in such a manner that the quantities of each of these four orders are in a decreasing sequence i.e. Physical order >> Bio order >> Animal order >> Human order. This gives an assurance of the possibility of prosperity for a human being. Harmony is inherent in nature. It is already there. We do not have to create it. There is every provision in nature for the human being (who is also a unit of nature), to live in harmony. All we human beings need to do is understand this existential harmony and live accordingly, ensuring mutual fulfilment with other human beings and with other orders.

Classification of Units into Four Orders

Although the units are innumerable, they can all be classified into just four groups or four orders:

1. Physical order --includes units like air, water, metal and so on.

2. Bio order includes grass, plants, trees, etc.

3. Animal order – this includes animals and birds.

4. Human order – this includes human beings.

The relationship of mutual fulfilment can be observed amongst the first three orders (other than the human order). The first three orders are enriching for the human being. While human being has a natural acceptance to fulfilling all four orders, without the right understanding, it is unable to be fulfilling for any of the four orders. Rather, it is exploiting all four orders, including itself.

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4.2 Interconnectedness and Mutual Fulfilment among the Four Orders

The units of the physical order, like soil, water and air provide the basic materials for plants to develop, survive and grow. Wherever the soil is fertile and there is sufficient water available, seeds germinate, and plants grow. In this way, the units of the physical order nourish the units of the bio-order. Similarly, when the leaves, flowers and fruits of plants fall to the ground and degenerate, they get converted back into soil. These plant residues are manure for the soil, making it more fertile. Plants also help in maintaining the level of oxygen in the air, participating in the water cycle on the Earth and so on. In this way, the units of the bio-order fulfil units of the physical order. We can also see that the soil gets converted into plants and the plants get converted back into soil.

The air that we breathe, the water that we drink, the house in which we live – all of these are units of the physical order which are required for the survival of the Body. The equipment and instruments we use, like mobile phones, laptop, projector, radio, television, cars, trains and planes – all of these are generally made from the physical order. We get a variety of farm produce like fruits, vegetables, grains, flowers, etc. from shrubs, plants and trees which are units of the bio-order. The bulk of the food that nourishes our bodies is obtained from the bio-order. In fact, our requirement of food is so high that a large part of the available land is used only for cultivation.

We get milk, wool, etc. from animals. Since the early days, bullocks have helped to cultivate land; while horses and donkeys carry luggage and transport materials from one place to the other. You must have seen bullock-carts and ‘tongas’ (carriages) being drawn by animals. In the days when there were no post-offices and no internet (so no emails) – in those days, human beings used pigeons as messengers to and from distant lands, exchanging messages with each other. Dogs, known for their loyalty, are kept in our homes for safety. These days dogs are also used by the police and the army to help in detection of crimes – in all these ways, animals and birds are fulfilling for the human being. You can find various such examples in your daily life, where all these three orders are fulfilling for the human being. Thus, we can see that all the three orders are enriching for the human being.

Now, is the human being fulfilling for the other three orders? This is a big question. Human being is not only unfulfilling for the other three orders, rather it is dominating and exploiting them, to the extent of global warming and climate change.

Survival of human beings depends on all the three orders.

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With the right understanding, human beings can be the most fulfilling units in nature. We can take a few examples. We can use solar power and plant-based fuels in place of petroleum and coal. There are many efforts in this direction now. There are many examples of single individuals regenerating entire forests! Each of us can plant more than four trees in a lifetime. By maintaining adequate forest and grassland, we can ensure a conducive environment for the birds and animals also. Like that, we can play the role of being fulfilling for all orders. For that we have to understand nature, understand the four orders which is what we intend to do next.

4.2 Interconnectedness and mutual fulfilment among the four orders of nature-recyclability and self-regulation in nature

The natural process of production is cyclic and mutually enriching. All the physical facility that we use is produced by working with the three orders of nature. To be mutually fulfilling, our production processes must also be cyclic and mutually fulfilling. In this way, the entire nature, all orders in nature can be in harmony, since the first three orders are already in harmony.

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Unit and activity of the four orders

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Activity in the Four Orders

Physical Order

Each order is characterized by certain activities. The units of the physical order are characterized by the activity of formation and deformation. For example, if a piece of iron is left exposed to the air, you may notice that after a period it gets rusted. What is happening here? The iron gets converted into iron oxide in the presence of oxygen and moisture. Thus, iron oxide was formed, and iron, oxygen, and water were deformed. Through the activities of formation and deformation, one unit of the physical order gets converted into another unit of the physical order.

Bio Order

In the bio-order, in addition to formation and deformation, the activity of respiration is also taking place. In a plant, for example, the activities of formation and deformation keep happening; many chemical reactions keep taking place leading to various changes new molecules and cells are formed, while others degenerate. Along with this, plants also exhibit the activity of respiration. In the process of respiration, something is inhaled (taken in by the plant) and something is exhaled (taken out /released) by the plant. It would be difficult to find a single plant that does not have the activity of respiration. The bio-order is characterized by the activity of respiration. The activity of formation and deformation is taking place in both physical order and the bio-order, but the activity of respiration is specific to the bio-order as compared to the physical order.

Animal Order

The animal order is a co-existence of the Self and the Body. What is the indication of the presence of the Self in animals or birds? While discussing the human being as being a co-existence of Self and Body, we saw that the response of a body (a material unit) is only in terms of recognizing and fulfilling, whereas the response of the Self is in terms of at least assuming, recognizing, and fulfilling. The activity of assuming is the basic indication that a Self is associated with that Body. The response changes with a change in its assumption. Since a unit of the animal order is a co-existence of the Self and the Body, therefore, to study animal order we need to study the Self as well as the Body. This is important to note.

The Body of an animal is basically a unit of the bio-order. When we look at the activities of the Body, we can observe the activities of respiration along with formation and deformation, just like the activities in a plant (a unit of the bio-order). The formation and deformation of various molecules keep happening in the cells of the animal body. The animal body also takes in the air that is rich in oxygen and exhales air that has a high content of carbon dioxide. Activities of formation, deformation, and respiration are going on in the Body of an animal. The activity of selecting and tasting is prominent in the Self associated with an animal body. Animals select specific food and shelter that are conducive to their body.

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Human Order

The human body also is a unit of the bio-order; therefore, it has the activities of formation, deformation, and respiration. Many cells are being formed every day in our body. A wide range of proteins and hormones are continuously being formed in the Body and of course, this process also involves the deformation of several other compounds. Every cell is taking something in and releasing something out – there is respiration taking place. This can also be seen at the level of organs and at the level of the whole body.

When it comes to the Self associated with a human body, the activities of imaging, comparing, analyzing, tasting, and selecting can be observed. The activity of selecting here is not only to keep the body in good health but more than that, for happiness. The need for happiness is fulfilled by the right understanding and right feeling, and not by the physical facility. Human beings also have the potential to know, the potential for right understanding and right feeling, the potential for continuous happiness. That is why we have been saying that for human beings, right understanding is the highest priority; followed by relationship (right feeling) and the third priority is physical facility – of course, all three are required.

Right understanding basically means awakening to the activities of realization (of existence being as co-existence), of understanding (of the harmony in nature), and of contemplation (of relationship or one’s participation in the larger order). This need to know and the potential to know is the core differentiating factor between human beings and animals at the level of Self. In this way, all four orders can be distinguished in terms of their activities.

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Innateness of the Four Orders

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The third column describes the innateness of each order. Innateness is the definite self organisation of a unit. By virtue of its definite self-organization, the unit exhibits a definite conduct/property. A unit and its innateness are inseparable. Each order has definite innateness which is the distinguishing property of that order. In other words, every unit is bound to have innateness specific to the order that it belongs to.

The innateness of the physical order is ‘existence’. This means that it exists – exists in a definite order. It is a reality and has a definite order. It exists and continues to exist. At most, it is converted into another unit of the physical or bio order, but it does not get destroyed. Every unit of the physical order has this innateness – it exists in a definite order with definite conduct. For example, a piece of iron is a unit of the physical order. It remains as a piece of iron unless it gets converted into something else by way of formation and deformation, the activity that characterizes the physical order. Even after the formation-deformation, every atom continues to exist. Thus, if we have 1 kg of iron, over the years, it will remain 1 kg, if it is protected properly from rusting. It will have the definite conduct of iron and continue to exhibit this conduct unless some formation-deformation takes place.

Innateness of units of the bio-order

A plant has the innateness (self-organization) of existence as well as growth. Thus, a plant exists as a plant, and it also grows. A mango tree that is 1 kg now may become 10 kg after one year – it will continue to be a mango tree and it will grow. Any unit of the bio-order, like a plant, a tree, an animal body, and a human body, all exhibit their innateness to exist and to grow.

Animal order, we can observe the Self and the Body separately because a unit of the animal order is the co-existence of both Self and Body. The animal body has the innateness of existence and growth just like plants and trees. The Self of the animal has an innate will to live. The Self of every animal and bird, every unit of the animal order has a will to live – it wants to live. That is its innateness. We can observe that animals and birds nurture and protect their body. They search for food that is conducive for their body. They try to find a conducive environment to live in. They make all effort to fulfill their will to live. They move away from other animals, birds, and even people where their will to live is in jeopardy.

Human order, the human being is also a co-existence of Self and Body. At the level of the Body (a unit of the bio-order), innateness is existence and growth. The human body takes birth, grows, passes through various stages from childhood, adolescence, adulthood, becomes old, and dies. This is like any animal body or a plant. At the level of the Self, however, the human being has a will to live with continuous happiness. This is the innateness, the Self-organization at the level of the Self of the human being. The will to live with continuous happiness is an integral part of the Self of the human being and cannot be separated from it. As we have seen, the need for continuous happiness is fulfilled by right understanding and right feeling, so the innateness of the human order may be restated as the will to live with right understanding and right feeling in the Self.

Inheritance of the Four Orders

Physical Order

Inheritance refers to the method by which the units ensure the continuity of their definite conduct, generation after generation. Units of the physical order maintain their conduct by way of the constitution. For example, a piece of iron will show the definite conduct of iron, if its constitution remains unchanged. If, however, the constitution of the piece of iron is changed, its conduct will also change. For example, the addition of very minute amounts of carbon, nickel, and chromium to the iron changes its constitution and the new material is called steel. The conducts of iron and steel are very different. The change in the constitution has led to a change in conduct. The conduct of the units of the physical order is based on their constitution – if the constitution of the unit is maintained, its conduct is maintained.

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Bio Order

When it comes to the bio-order, the continuity of the conduct is maintained by way of seed. If the seed is preserved, the conduct of the plant is preserved. Thus, we can say that the inheritance of the bio-order is seed-based. If we plant a mango seed, it gives rise to a mango tree and the tree further gives rise to mango fruits and therefore, mango seeds. The quality of the seed decides the conduct of the plant. Thus, to preserve the mango tree, the mango seed needs to be preserved. If that happens, the conduct of the mango tree will be maintained across generations.

Animal Order

The continuity of the conduct of a unit of the animal order is ensured by way of its breed. If the breed of an animal is preserved, its conduct is maintained. The calf of a cow is bound to be a cow and its conduct will be like that of a cow. It will eat grass. Similarly, the cub of a lion is bound to be a lion and it will eat flesh. This is how the tradition of various animals is maintained over many thousands of years. Thus, the inheritance of the animal order is breed-based – if its breed is preserved, its conduct is ensured. The definite conduct of animals is ensured if their breed is maintained.

Human Order

What about the human being, the human order? How is the conduct of a human being maintained? We can see that the Body of the child has similar features as the parents. If the mother is tall and dark, the child may also be tall and dark. The Body of the child is based on the breed, but the conduct is not; so, what decides the conduct of a human being if it is not based on the breed? The conduct of a human being is ensured by way of education and sanskar. A human being given human education and sanskar will live with definite, human conduct. On the other hand, inhuman education and sanskar give rise to indefinite, inhuman conduct. We can conclude that the inheritance of the human order is education-sanskar.

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Role of Education-Sanskar for Human Order

With this clarity, we can observe that units of physical, bio and animal orders are maintaining their definite conduct – they are already in harmony within and are exhibiting their natural characteristic. It is only the human being who is in disharmony within, that it has indefinite, inhuman conduct; it is not yet able to realize living with its natural characteristic.

To ensure definite human conduct, human education-sanskar is required. The role of education is to facilitate the transformation from animal consciousness to human consciousness, thereby developing the competence to live with definite human conduct.

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Through human education and sanskar, we can ensure right understanding in us; this, in turn, will ensure the right feeling in us. With right understanding and right feeling in the Self, we will be able to ensure the continuity of harmony and happiness in ourselves and live accordingly. Then, we can be a source of human education-sanskar for the next generation. Once this happens, the cycle is complete (fig). Once complete, the cycle can then be continued, generation after generation.

This is what we essentially need to do. We don’t have to change anything in the first three orders: as far as the first three orders are concerned, they are already in harmony; they already have definite conduct and are mutually fulfilling for each other and fulfilling for us. It is only the fourth order i.e. us human beings, who need to complete this process. The human being as a society is yet to evolve and this evolution can take place through the process of human education-sanskar.

First, the need for right understanding and right feeling and then, to help us acquire these through the process of self- exploration, self-investigation. Once we have this right understanding and right feeling in the Self, we will be able to ensure the continuity of happiness in ourselves. We will become a source of human education and sanskar for others. In this way, human conduct can be transferred from one person to the other, one generation to the next. Once the process is complete, it can continue generation after generation making the human order also with a tradition of harmony and continuous happiness within, i.e. living with its innateness and exhibiting its natural characteristic in terms of living with mutual fulfilment with human being as well as the rest of nature, the remaining three orders. In this way, the cycle can start, expand, complete and perpetuate, ensuring the tradition of human conduct.

Existence as Units in Space: Existence is whatever exists.

The essence of whatever exists is harmony or mutual fulfilment. The essence of whatever is/whatever is to be, is to be in harmony or mutual fulfilment. That is how the existence is.

The sun, the moon, the stars and galaxies, people, roads, buildings, farms, mountains, rivers, oceans, birds, animals, trees and so many things. r. All these are units and they occupy a definite volume. Most of these have a definite shape and size. Is there anything else other than units? Yes, there is Space.

So, there are two types of basic realities in existence – one is space and the other is units. The units are in space. No matter where a unit is, or it is moved from one place to the other, it is always in space. There is no way a unit can be taken out of space. Units are inseparable from space, they are indivisible in space, they are submerged in space. These two realities always co-exist together.

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4.3 Understanding Existence as Co-existence of mutually interacting units in all-pervasive space

Existence is in the form of co-existence which is in the form of units submerged in space.

Understanding Units and Space

There are innumerable units in existence. There is air, water, soil, Earth, sun, moon, plants, trees, animals, birds, human beings, etc. These units are in space. The co-existence of the two is in the form of units submerged in space.

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Units are Limited in Size; Space is Unlimited

Units all around – they are limited in size. A unit may be small or large, but it is limited in size. For example, a pencil is a unit which is small. A human being is also a unit but it is relatively bigger in size. The Earth is much larger compared to human being, but still limited in size. The sun is even larger than the Earth, but again, it is limited in size. Thus, all the units, small or big, are limited in size. They have a definite shape and size. Every unit is surrounded by space. It is the space around the unit, because of which the boundary of a unit is determined. We recognise the boundary of a unit along the place where the unit ends and only space exists.

Space, it is unlimited. It is spread all around. It is all-pervading. There is no limited size of space. This is one basic difference between units and space. Space is unlimited and all-pervading whereas units are limited in size. Since units are limited in size, they can be counted in numbers, whereas space is unlimited. We can count five trees, eight people and so on, while we can only say the space, and not this space or that space as the space is all-pervading.

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Understanding Submergence

Units are in space-they are submerged in space. It means units are in space, they are inseparable from space. Where a unit is, space is also there. No matter where a unit is, or it is moved from one place to the other, it is always in space. There is no way a unit can be taken out of the space or separated from the space.

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Existence is co-existence. It is in the form of units submerged in space.

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Submergence implies three things:

• Units are energized in space
• Units are self-organized in space
• Units recognize their relationship and fulfil it with every other unit in space
2. Units are Energised in Space

Being in co-existence with space, every unit is energized.

The Earth, for example, is in space. It is submerged in space. The Earth is an activity. It is rotating around its own axis and revolving around the sun. Are we supplying energy to the Earth? Obviously, we human beings are not supplying the energy to Earth. The Earth is energized being in co-existence with space.

However, we may believe that the energy of the Earth is coming from the sun. The energy of the sun is coming from the fusion of the hydrogen atoms. Then the obvious question is – where does the energy of the hydrogen atom come from? We have to get to the base of it. Ultimately, we find that the hydrogen atom is energised in co-existence with space.

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The atom is in space. It is submerged in space. The sub-atomic particles rotate around their own axis. Subatomic particles in the various orbits also revolve around the nucleus. These and other such activities are going on in the atom. It is energised being in co-existence with space.

The activities of desire thought and expectation in the Self are continuously going on. Are these activities getting their energy from the Body? When the Body is sick, do these activities slow down or stop? So, activities of the Self remain unaffected by the illness of the Body. The activities of the Self are continuous, and this continuity seems to be independent of the state of the Body. The proposal – the Self is in space and it is energised being in co-existence with space. The Self is submerged in space and the Body is also submerged in space.

1. Units are Self-organized in Space

Being in co-existence with space, every unit is self-organised. It is in a definite order. By being in a definite order, it exhibits a definite conduct – that is how one can identify or recognise and study that unit.

An atom is in a definite order – so many sub-atomic particles, all playing a definite role. The atom has a definite conduct. Are we doing something for the sub-atomic particles to play their roles properly? Are we doing something for the atom’s organisation? The atom is self- organised being in co-existence with space. It has a definite conduct.

The Earth is also self-organized. It revolves around its axis. It maintains a favourable environment needed for plants, animals and human being to survive. Since it is self-organized, is in order, all these and other things are happening on Earth. Had not it been self-organized, we could not survive on the Earth. The Earth is energized and self-organized being in co-existence with space.

Our body and all the parts of the Body are self-organized. Are we taking care of each and every cell (which are billions in number) of our body? The Body is self-organised being in co- existence with space.

1. Units Recognize their Relationship and Fulfil it with Every Other Unit in Space Being in co-existence with space, every unit recognises its relationship with every other unit in space and fulfils that relationship.

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An atom is in co-existence with space. It is energized in space as many activities are going on in it. These activities are self-organized, are in order and the atom exhibits a definite conduct. It recognizes and fulfils its relationship with other atoms and forms molecules. These molecules are an expression of atoms being in co-existence. These molecules are also in space, they are energized in space, they are self-organized, exhibit a definite conduct and they recognize their relationship with other molecules and form molecular structures. Similarly, larger structures like planets are also exhibiting the same characteristic in space.

The human body is made up of a very large number of cells. All these cells are in space. They are energized in space. A whole lot of activities are going on in each cell of the Body. These cells are self-organized, are active in a well-defined manner and exhibit a definite conduct. They also recognize their relationship with other cells forming tissues and organs, ultimately the human body. For example, our eye is made up of very large number of cells. These cells recognize their relationship with each other and fulfil that relationship. That is how we are able to see objects through the eyes. If you observe it more closely, the cells are made up of large number of molecules and these molecules are made of atoms. These atoms and molecules are also submerged in space – they are energized in space, self-organized in space and recognizing their relationship with other atoms and molecules in space. That is how molecular structures, cells, tissues, organs and ultimately the Body are formed. All these are happening by virtue of this Submergence.

The first three orders, the physical, bio and animal orders, are already self- organised by way of nature. Only the human order must complete the process of self-organisation by its own effort, by realisation of this co-existence in existence and living in co-existence.

Existence as Co-existence=Units Submerged in Space.

On Earth, we can observe the expanse of material units from individual atoms of various types to various molecules, molecular structures, cells, cellular structures and so on as well as consciousness units, all submerged in space, all co-existing, recognising and fulfilling each other. The fig. depicts that expansion.

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At the base is the co-existence. It is unfolding in terms of units submerged in space. Units are limited in size; they are activity and are active. Space is unlimited, all-pervading and is no activity. By virtue of being submerged in space, units are energised, self-organised and recognise their relationship with every other unit in space and fulfil it.

Material and Consciousness Units

Units are of two types – material units and consciousness units.

Material units are temporary in time, while consciousness units (Self) seem to be continuous (as we saw that their needs and activities are continuous in time in contrast to the needs and activities of material units which are temporary in time).

Material units recognise and fulfil their relationship – their conduct is definite.

Consciousness units recognise and fulfil their relationship based on assuming without knowing or assuming based on knowing – the conduct of the human being is definite if it is operating on the basis of assuming based on knowing, and it is indefinite if it is operating on the basis of assuming without knowing. The Body (a material unit) and the Self (a consciousness unit). Knowing and assuming distinguishes consciousness units from material units, as knowing and assuming is seen only in consciousness units, but not in material units.

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Take for example air, water, soil, metal, etc. of the physical order; or plants, trees, animal body and human body of the bio order. All these units are temporary in time and are only recognizing and fulfilling. There is no assuming in them. The potential to know or assume is not there in these units. It may be interesting to note that the animal body and human body are also units of the bio-order, with these characteristics.

All material units are composed of other (simpler) material units. The smallest or fundamental stable material unit is the atom. All material units are ultimately configurations of one or more atoms. An atom may combine with another atom to form a molecular structure. Molecular structures can exist either as lumps, or fluids. Fluids are the basis of a plant cell and such cells combine to form plants, the animal body and the human body.

The domain of consciousness, there is just one type of unit which we have referred to as the Self. The Self is characterized by the activities of knowing, assuming, recognizing and fulfilling. It has the need to know as well as the potential to know. This we explored by referring to our natural acceptance. Knowing means having the right understanding or understanding of the harmony in the entire expanse of our being. A Self may get associated with an animal body – we see a vast variety of animals and birds. It may also associate with a human body. In this manner, we can classify all the units in existence into four orders.

Classification of Material Units

Material units can be classified into two orders – physical order and bio order.

 In the physical order, the smallest self-organised unit (in harmony) is the atom. Hydrogen, oxygen, iron and uranium are some examples. These atoms combine in a definite manner to form molecules. These molecules are also self-organised and exhibit definite conduct. There are hydrogen molecules, oxygen molecules, nitrogen molecules in the atmosphere. Similarly, there are innumerable molecules. Molecules, in turn, combine to make molecular structures. Water is an example of a molecular structure formed when two atoms of hydrogen combine with one atom of oxygen to make a water molecule (H2O). Like this there are many molecular structures. Now these molecular structures, of one or more types, together are in the form of lumps. Earth is an example of a lump. Like that there are many lumps. Fluids are molecular structures, a particular type of lump, that is nurturing for the bio-order. Examples of fluid are water, amino acids, etc. Like that there are many fluids.

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So, this is the unfolding of the co-existence in the form of physical order. At each level, the unit is in space, it is submerged in space, it is energised, it is self-organised, it recognises its relationship with every other unit in space and fulfils it. There is a definite recognition and fulfilment. Of course, at the base is the co-existence. It is ever present.

Coming to the bio-order, the smallest self-organised unit is the cell. In addition to the activity of formation-deformation, it has the activity of respiration. It is also recognising its relationship with every other unit in space and fulfilling it. Cells combine to form plants and trees. Cells combine to form tissues and organs, in turn, these combine to form the animal body and human body. That is the unfolding of the co-existence in the bio-order. At each level, the unit is in space, it is submerged in space, it is energised, it is self-organised, it recognises its relationship with every other unit in space and fulfils it. There is a definite recognition and fulfilment. Of course, at the base is the co-existence.  

It is ever present.

Classification of Consciousness Units in Association with Material Units

The animal order is the co-existence of consciousness (Self) and the animal body (material). There are numerous types of animals and birds. For example, a goat is the co-existence of a Self (consciousness) with a goat’s Body (material). This Self assumes that it is a goat, and it has a will to live. It has a definite ‘goatness’ in its conduct. All its selections are based on this. It selects specific set of plants that are conducive for its body based on tasting. It is non-cruel. Similarly, a tiger is also the co-existence of a Self (consciousness) with a tiger’s Body (material). This Self has the assumption that it is a tiger, and it has a will to live. It has a definite ‘tigerness’ in its conduct. It is cruel by nature and selects flesh as food to nurture its body. It is like that for every animal and every bird.

The animal Body has a definite recognition and fulfilment. Recognition and fulfilment of the Self is based on assuming – assuming itself to be the Body, with a will to live. Of course, at the base is the co-existence which is ever present.

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The human order is also the co-existence of consciousness (Self) and the human body (material). There are many units in the human order. The Body may be black, brown, white, tall, short, fat, thin and so many variations. The Self is similar, so in that sense all human beings are of the same type. The human body has a definite recognition and fulfilment, while recognition and fulfilment of the Self is based on assuming with knowing or assuming without knowing, but with a will to live with continuous happiness. The ever-present co-existence is always at the base.

4.4 Holistic perception of harmony at all levels of existence

  Understanding the Role of Human Being in Existence.

Human beings have a definite participation in existence. It is to complete the process of development through itself. The need for living with continuous happiness is innate in the Self. The feeling of happiness is the indicator that the Self is in harmony. If there is unhappiness in the Self, it only means that the Self is not in harmony, it is not in accordance with its natural characteristic – so it must make an effort to be in harmony, to be in accordance with its natural characteristic. To do this, human beings first need to understand its natural characteristic- its participation in existence and then make effort to live accordingly.

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All that human beings need to do is to understand co-existence and to live in co-existence (fig).

By understanding co-existence, we are referring to the Self-awakening to the activities of contemplation, understanding and realisation.

Contemplation is about participation in the larger order, about relationship with every unit in existence; understanding is about the harmony in nature and realisation is of the existence as co-existence. All these together are called knowledge. In fig., these three activities are labelled as block B1.

The clarity about the co-existence, harmony and relationship now guides our desire and thus, all the activities of imagination, i.e. desire, thought and expectation (labelled as block B2 in fig.).

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To realise co-existence, i.e., to ensure it in the Self

To ensure the feeling and thought of co-existence, i.e., to ensure it in the self

To understand co-existence:

The outcome of this step is happiness in the Self.

To live in co-existence, to live with mutual fulfilment:

To live in co-existence with human being – from family to world family, lead to Undivided Society

To live in co-existence in entire nature – from family order to world family leading to Universal Human Order

The outcome of this step is continuity of happiness for all, generation after generation.

Thus, the activities of block B2 are guided by the activities of B1. If that happens, all our desires, thoughts and expectations are in line with co-existence, harmony and relationship. Such guided imagination is called resolution. The imagination is then always with the feeling of love and compassion. The Self is in a state of harmony within and therefore, in a state of happiness continuously. That is what we all aspire for.

The right feeling and right thought now becomes the basis for our behaviour with other human being, work with the rest of the nature and participation in the larger order. Now,

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The behaviour based on justice with human being results into mutual happiness. Expansion of such behaviour from family to world family leads to undivided society.

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The work based on natural laws with the rest of nature results into mutual prosperity.

Realization of coexistence and its expression leads to Universal human order

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The participation in the larger order, in the entire nature results into fulfilment of human goal. Expansion of such work and participation in the larger order, from family order to world family order leads to universal human order.

The continuity of universal human order generation after generation is called human tradition. That is what we all aspire for. (Refer fig)

This is the broad description of the role of human being in existence. It is a description of the definite human conduct. At the base is realisation of the co-existence and at the other end, in terms of the expression, it gets completed with universal human order. All this is facilitated by human education- sanskar.

There is provision in existence for human being to understand co-existence and to live in co-existence. There is a will to live with continuous happiness in the Self, and it has the potential for the activities of contemplation, understanding and realisation. By developing these activities of contemplation, understanding and realisation and lining up all the activities of imagination, i.e. desire, thought and expectation on the basis of these; human being can ensure living in harmony within, all the time, resulting into continuous happiness in the Self.

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The role of human being in this existence

The completion point for human being (universal human order) is also the completion point of the universal order in existence (fig.). In that sense, the universal human order and universal order are synonymous.

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• The physical order, the bio-order and the animal order are already in harmony, ensuring a relationship of mutual fulfilment with each other and are also fulfilling for human being.
• All this unfolding of the co- existence has happened without the effort of human being.
• By realising the co-existence and living accordingly, the human order will also be able to ensure a relationship of mutual fulfilment with other human beings as well as rest of the nature.
• That is how universal human order is realized and its continuity is ensured as human tradition.
• It is the completion of the evolution of human order. Of course, this has to happen with human effort which has been the effort of humanity for all time.

This is also the total expression of existence. It is the completion point of unfolding of the existence as co-existence.

Deluded Self and True (Pure) Self with a diagram

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By understanding co-existence, we are referring to the Self-awakening to the activities of contemplation, understanding and realisation.

Contemplation is about participation in the larger order, about relationship with every unit in existence; understanding is about the harmony in entire nature and realisation is of the existence as co-existence. All these together are called knowledge. In fig., these three activities are labelled as block B1.

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The clarity about the co-existence, harmony and relationship now guides our desire and thus, all the activities of imagination, i.e. desire, thought and expectation (labelled as block B2 in fig.).

Thus, the activities of block B2 are guided by the activities of B1. If that happens, all our desires, thoughts and expectations are in line with co-existence, harmony and relationship. Such guided imagination is called resolution. The imagination is then always with the feeling of love and compassion. The Self is in a state of harmony within and therefore, in a state of happiness continuously. That is what we all aspire for.

Human Tradition cycle

With knowing, the response becomes definite and leads to definite human conduct. This is a state of solution. This transformation from a state of problem to a state of solution is facilitated by human education-Sanskar.

The continuity of universal human order generation after generation is called human tradition.

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OTHER LEARNING MATERIALS

https://youtu.be/GEFwhZ0Yzjk

https://youtu.be/K1Jpd_ojydw

https://youtu.be/hoIpuWwYUBs

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COMPREHENSIVE QUIZ

1. Nature is the collection of units - consciousness units as well as material units.

1. True
2. False

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2. Select the correct one

a) Physical order << Bio order >> Animal order >> Human order.

b) Physical order >> Bio order >> Animal order >> Human order

c) Physical order = Bio order >> Animal order = Human order

d) None of the above

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3. Identify the correct one

a) Bio order --includes units like air, water, metal and so on

b) Physical order includes grass, plants, trees, etc.

c) Animal order – this includes animals and birds

d) Human order – this includes metals, animals, plants and trees

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4. Needs and activities of self are:

a) Both are continuous

b) Both are temporary

c) Not fixed

d) None of the above

5. ----------------- is the activity of seeing the harmony in nature, seeing the inherent harmony in every unit in nature.

a) Realization

b) Understanding

c) Coexistence

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6. Which two orders are cyclic?

a) Physical order and Bio-order

b) Animal order and human order

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 7. Which two orders are not cyclic?

• Human order and an Animal order
• Physical order and Bio-order

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8. The continuity of universal human order generation after generation is called human tradition.

• Yes
• No

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7. With knowing, the response becomes definite and leads to.

a) definite human conduct

b) indefinite human conduct

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8. This transformation from a state of problem to a state of solution is facilitated by human education-sanskar

a) False

b)True

ASSIGNMENT

Take any one environmental issue in your neighbourhood/ village/ country and try to find out the root cause of it. [for instance, water scarcity, air pollution, food adulteration, etc.].

What can you contribute to the solution as an individual, class or institution?

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Observe the activity, innateness, natural characteristic and inheritance of at least two units in each of the four orders. Are you able to see that these orders are in a relationship of mutual fulfilment?

PART A – QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

1. What is nature?

Nature is the collection of units – consciousness units as well as material unit

2. How are the units classified?

• Physical order
• Bio order
• Animal order
• Human order

3. Whether all three orders have definite conduct? How?

Yes. The three orders can be understood based on their activity, innateness and inheritance. They have definite activities through which they self-organise in accordance with their innateness. They interact with other units in a mutually fulfilling manner which is their natural characteristic. Their innateness and natural characteristic is maintained generation after generation, by way of their inheritance. In this way, nature is self-regulated and in harmony. In this manner, they have a definite conduct

4. Is there mutual fulfilment in three orders? What about the fourth order?

The relationship of mutual fulfilment can be observed amongst the first three orders (other than the human order). The first three orders are enriching for the human being. While human being has a natural acceptance to fulfilling all four orders, without the right understanding, it is unable to be fulfilling for any of the four orders. Rather, it is exploiting all four orders, including itself.

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5. Why human being needs to awaken the higher activities of the self?

The human being needs to awaken to the activities of realisation, understanding and contemplation in the Self to actualize its natural characteristic, innateness and inheritance. Once this happens, the human being will also exhibit definite human conduct, i.e. conduct in accordance with its natural characteristic (perseverance, kindness… compassion).

6. Why is the process of human education -sanskar?

The process of education-sanskar is the key to awakening these activities, thus enabling transformation. Therefore, human education-sanskar is one of the most important activities for human society. Human education-sanskar enables a child to develop the right understanding and right feeling within and also to develop the necessary competence to live accordingly. Further, these children go on to become individuals who are a source of human education and sanskar for the next generation.

7. Explain abundance in nature.

There is abundance in nature – whatever is required by any order is available in nature. By its very being, nature is organized in such a manner that the quantities of each of these four orders are in a decreasing sequence i.e. Physical order >> Bio order >> Animal order >> Human order. This gives an assurance of the possibility of prosperity for human beings.

8. Justify-natural process of production is cyclic and mutually enriching.

The natural process of production is cyclic and mutually enriching. All the physical facilities that we use are produced by working with the three orders of nature. To be mutually fulfilling, our production processes must also be cyclic and mutually fulfilling. In this way, the entire nature, and all orders in nature can be in harmony, since the first three orders are already in harmony.

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9.Is harmony being inherent in nature?

Harmony is inherent in nature. It is already there. We do not have to create it. There is every provision in nature for the human being (who is also a unit of nature), to live in harmony. All that we human beings need to do is to understand this existential harmony and live accordingly, ensuring mutual fulfilment with other human beings as well as with the other orders.

10.Is there self-regulation in Nature?

Yes. There is self-regulation in nature. It does not need to be regulated by human beings to be in harmony.

11.Is self-regulation being possible in human beings?

Yes. With the right understanding, human beings will also be self-organised, in harmony within and participate in the harmony in the larger order.

12.What are the three higher-order activities (essences) of right understanding?

Realization, understanding, and contemplation.

13.What are the activities to be awakened in the process of understanding (knowing)?

Realization, understanding, and contemplation

14.State two differences between unit and space.

Units Space

Limited in Size Unlimited

Activity, Active No Activity

15.Define self-organization in space. �Being in coexistence with space, every unit is self-organized.�

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16.Where there is a unit, space is also there. Explain these two statements or How are units coexisting in space?

1. Units are energized in space

2. Units are self-organized in space

3. Units recognize their relationship and fulfill it with every other unit in space

 17.What are the three aspects of coexistence in space?

Innateness, Natural Characteristics, and Inheritance

18.What is contemplation?

Contemplation is the activity of seeing my participation in the larger order, seeing my relationship with other human beings, and my relationship with the rest of nature.

 19.Define understanding.

Understanding is the activity of seeing the harmony in nature, seeing the inherent harmony in every unit in nature.

 20.What is realization?

Realization is the activity of seeing the co-existence in existence. If I am awakened to this activity, i.e., if I have the right understanding and right feeling, it is my internal guide for all my imagination.

 21.In which two orders there is no development?

Physical order and Bio-order

22.In which order is there development?

Only in the human order, there is a potential for development or transformation in the Self which is not cyclic. Development or permanent change is possible only in the domain of consciousness.

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23. Which two orders are cyclic?

Physical order and Bio-order

 24. Which two orders are not cyclic?

Animal order and Human order

25. What is human tradition?

The continuity of universal human order generation after generation is called human tradition.

26. What is definite human conduct?

With knowing, the response becomes definite and leads to definite human conduct. This is a state of solution. This transformation from a state of problem to a state of solution is facilitated by human education-sanskar.

27. Draw a Human Tradition cycle.

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28. What are the three activities labelled as Block (B1)?

Contemplation, understanding, realization are the three activities labelled as block B1.

Contemplation is about participation in the larger order, about relationship with every unit in existence; understanding is about the harmony in entire nature and realisation is of the existence as co-existence. All these together are called knowledge.

29. What are the activities labelled as Block (B2)?

Desire, thought and expectation are the activities labelled as block B2.

 The clarity about the co-existence, harmony and relationship now guides our desire and thus, all the activities of imagination, i.e. desire, thought and expectation in block B2 are guided by the activities of B1. If that happens, all our desires, thoughts and expectations are in line with co-existence, harmony and relationship. Such guided imagination is called resolution.

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PART- B

1. What are four orders in nature? How are they interdependent and mutually � fulfilling for each other?

2. Explain the units (nature) and give the pictorial representation of four orders.

3. All three orders are mutually enriching except the human order – Justify.

4. Physical, Bio order, and Animal order are mutually enriching each other except the human order- Justify.

5. What are the four orders? Write down the unit and activity of the four orders. What do you understand by activity? Write down the activity of the four orders.

6. What do you mean by “innateness”? Describe the innateness in the four orders of � nature.

7. What do you understand by inheritance? Write down the inheritance of the four � orders.

8. What is the role of Education-Sanskar for Human Order? Or What is the � significance of Education-Sanskar for Human Order?

9. Explain: Existence as Units in Space

10. Explain: Understanding Submergence

11. Explain in detail Existence as Co-existence=Units Submerged in Space.

12. Explain: Understanding the Role of Human Beings in Existence.

13. Explain in detail with a suitable diagram – Realization of coexistence and its � expression leads to Universal human order.

14. Describe the role of human beings in this existence. What would be the natural outcome of fulfilling this role?

15. Explain the Deluded Self and True (Pure) Self with a diagram.

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PRESCRIBED TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCE BOOKS

• TextBook
• 1. R R Gaur, R Sangal, G P Bagaria, Excel Books, New Delhi, 2010, “Human Values and Professional Ethics”
• Reference Books
• Jeevan Vidya: Ek Parichaya, A Nagaraj, Jeevan Vidya Prakashan, Amarkantak, 1999.
• Human Values, A.N. Tripathi, New Age Intl. Publishers, New Delhi, 2004.
• The Story of Stuff (Book).
• The Story of My Experiments with Truth - by Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
• Small is Beautiful-E. F Schumacher.
• Slow is Beautiful-Cecile Andrews
• Economy of Permanence - J C Kumarappa
• Bharat Mein Angreji Raj – Pandit Sunderlal
• Rediscovering India – by Dharampal
• Hind Swaraj or Indian Home Rule - by Mohandas K. Gandhi
• India Wins Freedom – Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad
• Vivekananda-Romain Rolland (English)
• Gandhi-Romain Rolland (English)

MINI PROJECT SUGGESTIONS

1. Are the problems like global warming a result of human activities only?
2. Observe yourself. �Are you in space? �Are you getting energy from the body? �Is your energy dependent on the body? �When your body is sick, does your energy to think to diminish? �Are you energised in space? �Are you being dictated by the body? �Are you self-organised in space? �Innately, you have a natural acceptance for co-existence, harmony and relationship. �Understanding and living in co-existence, harmony and relationship is the scope of your full potential, your full possibility as a human being. �Find out if that is the case for you.

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• Make a chart for the whole existence. List down different courses of studies and relate them to different realities in the existence (such as plants, the human mind, animals etc.).

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