Exploring Why Are We, The Way We Are - Orient and Occident Perspectives to Human Evolution and Counselling
“What is the purpose in knowing everything without knowing your own Self?” - Pravrājika Divyanandaprāṇa
Time and again, scientists from the Orient as well as the Occident have believed that human nature is kaleidoscopic. The study of Human Evolution and Counselling is witnessing an exciting phase of growth; moving beyond the Euro-American theories and thus further exploring culturally rooted perspectives.
principles
Orient (Vedic Perspectives)
The Indian conceptualization of human nature reveals, interesting observations about the doctrines of mind, personality and Self. The analysis of various sources like the Atharva veda, the upaniṣads, the yogasūtras, the Mahābhārata and others reveal the finer aspects of human nature. Indian tradition has much to offer by way of theoretical models and practical techniques in enhancing human potential and optimal well-being.
Occident (Modern Perspectives)
The centrality of the Western paradigm is the creation of an environment where people can ‘live lives they value’, with the freedom of choice and opportunities. Countries achieve great progress in economic development as conventionally measured; yet along the way succumb to new crises of obesity, smoking, diabetes and other ills of modern life. However, amidst these paradoxes, the western cosmology has a lot to offer in the understanding of human evolution.
why samīkṣaṇā
Each individual life is a distinct biography. With the same circumstances, opportunities, and resources, we see different people making different choices, which leads to the infinite stories of every human life.
1. What is the role of samskāras in an individual's evolution?
2. How do we factor in multiple facets of human evolution?
3. Is development a co-construction of biology, cultural and individual factors?
4. How does our relationship with family/friends impact our thoughts and emotions?
5. Do we have a holistic understanding of human nature?
Adhyayana (the Study)
This ground-breaking, multidisciplinary, and innovative study integrates the perspectives of the Orient (vedic) and the Occident (Modern) to examine the ‘HUMAN’ in its entirety. It combines fundamental principles from the fields of Psychology, Philosophy, Embryology, vedānta, yoga, āyurveda, Political Science, Musicology, Economics, Neuroscience, Naturopathy, and other related disciplines.
Darśana (Study Philosophy)
In today’s fast-paced life, stress and emotional issues are on the rise. Addressing ‘Mental Health’ perhaps ranks the least on one’s priority list. Therefore, Samīkṣaṇā - Why Are We The Way We Are! - with twenty trans-disciplinary perspectives from the Orient and the Occident is the need of the hour. This study is aligned with the vision of Bṛhat, anchored on Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS). IKS is considered a universal episteme, rooted in and derived from our millennia-long civilizational knowledge and values. Bṛhat believes that a deep dive into Human Consciousness has to be culturally sensitive, inter-disciplinary and multi-faceted.