This paper was presented at the
National Seminar on
Indian Psychology: Theories and Models
SVYASA, Bangalore,
December 26 - 28, 2007
 

Indian philosophy and human development

Jyotsna Sharma — Digambar Jain College, Baraut & K. K. Sharma — Maharaj Singh College, Saharanpur

The Swetaswatara Upanishad explains in Indian Philosophy the existence of this whole universe as constituted by Prakriti, Maya, and its Master, the Almighty. Maya is supposed to be destructible while the Maheshwar is eternal. The Human species is unique, endowed with not only the mind and body (maya) but also the eternal ingredient known as soul (atma) Human development from birth to death or to another birth is governed by the soul, which carries the imprints of the actions of any human being. The birth and development of a person is decided not only biologically but also by one's 'karmas' (actions) imprinted on one's eternal ingredient (atma). As verse 11 of the Swetaswatara Upanishad explains, one's personality is a result of the holistic self-development out of one’s whole gamut of past karmas and present upbringing.  For the holistic development of a person, Indian Philosophy advises to observe ashrama dharma based on ten tenets. The present-day turmoil seen in different societies worldwide -- whether in the form of terrorism, autocratic governance, social and economic disparities, pollution or climatic changes -- can be curbed by observing a life based on Indian Philosophy.

Email the author, Dr. Jyotsna Sharma, at drjysharma@yahoo.co.in