44 Ahimsa Nonviolence, Vol. XI, No.1, Jan. - Apr.

, 2015

Dynamics of Human Existence*

S. Jeyapragasam

Let me present my vision of the dynamics of human existence in the form of a clock diagram and then
explain each item in brief and finally make some generalizations. on si
res
reg
t
inc
Inst
ath
Lif
De
eI
nst

safety and protection needs

self-actualisation
Towards selfless inc
t

belongingness needs
self-esteem needs
ion

survival needs
ess

actualisation
gr
Pro

needs
Fullfillment of self-
basic needs and moving
towards excellence for
the individual and for all Grace Random
Process
Relativity - Pre-determined
Co-dependent Mechanical Process
arising
Action & Teleological Process (Building up
Consequence Social Dynamics based on a drafted blueprint)
Natural evolution
Evolutionary
Integral Process
Process
Conscious evolution
Dialectical Three dynamics
Process Three Faces Cumulative
of Power Process
Equilibrium
Process Cyclical Process
Integration, love, Threat, Destruction
Exchange,
social power
Productive, Economic & Political-military
(hug) Power (stick-
Power (Carrot-
reward) punishment)

* The basics of this paper springs from my conversation with Prof. Dr. Kennath Boulding in Boulder, USA during May
1992 and his two books - A Primer of Social Power (1970) and Three Faces of Power (1992). I am indebted to several
authors and conversations over these years. This is only a preliminary version.

1. Random Process
There is definitely an element of mystery,
unpredictability and randomness in happenings. It is
often compared to the throwing of dice in gambling.
Some may argue that we do not have enough data or
knowledge to predict the happenings. It is seen as an
error from our side rather than as an inherent quality
of the happenings. We can improve our competence
of predictability but however there will continue to
be the presence of random process. This is our
experience so far.
We are in fact making a two dimensional
approach. 1) To increase our competence to predict
2) To cope with the random happenings. In USA,
data for 200 years recorded in more than 10,000 places
about the climatic conditions is available. Even then
the super computers find this data as inadequate. Life
insurance, medical insurance, etc., are good examples
for coping strategies of randomness. People write their
will, create savings for the future, build safe houses,
store information in time capsule, transmit
information through radio waves to other parts of
the universe, build atomic shelters, underground
housings, store seeds and genetic materials for future
generations, look for outer space habitate, prepare for
self-defence and offence (may be often in wrong
ways).
All the memories contained in various oriental
myths and world scriptures about holocausts is only
an indication about the forecasting of the future in
spite of randomness and pre-plan things.
2. Pre-determined mechanical process
Look at the series
1, 2, 3, 4, 5 ...
We can easily predict after 5 there will be 6
consider the following series
1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21...
We can easily predict after 21, there will be 34.
There may be highly complex series with several
Dynamics of Human Existence 45
variables. One may need more complex Mathematics
to explain things. Einstein’s General Theory of
Relativity, needed new developments in Mathematics.
Understanding of the nature of “Pre-
determined Mechanical process” help us to handle
situations more efficiently. From proper and careful
studies famine, natural disasters, wars, etc., may be
predicted and we can make suitable efforts in time to
avert them. An young man with drinking and smoking
habits, eating disorders and devastating life style may
die early or he/she may be prone to serious illness.
The campaign to stop smoking, to achieve de
addiction to drinking or drugs, to transform one’s
own life style, etc., may help to prolong longvity.
Ajivaka religion, which was established along
with Jainism and Buddhism in India, over emphasizes
the pre-determined nature of events. According to this
religion, everything is pre-programmed in nature.
However it is obvious we can to some extend change
the pre-planning even if such pre-planning
(programming) exists in nature.
Pre-determined Mechanical process helps to
understand and predict many of the natural
happenings including the eclipses. Much of physical
sciences and natural sciences depend on this. Since
humans have some freedom, they can try to change
the happenings according to their will and effort to
at least some extend.
3. Teleological process / Building up on a
drafted blueprint
An Architect develops a blueprint for a house/
church, etc., and then it is constructed. In nature also
there is a blueprint - e.g. the blueprint in a seed/DNA.
A seed may become a tree or may be eaten away by a
bird or dried up in heat. Here an architect consciously
develops a blueprint and proceeds on that basis for its
construction work. In the construction process, there
may be some shortcomings or there may be some
excellent additions. Taj Mahal should have been once
a dream, then a blueprint and finally a reality.
46 S. Jeyapragasam
The human capacity to develop a blueprint is
further enhanced by science and technology,
collaborative imput and by the inherent strive towards
human excellence. Some may develop blueprints for
death and destruction, conquest and subjucation of
fellow human beings.
Democracy, Socialism, freedom, human rights,
human unity and excellence are all human developed
blueprints for individual and social development.
Mahatma Gandhi called it as a constructive
programme to build up a nonviolent and prosperous
world for all. He called it as Sarvodaya (welfare and
prosperity & holistic development of all at all levels)
and Antyodaya (welfare of the last first) The additional
imput of Vinoba Bhave and Vethathiri Maharishi
about the wellbeing and prosperity of the entire world,
it becomes the most advanced blueprint for human
excellence.
Slavery, Colonialism, genocide, varnashrama
system, patriarchy, feudalism, militarism, capitalism,
imperialism, and various brands of nationalism and
parochialism are examples of destructive blueprints.
The capacity to dream and develop blueprints
need to be matched with the ability to translate them
into practice.
4. The Evolutionary Process
From the elementary particles thrown out
during the “big bang” which took place about 14
billion years ago to the human beings on earth, there
is an unbroken evolutionary chain. The combination
of fundamental particles gave birth to atoms (elements
and isotopes) which in turn by bonding became the
known matter in the universe. Matter contains energy
as well as knowledge (software). We, on this beautiful
planet see the evolution of organic compounds and
life systems. Yet we do not know enough about the
evolution of life systems in other parts of our universe,
etc.,
As for as we know, the evolutionary process
till now has three aspects 1) There is an inherent plan
for evolution (design for evolution) 2) Natural
happenings triggered the evolutionary process
3) Unknown factors triggering evolution. We
generally call these as natural process of evolution.
Humans with their consciousness and freedom
and with the help of all their enhanced knowledge
and tools can become co-creators of the evolutionary
process. Modification of DNA, enhancement of brain
capacity, collective effort, use of the various
technologies and power can push the process of
natural evolution a new level.
Evolution does not always mean progress. In
the evolutionary process, humans also have lost
somethings such as the social organization of ants and
bees. There is also the possibility that instead of
evolving into superhuman levels of existence, humans
also may degenerate into demonic levels of existence
as described in many anceint tales.
Conscious evolution also provides excellent
possibilities for super human levels of evolution. What
the prophets and mystics dreamed may at last become
true. We may move from the possibilities of a total
holocaust to a heavenly existence for all.
5. Three Dynamics
There are three inter-related dynamics. They are
1) equilibrium process 2) cyclical process
3) cumulative process
5.1. Equilibrium process
In a pond, there may be X number of fishes.
That may be the maximum sustaining capacity of that
pond. Suppose we remove 10% of that X number of
fishes, then after a while the pond will reach to the
level of X number of fishes. After the loss of a member
in a family, the equilibrium position is often reached
either by an additional member or an additional new
capacity. Loss in war or natural calamity is soon
compensated in many cases. Conscious humans may
overcome periodical losses and may move forward.
Reconstruction of Sanfransisco after the earth quake
and Hiroshima & Nagasaki after the drapping of atom
bombs are good examples.

5.2. Cyclical Process
As happens in the biological world, there is
birth, growth and decay. The time frame for this cycle
may vary from one to another. However this is true
and inevitable in the biological world. Many Indian
scriptures speak of cyclical movement of Yugas. There
is a period of growth, reaching of a zenith and then
descend. The concept of endrophy is an expression of
the cyclical concept. It is in a way a pessimistic
concept. Medival Tamil mystic Manickkavasagar
proclaims “I will melt my body but enhance my inner
light”. This is a challenge to the concept of endropy.
Life is a relay race and what one carries with onself
and what one leaves to humanity before one’s demise
is very important.
5.3 Cumulative process
According to this, there is no limit to growth.
There can be continuous growth across the
generations. There are families which flourish
continuously for more than a few generations. Even
sky is not the limit to growth. However unplanned
and disintegrated growth such as the growth of cancer
cells or weapon systems may lead to doom.
Dr. S. Radhakrishnan combines the cyclical and
cumulative process concepts into a single concept of
dynamic and ascending spiral growth
6. Three Faces of Power
Power is a basic entity in all process. In social
dynamics we think of three faces of power - often
inter-related and inter-twained.
6.1 Threat, Destructive & Politico-military
power - Stick (punishment)
Threat power can be a creative force and it can
bring in positive results. Sometimes destruction is
inherent in situations. Knife can be used for
destruction. But it has positive uses. Electricity,
cooling gas, petrol are all good examples - we daily
use them with care. We pay our taxes, follow traffic
Dynamics of Human Existence 47
rules, pay our monthly due, rent etc., because failure
to do so will result in bad consequences. Threat also
can keep good relationships and it can also act as a
meaningful exchange. Family relationships become
stable also due to the fear of family breakdown. To
avoide “stick”, one may keep up a contract.
Threat or destructive power has become a major
danger in our age of weapons of mass destruction it
may become a sure way to total annihilation. Threat
power is expensive and contagious. Threat power
cannot be eliminated. However it can become more
meaningful.
6.2. Exchange, Productive and Economic
Power - Carrot (reward)
Exchange relationship is a process of giving and
taking rewards. Rewards and mutual benefits sustain
relationships. It leads to productivity and prosperity.
The destructive dimension of reward may be bribery
and corruption. Exchange power also may result in
stable, solid and creative relationships.
Though reward can take many forms, its
economic dimension is important. There may be
rewards in terms of emotional satisfaction and
Psychological uplift. Exchange relationship may
remain as a business and contractual relationship.
6.3. Integral, love and social power - hug
Love is truly a cementing and linking force.
Relationships become stable, prosperous and creative
with love. Love also may turn into exchange
relationship as in the case of many arranged marriages.
This is to be more and more expected in our age of
global market economy. Love also may degenerate
into a destructive relationship as life instinct slides
down into death instinct/narcissism. In the long run
and in the ultimate sense, love is the truly integrative
power. The quality of love is very important.
Let us explain this with the help of a diagraham
used by Prof. Dr. Kenneth Boulding
48 S. Jeyapragasam

of these opposites resulted in constant holy wars.

(exchange) Power
Integrative Power
(Power of Love)
Inspite of the integral vision of Jesus Christ,

Productive
Political-military Threat Christianity mostly subscribed to the perennial war
power (Stick- (destructive) between good and evil. Islam which came later, inspite
punishment) Power of its vision of fraternity is deeply immersed in the
holy war tradition of God vs Saturn / good vs evil...
with violence, punishment and hell. The same
tendency is dominantly found in the Easter traditions
inspite of their emphasis on integral views. Hindu
Threat (destructive)

Integrative Power
(Power of Love)
epics and Bhagavad Gita centres around dharmic wars
Economic Exchange between good and evil.
Power

Power (Carrot- (Productive)

Power There are two modern powerful developments
reward)
in favour of the dialectical process. 1) In the foot-
steps of Hegel, Karl Marx brought the dialectical
process to the centre stage of history with his views
on historical materialsm , class war and communism.
Threat (destructive)

This triggered endless violent clashes 2) The idea of

(exchange) Power

“us” vs “them” found a powerful expression in

Productive

Social Power Integrative

Power

nationalism, religious fundamentalism, racism, rexism,

(hug) Power
(Power of Love) castism, lingualism, regionalism, etc.,

The major limitation of the dialectical process

is twofold 1) one party with more violence tries to
destroy the opposite party. Here the problem is not
7. Dialectical Process solved but one party is destroyed or crushed. 2) In
In dialectical process two opposites develop the nuclear age with the weapons of mass destruction
increasingly sharp polarities, ultimately resulting in such violent clashes may lead to human mass suicide
violent clashes and end with the triumph of the one and holocaust. Dialectical process nourishes ancient
over the other. The victorious side may later become and pre-human instinct of violence and conquest.
corrupt and the vanquished side may gain energy for
8. Integral Process
revengeful actions. This becomes an ongoing process.
Integral process is based on the assumption that
The dialectical process in a old concept. In the
we are all part of one another and we all inherit a
pre-human levels of existence, the predator - prey
comman heritage. Here welfare of the individual is
relationship is a dialectical one. Another expression
contained in the welfare all (Sarvodaya) and the
of this is the division “us” and “others”. As human
welfare of the last is first (Antyodaya) gets primary
beings evolved from matter and pre-human existence,
importance. This is essentially the way of Buddha,
there are two distinct traits 1) Movement towards
Jesus Christ and Mahatma Gandhi. The Buddha in
survival and greater excellence (life-instinct) 2)
his last teaching, Lotus Sudra, develops the vision of
Movement towards pre-human and material levels of
the upliftment of all to the Bodisathuva level. This is
existence (death instinct)
to be done through the path of forgiving, self-
Zorastrianism and Judaism speak about the suffering to wash the sins (way of the cross or
clash of God and saturn - good and evil. The dialectics redeeming blood) and transformation of all. Jesus

Christ gave the vision of liberating and redeeming all
through his redeeming holy blood and forgiving.
The anekanta vada (pluralism) of Mahavira and
the modern vision of Truth and Reconciliation
through dialogue, forgiving, inclusiveness, penance
and transforming acts are fine expressions of integral
approach. Mahatma Gandhi in the foot-steps of Jesus
Christ developed the vision of transforming evil
through soul force (Satyagraha). Holistic knowledge
(truth), forgiving and forgetting, justice, setting right
the past mistakes, compensatory action, penance,
rightful action, healing the wounds, transformation
practices are all tools for the integral process. This is
the way for human survival and excellence in the
Nuclear Age.
9. Action and Consequences
The general concept is “good action will bring
good result and bad action will bring bat result”. This
is true to some extent. If one touches a live electric
wire or mishandle a gas connection, the result will be
immediate danger. However good people suffer and
bad people flourish. To explain this, religions use the
concepts of birth cycle and past actions, curse of gods,
test by gods, etc., There are three possible
explanations.
1. Time frame
a. For some actions, the consequence is
immediate (e.g. touching fire)
b. Throwing a ball with force against a
wall - It takes a while for the ball to
return back
c. Planting a seed - It takes a few days to
sprout (different time frame for
different things)
2. Social and historical frame
One person may sell bad food stuff and amass
profit but those who pay, buy and consume them
may develop health problems. Because of a Mother
Teresa many poor were benefitted.
Dynamics of Human Existence 49
A wrong action by one may bring damage to
many. Here is the social dimension of Karma (action)
A good action may bring benefit to many.
Apart from social dimension, there is also the
historical dimension. The good example would be
religious and ethnic conflicts. The hatred and
revengeful attitude spread across history.
3. Inherited imprints
Humans inherit the imprints from human
ancestors and pre-human ancestors. These are carried
in our DNA, genes, brain system, milieu, etc.,
Christianity speaks of original sin carried all along and
Indian religions speak of the load of Karma of
previous-births.
10. Relativity & independent arising
The Buddha spoke about the concepts of
relativity and co-dependent arising. There is nothing
in isolation. Everything is inter-related and inter-
twained. We are all a intricate web of relationships.
Life is itself a “relay race”. In Nature there is nothing
in isolation. From fundamental particles to atoms
(elements and isotopes) and from atoms to all that
exists are all the result of intricate bonds of
relationships.
Each human being may be seen as the result of
countless causes and relationships and he/she in turn
does the same. What is key here is relationships and
cause and effect chain. We need to be deeply aware of
the web of relationships and cause and effect chain
and act with mindfulness, holistic knowledge and love.
That is the way to human excellence and to a new
evolution to superhuman levels of existence.
Albert Einstein presented the “Theory of
Relativity” and enriched the Buddhist vision further.
We need to move from self-centered nature to selfless
and all pervading holistic nature. This is not negating
the self but truly enriching self in an all inclusive way.
From the individual we need to become would centric
and universe centric and from the present we should
be connected to all the past and all the future.
50 S. Jeyapragasam
11. Fullfillment of basic needs and towards
excellence
Abraham Maslow has presented a map of
hierarchy of five needs. This is often presented in the
form a triangle. A circular representation may be a
better way to do this.
Without fulfilling the survival and security
needs, our existence will be in a jeopardy. There is a
vast difference between basic and honest needs and
extravagant and limitless greed. The basic needs may
differ from context to context. Humans does not live
by bread alone. Relationship and self-esteem needs
are also equally important. Untill now vast majority
of human beings have spent much of their time and
energy to meet their basic needs. Today we are moving
from need-seeking society to need-fullfilled society.
This has already happened for a considerable section
of human population. This should happen for the
entire humankind. We need sustainable and eco-
friendly development for all.
The fifth stage is self-actualization. One has to
bloom and ascend peak after peak of excellence for
oneself and for others. From self-actualization, we need
to move to selfless actualization for all. That would
open a new eva of human excellence and superhuman
evolution. However there is always the danger of
giving down.
12. Grace
Materialists and rationalists may deny the role
of Grace. This needs careful examination. The concept
that God is everything and three is no place for
freedom and free-will and the belief that everything
is pre-determined and all we see is only an illusion
(maya) cannot be accepted for obvious reasons.
We need to move from rational to
trans-rational and from material to trans-material levels
of existence. Sliding down to pre-rational and
pre-material levels is dangerous.
There is beauty, order, rhythm, wonder, joy,
development, perfection and excellence in nature
amidst all negativities. There is vastness and no limit
to the universe and life systems. From the Big Bang
to today, a fourteen billion years of evolution suggests
the presence and working of a positive force-Grace.
It is up to each one to feel and realize the
working of Grace and take advantage of that reality
as well. If we believe in ultimate doom, there is
difficulty in moving forward. If we believe or have
faith in marching towards excellence and perfection,
then that becomes a powerful impetus. All religious
systems and spiritual traditions express faith in Grace.
Except the Ajivakas, no other religious and spiritual
tradition places exclusive faith on the pre-determined
nature of life. Grace is one factor, may be an important
factor, along with several other factors explained in
this paper. The greatness of God/Grace is that it allows
or it has inbuilt place for freedom, free-will and action
and it is an open-ended system with no limits.
Conclusion
A beautiful and intelligent use of all these twelve
factors may help humanity to achieve survival,
excellence and move forward in evolution. Life is an
endless journey towards the unknown excellence for
oneself and for all. Life is a mystry, challenge, risk
and ever expanding complexity. We are called upon
to move forward, to set right things and also carry
others with us in the endless journey / pilgrimage /
adventure. However we should also be prepared for
failures, defeat and setbacks in our endless journey.
Integral aspects and visions of co-creations may be
very important. Individual humans are bound to perish
but still they can facilitate the marching ahead of
humanity. Let us do our best with our human body,
which has no parallel is for as we know, before we
loose it.