CONCEPTS IN INDIAN ETHOS

CONCEPT OF MAN


Divinity is conceptualized as ultimate energy or power. Energy exists within Man, as it exists in other beings. But man is the one being that has the capacity to realize this truth and attain Moksha (eternal happiness or bliss) because man alone has the faculty of intellect and reasoning.

CONCEPT OF MAN


Man is capable of achieving anything by making the right endeavours. The evil traits that prevent man from achieving his goals are lust, anger, greed, infatuation, pride, envy. These emotions prevent clear thinking.

CONCEPT OF YOGA


Yoga refers to the unification of man with the Supreme, who is conceptualized as an ultimate power and the source of all energy. The characteristics of the ultimate Divinity exist in every human being, which he neglects when he gets lost in the transient trivialities of the material world.

CONCEPT OF YOGA


When man realizes the truth about himself and everyone around him (his ultimate potential), his ignorance disappears, knowledge appears, and he achieves unification. He recognizes his true nature which is divine, attains the state of bliss (non-existence of (nonnegative emotions). Yoga helps one attain that State.

MEDITATION


Meditation is the natural process of withdrawing attention from the environmental, physical and mental processes and consciously directing it inward to a chosen focus of attention.

MEDITATION


Benefits of Meditation:
Stress reduction Strengthening of body s immune system Improvement in concentration power Slowing down of biological ageing process Brings forth clear state of awareness that makes spiritual growth easier.

MEDITATION


Method
Cross legged sitting posture with spine erect & upright Sit on a firm surface like floor or hard bed using a rug or towel Close eyes to avoid distraction from outside world Hands on the knees or lap Be aware if the movement of the breath.

MEDITATION


Method
Fix the mind by focusing on any one point, object or idea Silently repeat some words that describe the object or idea, or repeat a chant or prayer or sound like Om or Lord . Acquire calmness of mind and observe how the stray thoughts and diversions reduce and focus continues for long periods.

SPIRITUALITY


An awareness of the oneness in the universe Message of universal brotherhood and mutual respect is preached in every religion. Hinduism, Christianity, Islam and Sikhism all proclaim that all creatures are members of the one family of God.

SPIRITUALITY


Prompts everyone to see every other being as an extension of oneself, endowed with understanding and wisdom. Makes one humble since one does not assume superiority over others, but understands that all other beings have unique gifts & talents and roles to play.

SPIRITUALITY


Makes one selfless because recognising others as important elements of one s environment generates an approach that is unselfish. Makes one love and be concerned about everything in nature including animals & plants, and also the environment.

SPIRITUALITY
 

Avoid exploiting or cheating others. Be concerned about matters other than the comforts & pleasures of the sense. Recognise that one s success is to be seen in terms other than material. Provides a strong base for ethical behaviour in business.

CONCEPT OF DHARMA


Dharma in Sanskrit means that which sustains or holds together. Dharma is the foundation which holds the universe together. It suggests right behaviour

CONCEPT OF DHARMA


Dharmic actions include:

Charity, or generosity, sharing and elimination of possessiveness. Forgiveness which comes out of concern for others and eliminates anger and hatred. Non-violence which is the effort to avoid Noninjury physically or mentally. Denunciation of greed.

CONCEPT OF DHARMA
Attitude to parents and guests who are treated as equivalent to or manifestations of the Supreme. Service to them is the duty of everyone. Duty: Do well what you are expected to do. Don t try to do what is someone else s job, no matter how nice and attractive it might be.

CONCEPT OF MAYA


The concept of Maya states that the world in which we live is essentially an illusion, like cinema. We experience it as real, feeling all the emotions that disturb us or bring us joy. If we realize that it is an illusion, we can remain calm and collected without being carried away by extremes of emotion.

CONCEPT OF MAYA


Everything is subjective. The environment is as we make it to be. The people around us are as good or bad as we say they are. Every individual is 3 persons (1) what he thinks he is (2) what someone else thinks he is (3) what he really is. When we assert that something is a fact, it is probably an opinion.

CONCEPT OF MAYA
  

It is futile to get attached to anything or anybody. Pleasure or happiness does not lie in the objects we pursue but in our minds. We must learn to cherish relationships as long as they last and accept their loss when they end, instead of reacting with grief. There should be no strong attachment to worldly possessions.

CONCEPT OF KARMA


A person is known by his character, which is the expression of his values. Values are formed through experiences, which are the results of one s deeds, Karma. Therefore one s character is the result of one s karma. What one does in the present will determine what he will be in future and therefore his future actions. One is both the cause and result of one s actions.

CONCEPT OF KARMA


Karma makes one fully responsible for what happens to him or her one can determine one s own destiny. When one takes responsibility for oneself, one does not blame others for what is happening to oneself (eg. Asking what one can do if the whole world is corrupt).