Universal Human Values - Study Notes PDF

Universal Human Values Course Objective: 1. To help the students appreciate the essential complementarily between ‘values’ and ‘skills’ to ensure sustained happiness and prosperity which are the core aspirations of all human beings. 2. To highlight plausible implications of such a holisti...

Universal Human Values Course Objective: 1. To help the students appreciate the essential complementarily between ‘values’ and ‘skills’ to ensure sustained happiness and prosperity which are the core aspirations of all human beings. 2. To highlight plausible implications of such a holistic understanding in terms of ethical human conduct, trustful and mutually fulfilling human behavior and mutually enriching interaction in nature. CO-PO and Co-PO mapping of ADE BT CO Course Outcomes PO Level Interpret the essential of human values and skills, 1 2 8,12 self-exploration, happiness and prosperity. Relate the role of harmony in family, society and 2 3 6,7,12 universal order. Develop appropriate technologies and management 3 patterns to create harmony in professional and 3 6,7,8,12 personal lives.  UNIT 1 Content: Understanding Value Education, Self-exploration as the Process for Value Education, Basic Human Aspirations and their Fulfillment, Right Understanding, Relationship and Physical Facility, Happiness and Prosperity – Current Scenario, Method to Fulfill the Basic Human Aspirations. Understanding the Human Being as Co-existence of the Self and the Body, Harmony in the Self – Understanding Myself, Harmony of the Self with the Body – Understanding Self-regulation and Health. Life ! What is to be..... We all want to live fulfilling lives. We want to be happy and make others happy. We used to pick up values, i.e., what is important in life, what is right and what is wrong, what to do and what not to as a human being to live a fulfilling life. The day-to-day interactions in the family, in community and society in general used to help us develop our values. Today, all these institutions have been severely compromised. Now-a-days, we tend to pick up our values from sources like social media Physical Facility is Necessary… When an animal has lack of physical facility it becomes uncomfortable, when it gets physical facility it becomes comfortable. Eg. When a cow gets a stomach-full of grass, it becomes comfortable, sits and chews the cud When a human being has lack of physical facility, he becomes uncomfortable and unhappy But once he gets the physical facility, he forgets about it and starts thinking about hundred other things. (Check for yourself if you feel happy every day that you are getting enough to eat?) When a human being has lack of physical facility, s(he) becomes uncomfortable and unhappy But once s(he) gets the physical facility, s(he) forgets about it and starts thinking about hundred other things. Eg. Lets see if we know how many pairs of clothes we have If there were a shortage of clothes it would be a problem for us, but now that we have clothes, we may not even know how many we have… (and yet we may keep collecting more and more…) When we don’t know how many clothes we really need, we can be in this situation We have a problem when we don’t have clarity about our needs! Physical facility is necessary for human being but something more is also required. Check: Is the unhappiness in our families More due to lack of physical facility or More due to lack of fulfillment in relationship? How much time and effort are we investing: For physical facility For fulfillment in relationship The unhappiness is more due to lack of fulfillment in relationship Most of the time and effort is spent for physical facility  For Human Being, Relationship is also Necessary For human being physical facility is necessary but relationship is also necessary On examining carefully, we find that this is a fundamental difference between animals and human being Physical facility is necessary for animals and necessary for human being also However, For animals physical facility is necessary as well as largely adequate For human being physical facility is necessary but not adequate  Although we have Recognised the need for Relationship… We do get into arguments, opposition and fights… even in the family, with close friends, with colleagues at work… in the marketplace… Every time we have a fight, we want to resolve it… We say sorry, patch up and promise not to fight in future but… Even though we don’t want to, a fight does take place once again (we want the other to improve… and the other wants us to improve…) Is this happening? Are incidences of reaction… not speaking to the other… arguments… debates… divorce… increasing or decreasing? Explore your close relationships – in the family, with friends, in the workplace, in the society  Let’s check our Perspective about Relationship Let us find out if 1. We want to live in relationship (harmony) with others or 2. We want to live in opposition with others or 3. We believe living has to be necessarily in opposition with others, i.e. There is 'struggle for survival' , ‘survival of the fittest’ and check if we feel happy living this way? What is our present perspective? Which view do we promote? (at home, in the family… in schools and colleges… and in the society) Is it the naturally acceptable view?  Right Understanding is also Essential for Human Being For fulfilment in relationship, it is necessary to have right understanding about relationship i.e. Right understanding is also necessary for human being With right understanding: We have clarity about relationship with human being; we are able to fulfil relationship. We also have clarity about how much physical facility we need. Animals living with they are in harmony this is fine animal consciousness Human being living with they are in harmony this is fine human consciousness Human being living with they are in disharmony this is the animal consciousness problem  Definition. The part of education that deals with the understanding of one’s participation in the larger order, and thus ensuring it in living, is called as Value Education. The Need and Important Implications of Value Education Correct Identification of Our Goals Value education enables us to understand What is valuable for human happiness, So that they will be correctly identifies their goals they will be fulfill with happy and prosperous life. Development of a Holistic Perspective The outcome of value education is a holistic perspective with the clarity about human being (the one who understands), about the nature/existence of which we are an integral part as well as our participation in this nature/ existence. This participation is our role, it is our purpose, it is our right, it is our responsibility and it is our value. Clarity of Programme to Live with Holistic Perspective Value Education provides us the vision which will help us to get answers to get answers to all these questions. We can see that this clarity of programme is necessary for our own state of happiness.  Evaluation of our Beliefs Our conduct depends on what we understand or believe about ourselves, our family, the society and the nature around. Value education also helps us become aware of our own beliefs. Solution of Existing Problems If we understand our participation (human values) and live by them in the complete expanse of our being (from ourselves to family, to society and to the entire nature), it will lead to a fulfilling life for ourselves and fulfilling for all around. The problems, including wrong beliefs, are mainly because we do not have understanding and we are not making enough effort for it.  Value: Value of a unit is its participation in the larger order e.g. The value of a piece of chalk is its participation in the classroom What is valuable ? 1. The chalk writes on the blackboard in the classroom? or 2. The chalk scratches the blackboard in the classroom? What is valuable = value The context is always the larger order. Value of a unit is definite The value of a unit is also referred to as its role Thus, the role of chalk is to write on the blackboard  Human Value Value / role of a human being is its participation in the larger order E.g. My participation in the family defines my value in the family What is valuable for you? feeling of respect or feeling of disrespect? I feel happy when I have a feeling of respect The other feels happy when I express respect to him/her Living in accordance with human values leads to mutual happiness* My happiness Happiness of the other human being *i.e. in the case of human-human interaction In the case of human-rest of nature interaction, living in accordance with human values leads to mutual prosperity  Understanding Human Values In nature, every unit participates with every other unit in a mutually fulfilling manner E.g. air nurtures plants and plants enrich air For a human being to live with human values, s(he) has to understand human values E.g. for a human being to live with a feeling of respect s(he) has to understand the feeling of respect To live with happiness, human beings have to understand human values They have to understand their participation They have to understand their role Deciding Our Values Do you want to be able to decide on your own right? or Do you want somebody else to decide for you? (this somebody may be a group of people, it may be the society or the education system, etc.) If you are not able to decide on your own right then: 1. Someone else is deciding what is valuable and what is not valuable for you 2. Unconsciously you keep accepting those things as values 3. You get busy with how to implement them, how to realize them, materialize them Values Decided by the Other Eg. In a professional college, many first-year students start to use foul language within a very short time They are made to assume that this sort of language is one of the indicators of their freedom, of their own progress to adulthood… and they may adopt it as a new value Similarly, with sleeping late and getting up late… and so many things 1. Did they decide it for themselves? 2. Did it just happen “unconsciously”, without being aware of it? 3. Is it worth for them? Is it fulfilling for them? 4. Is it fulfilling for others (like their family members)? So, if we are unable to decide on our own right, we are programmed by the other; our values are decided by someone else… Deciding Human Values on Our Own Right Would we decide on the basis of whatever we like, whatever we believe? If we decide in this manner, human values will be different for different people Or is there some definite, existential basis, something we can understand, something we can be assured about, something that ensures mutual fulfillment in living? If this is the case, then there is a possibility that human values are universal, they are the same for all of us Value education is about exploring into this possibility Should Education help You to Develop Holistically? (Components of Human Education) Understanding What to do, Values Value Education Learning How to do, Skills Skill Development Doing Skills guided by Values Practice The problems around you are : more due to lack of skills? or more due to lack of values? Are both, values and skills, required? Both are required; Values and skills are complementary to each other. If both are required, then what is the priority? Values (what to do) first, then skills (how to do), but both are required What is the state in present-day education? Education has become skill-biased. (there is a need to make appropriate changes)  Guidelines for Value Education 1. Universal 2. Rational 3. Verifiable 4. Leading to Harmony Guideline 1: Universal It is universally applicable to all human beings and be true at all times and all places It is about the basic principles of human existence which are universal. And if it is universal then it is not dependent on any sect, caste, creed, nationality, gender etc. Eg. Living with a feeling of relationship is naturally acceptable to all human beings – it is universal Guideline 2: Rational It is a set of proposals about reality, not a set of negations It is amenable to reasoning It is not based on whims, fancies, dogmas or blind beliefs It is not a set of sermons It is not a set of do’s and don’t It is not antirational It is not illogical It can be communicated clearly It can be questioned It can be verified It can be understood Guideline 3: Verifiable We want to verify these values ourselves, i.e. we don’t want to assume something just because something is stated, rather, each one of us will want to verify these to find out whether they are true for us It has to be naturally acceptable, and experientially verifiable in terms of mutual fulfillment in my behavior and work Behavior with human beings leads to mutual happiness Work with rest of nature leads to mutual prosperity If it is naturally acceptable, it leads to commitment to live in that manner without being forced in any way or conditioned by another person Every individual needs to be able to verify these values oneself Guideline 4: Leading to Harmony Finally, value education must be able to enable us to be in harmony within and live in harmony with others in the complete expanse of our being, of our living As an individual, it needs to take care of all the dimensions of our individual existence – thought, behavior, work and the realization Also it must cover all levels starting from individual to family to society and to nature/existence Hence, when we live on the basis of these values, we start understanding that it will lead to harmony in us and harmony in our interactions with other humans and the rest of nature. That is, it leads to human conduct.  Self-exploration as the Process for Value Education Whatever is said is a Proposal (Do not assume it to be true or false) Verify it on Your Own Right – on the basis of our Natural Acceptance It is a process of Dialogue A dialogue between me and you, to start with It soon becomes a dialogue within your own self between what you are and what you really want to be (your natural acceptance) The purpose of this workshop is to initiate/strengthen this internal dialogue 1. It is a process of dialogue – between me and you, to begin with. It soon becomes a dialogue within your own self 2. It is a process of dialogue between what I am and my Natural Acceptance or what I really want to be. 3. It is a process of Self-exploration, Self-investigation → Self-evolution 4. It is a process of knowing oneself and through the self, knowing Nature and the entire existence 5. It is a process of recognizing one's relationship with every unit in nature/existence; and fulfilling that relationship 6. It is a process of knowing Human Conduct and living according to it 7. It is a process of living in harmony within, living in harmony with others…living in harmony with entire existence  Basic Human Aspiration Basic Human Aspirations Human aspirations are inherent desires that drive an individual’s existence and actions. They can be broadly categorized into two: Continuous Happiness (Sukh): A state of harmony within oneself. Achieved through understanding, self-awareness, and alignment of thoughts, actions, and desires. Prosperity (Samriddhi): Feeling of having more than required physical facilities. Ensures physical comfort and sustenance. Fulfillment of Aspirations The fulfillment of human aspirations requires a holistic approach: Right Understanding (Samyak Samajh): At the level of the individual. Involves self-exploration, identifying values, and ensuring harmony in thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Relationship (Samman): At the level of the family and society. Emphasizes trust, respect, and affection in interpersonal relationships. Physical Facilities (Avashyakta): At the level of the body. Ensures health and physical comfort through proper food, shelter, and other resources. Key Aspects for Alignment Harmony in the Individual: Balance between body, mind, and soul. Practicing mindfulness and ethical living. Harmony in the Family: Mutual trust and respect as the foundation of familial relationships. Clear communication and shared responsibilities. Harmony in Society: Establishing justice, equality, and cooperation. Promoting values of fairness and empathy. Harmony in Nature (Environmental Synergy): Sustainable use of resources. Respecting natural ecosystems and promoting environmental stewardship. Approach to Fulfillment Self-Exploration: Examining one’s beliefs, values, and aspirations. Aligning them with universal human values. Holistic Development: Physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well- being. Pursuit of lifelong learning and personal growth. Contribution to Society: Engagement in meaningful work. Participation in community-building and service activities. Right Understanding, Relationship, and Physical Facility  Right Understanding, Relationship, and Physical Facility Right understanding Relationship = Mutual fulfillment. Right understanding Physical facilities = Mutual prosperity. Animal and Human Consciousness: Giving all priorities to physical facilities only, or to live solely on the basis of physical facilities, may be termed as ‘Animal Consciousness’. Living with all three: Right understanding, Relationship and Physical facilities is called ‘Human Consciousness’.  Right Understanding, Relationship, and Physical Facility From the diagram we can say that: For animal, physical facility is necessary as well as complete – whereas for human beings it is necessary but not complete. Working only for physical facilities is living with Animal Consciousness. Working for right understanding as the first priority followed by relationship and physical facilities implies living with Human Consciousness. There is a need for transformation from Animal Consciousness to Human Consciousness. It can be accomplished only by working for right understanding as the first priority. This transformation from Animal Consciousness to Human Consciousness forms the basis for human values and values based living. Integration of Right Understanding, Relationship, and Physical Facility Harmony Within the Individual: Balancing the needs of the self and the body ensures personal well-being. Harmony in Relationships: Applying values like trust and respect fosters mutual understanding and cooperation. Harmony with Nature: Using physical facilities judiciously ensures ecological balance and sustainability. By aligning Right Understanding, Relationship, and Physical Facility, individuals can achieve a life of contentment and harmony, contributing to a cohesive society and a balanced world.  Happiness and Prosperity: Current Scenario 1. Understanding Happiness and Prosperity Happiness: A state of inner well-being, achieved through right understanding, relationships, and harmony within oneself and others. Prosperity: A feeling of having more than enough physical facilities to meet one’s needs. These two concepts form the foundation of Universal Human Values, emphasizing the well-being of an individual and society.  Happiness and Prosperity: Current Scenario Continuous Happiness – Basic Aspiration of every Human Being Every human being aspires for continuous happiness, The program for it depends on whatever s/he has understood or assumed about it e.g. big house, lots of money… tasty food, loud music, fast car… attention, name, fame… Keeps shifting from one program to another when the program is not successful e.g. not getting attention of spouse… shift to watching TV… add tasty food… smoking, drinking... Indulgence… renunciation…  Happiness and Prosperity: Current Scenario Some Prevailing Notions related to Happiness I will be bored of happiness if I am always happy I will grow only if I am unhappy. If I become happy, my growth will stop I need to be unhappy to recognize that I am happy We think of others only when we are unhappy. Thus it is important/useful to be unhappy so that one can help others Happiness and unhappiness go together, they cannot be separated Yes, I want happiness. But my desiring does not guarantee it. So, why to talk of desire? My happiness depends on the others. What can I do about it We do not want happiness for ourselves – but we want to make others happy (while we stay unhappy) Happiness is a small thing. We have higher aspirations – like contentment, peace, bliss etc. Do not bother me with happiness. I have to live and deal with things in my real life. Happiness and Prosperity: Current Scenario Happiness and Prosperity: Current Scenario Happiness and Prosperity: Current Scenario Happiness and Prosperity: Current Scenario Happiness and Prosperity: Current Scenario  Method to Fulfill the Basic Human Aspirations. Understanding Basic Human Aspirations The basic human aspirations often include: Happiness: The pursuit of joy, contentment, and well-being. Peace: A state of mental calm and harmony, both within oneself and with others. Prosperity: Economic and material well-being, but also prosperity in relationships, learning, and personal growth. Health: Both physical and mental well-being, a crucial foundation for achieving other aspirations. Security: Feeling safe and stable in personal and social environments. Relationship: Building strong, trust-based, and compassionate relationships with family, friends, and the community. Method to Fulfill the Basic Human Aspirations. Method to Fulfill the Basic Human Aspirations.  Understanding the Human Being as Co-existence of the Self and the Body The Self The Self is what is most intrinsic to a person’s being and is the center of their ethical and moral compass. It is linked to inner peace, well-being, and the capacity for empathy, compassion, and understanding. In the context of education, nurturing the Self helps individuals align their values with universal principles of kindness, respect, and truth. The Body The Body is seen as a vehicle for action. Its health and well-being are important for fulfilling one’s duties, responsibilities, and moral actions. Respect for the body involves ensuring its care and understanding that it is a temporary vessel for the enduring Self. Understanding the Human Being as Co-existence of the Self and the Body Understanding the Human Being as Co-existence of the Self and the Body Understanding the Human Being as Co-existence of the Self and the Body  Harmony in the Self – Understanding Myself 1. Self-awareness: The process of being mindful and introspective about one’s own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. 2. Values & Inner Harmony: Identifying and aligning personal values with actions brings inner peace and self-acceptance. 3. Mind-Body Connection: Understanding the relationship between thoughts and physical well-being. Positive mental states contribute to a healthy body. 4. Emotional Balance: Recognizing and managing emotions leads to mental clarity, reducing internal conflict and stress. 5. Self-realization: Striving to understand and realize one's true self, beyond societal labels or material goals. 6. Ethics and Integrity: Practicing honesty and moral values in daily life nurtures self- respect and inner peace. Harmony of the Self with the Body – Understanding Self-regulation and Health Harmony of the Self with the Body – Understanding Self-regulation and Health Harmony of the Self with the Body – Understanding Self-regulation and Health Harmony of the Self with the Body – Understanding Self-regulation and Health Harmony of the Self with the Body – Understanding Self-regulation and Health  Harmony of the Self with the Body – Understanding Self-regulation and Health Harmony of the Self with the Body = Self-regulation (feeling of responsibility toward the body) in the Self and Health in the Body Other than these 3 (Nurturing, Protecting and Right Utilization of the Body), what would you need PF for? The outcome of putting in so much time & effort is only PF – and it has only this much utility Have you been able to make an assessment of your need for PF? Are you able to see whether you have more than what your needs are? Ex: Find out – how much PF is required; how much PF is available; are you prosperous or deprived? Thank You