Holistic Living in Globalized World: An Indian Perspective

Abstract

Globalization is a multidimensional phenomenon. The process is irreversible and we have to live through it. It does have several advantages, but at the same time it impacts individual's personal life, social relationships and world's ecosystem adversely. These challenges can be met through adopting tenets of holistic life prescribed in traditional Indian culture. In contrast to Western linear world view, the relational worldview in Indian culture sees life through harmonious relationships where healthy living is achieved by maintaining balance between the many interrelating factors in one's circle of life. The relational worldview model for holistic living can best be represented through three major factors that together must come into balance. These factors represent mind-body-spirit and their positive relationship with society and nature. Besides internal harmony in mind-bodyspirit, ancient literature verbalizes of relational harmony with the ecology and society. It emphasizes on an understanding of the intrinsic interdependence of all beings. Social harmony in accordance with the percepts of dharma and karma are considered essential for a healthy and peaceful life journey towards self-realization. Every individual is considered as a biologically, psychologically and spiritually part of nature's nonpolluting, intelligent ways. The nature itself is a living system, and the psyche and body exists within this larger system. The paper presents Indian tradition of holistic living that has time tested concepts for the all-round development of an individual with proper balance of the importance of self, the society and the nature. The concepts have survived since the vedic period because of their sheer practicality. They are still valid and in fact, more relevant in today's complexities of day-to-day life.