UNIT-3

UNDERSTANDING THE HUMAN

BEING
: This part explains that it will
shed light on how we interact
with our bodies, what we do
as individuals, and what
3.1 INTRODUCTION: factors contribute to either
peace or conflict within
ourselves.
To embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth, understanding the
human being comprehensively serves as the essential first step. The human being is a
remarkable co-existence of the self and the body, characterized by unique activities and
potentialities. Delving into the intricacies of the self and its interactions with the body
This part is saying that by understanding ourselves better, we can create peace within ourselves and
recognize things that might cause conflicts or inconsistencies.
lays the foundation for fostering harmony within and recognizing the factors that may
lead to contradictions. This section will explore in-depth the multifaceted nature of the
human being, illuminating the dynamics between the self and the body, the activities of
the self, and the basis for harmony or contradiction within this complex entity.

1. Human Being as Co-Existence of the Self and the Body: The human being is a
harmonious co-existence of two intertwined aspects: the self and the body.

A. The Self: The self represents the core essence of an individual's

consciousness and identity. It encompasses thoughts, emotions, beliefs,
desires, and intentions, forming the basis of an individual's unique
personality and sense of self-awareness. The self is the seat of
consciousness and serves as the observer, thinker, and experiencer within
the human being.

B. The Body: The body, on the other hand, is the physical vessel through
which the self interacts with the external world. It is the material aspect of
the human being, comprising organs, tissues, and physiological systems.
how human are made up of .

25
 The body provides the means for sensory perception, movement, and
engagement with the physical environment. "Multifaceted" describes something
that has many different aspects

2. Activities and Potentialities of the Self: The self is a dynamic and multifaceted
entity, engaging in various activities and possessing vast potentialities that shape
an individual's life journey.

A. Cognitive Activities: The self engages in cognitive activities, including

perception, reasoning, memory, and problem-solving. These mental
processes enable individuals to make sense of the world, form beliefs, and
acquire knowledge.

B. Emotional Activities: Emotions are a crucial aspect of the self's activities,

influencing the way individuals experience and respond to the world.
Emotions range from joy and love to fear and sadness, impacting decision-
making and behavior.

C. Volitional Activities: The self exhibits volitional activities, such as

making choices, setting goals, and initiating actions. These activities
manifest the self's capacity to exercise free will and shape the course of
one's life.

D. Transcendental Potentialities: Beyond everyday activities, the self

possesses transcendent potentialities, including creativity, intuition, and
spiritual growth. These higher faculties allow individuals to tap into their
deeper wisdom and connect with something beyond the material realm.

3. Basis for Harmony/Contradiction in the Self: The self can experience both
harmony and contradiction, depending on various factors and influences.

A. Alignment with Values and Beliefs: Harmony within the self arises when
an individual's actions and decisions align with their core values and
beliefs. When the self's activities are congruent with its authentic desires, a
sense of inner coherence and peace prevails.

B. Conflict of Desires and Beliefs: Contradiction may arise within the self
when there is a conflict between different desires or when actions deviate
from one's ethical principles. This internal discord can lead to feelings of
inner turmoil and cognitive dissonance.

26
 C. Influence of External Factors: External influences, such as societal
norms, cultural conditioning, and peer pressure, can impact the self's
activities. When the self conforms to external expectations that contradict
its genuine aspirations, internal conflict may ensue.

D. Self-Reflection and Growth: Understanding and resolving contradictions

within the self require self-reflection and a willingness to grow. By
cultivating self-awareness and introspection, individuals can recognize and
reconcile conflicting aspects, fostering inner harmony.

3.2 HUMAN BEING AS CO-EXISTENCE OF THE SELF AND THE BODY

The human being is a remarkable amalgamation of two interconnected

dimensions: the self and the body. This co-existence of consciousness and physicality
forms the foundation of our existence, shaping our perceptions, experiences, and
interactions with the world. Understanding the intricate relationship between the self and
the body offers profound insights into the essence of being human. This section explores
the dynamics of this co-existence, examining the roles of the self and the body, and how
they interact to create the unique and complex human experience.

1. The Self: At the core of the human being lies the self - the essence of
consciousness and individuality. The self encompasses our thoughts, emotions,
beliefs, desires, and intentions. It is the seat of self-awareness, introspection, and
the observer of our own experiences.

A. Consciousness and Awareness: The self is the source of our

consciousness and awareness, allowing us to perceive and interpret the
world around us. It is through the self that we can reflect on our thoughts
and emotions, gaining insight into our inner workings.

B. Personal Identity: The self gives rise to our sense of personal identity. It
shapes our unique personality traits, values, and perspectives,
distinguishing us from others and defining our individuality.

C. Inner World: Within the self, an entire inner world exists, filled with
dreams, aspirations, memories, and beliefs. It is the realm of our deepest
desires, fears, and hopes, influencing our choices and actions.

27
 2. The Body: The body serves as the vessel through which the self interacts with the
external world. It is the physical manifestation of our consciousness, providing a
medium for sensory experiences and physical expression.

A. Sensory Perception: The body houses our senses, allowing us to see,

hear, touch, taste, and smell. Through these senses, we perceive and
experience the external environment.

B. Physical Expression: The body enables us to engage with the world

physically. It allows us to walk, talk, create, and interact with others,
expressing our thoughts and emotions through gestures and actions.

C. Limitations and Freedom: While the body offers the freedom to explore
the physical world, it also imposes limitations on our experiences. Our
physical abilities and health can affect how we engage with life.

3. Interplay between the Self and the Body: The interaction between the self and
the body is a complex dance, where consciousness merges with the physical realm
to create the human experience.

A. Mind-Body Connection: The mind-body connection is a profound aspect

of the human experience. Our thoughts and emotions can influence our
physical well-being, while our physical state can impact our mental and
emotional states. Emotions aren't just in our heads; they show up in our bodies too. For example, feeling
happy might make us smile, while feeling sad can make our hearts feel heavy.
B. Embodiment of Emotions: Emotions are not solely confined to the realm
of the mind; they manifest physically within the body. Joy may bring a
smile to our faces, while sadness may weigh heavy on our hearts.

C. Expression and Communication: The self communicates with the

external world through the body. It articulates thoughts through speech,
conveys emotions through facial expressions, and connects with others
through touch.

D. Self-Identity and Body Image: The perception of our bodies can

influence our self-identity. Positive body image enhances self-confidence,
while negative body image can lead to feelings of inadequacy.

The human being as a co-existence of the self and the body is a harmonious fusion
of consciousness and physicality. The self is the essence of our consciousness, shaping

28
our thoughts, emotions, and individuality. The body serves as the medium through which
the self engages with the external world, expressing itself physically and perceiving the
environment through the senses. The interplay between the self and the body creates the
rich tapestry of the human experience, influencing our perceptions, choices, and
interactions. By understanding and nurturing this profound co-existence, we embark on a
journey of self-discovery, self-expression, and a deeper appreciation of what it means to
be human.

3.3 UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEING: THE ACTIVITIES AND

POTENTIALITIES OF THE SELF

The human being is a complex and multifaceted entity, comprising both the self
and the physical body. At the core of this existence lies the self, the seat of consciousness
and individuality. The self engages in various activities and possesses immense
potentialities that shape our thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and overall life experiences.
Understanding the activities and potentialities of the self is crucial for personal growth,
self-realization, and unlocking the innate capacities that lie within each individual. This
section explores the dynamic nature of the self, its activities, and the vast potentialities it
holds, paving the way for a deeper understanding of the human being.

1. Cognitive Activities of the Self: The self engages in a range of cognitive

activities that shape our perception of the world and our understanding of
ourselves.

A. Perception: Perception is the process through which the self becomes

aware of and interprets sensory information from the external
environment. It allows us to make sense of the world and form mental
representations of the objects and events we encounter.

B. Reasoning and Thinking: The self engages in reasoning and logical

thinking, allowing us to draw conclusions, solve problems, and make
informed decisions. It is through these cognitive processes that we
navigate the complexities of life and engage in critical analysis.

C. Memory and Learning: The self possesses memory, enabling us to retain

and recall past experiences and knowledge. Memory is fundamental to the
learning process, allowing us to accumulate information and build upon
our existing understanding.

29
The self has memory, which lets us remember things we've experienced and learned in the past. Memory is really important for
learning because it helps us gather information and add to what we already know.
 2. Emotional Activities of the Self: Emotions play a significant role in the human
experience, and the self is the wellspring of our emotional responses.

A. Emotional Awareness: The self is responsible for our emotional

awareness, allowing us to recognize and understand our feelings and
emotional states. This self-awareness is crucial for emotional intelligence
and managing our emotions effectively.

B. Emotional Expression: The self expresses emotions through various

means, such as facial expressions, body language, and verbal
communication. Emotional expression facilitates interpersonal
communication and connection with others.

C. Emotional Regulation: The self has the potential to regulate emotions,

allowing us to cope with stress, navigate challenges, and maintain
emotional well-being. Emotional regulation involves recognizing and
managing emotional responses in a healthy and adaptive manner.

3. Volitional Activities of the Self: The self exhibits volitional activities that drive
our actions and decisions.

A. Goal-Setting and Planning: The self has the ability to set goals and create
plans to achieve them. Goal-directed behavior helps us pursue aspirations
and work towards self-improvement.

B. Decision-Making: Decision-making is an integral aspect of the self's

activities. The self weighs various options, considers consequences, and
makes choices that align with our values and priorities.
The self starts actions that show our intentions and goals. When we do things on purpose, it's our way of turning our thoughts and feelings
into real actions in the world.
C. Initiating Action: The self initiates actions that manifest our intentions
and goals. It is through our volitional activities that we bring our thoughts
and emotions into tangible expressions in the world.

4. Transcendental Potentialities of the Self: Beyond everyday activities, the self

possesses transcendental potentialities that go beyond ordinary consciousness.

A. Creativity and Imagination: The self has the capacity for creativity and
imagination, allowing us to innovate, problem-solve, and envision
possibilities beyond the present reality.

30
 Intuition is a way of knowing things without using logical reasoning. The self can access intuitive insights that help us understand things
deeply and feel like we've discovered a deeper truth.

B. Intuition and Insight: Intuition is a form of direct knowing that goes

beyond logical reasoning. The self can tap into intuitive insights that lead
to deep understanding and a heightened sense of truth.

C. Spiritual Growth and Self-Realization: The self has the potential for
spiritual growth and self-realization, allowing us to explore our innermost
nature and connect with the transcendent aspects of existence.

The human being is a profound co-existence of the self and the physical body. The
self, as the seat of consciousness and individuality, engages in a wide range of cognitive,
emotional, and volitional activities. It possesses immense potentialities, including
creativity, intuition, and spiritual growth, which go beyond ordinary consciousness.
Understanding the activities and potentialities of the self empowers individuals to harness
their cognitive and emotional capacities, make informed decisions, and cultivate personal
growth and self-realization. By tapping into the vast reservoir of potential within the self,
individuals can lead more purposeful, fulfilling, and authentic lives, enriching their own
experiences and contributing positively to the world around them.

3.4 UNDERSTANDING HUMAN BEING: BASIS FOR HARMONY/

CONTRADICTION IN THE SELF

The human being is a complex and multifaceted entity, comprising both the self
and the physical body. Within this co-existence, the self is the seat of consciousness and
individuality, while the body serves as the medium for interacting with the external
world. As the self engages in various activities and experiences emotions, thoughts, and
desires, it can either experience harmony or encounter contradictions. The basis for
harmony and contradiction in the self lies in the interplay between its different aspects
and the alignment (or lack thereof) between its beliefs, values, and actions. This section
explores the factors that contribute to harmony and contradiction in the self, shedding
light on the dynamics of human behavior and emotions.

1. Alignment with Values and Beliefs: Harmony in the self arises when there is
congruence between an individual's values, beliefs, and actions.

A. Living Authentically: When the self aligns with its authentic values and
beliefs, individuals experience a sense of integrity and wholeness. They
act in ways that are true to their core identity, fostering inner harmony and
self-acceptance.
1. Alignment with Values and Beliefs: Harmony within oneself happens when what a person believes and values matches up with what they do.
31
A. Being True to Yourself: When people stick to their real beliefs and values, they feel like they're being honest with themselves. This makes them
feel whole and okay with who they are.

B. Doing What You Say: Harmony comes when people act in ways that match up with what they think is right. When they do this, they feel like
everything fits together, and they're sure of themselves.
 C. Feeling What You Believe: When people's feelings match up with what they think and value, it makes them feel emotionally balanced. This
balance makes them feel better and more at peace with themselves.
2. Conflict of Desires and Beliefs: Sometimes, we feel like we're at odds with ourselves when our desires clash or when we do things that go against what
we believe is right.

A. Feeling Conflicted: When we have conflicting desires or beliefs, it creates a kind of mental tension called cognitive dissonance. This makes us feel
unsure and uneasy.
B. Consistency in Actions: Harmony prevails when the self's actions align
B. Tough Choices: Conflict can pop up when we're faced with moral dilemmas, where different moral values collide. Figuring these out means we have to
think hard about what's right.
with its ethical principles. When individuals behave in accordance with
C. Emotional Chaos: When we're conflicted inside, it can stir up a lot of emotions, and they might not get along. This emotional mess can lead to stress,
worry, or feeling unsettled. their values, they experience a sense of coherence and self-assurance.

C. Emotional Resonance: When the self's emotions are congruent with its
beliefs and values, individuals experience emotional coherence. This
resonance fosters a deeper sense of well-being and emotional balance.

2. Conflict of Desires and Beliefs: Contradiction may arise within the self when
there is a conflict between different desires or when actions deviate from one's
ethical principles.

A. Cognitive Dissonance: When the self holds conflicting beliefs or desires,

it experiences cognitive dissonance. This internal conflict can lead to
feelings of ambivalence and discomfort.

B. Moral Dilemmas: Contradictions may arise when the self faces moral
dilemmas, where different ethical principles or values clash. Resolving
these dilemmas requires introspection and ethical discernment.

C. Emotional Turmoil: Contradictions within the self can lead to emotional

turmoil, as conflicting emotions vie for attention and expression. This
emotional disharmony may manifest as stress, anxiety, or inner unrest.

3. Influence of External Factors: External factors, such as societal norms, cultural

conditioning, and peer pressure, can impact the self's activities and contribute to
harmony or contradiction.

A. Social Conditioning: Cultural norms and societal expectations can

influence the self's beliefs and actions. When the self aligns with external
expectations that contradict its authentic desires, internal conflict may
arise.

B. Peer Influence: The desire for acceptance and belonging can lead
individuals to conform to the opinions and behaviors of their peers. This
conformity may contradict their true values, leading to inner discord.
Outside Pressures: Tough situations in life, like going through hard times, can mess with how we feel inside. Dealing with these pressures needs
us to be strong emotionally and understand ourselves better.
C. Environmental Stressors: External stressors, such as challenging life
circumstances, can create disharmony in the self. Coping with these
stressors requires emotional resilience and self-awareness.

32
 4. Self-Reflection and Growth: Resolving contradictions and fostering harmony in
the self necessitates self-reflection and personal growth.

A. Self-Awareness: Developing self-awareness allows individuals to

recognize contradictions within themselves. Acknowledging these
contradictions is the first step towards reconciliation.

B. Inner Alignment: Cultivating inner alignment involves bringing

thoughts, emotions, and actions into coherence. This process requires
introspection, self-compassion, and a commitment to personal growth.

C. Emotional Intelligence: Enhancing emotional intelligence enables

individuals to manage conflicting emotions effectively, promoting
emotional harmony and well-being.

The human being is a canvas of intricate emotions, thoughts, and desires, where
harmony and contradiction coexist. The basis for harmony in the self lies in the alignment
between its values, beliefs, and actions, fostering a sense of authenticity and emotional
resonance. In contrast, contradictions arise when conflicting desires or beliefs clash, or
when external factors exert influence on the self's activities. Resolving contradictions and
fostering harmony requires self-awareness, self-reflection, and a commitment to living
authentically. By understanding the basis for harmony and contradiction in the self,
individuals can embark on a journey of personal growth, self-realization, and emotional
well-being, enriching their own lives and contributing positively to the world around
them.

3.5 CONCLUSION

Understanding the human being comprehensively is a transformative journey that

involves recognizing the co-existence of the self and the body. The self, with its diverse
activities and potentialities, shapes an individual's thoughts, emotions, and actions. While
the self can experience both harmony and contradiction, fostering inner coherence and
growth is possible through self-reflection and alignment with authentic values. By
exploring the intricate dynamics between the self and the body, individuals gain profound
insights into their unique identity and purpose, setting the stage for a meaningful and
harmonious existence.

33