UNIVERSAL HUMAN VALUES 2: UNDERSTANDING HARMONY

MODULE-II
Understanding Harmony in the Human Being - Harmony in Myself!

1. Understanding Harmony in the Human Being - Harmony in Myself!

2. Understanding human being as a co-existence of the sentient ‘I’ and the material
‘Body’
3. Understanding the needs of Self (‘I’) and ‘Body’ - happiness and physical facility
4. Understanding the Body as an instrument of ‘I’ (I being the doer, seer and
enjoyer)
5. Understanding the characteristics and activities of ‘I’ and harmony in ‘I’
6. Understanding the harmony of I with the Body: Sanyam and Health; correct
appraisal of Physical needs, meaning of Prosperity in detail
7. Programs to ensure Sanyam and Health.
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Understanding Harmony in the Human Being – Harmony in Myself:
"Harmony in the human being" refers to a state of internal balance and well-being where all
aspects of a person—body, mind, and self—function in a coordinated and peaceful manner.
Let's break it down step by step:
1. The Human Being as a Co-existence of the Self and the Body
In many holistic and philosophical models (especially in Indian philosophy and value
education models like the one proposed in the Universal Human Values course), a human
being is understood as consisting of:
 The Body (Material aspect): The physical structure that requires nourishment,
protection, exercise, rest, etc.
 The Self ('I' or Conscious aspect): The conscious entity that feels, thinks, decides,
desires, and understands.
Harmony in myself means both the body and the self are functioning well together and
within themselves.
2. Harmony in the Self (Within 'I')
This is about clarity, peace, and right understanding within oneself. It includes:
 Right Understanding: Knowing the reality about myself, others, and the world
around.
 Right Feelings: Having positive emotions like trust, respect, affection, gratitude, care,
and love.
 Right Thoughts and Desires: Avoiding contradictions and confusion, and having
clarity in goals and values.

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Signs of disharmony in the self include:

 Conflict in thoughts and emotions.
 Stress, confusion, frustration, or fear.
 Desires driven by comparison, competition, or lack of clarity.
3. Harmony between the Self and the Body
 The self is the decision-maker, and the body is the instrument.
 When the self understands the needs of the body correctly (like food, rest, hygiene),
and fulfills them without excess or deprivation, it leads to physical health.
 When the body is maintained well, the self can function better (for thinking, learning,
relationships, etc.).
Example of disharmony: When one is mentally anxious (in the self), it can lead to physical
issues like insomnia, poor appetite, or fatigue.
4. Steps to Achieve Harmony in Myself
To experience harmony in oneself, one can practice:
 Self-reflection: Observing one's own thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
 Understanding natural acceptance: Recognizing what one truly wants—like
happiness, respect, love—rather than temporary pleasures.
 Maintaining health: Through proper food, exercise, and rest.
 Living with right understanding: Developing a worldview that includes universal
human values.
Conclusion
Harmony in myself means being internally peaceful, having clarity of thought and feeling,
taking care of the body properly, and living a life guided by right understanding and right
values. This internal harmony becomes the basis for harmonious relationships, work, and a
fulfilling life.

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Understanding Human Being as a Co-existence of the Sentient 'I' and the

Material 'Body':
The human being is a complex entity that can be understood as a co-existence of two distinct
yet interconnected aspects:
1. Two Aspects of the Human Being
a) The Sentient 'I' (Self / Consciousness)
 The 'I' is the conscious, living part of the human being.
 It is non-material, invisible, and aware.
 Functions of 'I':
o Desires: What we want or aspire to.
o Thoughts: Our ideas, reasoning, and judgments.
o Feelings: Emotions such as love, anger, fear, happiness, etc.
o Understanding: The ability to know and decide what is right or wrong.
b) The Material 'Body'
 The body is the physical, tangible, and material part.
 It consists of organs, cells, and biological systems.
 Needs of the body:
o Physical needs such as food, water, shelter, hygiene, exercise, rest.
o It requires nurturing and protection.
2. Characteristics of the 'I' and the Body
Aspect Sentient 'I' (Self) Material Body

Nature Conscious, non-material Physical, material

Visibility Invisible, intangible Visible, tangible

Needs Happiness, understanding, love Food, water, air, shelter

Functions Thinking, feeling, deciding Digestion, movement, etc.

Continuity Continuous (even in sleep) Has a limited lifespan

Instruments Uses the body to express itself Cannot function without 'I'

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Understanding the Needs of the Self (‘I’) and the Body – Happiness and
Physical Facility:
Human beings are a co-existence of the ‘Self’ (I) and the ‘Body’, and each has its own
distinct set of needs. Understanding these needs is essential for living a balanced and
harmonious life.
1. The Self (‘I’) – Sentient, Conscious Entity
Need of the Self: HAPPINESS
 The Self (I) needs intangible things such as:
o Happiness
o Peace
o Love
o Trust
o Respect
o Knowledge
o Justice
These are called qualitative needs because they relate to the state of being, not material
things.
Characteristics of the Needs of ‘I’:
Feature Description

Nature Non-material

Continuity Continuous (We want to be happy all the time)

Fulfillment Achieved through right understanding, right feelings, and right relationships

Satisfaction Depends on inner clarity, values, and mental peace

2. The Body – Material, Physical Entity

Need of the Body: PHYSICAL FACILITY
 The body requires tangible things such as:
o Food
o Water
o Clothing
o Shelter
o Exercise
o Medicine

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These are called material needs because they relate to physical survival and comfort.
Characteristics of the Needs of the Body:

Feature Description

Nature Material/Physical

Continuity Temporary/Periodic (e.g., we need food a few times a day, not constantly)

Fulfillment Met through physical means like food, healthcare, shelter, etc.

Satisfaction Achieved through proper care of the body

3. Key Differences Between Needs of ‘I’ and Body

Category Self (‘I’) Body
Type of Need Intangible / Qualitative Tangible / Material
Examples Happiness, love, trust Food, clothes, shelter
Mode of Fulfillment Right understanding & values Physical resources
Continuity Continuous (always desired) Temporary (time-bound)
Means of Fulfillment Mental, emotional, relational Material things
4. Common Mistake: Confusing the Two
Many people focus only on physical facilities, thinking they will lead to happiness. But:
 Physical facilities can only satisfy the body.
 Happiness is a need of the Self, and cannot be fulfilled by material possessions
alone.
This leads to overconsumption, stress, and dissatisfaction.
5. The Right Approach: Balance
To live meaningfully:
 Ensure physical needs are met adequately (not excessively).
 Prioritize mental and emotional well-being through:
o Self-reflection
o Relationships based on trust and respect
o Living with right understanding and values
Conclusion
True well-being comes from recognizing the distinct needs of the Self and the Body—
happiness for the Self and physical facilities for the Body. Fulfilling both in the right
proportion leads to a life of harmony, health, and fulfillment.

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Understanding the Body as an Instrument of ‘I’:

(‗I‘ as the Doer, Seer, and Enjoyer)
1. The ‘I’ and the Body Relationship
The human being is a co-existence of ‘I’ (Self) and the Body. In this relationship:
 ‘I’ is the conscious entity — the doer, seer, and enjoyer.
 The body is the instrument through which the ‗I‘ interacts with the world.
Roles of ‘I’:
Role Explanation

Doer ‗I‘ initiates actions (e.g., I decide to walk → body walks)

Seer ‗I‘ observes thoughts, feelings, and experiences (e.g., I observe pain or joy)

Enjoyer ‗I‘ experiences the outcomes (e.g., happiness from success, sadness from failure)

Example:
When you play cricket:
 ‗I‘ decides to play (doer)
 ‗I‘ watches the ball and movement (seer)
 ‗I‘ enjoys the game (enjoyer)
The body just performs as per instructions from the ‗I‘.
2. Body as an Instrument
Like a mobile is used by a person:
 The body is the medium.
 The ‘I’ operates the body, gives it direction and purpose.
If the ‘I‘ is clear the body works in alignment

If the ‘I’ is confused, the body may be misused (addictions, overwork, etc.).
3. Habits and Hobbies (Activity)
Habits
Habits are repeated actions that we do often without much thought.

Examples Self or Body Driven?

Brushing teeth Body (physical)

Negative thinking Self (‗I‘)

Exercising Body (but decided by ‗I‘)

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Reflection:
Are my habits helping me stay healthy and happy?
Which habits do I want to change?
Hobbies
Hobbies are activities we enjoy and do willingly.
They help relax the body and refresh the self.

Hobby Benefit

Reading Mental stimulation

Dancing Physical + emotional joy

Painting Creativity, peace

Reflection:
Do my hobbies give me genuine joy?
Do they promote harmony in myself?
4. Activity: SWOT Analysis of Myself
A SWOT analysis helps in self-assessment — knowing your Strengths, Weaknesses,
Opportunities, and Threats.
Here‘s a format you can use:
S – Strengths (Internal, Positive) W – Weaknesses (Internal, Negative)
e.g., Good at organizing tasks e.g., Procrastination
e.g., Empathetic and a good listener e.g., Easily distracted
O – Opportunities (External, Positive) T – Threats (External, Negative)
e.g., Supportive mentor e.g., Peer pressure, distractions
e.g., Access to learning resources e.g., Excessive use of social media

Purpose of the SWOT Activity:

 Understand your inner patterns (Self).
 Identify how to better use the body as an instrument.
 Work on self-improvement and right living.
Conclusion
Understanding the ‘I’ as the doer, seer, and enjoyer empowers us to:
 Use the body effectively and responsibly.
 Cultivate positive habits and meaningful hobbies.
 Reflect through SWOT analysis to grow as a person.

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Understanding the characteristics and activities of ‘I’ and harmony in ‘I’:

Understanding the characteristics and activities of ‘I’ and harmony in ‘I’ is a key aspect of
Human Values and Professional Ethics, especially in frameworks like the Universal Human
Values (UHV) curriculum. Here's a detailed explanation:
1. Understanding ‘I’
In this context, ‘I’ refers to the Self or the conscious entity—the one that thinks, feels, and
is aware. It is different from the body.
Key Characteristics of ‘I’ (The Self):
1. Consciousness: ‗I‘ is a sentient being; it is aware and has the power to perceive and
think.
2. Intention and Desire: It desires, imagines, and sets goals.
3. Knowing and Learning: ‗I‘ is capable of knowing, understanding, analyzing, and
evolving.
4. Continuous: Unlike the body, which is temporary, ‗I‘ is continuous (not limited by
age or physical change).
5. Non-material: It is not made of matter, and thus cannot be seen or touched like
physical objects.
2. Activities of ‘I’
The activities of ‗I‘ can be categorized into three main domains:

Activity Description Example

Desire (Ichchha) Aspiration or wanting Wanting happiness, respect, knowledge

Thought (Vichar) Thinking, analyzing, imagining Reflecting on a situation or future

Expectation Setting preferences or making
Choosing honesty over lying
(Asha) choices
These are internal activities and differ from physical activities (like walking or eating) which
are done by the body.
3. Harmony in ‘I’
Harmony in ‗I‘ means that the thoughts, desires, and expectations of the self are clear,
consistent, and aligned with its true nature.
Signs of Harmony in ‘I’:
 Clarity in goals: Knowing what one truly wants.
 Peacefulness: A calm and stable mind.
 Right understanding: Making decisions based on truth and reality.
 Happiness and Satisfaction: Experiencing inner joy and contentment.
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Lack of Harmony in ‘I’ leads to:

 Conflict and confusion within the self
 Stress, anxiety, and dissatisfaction
 Wrong choices and unfulfilling actions
Achieving Harmony in ‘I’
 Self-exploration: Reflecting on one‘s own thoughts and desires.
 Right understanding: Realizing the truth about self, relationships, and nature.
 Values alignment: Aligning desires with humane values like trust, respect, and
justice.
Summary
Aspect Description

‘I’ The conscious self, not the body

Characteristics Aware, non-material, continuous

Activities Desire, Thought, Expectation

Harmony in ‘I’ Alignment of thoughts, desires, and expectations

Result of Harmony Peace, clarity, happiness, right conduct

Understanding the harmony of I with the Body: Sanyam and Health;

correct appraisal of Physical needs, meaning of Prosperity in detail:
Understanding the harmony of ‘I’ with the Body is essential in developing a holistic
understanding of human well-being. In the context of Universal Human Values, this
involves the concepts of Sanyam (self-regulation), Health, Correct Appraisal of Physical
Needs, and Meaning of Prosperity.
Harmony of ‘I’ with the Body
‘I’ (Self) and the Body are Two Distinct Entities:

‘I’ (Self) Body

Conscious (understands, thinks, feels) Physical (biological entity)

Desires, thinks, and makes decisions Executes physical actions

Needs understanding and happiness Needs food, clothing, shelter, etc.

For harmony, ‘I’ must take responsibility to ensure the well-being of the body through
right understanding and self-discipline.

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2. Sanyam and Health

Sanyam (Self-Regulation)
 Definition: Sanyam means having the right understanding and feelings in the self,
which leads to correct conduct towards the body.
 It involves:
o Understanding physical needs correctly.
o Avoiding overindulgence or neglect.
o Using the body responsibly and respectfully.
Sanyam = Harmony in ‘I’ = Right conduct toward body = Health
Health
 Definition: Health is the state of the body where all parts function in harmony.
 Holistic health is achieved when:
o The body is physically fit.
o The ‘I’ is in harmony (no stress, confusion, or conflict).
o The self takes care of the body through proper food, rest, and exercise.
3. Correct Appraisal of Physical Needs
What are Physical Needs?
 These are needs of the body, like:
o Food
o Clothing
o Shelter
o Hygiene
o Exercise
o Sleep
Characteristics of Physical Needs:
Property Physical Needs

Quantifiable Have limits (e.g., how much food you need)

Temporary Must be met repeatedly (daily meals, rest, etc.)

Can be assessed objectively Based on bodily requirement

Fulfilled through physical things Like food, clothing, tools, etc.

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Problems in Misunderstanding Needs:

 Overestimation leads to greed, hoarding, stress.
 Underestimation leads to neglect, weakness, disease.
4. Meaning of Prosperity
Prosperity = Feeling of having more than enough physical facilities
Two Key Components:
1. Right Identification of Needs:
o Know what you actually need (not unlimited wants).
o Avoid consumerism and blind accumulation.
2. Ensuring Availability:
o Have the means to fulfill physical needs for yourself and your family.
Prosperity is NOT:
 Having unlimited wealth or luxuries.
 Competing or comparing with others.
Prosperity vs. Wealth

Aspect Prosperity Wealth

Based on Right understanding Material accumulation

Experience Contentment and peace Insecurity, comparison

Result Satisfaction, sharing Greed, exploitation

Summary

Concept Explanation

‘I’ and Body Two distinct entities that need to work in harmony

Sanyam Self-regulation leading to right care of the body

Health State of physical well-being through right lifestyle

Physical Needs Limited, quantifiable, and must be rightly understood

Prosperity Feeling of having enough physical facilities with right understanding

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Programs to ensureSanyam and Health:

To ensure Sanyam (self-regulation) and Health (well-being of the body), certain conscious
programs and practices can be adopted. These programs help the Self (‘I’) to maintain
harmony with the body by making mindful choices and building a disciplined lifestyle.
1. Practices to Ensure Sanyam (Self-Regulation)
Sanyam is developed through right understanding, self-awareness, and responsible living.
Programs to ensure Sanyam include:
a) Self-Exploration and Self-Reflection
 Daily introspection: ―What do I really need?‖ vs. ―What am I desiring?‖
 Journaling thoughts, desires, and decisions.
 Recognizing the difference between needs and wants.
b) Value Education and Ethical Training
 Participating in Universal Human Values (UHV) sessions.
 Studying human behavior, emotions, and relationships.
 Reflecting on the impact of one‘s actions on self and society.
c) Mindfulness and Meditation
 Practices like meditation or focused breathing to calm the mind.
 Enhances awareness of thoughts and promotes mental balance.
d) Living with Simplicity
 Practicing contentment, reducing unnecessary consumption.
 Choosing minimalism and need-based living.
2. Programs to Ensure Health (Well-being of the Body)
The body functions well when its needs are met regularly and appropriately. Programs to
ensure health include:
a) Balanced Diet and Proper Nutrition
 Eating fresh, healthy, seasonal food.
 Avoiding junk/processed food.
 Eating at regular intervals and in appropriate quantities.
b) Regular Physical Exercise
 Engaging in daily activities like:
o Walking, yoga, stretching
o Playing sports or outdoor games
 Maintaining flexibility, strength, and stamina.

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c) Adequate Rest and Sleep

 Ensuring 6–8 hours of restful sleep.
 Taking short breaks during work/study hours.
d) Personal Hygiene and Cleanliness
 Regular bathing, clean clothes, brushing teeth, handwashing, etc.
 Maintaining a clean home and work environment.
e) Avoiding Addictions and Harmful Substances
 Saying no to tobacco, alcohol, drugs, etc.
 Choosing a healthy lifestyle that promotes long-term well-being.
3. Integrative Programs for Both Sanyam and Health
Program Contribution to Sanyam Contribution to Health
Yoga and Builds self-discipline, Improves flexibility, breathing,
Pranayama awareness digestion
Enhances mental clarity,
Meditation Reduces stress, improves immunity
emotional control
Promotes harmony with
Nature Walks/Gardening Physical activity, mental relaxation
nature
Routine and Discipline Builds a habit of regulation Keeps body systems in sync
Fosters empathy and Builds mental satisfaction and social
Community Service
responsibility bonding
Summary
Type Examples

Mental Programs (Sanyam) Meditation, self-reflection, value education

Physical Programs (Health) Exercise, balanced diet, hygiene, rest

Combined Programs Yoga, mindfulness, disciplined lifestyle, nature connection

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