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Human life is the most beautiful expression of nature!
What is human life? What does it mean to be human? Does it necessarily mean taking responsibilities? I have read many theories on this, but I want to know your thoughts.
Dr. Shailendra Singh
This is a deep question that requires more space for elucidation, but I will try and be pithy in articulating my thoughts. You have rightly pointed out that there are many theories that attempt to answer this question.
An evolutionary theorist would describe human life as the pinnacle of evolution.
Some may describe it as the most beautiful expression of nature. Others might sneer at both these thoughts and argue that humans have done everything possible to dispute both these notions, that we are neither evolved, nor beautiful. My take is a reconciliation of the first two thoughts.
To me, human life is about having the “potential” to be the pinnacle of evolution and the most beautiful expression of nature. We can be that and more, provided we understand what it means to be human through contemplation and reflection. Being human is about figuring out your “swadharma” as I have explained previously in this column. Being human is about following the norms of humanity, which have been laid down in many philosophies. I would talk about one such philosophy that I have read in greater details than others, the Vedic philosophy.
Being human is about having these ten characteristics: Patience, forgiveness, control over mind, non-covetousness, physical and spiritual cleanliness, control over sensory organs, wisdom, knowledge seeking attitude, integrity, and control over anger. These attributes separate us from other beings because they help us in developing our conscience by understanding ourselves, our purpose in life, and thus by extension, our responsibility toward the rest of the universe.
While most of these characteristics are selfexplanatory, I will bring out the essence of each of them. Patience includes the virtue of grit and perseverance within it. Forgiveness exhorts us to focus on the issues at hand while forgiving the people (letting go of hate). Control over mind alludes to controlling desires and equanimity in the face of both success and failure in life. Non-covetousness is about being detached, the ability to be passionate without being attached to the fruits of your passion. Physical and spiritual cleanliness lays emphasis on preparing your body so that a healthy mind can reside inside it, as well as purification of the soul through introspection. Control over sense organs refers to not giving in to sensory pleasures and to curb greed. Wisdom teaches us to practice what we preach and use our discretion to differentiate between the right and the wrong. Knowledge seeking attitude points out to our boundless capacity to learn and thus, our responsibility to better tomorrow as compared to today in multiple ways, constantly evolving. Integrity alludes to the alignment and consonance of good thoughts, good words and good deeds, laying out the foundations of a good character. Control over anger reinforces our need to understand our attachments and address them, propounding the philosophy of “Nishkaam Karma”, something that I personally swear by.
Thus, being human has meaning only in so far as the humans follow what it takes to be a human and thus realize their true potential, which comes with its fair share of responsibility.
Have any questions about life, management, philosophy, education, literature, yoga, mountaineering in India, or psychological issues or all of these? Ask Himanshu Rai. He is the Director at IIM Indore, an author, mountaineer, yoga enthusiast and a Sanskrit scholar. Mail at askhimanshu@htlive.com .
Disclaimer: The responses in this column given by me are based on my learnings and experience. They should, by no means, be taken as a substitute for medical/ professional help