Problems of Modern Life-Style
To specify the task of "SCIENCE OF LIVING" first of
all let us identify the basic and burning problems of modern style of
living all the world over. The Science of Living is evolved in such
a way that everyone who would learn or master it will be able to accept
the challenges met with in his individual as well as social life, national
or international affairs. We may enlist them here in brief
(1) TENSION - Physical, mental, emotional
(2) HEALTH PROBLEMS - Physical, mental and emotional
diseases (including psychosomatic disorders)
(3) ECOLOGICAL POLLUTION/RUPTURE IN OZONE LAYER
(4) DISTURBED FAMILY RELATIONS
(5) VIOLENCE AND CRUELTY
(6) CORRUPTION / DISHONESTY / IMMORALITY
(7) DRUG-ADDICTION
(8) NEGLECT OF LAW & ORDER AND ETHICAL, MORAL AND SOCIAL
DISCIPLINE
(9) ARMAMENTS/NUCLEAR WEAPONS (MILITARISM)
(10) EXPLOITATION
Lest the list become endless, we shall confine ourselves
only to the acute/major problems besetting the human race.
After identification of these problems, we have to reflect
on their causes. The following seem to be the main culprits in creating
these problems :
(a) Degeneration of faith in basic values of life.
(b) Utter materialistic outlook.
(c) Excessive proclivity for ease and comfort.
(d) Hedonistic tendencies / Neo-culture sensualisrn.
(e) Unbridled desires / cravings / ambitions.
(f) Lack of compassion and spirit of service.
(g) Lack of self-discipline / self-control.
(h) Excessive greed / Possessiveness / Acquisitiveness
Money-mindedness.
(i) Utter selfishness.
(j) Over-industrialization.
(k) Over-urbanization.
(1) Over-population.
(m) Over-busy life (time-stress).
There are some fundamental causes responsible for the above
:
(1) Distortion of neuro-endocrine system.
(2) Lack of value-education.
(3) Unbalanced educational system; input is incomplete;
there is merely preaching-oriented education (without the practical
technique for attitudinal change and behavioural modification).
(4) Enfeebling of innate vital force (Prana),
resulting in the weakening of will-power and tolerance.
Science of Living is a solution
to all these problems. It is a happy blending of ancient and modern
sciences, or, in other words, the synthesis of the ancient wisdom and the
modern scientific knowledge for developing an integrated personality
through attitudinal change and behavioural modification. It is a positive
resolve for creating a healthy human society - healthy in all respects
physically, mentally and emotionally. It is a technique of training people
from al1 walks of life in awakening of innate powers. It is useful for
various departments of public administration including all government
agencies. The widest application of the Science of Living is in the
field of education, both formal and informal. Here we shall discuss the
Science of Living as an innovation in the field of education hitherto
unconcieved.
It is obvious that the main purpose of education should be
character-development, mental equilibrium and peace of mind. Alas, this
purpose has been entirely ignored by the educationists. The present system
of education does possess elements which are efficient enough to develop
the intellect and talent potential. If this was not so, how could it have
produced scientists, engineers and doctors? But, inspite of becoming an
expert in one's respective field by education, one does suffer from
enormous mental tensions, because he has not been taught how to relax. A
very learned person may be full of psychological distortions such as
cruelty, retaliation etc. We may be surprised when a talented scientist
commits suicide, say under the unbearable stress of jealousy or
despondency. We would be justified in asking: Did this highly educated
person not learn to maintain emotional equilibrium during stress condition
? Does our educational system contribute anything at all to prepare the
future citizen to learn to relax and maintain mental equilibrium and peace
under the present stressful conditions ? It is abundantly clear that we
shall have to supplement and enrich the present system with such training
that can reinforce the student's reasoning mind, increase his capacity for
bearing stress instead of buckling down, and help him to subdue fear,
hatred, jealousy and lust.
Man's mental attitude is the base for his behavioural
pattern. All attitudes can be grouped under two categories - positive and
negative. Modern psychology has analysed various attitudes and the
following table gives both types of attitudinal activators with their
corresponding results :
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