Wholesomeness

The idea of wholesomeness can be described in the following dimensions:

1.       The Present is filled with “connections” – No object/ situation/ person/ aspect/ idea/ experience/ thought is isolated. This means, our mind has the capacity to expand and include everything that seems to affect the present situation. Connections also mean dependence and inter-relationships of variables. By changing one variable, the entire ‘pattern’ of the situation would change. In fact, wholesomeness of the Present situation can be said as one ‘pattern’ of understanding the situation itself. Think of a person, a mango tree, a cloud, a white colour, water – anything….can it be seen as a ‘pattern’?

2.       The Present has a relation with the Past and will have a relation with the Future in some ways – Herein, we are acknowledging the influences, transformative forces, adaptations, changes, constants, the upward and downward tendencies of the phenomenon that we encounter at the present. Hence, a “person” can be understood as ‘pattern’ coming from the influences of other people (family/ forefathers etc.) and taking a decision to move ahead. The idea of ‘Indian’ history is an idea of pattern – a phenomenon that may repeat in different versions in the Present and in the Future. Thus, the link of Past-Present-Future can’t be ignored. It is intrinsic and hence our responses to the Future need to take into account the ‘pattern’ that is related to many dimensions of influences. Fundamentally, the pattern is about our mind – to dissect, reflect, conceive, decide – It faces all dilemmas and challenges that It had faced centuries ago and it will face similar dilemmas, even though technology may seem to move ahead. Being aware of how our mind works (Mahabharat and Ramayan are very good illustrations for showing this) may help us to take appropriate decisions when the need arises.

3.       Layering – With each passage of time, we respond to the earlier influences and try to make something of our own – so we ‘add’ to the previous domain of knowledge and this is subsequently transferred to the next generation to further ‘add’. Hence, we are responsible for the kind of Future we create for others. This is what legacy is all about and this is what great people do – their ideas live beyond their life span. Thus, several meanings are added in the act of creation to form a product. In other words, a product or a space may have imbibed several layers of meanings coming from the Past. Great architecture has that spirit.

Some conclusions regarding the above world view would be:

a)      We are connected to the web of life – like an ecosystem. We must exhibit empathy to all aspects of creations. In the eyes of the Creator – the ant and the human being are just as precious and are just as inter connected.

b)      Ideas (and the greatest of ideas) belong to no one (in terms of taking credit or defining copyright etc.) and they are to be inherited by all. If we can digest this attitude, it will make a sea change in the way we see eachother and we look at other forms of creations. There is no absolute concept of ‘you’ and ‘mine’ – there are no boundaries (which limit you from the other).  That is, the boundary has extended infinitely to such an extent, that there is no need for it to contain anything ‘within’ and ‘without’! Fundamental ideas/ concerns/ responses are of this nature – they are not limited to a nationality or class or age or gender.

c)       Can this state of mind be achieved? We don’t know. But, we can take the effort of expanding our minds. The greatest challenge to face is our own identification with our thoughts – fears, anxieties, emotions, anything that may restrict our potential to be ‘free’ in the truest sense.

d)      All exists ‘in’ us……Experience this!