Book Title: World of Philosophy
Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan
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In the overall assessment, the situation is complex indeed. The individualism with 'me first' characteristics and new moral concerns can turn in any way. I have argued in sufficient details above that the perspective has to change and reach near the Gandhian perspective. For regulating individual behaviour and cultivating love force he suggested eleven vows that an individual must resolve and practice. In the context of Indian struggle for independence he had suggested the following resolves.
Truth Non violence Non stealing Non Acquisitive Brahmacharya (detachment) Control over palate Self reliance Bread labour Fearlessness Removal of untouchability
Respect for all religions The first five vows are very well-known Yam Niyams, principles to be strictly followed for spiritual development. Along with striving for truth and non-violence Asteya- non-stealing, Aparigraha - being trustee to wealth and accepting voluntary poverty, Bread labour for living and in interacting with others at micro level would answer main problems relating to insatiable aggregate demand, monopolistic practices, abnormal profit appropriation and ecological disasters. This Gandhian model of individual behaviour has greatest potential to bring a socioeconomic order that in turn has better potential for moving towards sustainable societies.
These core values for self regulation are age old and part of the India's heritage and Gandhi found them very relevant for the modern day human development. Thus India and Gandhi have left with humanity a rich heritage that would help in building a human and sustainable society.
One wonders why the world is so hesitant to consider the 'Gandhian Way'!
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