World of Philosophy

Author(s): Christopher Key Chapple, Intaj Malek, Dilip Charan, Sunanda Shastri, Prashant Dave
Publisher: Shanti Prakashan

Page 266

rise up and strive.12 So all these three aspects, through distinct, are to be integrally united.
VII
After having discussed the traditional Indian view of life and the way to realize the same, we may briefly refer to the relationship between individual and society. The Indian thinkers always try to avoid the extremes of individualism and totalitarianism and emphasise a middle position13. They entertain no incompatibility between the individual and the society and advocate a harmonious relationship between the two. The society is conceived of as a whole comprising the multiplicity of individuals as its parts. The society expresses itself only in and through the individuals and the individuals, in turn, derive their being and living only from the society. The two are regarded to have organicismic relation and mutual appreciation.
VIII
The organicismic relation, which binds the individual and the soci ety, is also regarded to be the characteristic of the relation between the individual and nature. Individual being exists in and through the nature and nature provides the needed nourishment to it. Nature has instrumental value because of its benevolence in serving us in infinite ways selflessly. But it is also an object of worship and devotion for the same reason.14 The Svetasvatara upanisad's declares, Ajamekam lohita sukla krsuam bahavi praja srjamanam namamali i.e. "we salute the nature which is unborn, uniform, having the triple hues of red, white and black and who is the procreator of multiple offsprings" So we have to respect and love nature by maintaining its cleanliness and by preserving its purity. The usability of nature should not be misunderstood as misuse of nature otherwise as a consequence it will lead to environmental pollution and ecological imbalance. Nature helps us only if we help nature. Of course, nature allows us to transform it but this also has to be done in accordance with the laws of nature. This is the approach to nature, which has been handed down to us by the Vedic thinkers.
IX
No account of Indian culture can be complete without a reference to traditional Indian scheme of education. The ancient Indian system of education is theoretically most compact and sound and practically it is most viable and useful. Its theoretical worth is on account of its broad, comprehensive and healthy vision with regard to the nature and destiny of human beings and the cosmos in their inter-relationship. Its practical utility is due to its flexibility to suit the needs and requirements of different ages and societies. It only provides a broad format to which content can be provided as per the requirements. Herein lies its perenniality and eternal relevance. Just
217