Introduction
The nature of human existence is a fascinating subject that has been contemplated by philosophers, scientists, and scholars throughout history. One thought-provoking perspective is that the human being is the co-existence of the Self and Body. This concept suggests that the essence of being human lies in the intricate relationship between our inner self, encompassing our thoughts, emotions, and consciousness, and our physical body. In this article, we will delve into this statement and explore the profound implications it holds for understanding human nature and experience.
Understanding the Self and Body
To comprehend the co-existence of the Self and the Body, we must first define these two fundamental aspects of human existence. The Self refers to the subjective experience of one’s own identity, encompassing thoughts, beliefs, desires, and emotions. It is the essence of our individuality, our sense of “I.” On the other hand, the Body represents the physical vessel through which the Self interacts with the external world. It includes our biological functions, sensory perceptions, and the tangible manifestation of our being.
The Needs of the Self and the Body
Self-regulation refers to the ability to control and manage one’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in a way that aligns with personal goals, values, and social norms. It involves exercising self-control, discipline, and adaptability in various situations.
Needs of Self
The needs of self refer to the psychological and emotional requirements of an individual, such as the need for self-expression, personal growth, autonomy, and fulfillment. These needs are subjective and vary from person to person. Meeting the needs of self involves understanding and addressing one’s desires, aspirations, and overall well-being.
Needs of the Body
On the other hand, the needs of the body refer to the physical requirements for survival and well-being, such as food, water, rest, exercise, and shelter. These needs are essential for maintaining good health and functioning optimally.
While the needs of self and the body are interconnected and influence each other, they are distinct in nature. The needs of self encompass a broader range of emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects, whereas the needs of the body are primarily focused on physiological requirements. Achieving a balance between the needs of self and the body is essential for overall well-being. It involves recognizing and addressing both sets of needs to lead a fulfilling and healthy life. Neglecting either set of needs can lead to dissatisfaction, stress, or negative impacts on physical and mental health. Therefore, self-regulation plays a vital role in managing and prioritizing these needs effectively, ensuring that both the needs of self and the body are met in a harmonious manner.
Human being wants to live with continuous happiness and prosperity and this is possible by ensuring right understanding, fulfillment in relationship and physical facility in the correct priority. This is living with ‘human consciousness’.
On the other hand, if one is living for physical facility alone, and not ensuring right understanding and right feeling in relationship, s(he) feels unhappy and makes others unhappy too. This is one outcome.
The other outcome is that if the right understanding is missing, one is not able to identify the need for physical facility. Now, if we are not able to identify our need for physical facility then regardless of how much physical facility we accumulate, we never feel that we have enough. We keep wanting more. This feeling of not having enough is the feeling of deprivation. As a result, one is deprived, exploiting and depriving others.
While physical facility alone may suffice for animals, it is not adequate for human being to be fulfilled. Under this condition, one is living with ‘animal consciousness’.
There are generally two kinds of people today:
1. Those lacking physical facility, unhappy and deprived
2. Those having physical facility, and yet unhappy and deprived