Objective: To acquaint ourselves with some seminal concepts in integralism and how this cross-cultural development also cuts across disciplines - philosophy, education, psychology, science, yoga - indeed, integral growth dynamics is international in scope and perspective.

 

Rationale: In times of great tension, mounting stress, integration and unification are paramount on many levels, therefore, a more holistic approach with integral methodology and research are direly needed toward a more harmonious, creative Gestalt; thus enhancing optimum growth and development, a safer, happier, more prosperous and peaceful world, the sine qua non.

 

An East-West Synthesis: Integral or Purna Yoga (Skt.) is a method whereby realization can be hastened through practice, i.e., a higher level of consciousness or being can be attained through certain spiritual exercises or techniques (askesis). This nondual philosophy was developed in the East by Sri Aurobindo, a mystic-philosopher and a contemporary of Teilhard de Chardin. While Teilhard (Omega point, cosmic sense, Christ consciousness, involution precedes evolution), the eminent French philosopher and Jesuit, was a scientist or paleontologist; Aurobindo, on the other hand, was a poet, an extraordinary Indian sage and a yogi of the highest stature (Avatara). His magnum opus is Life Divine in which he delineates the future evolution of man through a synthesis of yoga, namely, bhakti - jnana - karma yogas... This is the blending of the emotional - intellectual - volitional aspects of man's nature as an ontopsychosomatic (body - mind - spirit) entity or continuum. In other words, this fuses and integrates the cognitive - affective - psychomotor domains with Being. Integral Yoga is, therefore, a grand synthesis of Jnana Yoga (intellectual path) - Bhakti (heart, devotional) and Karma (volitional, 'right' action), or a creative, dynamic synthesis - Integral Yoga.

 

Perennial Philosophy: - Professor Paulo Freire, the most distinguished educator in the Third World from Brazil who was undergoing 'dialogue' for critical consciousness in Africa (Pedagogy in Process), (previously, Dr. Freire, had been working in Brazil and Chile awakening consciousness through conscientizacion), demonstrating that through praxis (reflection-and-action) one can critically transform one's self, one's reality. Freire's major work, Pedagogy of the Oppressed, is a classic in terms of the quest that takes place in all societies till finally individuals here and there become liberated and in the plenitude of the praxis are fulfilled, filled to the brim with meaning, with a poignant kind of hope toward resolving the oppressor-oppressed dichotomy (which according to Freire, are both housed in each of us). Futility and hopelessness need not be the keynote if through courage and determination we become creators, capable of bringing about meaningful, productive change in one's self and others.

 

Praxis-Oriented Objectives: One's objectives (life goals) can be more productively realized, reified (materialized into definite content) as ever-increasingly meaningful goals are formulated...for instance, success - empowerment - happiness are all but a by-product of meaningful goals directed toward objectives that are 'praxis oriented' (reflection + action = transformation)...therefore, meaningful goals lead to increased proficiency (competence, skill) or realization of one's objective(s), one's potential (in posse (possibility) -> in esse (Essence, Presence)...

 

 

- (Dr. Haridas Chaudhuri, The Evolution of Integral Consciousness)