AKTU Understanding Human Being, Nature and Existence Comprehensively (MNHV401) Syllabus PDF – B.Tech Minor Degree in Universal Human Values

Course Objectives

• To help the students develop clarity about human being, human aspirations and their fulfilment through all-encompassing resolution.
• To facilitate the competence to understand the harmony in nature/existence and participation of human being in the nature/existence.
• To help the students develop the understanding of human tradition and its various components. Course Methodology 1.The methodology of this course is explorational and thus universally adaptable. It involves a systematic and rational study of the human being vis-à-vis the rest of existence. 2.It is free from any dogma or set of dos and don’ts related to values. 3.It is a process of self-investigation and self-exploration, and not of giving sermons. Whatever is found as truth or reality is stated as a proposal and the students are facilitated and encouraged to verify it in their own right, based on their Natural Acceptance and subsequent Experiential Validation. 4.This process of self-exploration takes the form of a dialogue between the teacher and the students to begin with, and then to continue within the student leading to continuous self-evolution. 5.This self-exploration also enables them to critically evaluate their pre-conditionings and present beliefs. The students are able to learn that human being is co-existence of self and body in the foundation course. They are also able to learn about the four orders of nature and all-pervading space in the course. They need to further understand that self is central to human existence, being the knower, doer and experience, and co-existence is central to existence. In this course, the students get an in-depth understanding of the human being, the existence and the role of human being in the existence ensuring an all- encompassing resolution and holistic way of living. Course Syllabus

Unit 1: Introduction-Basic Human Aspiration, its fulfilment through All- encompassing

Resolution The basic human aspirations and their fulfilment through Right understanding and Resolution, Right understanding and Resolution are the activities of the Self, Self is central to Human Existence; All-encompassing Resolution for a Human Being, its details and solution of problems in the light of Resolution.

Unit 2: Right Understanding (Knowing)- Knower, Known & the Process

The domain of right understanding starts from understanding the human being (the knower, the experiencer and the doer); and extends up to understanding nature/existence – its interconnectedness and co-existence; and finally understanding the role of human being in existence (human conduct).

Unit 3: Understanding Human Being

Understanding the human being comprehensively is the first step and the core theme of this course; human being as co-existence of the self and the body; the activities and potentialities of the self; Reasons for harmony/contradiction in the self.

Unit 4: Understanding Existence (including Nature)

A comprehensive understanding (knowledge) about the existence, which certainly includes the Nature. The need and the process of inner evolution (through self- exploration, self-awareness and self-evaluation)- particularly awakening to activities of the Self: Realization, Understanding and Contemplation in the Self (Realization of Co- Existence, Understanding of Harmony in Nature and Contemplation of Participation of Human in this harmony/ order leading to comprehensive knowledge about the existence).

Unit 5: Understanding Human Conduct, All-encompassing Resolution and Holistic Way

of Living Understanding different aspects of All-encompassing Resolution (understanding, wisdom, science etc.), Holistic way of living for Human Being with All-encompassing Resolution covering all four dimensions of human endeavour viz., realization, thought, behaviour and work (participation in the larger order) leading to harmony at all levels from self to Nature and entire Existence, ultimately, leading to a Humane Society and Human Tradition.

Reference Books

1.A Foundation Course in Human Values and Professional Ethics, R R Gaur, R Asthana, G P Bagaria, 2nd Revised Edition, Excel Books, New Delhi, 2019. ISBN 978-93-87034-47-1 2.AvartansheelArthshastra, A. Nagraj, Divya Path Sansthan, Amarkantak, India 3.Economy of Permanence – (a quest for social order based on non-violence), J. C. Kumarappa (2010), Sarva-Seva-Sangh-Prakashan, Varansi, India 4.Energy and Equity, Ivan Illich (1974), The Trinity Press, Worcester & Harper Collins, USA 5.IshadiNauUpnishad, Shankaracharya, Geeta press, Gorakhpur, 6.ManavVyavaharDarshan, A. Nagraj, Divya Path Sansthan, Amarkantak, India 7.ManaviyaSamvidhan, A. Nagraj, Divya Path Sansthan, Amarkantak, India 8.MahasatipatthanSutta, S N Goenka, Vipassana Research Institute, First Edition, 1996. 9.Small Is Beautiful: A Study of Economics as if People Mattered, E. F. Schumacher, 1973, Blond & Briggs, UK 10.Slow is Beautiful, Cecile Andrews http://www.newsociety.com/Books/S/Slow-is- Beautiful) 11.Science & Humanism – towards a unified worldview, P. L. Dhar& R. R. Gaur (1990), Commonwealth Publishers, New Delhi 12.Sanchian Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, ShiromaniGurdwaraParbhandhak Committee, 2001 13.SamanSuttam, JinendraVarni ,1974. 14.VyavaharvadiSamajshastra, A. Nagraj, Divya Path Sansthan, Amarkantak, India 15.VyavahatmakJanvad, A. Nagraj, Divya Path Sansthan, Amarkantak, India.

Mode of Evaluation Based on participation of student in classroom discussions/Self-assessment/Peer assessment/Assignments/ Seminar/Continuous Assessment Test/Semester End Exam Socially relevant project/Group Activities/Assignments may be given importance in this course

Course Outcomes

At the end of the course, the students will be able to

1. Develop clarity about human aspirations and their fulfilment through all- encompassing resolution
2. Evaluate the significance of right understanding for a happy and prosperous life
3. Distinguish between self and body, and formulate the role of self in the day-to- day activities of a human being
4. Examine the participation of human being in ensuring harmony in the family, society, nature and existence
5. Formulate the holistic way of living leading to human tradition with its various components ********