1 Explain why it is essential to study about nature.
We saw that the basic human desire is for happiness, prosperity and its continuity. We explored our
natural acceptance and we came to understand that the meaning of happiness is to be in a state of
harmony. Therefore, in order to ensure the continuity of happiness (harmony) we need to understand
the harmony not only within us, but also at all levels of our being – the individual, the family, the society
and nature/existence.
Once we understand this harmony, we can live in harmony at all these four levels. So far, we have been
able to explore the harmony of the first three – harmony in human being, harmony in family and
harmony in society. We have seen that our natural acceptance is for living in harmony as an individual,
in a family and in society.
Now the question is – “Is it possible to live in harmony at these three levels?” Of course, there is a
desire for it; we have the natural acceptance for it – but is it possible? Does nature provide such an
opportunity, such a possibility? In other words, “Is there provision in nature, in existence, for living in
accordance with our natural acceptance? Is it possible to live in harmony as an individual, as a family, as
a society, in nature and ultimately in the whole existence?” What do you feel – is interconnectedness,
harmony and mutual fulfilment inherent in nature? or is the design of nature/ existence by way of
opposition, struggle and survival of the fittest? If nature and existence is in the form of
interconnectedness and mutual fulfilment, only then it will be possible for us to live in harmony at all
levels of human living. On the other hand, if nature is by way of opposition, by struggle, we are bound to
face opposition and struggle. In this chapter, we will explore the basic underlying design of nature. We
will explore to see whether it is harmony or disharmony, order or chaos.
2. List the four orders in nature with examples of units in each order. What is the basis of this
classification?
1. Physical order – this includes units like air, water, metal and so on.
2. Bio order – this includes grass, plants, trees, etc.
3. Animal order – this includes animals and birds.
4. Human order – this includes human being.
It is relevant to classify the units based on their common intrinsic properties. These innumerable units
can all be classified into just four definite orders. This is a very important point, because if we can
understand the basic properties of each of these four orders, we can understand the properties of all
the units in nature. Similarly, if we can understand the interaction between few units of each order, we
can understand the interconnectedness amongst all the units. This is what we intend to do
3. Units in nature, other than human beings without right understanding, are interconnected in a
relationship of mutual fulfilment. Examine this statement with a few examples.
4. Why is the human order, by and large, not mutuallly fulfilling for any of the four orders? Is your
natural acceptance to be fulfilling for all four orders? What does human being need to do to be
mutually fulfilling for each of the four orders?
We can use solar power and plant-based fuels in place of petroleum and coal. There are many efforts in
this direction now. In chapter 9, we had mentioned that wood from four full-grown trees could suffice
for fulfilling all the needs of one human being in terms of wood. There are many examples of single
individuals regenerating entire forests! Each of us can plant many more than four trees in a lifetime,
isn’t it? By maintaining adequate forest and grassland, we can ensure a conducive environment for the
birds and animals also. Like that, we can play the role of being fulfilling for all orders. For that we have to
understand nature, understand the four orders which is what we intend to do next.
5. Processes in nature are cyclic and mutually enriching. Explain this statement with three examples.
6. The four orders in nature have been classified on the basis of their distinct activity, innateness,
natural characteristics and inheritance. Explain with one example for each order
Read from class notes and write in own words
7. With the clarity of the natural characteristic, how would you interact with units of each of the four
orders?
Same as above readings
8. Give some examples of units that only have the activity of recognising and fulfilling. Also give
examples of units that have the activity of assuming, recognising and fulfilling. What is the basic
difference between these two sets of units?
Readings from above
9. Describe the abundance in the nature. How is human order dependent on the other three orders?
