Extracted Notes from PowerPoint
Slide 1
Hello learners! In today's session, "Let us learn to Understand Harmony: What Makes a
Human Being?
Slide 2
Hello Learners,In this session, we are going to explore what makes a human being complete
and how harmony can be achieved by recognising the relationship between the body and
the self. A human being is not just a physical form but a blend of physical needs and
conscious experiences. Knowing this helps in maintaining balance and making meaningful
choices in life.
Slide 3
At the end of this session, you will be able to:• Describe the components that form a human
being• Explain the idea of co-existence of the body and the self• Distinguish between the
needs of the body and the needs of the self• Highlight the importance of maintaining
harmony between the body and the self
Slide 4
Let us understand that a holistic view of a human being embraces all dimensions of life. This
approach integrates body, mind, emotions, relationships, and spirit, acknowledging the full
complexity of human experience. It moves beyond treating people as only physical or
economic units and honours their inner depth.A holistic lens sees individuals beyond
physical or economic measures, focusing instead on their identity, beliefs, and aspirations.
Recognising inner needs, values, and purpose helps explain how people find direction and
meaning in everyday [Link] this understanding, we see that well-being arises from
nurturing all dimensions—not just physical health, but also mental clarity, emotional
steadiness, social bonds, and spiritual growth. Each element contributes to
[Link], this view also promotes balanced living and lasting fulfilment by
encouraging individuals to care for all aspects of themselves. If one area is neglected, it can
affect the [Link] embracing the whole person, this perspective builds a deeper
foundation for happiness, helping individuals live with alignment, resilience, and meaning
across all areas of life.
Slide 5
Let us understand the Physical Dimension, This ncompasses the tangible, biological aspects
of a person. This dimension primarily covers tangible and biological aspects such as the
body’s structure, organs, and physiological processes. It includes health and physical
abilities, which refer to one’s strength, flexibility, stamina, and overall bodily
[Link] physical dimension also involves interaction with environment, meaning
how a person engages with and responds to the external world through movement, sensory
perception, and physical activity. This interaction affects health and well-being [Link]
maintain this dimension effectively, nutrition, exercise, rest maintain health. Proper
nutrition supplies essential nutrients required for bodily functions, exercise promotes
cardiovascular health and muscle strength, and adequate rest allows the body to recover
and [Link], these habits provide the foundation for sustaining other
dimensions of well-being. Without physical health, the mental, emotional, social, and
spiritual dimensions may be compromised. A healthy body supports mental clarity,
emotional resilience, and active social engagement.
Slide 6
Next we explore the Mental DimensionIt refers to a person’s cognitive abilities, emotions,
and overall psychological health. This dimension fundamentally involves cognitive abilities
and emotions, encompassing how individuals process information, regulate their feelings,
and navigate the mental challenges of daily [Link] also covers psychological health and
responses, meaning it influences how people react to stress, solve problems, and maintain
mental clarity. A strong mental dimension supports healthy thinking patterns and
emotional [Link] its core, the mental dimension shapes how we think and feel, guiding
our perceptions, judgments, and moods. These mental processes affect our behaviour,
motivation, and how we adapt to change or [Link] dimension is significantly
influenced by learning and experiences over time. Educational opportunities, personal
growth, and life events contribute to developing mental resilience and intellectual
[Link] addition, relationships also impact mental health. Social support, empathy, and
meaningful interactions provide emotional nourishment, reduce loneliness, and help
maintain mental balance.
Slide 7
Now we look at the Spiritual DimensionIt connects individuals to a sense of purpose, higher
consciousness, or a universal truth beyond the physical world. This dimension
fundamentally connects to purpose and higher consciousness, helping people find direction
and significance in their [Link] also links individuals to universal truth, encouraging
awareness of something greater than themselves, whether understood through religion,
philosophy, or personal belief. This connection offers a framework for meaning and
[Link] spiritual dimension deeply fosters introspection and self-awareness, inviting
individuals to reflect on their inner life, motives, and relationships with the world. This
reflection cultivates clarity and emotional [Link], it encourages deeper
understanding of life, helping people grapple with questions of existence, morality, and
legacy. This exploration supports resilience and peace amidst life’s [Link],
spirituality enhances meaning beyond material existence, reminding individuals that true
fulfilment often comes from connection, compassion, and transcendence rather than
possessions or status.
Slide 8
We discuss about a balanced life A balanced Life Requires Nurturing All Dimensions—
physical, mental, and spiritual aspectsGood physical health supports mental clarity and
spirit by providing the energy and vitality needed for thinking clearly and engaging in
reflective or spiritual practices. Conversely, an unhealthy body disrupts focus and practice,
causing fatigue, pain, or distraction that undermines mental and spiritual well-
[Link], emotional conflicts impact physical and spiritual health. Unresolved stress,
anxiety, or emotional pain can lead to physical symptoms like headaches or weakened
immunity, and also block spiritual growth by creating internal turmoil and
[Link], mental struggles hinder growth in other areas. Poor mental
health reduces motivation for physical self-care and limits openness to deeper spiritual
insights, creating a cycle that can be difficult to [Link], holistic care sustains
overall life balance. Prioritising all three dimensions—through nutrition, emotional support,
and spiritual reflection—helps individuals achieve greater harmony, resilience, and
fulfilment.
Slide 9
Next we explore the relationship between The Self and The Body, two integral aspects that
together form the human experience. The body mediates interaction with world by serving
as the physical vehicle through which we engage with our [Link] performs actions
and perceives stimuli, enabling movement, sensory awareness, and response to
environmental changes. Through the body, individuals react to external needs, such as
seeking food, shelter, or social [Link], the body responds to external needs
continuously, maintaining homeostasis and facilitating survival and adaptation in a dynamic
[Link] the other hand, the self is essence or consciousness, often described as the core
identity or soul of a person. This aspect governs internal processes like thoughts, feelings,
and intentions that shape behaviour and [Link] self governs thoughts, emotions,
intentions, guiding choices and creating meaning. While the body connects us to the
physical world, the self connects us to our inner life and sense of identity.
Slide 10
Here we continue to examine the interdependence of the self and the [Link] Body’s
Health Influences the Self’s Clarity and this relationship works both ways. Specifically, a
healthy body supports concentration and decisions by ensuring sufficient energy, oxygen,
and hormonal balance that the brain requires for optimal [Link], a calm and
balanced mind—the peaceful self—has a powerful effect on physical health. A peaceful self
promotes physical healing by activating relaxation responses, which counteract stress-
related damage and support immune [Link] stress through mindfulness,
meditation, or emotional balance has multiple benefits, as stress reduction benefits bodily
functions such as blood pressure regulation, digestion, and sleep [Link] state also
encourages positive behaviours arise from inner peace, including better nutrition choices,
regular exercise, and adherence to medical advice, all of which reinforce [Link],
the body and self maintain mutual balance, each influencing and supporting the other..
Slide 11
Let us first examine the concept of [Link] is the physical structure of a human being. It is
composed of biological systems and organs, including the circulatory, respiratory, digestive,
and nervous systems, among others. These systems work together to sustain life and
maintain [Link] body also includes sensory organs for perception, such as the eyes,
ears, skin, nose, and tongue. These organs gather information from the environment,
allowing individuals to sense and respond [Link] these capabilities, the
body enables survival and environment interaction. It allows humans to move, protect
themselves, seek resources, and communicate, all essential for adapting to and thriving
within their [Link], the body performs tasks directed by the self,
meaning that conscious thought, intentions, and decisions originating in the self guide
bodily actions. This connection ensures coordinated functioning between mind and body.
Slide 12
Next we look at the concept of [Link] is the non-material, conscious aspect of a human
being. The self is intangible yet central, encompassing mental and emotional processes that
define individual identity. It includes desires, emotions, and values that motivate behaviour
and shape personal [Link] these, the self also involves awareness and self-
reflection, the ability to observe one’s own thoughts and feelings and to engage in conscious
introspection. This capacity distinguishes the self from mere physical [Link],
the self governs actions and life direction by providing guidance, setting priorities, and
making decisions. It acts as the internal compass that helps individuals navigate their goals,
relationships, and [Link] this governance, the self provides meaning and
purpose to life, allowing a person to find coherence and significance beyond biological
needs or external circumstances.
Slide 13
Let us consider a practical example. We know that the body craves food for survival, driven
by its biological mechanisms and physical needs. Hunger, energy depletion, and sensory
responses prompt the body to seek nourishment. The self decides what, how, and why to
eat, demonstrating the conscious role it plays in guiding actions. This decision-making
process is often influenced by ethics or culture, where beliefs about health, compassion,
tradition, or discipline affect food choices. For instance, a person may choose vegetarianism
not for lack of access to meat, but due to ethical concerns or spiritual [Link] dynamic
shows interplay of body and self, where the physical urge and conscious intention must
interact harmoniously for meaningful action. Neither body nor self can function in isolation
when it comes to sustaining life with [Link] a perspective highlights the role of
conscious choices, reminding us that our actions are not just reactions to biological needs,
but expressions of values and [Link], this alignment aligns action with
deeper meaning, turning routine behaviour into purposeful living.
Slide 14
We continue to examine the need of a harmonious coexistence between the needs of the
body and the self.A human being thrives only when the physical body and the conscious self
receive appropriate attention and [Link] needs of the body are physical, linked to
survival and biological function. These include the need for air, warmth, mobility, and
especially food, water, shelter, and rest. These essentials keep the body active, healthy, and
capable of interacting with the [Link] the same time, the needs of the self are non-
physical. Unlike bodily demands, these involve inner experiences and mental-emotional
balance. To feel whole, one must pursue happiness, purpose, and relationships, which foster
identity, emotional security, and inner [Link], both sets of needs are interlinked.
When the body is hungry or unwell, it disrupts mental focus and emotional stability.
Likewise, when the self lacks meaning or joy, the body may experience fatigue or poor
health.
Slide 15
Here we understand the challenges whicjh arise from misunderstood or imbalanced needs,
One key issue is that overindulgence in physical needs causes materialism. When people
chase bodily comforts excessively, they may lose touch with inner values and become
preoccupied with consumption or appearance. This can lead to stress, dissatisfaction, or a
lack of deeper [Link], ignoring the body for spirit harms health. Some may
pursue spiritual growth or intellectual goals while neglecting sleep, nutrition, or exercise.
Over time, this weakens the body and undermines the very clarity or peace they
[Link], true harmony lies in interdependence — the body and self must support
one another. Caring for the body enhances focus and energy, while nurturing the self gives
purpose and emotional strength.A practical example is how yoga integrates body and self
needs. Physical postures improve health and flexibility, while breathing and meditation
promote mindfulness and [Link], balance sustains physical and inner well-
being, enabling a life that is both grounded and meaningful. Integration of both aspects
ensures overall well-being, resilience, and long-term happiness.
Slide 16
Let us assess the concept of self-awareness. It is the essence of humanity which shapes our
unique identity and development. This capacity distinguishes humans from other beings by
enabling intentional thought and purposeful living, rather than behaviour driven solely by
instinct or [Link] self-reflection, individuals enable reflection on thoughts
and emotions, gaining insight into why they feel, think, or act a certain way. This awareness
deepens understanding and helps correct unhelpful [Link] doing so, it supports
personal growth and wise actions. As one becomes more aware of internal triggers or
motivations, one can choose actions that are aligned with values rather than temporary
[Link], this inner clarity leads to ethical, conscious decision-making, allowing
individuals to act with compassion, fairness, and responsibility in personal and social
[Link], self-awareness becomes the core driver of inner development and
clarity, guiding individuals toward authenticity, purpose, and balanced living
Slide 17
Let us examine the key elements of self-awareness that enable individuals to understand
themselves and navigate life with clarity. First element is reflection. It is is the core of self-
awareness, providing a foundation for understanding and growth. Reflection is the process
of thoughtfully examining one’s internal world in relation to daily actions and
[Link] reflection, one helps examine beliefs and behaviours clearly, making it
possible to notice habitual patterns and assess whether they align with one’s values and
goals. This inward attention enhances clarity about how one thinks and [Link],
reflection encourages questioning of assumptions and values, many of which are
unconsciously inherited from culture, upbringing, or social influence. This questioning
enables individuals to determine which beliefs are genuinely their [Link] reflecting deeply,
one identifies patterns shaping choices and reactions, such as repeating emotional
responses to similar situations. Recognising these patterns offers an opportunity to
interrupt unhelpful cycles and foster healthier [Link] turn, such insight supports
conscious, intentional life decisions, guiding individuals toward choices based on
understanding rather than impulse or habit.
Slide 18
Let us explore the next element emotional [Link] enables balanced self-
management, forming a critical component of self-awareness and overall well-being.
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify, understand, and regulate emotions in
oneself and [Link] its foundation, emotional intelligence involves recognising emotions
in real time — acknowledging feelings as they arise rather than ignoring or suppressing
them. Such awareness helps regulate reactions during stressful moments, preventing
impulsive or destructive behaviours. For instance, someone may pause and breathe rather
than lash out in anger, choosing a more constructive [Link] addition, emotional
intelligence encourages empathy in social interactions, which means being sensitive to
others’ emotional experiences and responding with compassion. Ultimately, the presence of
emotional intelligence supports healthier relationships and decision-making by allowing
people to act with awareness, patience, and kindness. Choices are no longer driven by
emotional impulse but guided by insight and care.
Slide 19
Next we look at another key element- purposeful [Link] gives direction to life, and allows
individuals to move beyond routine existence into a state of meaningful engagement. At its
heart, purposeful living aligns everyday actions with inner goals. Rather than acting out of
habit or social pressure, individuals act in accordance with their values and long-term
vision. This creates a steady sense of personal [Link], a strong sense of
purpose creates motivation beyond material success. For example, a teacher driven by the
desire to inspire minds remains motivated even in difficult circumstances. The outcome is
no longer limited to external reward, but internal [Link] also enhances
resilience during life challenges. When faced with setbacks, those grounded in purpose tend
to adapt, endure, and continue. Their sense of meaning helps them reinterpret struggle as
part of [Link], purposeful living leads to fulfilment through intentional choices.
Each decision becomes an opportunity to move closer to what truly matters.
