The metaphysical basis of Integral Health — the asset of materialism
By Soumitra Basu - Oct 15, 2011
Despite its limitations, the materialistic mindset of mankind has served humanity by the light of its rationality, the clarity of its intellect and the discriminatory power of its logic. If this mindset were not there, we would have been unable to rise above superstitions, unrealistic ideas, obscure habits and irresistible dogmas, camouflaging falsehood with an appearance of truth and an excuse of tradition. This rationalistic tendency of materialism has been most explicit in the area of health and well-being. It has reduced the rates of morbidity and mortality, raised standards of healthy living, improved the material quality of life, prevented scourges and epidemics, countered environmental hazards, corrected nutritional deficiencies and rehabilitated the physically and mentally challenged.
The metaphysical basis of Integral Health — the cosmic consciousness
By Soumitra Basu - Jul 15, 2011
desideratumRig VedaRauwolfia SerpentinaChlorpromazine
The metaphysical foundation of Integral Health
By Soumitra Basu - Apr 24, 2011
In the second and third chapters of The Life Divine, Sri Aurobindo dwells upon the materialistic basis of Western culture, vis-à-vis the ascetic dimension in Eastern culture. It is necessary to understand the differentiation to construct a greater and fulfilling Matter-Spirit synthesis. It is also interesting that this differentiation helps us to understand the different perspectives of health and well-being in the East and the West.
The metaphysical foundation of Integral Health – the battle of the body
By Soumitra Basu - Jan 15, 2011
The Supramental Manifestation and other writings, SABCL, Volume 16.
The question of immortality
By Soumitra Basu - Oct 15, 2010
(a) The spiritual and mystical traditions in India had the experiential realisation that consciousness per se could outlive the individual lifespan. The 2001 manifesto of the Scientific and Medical Network in U.K. postulated that some form of consciousness could survive brain death. It has of course been acknowledged in spiritual research that if an individual consciousness has been worked upon, developed intensely along one or several dimensions that range from intuitive creativity to titanic strength, then that consciousness can surpass not only the individual lifespan but also the constraints of space and time and continue to influence, stimulate and inspire susceptible individuals at different places, climes and eras. Thus the consciousness of Alexander, Socrates, Galileo, Columbus, Beethoven, Shakespeare and Leonardo da Vinci continue to inspire and shape the lives and activities of warriors, thinkers, scientists, explorers, musicians, litterateurs and artists throughout the world and throughout the ages. Such an inspiration might not be merely hypothetical; it can be a concrete presence in the consciousness, an internal energiser, a motivator to replicate, innovate and act out ideals and values in consonance with the Time-Spirit.