Human Values & Professional Ethics

UNIT 3 — Self and Body · Long Answer Notes
★ MOST CONCEPTUAL UNIT ★
01 Human Being = Coexistence of Self and Body
Direct PYQ

Human Being as Coexistence of Self (I) and Body

According to Human Values education, a human being is not merely a body. A human being is the coexistence of two distinct entities: the Self (I) and the Body.

HUMAN BEING Human Being = Self (I) + Body

The Self is the conscious entity that experiences, thinks, desires, decides, and understands. The body is the material instrument through which the Self interacts with the physical world.

Self (I) Body
Conscious entity Material entity
Experiences happiness/unhappiness Experiences comfort/discomfort
Needs right understanding Needs physical facilities
Continuous in need Needs are temporary and limited
Seer, Doer, Enjoyer Instrument of action
Important Exam Points
  • The Self and body are different but coexist together.
  • The body cannot function meaningfully without the Self.
  • The Self uses the body as an instrument.
  • Confusing Self with body creates human problems.
  • The body is material; the Self is conscious.
02 Self as Seer, Doer and Enjoyer
Very Important PYQ

The Self as Seer (Drashta)

The Self is called the Seer because it observes, understands, and knows activities happening within and outside. Seeing here does not mean physical eyesight. It means conscious awareness.

Seer — Key Points
  • The Self observes thoughts, desires, and feelings.
  • The Self is aware of bodily sensations.
  • The body itself cannot see consciously.
  • Awareness belongs to the Self.

The Self as Doer (Karta)

The Self is called the Doer because it decides, selects, and initiates actions. The body only executes what the Self decides.

Self Body
Decides to act Performs physical action
Chooses direction Acts as instrument
Responsible for intention Responsible for execution

The Self as Enjoyer / Experiencer (Bhokta)

The Self experiences happiness, unhappiness, satisfaction, fear, trust, love, and all feelings. The body only experiences physical sensation.

IMPORTANT DISTINCTION Body experiences sensation. Self experiences feelings.
Experiencer — Key Points
  • The Self experiences emotional states.
  • Happiness belongs to the Self, not body.
  • The body can feel pain or comfort only physically.
  • Inner harmony is experienced by the Self.
03 Body as an Instrument of the Self
Conceptual PYQ

The Body as an Instrument

The body is not the real “I”. It is an instrument used by the Self to interact with the physical world.

EXAMPLE Just as a driver uses a vehicle, the Self uses the body.

The body enables movement, communication, physical work, and interaction with the environment. However, the direction and purpose behind actions come from the Self.

Important Characteristics
  • The body is material and physico-chemical.
  • The body works according to biological laws.
  • The Self directs the body's usage.
  • The body cannot determine purpose or values.
  • The body is temporary while consciousness is continuous.

Why Confusion Happens

Most human beings identify themselves only with the body. Due to this confusion, they attempt to fulfill the needs of the Self using physical facilities.

Correct Understanding Wrong Understanding
Self uses body I am only the body
Happiness from harmony Happiness from objects
Body as instrument Body as entire identity
Balanced living Excessive materialism
Human Values & Professional Ethics · AKTU · Unit 3 Part 1 Notes
04 Communication Between Self and Body
Direct PYQ

How Does Communication Happen Between Self and Body?

The Self and the body continuously interact with each other. This interaction is called communication between Self and body. The Self gives instructions to the body, and the body sends sensations back to the Self.

COMMUNICATION FLOW Self → Instructions / Decisions → Body

Body → Sensations / Signals → Self
Important Points
  • The Self controls bodily activities through intentions and decisions.
  • The body communicates through sensations like pain, hunger, fatigue, comfort, etc.
  • The Self interprets bodily sensations consciously.
  • The body itself has no conscious understanding.
  • Healthy communication creates harmony in human life.

Examples of Communication

Body to Self Self to Body
Feeling hunger Deciding to eat
Feeling pain Moving away from danger
Feeling tired Choosing to rest
Sensory information Physical action

This continuous interaction enables the human being to function as an integrated system.

05 Material Transaction Between Self and Body
Very Important PYQ

Is There Material Transaction Between Self and Body?

There is no material transaction between the Self and the body. The body is material, but the Self is conscious. Therefore, physical substances cannot be exchanged between them.

KEY CONCEPT Self = Conscious Entity
Body = Material Entity

Therefore: No material transaction is possible.
Important Clarification
  • The body exchanges material with nature (food, water, air).
  • The Self exchanges information, decisions, and understanding.
  • The Self cannot be physically measured or transferred.
  • The relationship between Self and body is functional, not material.
  • The body grows biologically; the Self develops through understanding.

Transactions of the Body

Body's Material Transactions Self's Conscious Activities
Food intake Thinking
Breathing Desiring
Digestion Selecting
Blood circulation Experiencing happiness
Physical growth Understanding
06 Conscious Unit vs Material Unit
Repeated PYQ

Difference Between Conscious and Material Unit

Human existence includes both conscious and material units. The Self is a conscious unit, while the body and physical objects are material units.

Conscious Unit (Self) Material Unit (Body / Matter)
Conscious and aware Unconscious
Experiences happiness Experiences physical processes only
Desires and thinks No desire or understanding
Needs right understanding Needs physical maintenance
Continuous consciousness Temporary material structure
Important Insights
  • The body cannot think or understand independently.
  • The Self gives direction and meaning to bodily actions.
  • Material units follow physical laws.
  • Conscious units operate through understanding and awareness.
  • Human problems arise when conscious and material needs are confused.
07 Space, Conscious Unit and Material Unit
Hidden PYQ

Understanding Space, Conscious and Material Units

Existence consists of three fundamental realities: Space, conscious units, and material units.

Entity Nature Function
Space All-pervading Provides coexistence
Conscious Unit Aware and conscious Experiences and understands
Material Unit Physical and material Physical composition and processes
EXISTENCE Existence = Coexistence of Space + Conscious Units + Material Units
Important Points
  • Space provides the environment for coexistence.
  • Conscious units experience and understand.
  • Material units perform physical activities.
  • All three coexist in harmony in existence.
08 Bases of Tasting and Higher Activities
Important Topic

Bases of Tasting (Anubhav)

The Self continuously experiences or “tastes” different states of happiness and unhappiness. This tasting can occur on two different bases.

Basis Nature Result
Sensation Temporary pleasure Excitement and instability
Right Understanding Inner harmony Continuous happiness
Important Insight
  • Sensory pleasure is temporary.
  • Harmony in the Self creates lasting happiness.
  • Most human beings depend excessively on sensation.
  • Right understanding transforms the basis of tasting.

Higher Activities of the Self

Higher activities are those activities that require awareness, reflection, and understanding.

HIGHER ACTIVITIES Thinking + Understanding + Right Selection
Examples
  • Self-reflection
  • Ethical decision making
  • Understanding relationships
  • Acting according to values
  • Self-restraint and wisdom
09 Four Dimensions of Human Being
Important PYQ

The Four Dimensions of Human Being

Human life functions across four interconnected dimensions. Harmony in all four dimensions is necessary for complete fulfillment.

Dimension Focus
Self (I) Right understanding and happiness
Body Health and physical facilities
Relationships Trust, respect, affection
Nature / Society Mutual harmony and coexistence
COMPLETE HUMAN FULFILLMENT Harmony in Self + Body + Relationships + Nature
Important Points
  • All dimensions are interconnected.
  • Ignoring one dimension creates imbalance.
  • Right understanding in Self influences all dimensions.
  • The Self is central to human existence.
  • Harmony in all dimensions creates complete fulfillment.
★ Quick Revision — Key Concepts
Term One-Line Definition
Self (I) Conscious entity in the human being
Body Material instrument used by the Self
Seer The Self observes consciously
Doer The Self decides and initiates action
Enjoyer The Self experiences happiness/unhappiness
Material Transaction No material transaction between Self and body
Conscious Unit Entity capable of awareness and understanding
Material Unit Physical entity governed by natural laws
Higher Activities Activities based on awareness and understanding
Four Dimensions Self, Body, Relationships, Nature
Human Values & Professional Ethics · AKTU · Unit 3 Part 2 Notes
10 Self is Central to Human Existence
Important PYQ

Why is the Self Central to Human Existence?

The Self is considered central to human existence because all human activities, decisions, relationships, and experiences originate from the Self. Without the Self, the body becomes only a biological structure.

CENTRAL IDEA Self gives meaning, direction, and purpose to human life.
Important Points
  • The Self determines intentions and goals.
  • The Self experiences happiness and unhappiness.
  • The body acts according to the decisions of the Self.
  • Human values originate in the Self.
  • Harmony in the Self influences harmony in all dimensions of life.

Consequences of Ignoring the Self

When Self is Understood When Self is Ignored
Inner harmony Inner conflict
Right understanding Confusion
Balanced living Material obsession
Stable happiness Temporary pleasure seeking
11 Interconnected Dimensions of Human Being
Conceptual Topic

Understanding Interconnected Dimensions

Human life functions through interconnected dimensions. The dimensions of Self, body, relationships, and nature continuously influence one another.

INTERCONNECTED DIMENSIONS Self ↔ Body ↔ Relationships ↔ Nature

Disharmony in one dimension affects the others, while harmony in one dimension supports harmony everywhere.

Examples of Interconnection
  • Disturbed thoughts affect bodily health.
  • Healthy relationships improve mental stability.
  • Environmental imbalance affects physical life.
  • Right understanding improves all dimensions simultaneously.

Need for Balance

Complete human fulfillment is possible only when harmony exists in all interconnected dimensions.

Dimension Requirement
Self Right understanding
Body Health and protection
Relationships Trust and respect
Nature Mutual coexistence
12 Activities of the Self and Their Relationship
Frequently Asked

Relationship Between Activities of the Self

The Self continuously performs activities such as desire, thought, expectation, selection, and understanding. These activities are interconnected and influence human behavior.

FLOW OF ACTIVITIES Imagination → Desire → Thought → Selection → Action → Experience
Important Points
  • Imagination generates desires and thoughts.
  • Thought evaluates possible actions.
  • Selection determines final decision.
  • Actions produce experiences.
  • Understanding brings harmony to all activities.

Activities Based on Sensation vs Understanding

Sensation-Based Activities Understanding-Based Activities
Temporary excitement Stable happiness
Impulsive decisions Thoughtful decisions
Comparison and competition Harmony and cooperation
Instability Clarity and balance
13 Important Exam Differences
Very Important for Section A/B

Self vs Body

Self Body
Conscious Material
Experiences feelings Experiences sensation
Needs happiness Needs physical facilities
Continuous in nature Temporary and limited

Sensation vs Happiness

Sensation Happiness
Body-centered Self-centered
Temporary Continuous
Excitement-based Harmony-based
Dependent on objects Dependent on understanding

Conscious Unit vs Material Unit

Conscious Unit Material Unit
Aware Unaware
Understands Cannot understand
Experiences values Only physical processes
Self Body / matter
Human Values & Professional Ethics · AKTU · Unit 3 Extra PYQ Notes