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Samagra Vision |
Philosophy |
Practical applications |
Dharma |
Sat-Chit-Ananda |
The journey begins |
Human striving |
The pilgrim |
Stagnation & fear of death |
Focus & forward movement |
Integral living |
The experience-8 components |
3 principles |
9 actions for change |
Implementation |
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Practical Applications
Acupuncture and Ayurvedic healing are valuable health modalities that are not well known in the area. We would like to facilitate the spread of this knowledge by developing a training program for health professionals and others who have a suitable educational background. There are many innovative ways to promote integrated health and we envision workshops and courses exploring mind-body medicine. In this program, affective (emotional) cognitive approaches to better health are combined with Yoga and meditation techniques. These programs have been shown to be effective for people suffering from a variety of conditions, and they promote a natural form of healing that honours the unique strength of each individual.
Within the Samagra program, attention to environmental concerns will be given priority. On the campus itself, alternative energy sources will be used and healthy land use practices will be promoted. If qualified individuals join the program, an outreach environmental program could be developed that includes promotion of alternative energy sources in villages, garbage disposal programs, and water harvesting techniques.
Since poverty is one of the most pressing concerns of the area, income generation programs will be developed in conjunction with the women of the area, linked to the health, environment and education work being undertaken. Once again, the nature of this program will depend on the particular interest and expertise of those who join the Samagra program.
A program for international visitors (students as well as other interested individuals) will be an integral part of Samagra’s work. Through the Student International Health Initiative (SIHI), university students have already been visiting this area for the past 5 years. As Samagra evolves, this international visitor program will expand. Using an approach of appreciative inquiry, students explore a radically different cultural milieu. In this process, they have a unique opportunity to come to know the strengths of the people in this region, and to reflect on the problems they face. This fosters a process of self reflection, promoting greater awareness about the world and their place within it.
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Dharma
In the Sanskrit language the word 'Dharma' has profound meaning. In English it is translated as religion but Dharma is not religion. Dharma is not Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism or Buddhism or a combination of these. Dharma is the ‘force and laws’ which hold our cosmos together. This force and these laws give the cosmos, including earth, its shape and form and maintain its dynamic balance. Dharma is the inherent nature of existence both at the micro and macro levels. Dharma nurtures and gives stability to all that exists, from atoms to galaxies, from microscopic cells to plants and trees, animals, humans, earth and nature. Dharma is the inner fabric and essence of everything both living and non living. Dharma is without beginning or end. Even if life on earth disappears and our universe collapses Dharma will continue.
There are many ways to experience Dharma. Religion is one of the ways to have such an experience. The sciences, arts, and a lifestyle of moral and ethical living are also examples of the many ways which move humans towards indirect/direct experience of Dharma. In fact all paths lead to Dharma. Whether it be the way of the theist, the atheist or the agnostic, all paths merge in the all encompassing Dharma. No matter what we think or do in our lives, we relentlessly strive to explore and know the laws of nature, the universe and the cosmos, and to live in harmony, comfort and joy. Such exploration is the movement towards Dharma because Dharma is the force and laws that hold the cosmos together.
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