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The Perspectives on Reality in Indian Traditions and Their Implications for Health and Well-Being

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An Integrated View of Health and Well-being

Part of the book series: Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology ((CAPP,volume 5))

Abstract

Current notions of health and well-being have been integral aspects of modern scientific paradigm which has a particular view of human nature that excludes the spiritual dimension and understands all human problems reductionistically. Thus biomedical model has predominated leading to bourgeoning of a trillion-dollar industry in the name of health care. However, in recent times as the advancements in the understanding of the universe has progressed, the reductionist paradigm is gradually giving way for a holistic paradigm, though it is not the mainstream, leading to newer ways of understanding and dealing with issues related to health and well-being. Biomedical model is expanded to include the psychological and spiritual aspects. In this context, perspectives on reality prevalent in Indian traditions and the resultant models of human nature, the views on health and well-being and strategies of promoting the same have been found to be very much relevant by many and are incorporated into the discussions. This chapter takes a peak into some of these ideas and attempts to provide an overview of them.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    ‘!’ added for emphasis.

  2. 2.

    Ekam sat viprā bahudā vadanti – Truth is one but knowledgeable persons speak of it differently (trans. author’s).

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Correspondence to Kiran Kumar K. Salagame .

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Salagame, K.K.K. (2013). The Perspectives on Reality in Indian Traditions and Their Implications for Health and Well-Being. In: Morandi, A., Nambi, A. (eds) An Integrated View of Health and Well-being. Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology, vol 5. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-6689-1_3

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