Integral Humanism (India) - "Pre-occupation With Materialism"

"Pre-occupation With Materialism"

Upadhyaya has argued that Western political philosophies are not acceptable as a blueprint for society because of their "preoccupation" with materialism, and their overlooking of the social wellbeing of the individual. He saw both capitalism and socialism as essentially flawed – stimulating as they do greed, class antagonisms, exploitation and social anarchy.

His proposal was an "integral" approach that attempts to create a harmonious society. This could be done, he argued, by satisfying the needs of the body (hunger, shelter), the mind (traditions), intelligence (reforms), and the soul (common aspirations of a people that shape their unique culture).

Upadhyaya said that each nation creates institutions to satisfy needs, and these must be reshaped so that group solidarity can be sustained and maintained under changing circumstances. He argues that Indian tradition builds on the social nature of people and obliges them to create institutions meant to enhance social solidarity. Advaita vedanta, or the principle of recognising ourselves in all life, is seen as the philosophic underpinning of this view.

As per Gandhi's view on integral humanism, he believed that religion must be at the center of humanity's work. Gandhi stated a list of sins which can be said to indicate the fundamentals of integral humanism:

List of Sins:

• Politics without Principles.
• Wealth without work.
• Commerce without Morality.
• Knowledge without Character.
• Pleasure without Conscience.
• Science without humanity.
• Worship without sacrifice.