Sujeevanam, meaning The Good Life in Sanskrit, is a social proposition aimed at shaping honorable human beings who, in turn, contribute to a virtuous and thriving society. Stripped of all the fluff, the idea of Sujeevanam is based on the simple fact that being good is easy and can be achieved through practical, accessible methods by anyone who chooses to follow them.
Creating a better life or becoming a better person is not dependent on complex structures such as religion, ideologies, or other social, cultural, or political systems. These systems, due to the inertia arising from their complexity and prescriptive nature, inevitably become outdated. Over time, they evolve into self-sustaining entities that prioritize their own survival over the individuals they were meant to serve. In contrast, a more humane approach is a bottom-up model, where good human beings are nurtured as the foundation of society. This, in turn, naturally and organically fosters a virtuous culture and community.
A cultured and self-aware ego, abiding in an enlightened intellect, which, in turn, dwells in a healthy body.
To translate this vision into practice, I have chosen three disciplines as vehicles for implementing Sujeevanam:
The key principle to understand is that these three disciplines are not separate entities but complementary components that work together toward the goal of living a wholesome life. Since a living being cannot truly compartmentalize their personality and seamlessly fill it with conflicting traits, everything we learn and do naturally intertwines within our body and mind, shaping the whole of who we are.
While these disciplines have worked for me, they are not the only pathways to Sujeevanam.
To clarify further, I do not claim that these are the only or ideal means to achieve a desirable life. I have chosen them because they align well with my life experiences, nature, and upbringing. Others may view these disciplines as archetypes rather than strict prescriptions for all.
For each of these three, I will outline the criteria behind my choice. Any other skills, practices, or areas of knowledge that meet these criteria, contribute to a good life as envisioned by Sujeevanam, and are accessible and practicable for individuals while aligning with their core values, would serve just as well. My selection of these three disciplines is simply a reflection of my personality, experiences, and abilities.
Now, to answer the question: why did I choose these three disciplines as the pillars of my Sujeevanam? Click on each question below to understand my reasoning:
Let us embark on the journey toward The Good Life...