(vii) Expanding View of the Self
The inner-self, self-realization, confidence in the self and a winning attitude are hallmark traits of competitive and winning societies. Systems based on the self and the individual at their centers have made more economic progress than group-based systems. Europe and the New World - the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand - are great examples of this.
India specialized in the inner-self and its growth more than the external material comfort and well-being compared with other societies which evolved relatively more on the material progress and worldly comforts.
India of the twenty-first century is beginning to catch up as observed in rampant newly discovered materialism including corrupt ways to acquire material goods and services as reported by the press and reiterated by government bodies and leaders who desire to control corruption while promoting economic development and growth.
It will be a long time before a balance is established between its historical spiritual focus and the new desire for material well-being. The mind-body-soul alignment is currently in that order rather than soul-mind-body.
India is in a state of transition from ancient to modern. Its spiritual, cultural, and personal dimensions seem to be in search of a new balance in an environment of ethical and moral decay in personal lives, business and government bodies.
The chaotic process of a functioning democracy and its new institutions have become only more chaotic and disorderly as economic development and growth have picked up, at least in the short-term. Self (Me) is dominating public life in India today. Consequences are quite uncertain.
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