Integral sciences
The idea of „integral“ has become a key concept in the sciences. Integral models were the signature of all wisdom teachings through the ages. In the synthesis of the essence of wisdom and science lies the potential for a truly integral world view: a dialog between wisdom and science- the unity of the spiritual and natural sciences- an integral understanding of human being and creation.
Wisdom teachings: this means that the totality of the global cultural heritage of humankind. Their fundamental insights into the orders of creation form the universal core truth of all the great religions, philosophies and holistic sciences.
Integral means: a comprehensive understanding of nature, humans and the universe by mutual completing scientific and spiritual insights.
Science accounts therefore, in completion to today’s approach as in the sphere of phenomena so in noumenal (spiritual) sphere with appropriate methods to gain systematic knowledge and bring the two realms into relationship with each other.
„There is no material, but rather a web of energies, given form by an intelligent spirit“ (Max Planck)
Today we have a unique opportunity to develop an integral worldview. Tue historic wisdom teachings dealt essentially with the abstract aspects of creation, modern science deals with the material aspect. If we are able to unify these two fundamental insights together and to document the outcomes systematically and into a synoptic perspective a new integral view of the world can unfold. This approach brings the intuitive insights into the orders of creation into close proximity with the structures of systematic research and reveals the human being as a conscious bridge between spirit and matter and reveals the extensive relationship of human beings to nature, the cosmos and other people. This integral view of the world has the potential of being a point of reference for universally recognised values for humanity.
Education towards sustainable development
The principle of sustainability shows how people can orientate themselves in the wholeness of creation. Our task is to deepen this idea and apply it, for example in the global vision of the world decade „education for sustainable development“. It particularly strengthens the focus in education and in awareness raising. Here we are dealing with „processes“, which help people as individuals and society as a whole tap the full potential. (local agenda 21: education) This leads the ability to shape the future. People can integrate new perspectives in an open minded way. They think into the future and act together. They can actively take part in decisions and motivate others. They can reflect on their own guiding principles and they can show empathy for other people and the world.
Human beings can develop love, empathy and understanding in the frontal lobes of their brains, which is also linked with higher intellectual faculties. This part of the brain that integrates is still developing today and is showing considerable changes- a process which naturally causes us to want to change what is old. This part of the brain is most active in devloping an intensified consciousness.
This abilty has been known in many traditions and is known by the following names: Buddhi, Prajna, Noema and Wisdom.
Establishing a focus for these processes is one of the central tasks of education. Many new appraoches to eduaction can fruitfully take up the results of this new research and create new models for school.
The development of wisdom and intelligence lies within the devlopmental potential of human beings. A new synthesis of perception, insight and responsible actions can arise out this.
Human being lern to stand up for themselves in freedom and to find their place in the world. Orientation comes from within. Wakefulness and spiritual knowing that finds itself at one with the world order replaces orientation from outside. All inventions, compositions, and great ideas arise in this field of inspiration. It belongs to the excellence of the human spirit taht this potential can shine forth. Stimulating this new integrated perception requires new teaching and learning methods and new teaching material.
A comprehensive understanding of nature, human beings and the cosmos is necessary, practical experience, schooling and focusing of attention and the opportunity to carry out one’s own projects. What comes out of this is, a lifestyle based on insight, acting responsibly, a commitment to the unity of all things.
Past and present projects
Article: Integrated Worldview: Dialogue between wisdom and sciencee, in Studiosus
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