--> Skip to main content


Only In Man Does Activity Become Experience – Swami Nityasthananda

By
Material growth takes place by adding something from outside; but the growth of life is always from inside — it is a manifestation of inner potentialities.

When we consider man’s growth and development, it means the real inner man coming forth and expressing himself in every dimension of his life.

Only in man does activity become experience.


Man must live consciously, with full awareness of what is going on around and within him. This alone will help him to gain mastery over himself. Self-control and self-awareness always go together. When we consciously control ourselves—our senses, desires, negative emotions, thoughts, etc., as a natural corollary our self-awareness will increase.
 – Swami Nityasthananda

Explanation:

When we consider man’s growth and development, it means the real inner man coming forth and expressing himself in every dimension of his life. This concept is deeply rooted in various spiritual and philosophical traditions, including those of Hinduism. According to Hindu saints and sages, human development is not merely about physical or intellectual growth but encompasses the awakening and manifestation of one's true inner self, or Atman.

In Hindu philosophy, the Atman is considered the true essence of an individual, a spark of the divine Brahman that resides within each person. The journey of growth and development is essentially a process of uncovering and realizing this inner divinity. This journey involves several key dimensions:

  1. Spiritual Awakening: At the core of man’s growth is the awakening of his spiritual consciousness. This involves moving beyond the ego and superficial identities to recognize and connect with the Atman. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and devotion (bhakti) are often employed to facilitate this spiritual awakening.

  2. Moral and Ethical Development: Hindu saints emphasize the importance of living a life grounded in Dharma, or righteous living. This involves cultivating virtues such as truthfulness, compassion, and selflessness, which align with one's inner spiritual nature and contribute to overall growth.

  3. Intellectual Expansion: True development also includes the expansion of one’s intellect and understanding. This is achieved through the study of sacred texts, philosophical inquiry, and the pursuit of knowledge. Intellectual growth, however, is not seen as an end in itself but as a means to deepen one’s spiritual insights and ethical conduct.

  4. Emotional Maturity: Developing emotional maturity is another aspect of bringing forth the inner man. This involves mastering one's emotions, cultivating a sense of inner peace, and fostering positive relationships with others. Emotional maturity reflects a balanced and harmonious inner state.

  5. Physical Well-being: While the focus is on the inner self, physical well-being is also considered important. The body is viewed as a temple of the soul, and maintaining its health through proper diet, exercise, and lifestyle is seen as essential to supporting overall growth.

  6. Expressive Potential: The true inner self expresses itself in creativity, service, and actions that reflect one's higher values and purposes. This could be through art, community service, leadership, or any endeavor that allows the inner divine qualities to manifest in the external world.

Hindu saints teach that the ultimate goal of this comprehensive growth and development is Moksha, or liberation. This is the realization of one’s unity with the divine, transcending the cycle of birth and rebirth, and achieving a state of eternal bliss and knowledge.

Thus, the growth and development of a person, as understood by Hindu saints, is a holistic process that integrates spiritual, moral, intellectual, emotional, and physical dimensions, all aimed at revealing and expressing the true inner self in every aspect of life.