Chaitanya Samvad Interdisciplinary Journal of Research

The paper investigates the Indian philosophical and psychological roots of lifestyle and human well-being through an integrated study of classical systems like Vedānta, Sāṃkhya-Yoga, Nyāya-Vaiśeṣika, Buddhism, Jainism and Ayurveda. It stresses that Indian philosophy conceptualizes health and well-being, as not just absence of disease, but as a dynamic balance between body, mind, society and environment. The puruṣārthas framework of ideal goals of life in Hinduism—Dharma (virtuous, proper, moral life), Artha (material prosperity, income security, means of life), Kāma (pleasure, emotional fulfilment) and Mokṣa (liberation, release)—provides a structure for a life balanced through the pursuit of values. Based on notions of Purusha–Prakriti, Ahimsa, Smṛti, and Samskāra it analyses how self-control (soul training), awareness and social conditioning result in a balanced lifestyle, sensibility in community responsibility and eco-balance. The ancient tools of yoga, Ayurveda and Dharma are described as gateways to physical health and spiritual transformation. The philosophical discussion is expanded into the present, in such areas as education, ecology and public health. How dharmic (virtuous) ways can provide responses to such crises of contemporary stress, alienation and environmental despoilment, is powerfully explored. By reconciling ancient Indian nives between duty and desire, the paper proposes an integral vision of realizing human well-being which incorporates ethical, physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing.

Keywords:

Indian Philosophy; Lifestyle; Well-being; Dharma; Artha; Kama; Moska; Purusha–Prakriti; Ayurveda; Yoga; Vedanta; Ahimsa; Mindfulness; Ethics; Ecology; Health; Moderation; Sustainable Living; Indian Knowledge System (IKS); Self-Realization.