Title: Western Enlightenment and Eastern Awakening: towards a holistic character

Authors: Subhash Sharma

Addresses: Indian Institute of Plantation Management, Bangalore, Jnana Bharathi Campus, P.O.Malathalli, Bangalore 560 056, India

Abstract: In its desire to achieve progress, Enlightenment has been the key Western approach whereas the East has preferred to highlight the aspects of Awakening for the progress of mankind. A journey from Enlightenment to Awakening could be construed as that of matter to consciousness. Building a holistic character would imply a synthesis between the two. Convergence between science and spirituality and building the rishi-character would create a sustainable society. A corporate world that wants to achieve the height of excellence and yet maintain and preserve harmony among social segments needs to identify a rishi-consciousness. Enlightenment united with the spirit of Awakening would infuse in individuals and corporations the elements of holistic character-competence would ultimately lead to the formation of a new age in managing society and enterprises. This paper tries to trace the roots of a holistic character through the symbiosis of Western Enlightenment and Eastern Awakening.

Keywords: Enlightenment; Awakening; holistic character; Eastern; Western; matter; consciousness.

DOI: 10.1504/IJHRDM.2003.001044

International Journal of Human Resources Development and Management, 2003 Vol.3 No.1, pp.39-48

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article