Chapter -12

Integrated Personality

12.1 Concept of Integrated Personality:

An integrated personality is sum total of harmonious expression of physical, mental,

intellectual, energical and blissful self. It is the state of being in happiness with self and society. Integrated

personality is that in which a person functions with full potential of body, mind and soul. A person

conscious of only body or mind will not function in totality of his existence. Sound mind in a sound body

is its first requisite. A healthy body and mind sprinkled with spirituality culminates into an integrated

personality. A person whose body, mind and soul function in synchrony, his life becomes a symphony, a

melody. The present day life has become complex and competitive creating stressful conditions. To cope

with such kind of life, one needs to develop strong personality capable of not only sustaining the

difficulties but overcoming them. As Bertend Russel has pointed out, Strong individuals are like

billiards whose function is to hit strike and collide.

Development of an integrated personality is possible by proper control of the mind using

conscious and calm approach. It is the calmness of mind that brings stability and peace in life. The calm

state of mind is like the clean still water in a pond in which one can see his face. Practicing spirituality

and realizing the existence of soul in the body provides understanding the self in its all dimensions. It is

the spirituality that stirs up the subtle aspects of ones conscious and stimulates intellect. It dispels the

darkness of ignorance and unawareness and purifies the mind. Thus with the help of spirituality, the mind

is managed and intellect is ignited. The development of an integrated personality is the expansion and

enforcement of intellectual, attitudinal and spiritual dimensions of a person. When it gets developed, the

ambitions and aspirations fulfill in accordance with ones physical and mental capabilities. The person

becomes flexible, balanced, organized and strong. Developing an integrated personality is not a hit-and-

miss affair but a conscious, focused and organized effort with the help of a thoughtful action plan.
12.2 Need for Integrated Personality (IP):

There are varying needs of individuals, societies and nations, but there is one universal

need of all and that need is of integrated personality (IP). The IP makes a true man. Such person can solve

his own problems as well as others. Confucius said One who is not a true man cannot long stand

poverty, nor can he stand prosperity for long. If a person does not possess IP, poverty will brutalize

and affluence will barbarizes him. Without IP, a persons weaknesses will be more than strengths,

misfortunes greater than fortunes; his enemies will become more powerful than friends. In society, there

will be more quarrels, agitation and unrest, more corruption and nepotism than peace and harmony,

honesty and uprightness. With majority of people possessing IP, there will be peace and harmony in the

society. In a nation, the factories will produce more goods and fields will produce more crops. The

thought process will become positive and terrorism will decline.

There are several means to build and develop IP some of them are stated below:

Acquiring knowledge and receiving training of the physical and mental systems in an integrated manner.

Cultivation of ethical conduct.

Inculcation of universal human values.
Synchronization of body, speech and mind.
Development of positive attitude, power of discrimination, concentration and detachment.
Practicing disciplines of life and yoga.
Testing the personality from time to time.

12.3 Enlightened Living and Integrated Personality:

The state of enlightenment involves wakefulness on profoundly deep level of being,

where individual awareness is usually dormant. It lies beyond thoughts, emotions and physical body and

results into grandeur and consciousness. People, commonly are unaware of this level of living. Today

even scientists theorize that human mind is a quantum mechanical computer capable of maintaining

awareness of the underlying basis of the entire universe, which is the field of unbounded consciousness,

also called as Unified Field by physicists . Due to various types of distractions, the consciousness is

obstructed and deprives an individual to lead enlightened living. However, by practicing the unison of
mind and heart, which are responsible for thoughts and emotions, the enlightened living is achievable.

This kind of living is characterized by the Human Aura Energy Field which is described below.

12.3.1 Human Aura Energy Field:

Every human being has a brain and a heart but mostly it is not known how to use them

effectively in order to harmoniously evolve together with nature. An emerging area of science known as

Infosomatics provides an easy understanding that how human brain and human heart interact with each

other in the energy informational field.

It theorizes that human body can be perceived in the form of electro-magnetic waves,

where brain acts as a complex radar system that can receive information and transform into energy, while

the heart acts as a power generator that creates an environment for the needed information to be

transformed. There are zones in the brain that are responsible for various functions of the body. When the

brain receives waves of information from the surrounding environment (flat-parallel cosmic rays), it

transforms them into energy and sends it all over the body through biologically active points. This energy

is what forms the energy centers (Chakras in Indian scriptures) that are responsible for certain organs and

systems of the body. The combined work of these energy centers (chakra) forms Human Aura energy

field or human energy shell. Figure 12.1 shows the physical body, the flat cosmic rays and the human

aura energy field, along with the emotional shell. This shell is responsible for the amount of flat parallel

cosmic rays that the brain can receive. The emotional shell acts like a magnifying lens that concentrates

the flat- parallel cosmic rays on the top of head through the crown energy centre (Sahastra Chakra as

per Indian scriptures). The brain processes the information received from the crown energy centre. The

emotional shell surrounds the entire body and is activated by the energy received from other energy

centers (Chakras) of the body.

 Flat
Parallel
Cosmic
Rays

Emotional
Shell

Energy
Shell

Physical
Body

Human Aura

Figure 12.1

12.3.2 Energy Centers (Chakras): Energy centre or chakra is an energy node that exists in the subtle

body (composed of mind, intelligence and ego) of human beings. In the subtle body (non physical body)

there are various channels through which energy flows. These energy channels are called nadi in Indian

scriptures. Nadis are believed to be channels in the subtle body through which the life force (Prana) or

vital energy moves. It is believed that there are many chakras in the subtle human body, but seven of them

are considered to be the most important ones. They are briefly described below.
 Sahastrara (Crown) Chakra: It is considered to be the state of pure consciousness. Symbolized

by a lotus with one thousand multi-coloured petals, it is considered to be located at the crown of

the head. When activated it controls the consciousness and leads to divinity. Its role is similar to

that of pituitary gland which controls the central nervous system.

Aygna (Third eye) Chakra-It is symbolized by a white lotus with two petals. It is at this point

that two nadis (energy channels) Ida and Pingla are said to terminate and merge with Sushumna

(central energy channel). It is also known as the third-eye chakra, linked to pienal gland. Aygna

Chakra relates to access to intuition. It is considered to be located in the forehead between two

eyebrows.
Vishudhi (Throat) Chakra- it is symbolized as white crescent within a white circle, with 16 blue

green colour petals around. It is related to communication and growth through speech expression.

This Chakra is linked to the thyroid. It also governs a sense of security and is supposed to be

located in the throat.

Anahat (heart) Chakra It is symbolized by a flower with twelve green petals and is supposed

to be located in the middle of the chest. It is related to the thymus located in the chest. The

Anahat Chakra governs emotions, unconditional love, compassion and devotion.

Manipura (Navel) Chakra- It is symbolized by a downward pointed triangle with a surrounding

circle having ten yellow petals. It is related to metabolic and digestive systems. Manipura Chakra

governs anxiety, opinion, fear and power. It is located in the navel region.
Swadhishthana (Sacral) Chakra- It is symbolized by a crescent moon inside a white lotus with

six orange petals. The chakra is supposed to be located in the sacrum. It governs reproduction,

and is associated with relationships, enthusiasm, joy and pleasure.

Muladhara (Root) Chakra It is symbolized by a red lotus with four petals and supposed to be

located at the root of spine, where the three nadis namely Ida, Pingla and Sushumna separate and

begin their upward movement. The Muladhara Chakra is related to instinct, security and survival.

It governs sensuality and spirituality.

Kundalini- the primal energy rests in a dormant state in this chakra. The Figure 12.2 shows the

positioning of the above seven energy centers (Chakras) in the human body, with Kundalini at the

base.
 Shastrara Crown

Aygyna Third
Eye

Vishudhi
Throat

Anahat
Heart

Manipura
Navel
Swadhistha
na Sacrel
Muladhara Root

Seven Chakras ( Energy Centres)

Figure 12.2
12.4 Patanjali Yoga for Enlightened Living:

Pantanjali a great Indian sage compiled with commentary yoga sutras (aphorisms) about

2500 years ago. Scholars consider the yoga sutras of Pantanjali as the foundation of enlightened living.

Pantanjali begins the yoga sutra as Yogas Chitta virttinirodha meaning that Yoga is the

inhibition of the instincts of the mind. In a way yoga leads to control of mind by controlling way of

living the life, the upkeep of physical fitness of body and adopting meditative practices. With the

controlled mind a blissful state of consciousness emerges which culminates to enlightenment.

Primarily there are eight sutras according to Patanjali- the first begin with basic human

values. They are mentioned below:

(i) Yamas (Ethical Values) These can be thought of as moral imperatives. Patanjali lists five of them
Ahimsa (Non-violence )- non harming other living beings
Satya (Truthfulness)- sticking on non-falsehood.
Asteya (Non-stealing) abstinence in deeds and thoughts
Brahmacharya (Celebacy)-virtuous life style
Aparigraha (non-possessiveness)-restraint from greed.

Patanjali in his text explains why and how each of these human values are applicable for enlightened

living.

(ii) Niyamas (Habits) - while inculcating the yamas (ethical values), the development of five virtuous

habits forms the second sutra. They are as follows :

Shoucha (cleaniness) - It refers to purity, cleanliness of body and mind.
Santosha (Contentment) It refers to acceptance of ones circumstances as they are.
Tapas (Persistence) It means continuous unstinted effort of body and mind.
Swadhyaya (Self-study) - It refers to introspection of self thoughts.
Eshwarapranidhana (Contemplation of God) It means continuously accepting the existence of

God or Supreme power.

Patanjali says that observance of Niyamas helps in the personal growth of an individual. The craving for

the external sources of happiness reduces and the inner peace and tranquility develops.
(iii) Asanas (Postures) - A posture that one can hold for a period of time, staying steady, motionless and

comfortable corresponds to asana. The posture that causes pain or restlessness is not a yogic asana.

Patanjali states that one of the requirements of asana is to ensure the verticality of spinal cord by keeping

breast, neck and head straight.

(iv) Pranayama (Controlled breathing) - Pranayama is made out of two Sanskrit words Prana (breath)

and ayama (stretching, extending). It is followed by asana. It consists of consciously regularized

breathing. The inhalation and exhalation of breath is carried out in several ways. Each way characterizes a

particular type of pranayama, the details of these are available in yoga text. According to Patanjali a

particular type of pranayam creates the desired effect on the body as well as mind.

(v) Pratyahara (Awareness of thoughts) Pratyahara is a combination of two sankrit words

prati(towards) and ahara (bring near). Thus Pratyahara is bringing oneself near to his awareness. It is a

process of withdrawing ones thoughts from external objects, things, persons and situations. It is turing

the attention to ones true self- the inner world. Pratyahara is a step of self extraction and abstraction. It

is practicised by first keeping eyes closed and then observing the thoughts that keep on coming and going.

Pratyahara marks the transition from externally engaged mind to a peaceful tranquil mind.

(vi) Dharna (holding concentration) It refers to the state of focused mind which can be fixed without

drifting on a particular subject, topic, mantra or breath itself. Fixing of mind during the process of dharna

increases the concentration of the mind on a desired activity during the normal working of oneself.

Dharna is followed by Pratyahara. During this process also the eyes remain closed.

(vii) Dhyana(meditation)- Dhyan is the process of contemplation on whatever Dharna has focused on .

It is uninterrupted state of cognition, flow of awareness. The difference between Dharma and Dhyana is

that while Dharna is a state of mind, Dhyana, the process of mind. During the period of Dhyana, there is

only one stream of thoughts about the object, which is uninterrupted by other thoughts of different kind

about the same object. The difference between Dharma and Dhyan becomes clear by considering an

example of contemplation about the morning sun. A practitioner in the state of Dharna may be aware of
its brilliance, colour and orbit, but in Dhyana he contemplates only one aspect of morning sun may be its

brilliance or colour or orbit.

(viii) Samadhi (State of Trance) - Samadhi is the state of harmony and oneness with the subject of

meditation. During this state no difference exists between the meditator and the subject of meditation. It

literally means complete fusion of the meditator, process of meditation and subject of meditation. It can

be a spiritual state of mind with God or supreme consciousness. In yogic literature, Samadhi has been

described to be of two kinds.

Sampragyata Samadhi or Savikalpa Samadhi It is also called Sabija Samadhi, which means

meditation with the support of an object. The object that is perceptible to senses, such as the

flame of a lamp, the tip of the nose, or image of a deity. Thus it is deliberative in nature.
Asampragyata Samadhi or Nirvikalpa Samadhi- It is also known as Nirbija Samadhi which

means meditation without the support of any object. It is not perceptible to senses of physical

nature but is realized through subtle body. It is a state of blissfulness that is nearest to supreme

consciousness.
12.5 Sanyam (Pathway to Integrated Personality): The fusion of Dharna, Dhyan and Samadhi results

into Sanyam which means path to Kaivalya according to yogic literature. In a simpler way it

means enlightened living with the integrated personality. The word Sanyam is composed of two

Sanskrit roots Sam and Yam. Sam means total the total personality, the total expression, the total

behavior, and all the dimensions of the human nature. Yam is like Yama- the ethical values as

described earlier. Thus Sanyam literally means that all the dimensions of the personality are

developed through a process of transformation and beautification to create enlightened living.

Sanyam works at four levels- Sensorial, Mental, Psychic and Spiritual.

The controlled and guided actions at these four levels constitute the essence of Sanyam. The practice of

Sanyam is firstly at sensorial level. There are five senses each with a corresponding sensory organ

through which human beings act.

Sound (Shabda) heard by ears.

Physical touch ( Sparsh) felt by skin

Visual imprssion (Roop) seen by eyes

Taste (Ras)- felt by tongue

Smell (Gandh) felt by nose

12.5.1 Managing Senses The practice of sanyam is managing these senses. It is well known that the

senses give birth to cravings and desires. If the desires remain unfulfilled they lead to emotional

imbalances in life. Sanyam takes care of such imbalances. Let us take one example. The eyes look at a

flower. They recognize and appreciate the beauty, the colour, the smell. Suddenly, a desire comes: Its

beautiful, I want it, it is natural for such desire to come up. But this desire has two parts: the first part is

recognizing that the flower is beautiful, the second part wants to possess it. If one stops at the point where

he says the follower is beautiful that is sanyam . If the desire further extends to second part I wish to

possess it. Then it is no longer sanyam, it becomes Swarth craving. Sanyam is appreciation of the

beauty; Swarth is desire to possess it. Fulfillment of desire to some extent is necessary, but all the desires

cannot be fulfilled. This realization is provided by practicing Sanyam.

12.5.2 Managing Instincts: After managing the senses, Sanyam also manages instincts. There are four

types of instincts and are common to animals and humans. In case of animals, the nature takes care of

instincts, but in case of humans, Sanyam is practiced to manage these instincts:

Ahara (Food) - it is most basic instinct for survival. Without food no living being can exist.
Nidra (Sleep) - it is required for relaxation of body and mind.
Bhaya (Fear) - it is inbuilt in the system for protection against threat to life.
Maithuna (Procreation) it is to continue progeny.

These basic instincts need to be fulfilled but obsessions; distortions and exaggerations of them are

controlled by Sanyam. Sometimes an obsessive instinct can become so powerful that it can change ones

mental attitude and behavior that may result into many problems. Practice of Sanyam is able to get over

such problems.
12.5.3 Managing body, mind and soul: Looking the body, mind and soul as one unit, one can evolve the

art of living in a blissful state by practicing Sanyam. It may be said that as food is required for the body

and pleasure for the mind, Sanyam is required for the soul. The body is grossly physical. Mind is subtle

than body and soul is more subtle than mind. Soul exists in the form of energy in the body. All the good

qualities, performances and achievement made by humans are the results of channelization of this energy

by practicing Sanyam- the outcome of Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayam, Pratyahara, Dharna, Dhyam and

Samadhi. Thus for enlightened living, integrated personality is required which can be developed by

continued observance of yoga sutra of Patanjali and managing body, mind and soul with Sanyam.

12.6 Programmes of Personality Development:

Various government and non government organization all over the world conduct

programmes of personality development for youth and professionals. These programmes comprise of

desirable elements affecting personality such as communication, interpersonal relations, leadership, stress

management, team building, time management, emotional intelligence etc.

In India 27.5% of the population comprises of youth in the age group of 15-29 years. The

government of India Ministry of Skill Development, Entrepreneurship, Youth Affairs and Sports has

introduced National Youth Policy in 2014 with the vision to empower youth of country to achieve their

full potential and through them enable India to find its rightful place in the community of nations. The

government has implemented various schemes for development of personality. Nehru Yuva Kendra

Sangathan (NYKS) is one of the largest organization in the world with about 8 million youth enrolled

through 2.77 lakh youth clubs. National Service Scheme (NSS) has 3.33 million student volunteers on its

rolls. Rajeev Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD) is a premier institution for

training on youth issues. All these organizations conduct programmes of various natures for development

of youth personality, ranging from self development in terms of values and skills to community

development and environment conservation. A programme sponsored by the department of Personnel and

Training, Government of India and UNDP is being conducted at Institute of Management in Government
at Thiruvanthapuram, Kerla. Few spiritual organizations in India including the Art of Living Foundation

at Bangaluru, Shri Satya Sai Sadhna Trust, Anantpur are conducting programmes of personality

development for the needy people. In addition, almost all the educational institutions in India have

included the personality development component as an integral part of the curriculum.

A personality development programme has to be designed based on the type of audience

it is aimed at starting from school going children to business class people. The nature and content of the

programme will differ. The trainers of the programme must be able to showcase the desired life skills in

such a manner so that the audience gets connected. The methodology may consist of lecture-cum-

discussion, presentations, games, role plays, case studies etc. The duration may be from a week to month.

Questions for Learners

1. What do you understand by the term Integrated Personality?
2. What is meant by enlightened living?
3. Why is integrated personality required for an enlightened living?
4. Explain Human Aura Energy Field.
5. What are the various centers of energy in human body?
6. How does the aura affect personality?
7. Describe Patanjalis Yoga Sutras for enlightened living.
8. What is meant by the term Sanyam?
9. How is the body, mind, and soul affected by Sanyam?
10. It is said that the integrated personality can be developed by practicing Sanyam? How is
it justified?