Needo-understand Sustainable Health: Embracing Needo-Consumption for a Disease-Free Life

Needo-understand Sustainable Health: Embracing Needo-Consumption for a Disease-Free Life
By Professor Madan Mohan Goel

Being a votary of needonomics (economics of needs), I consider it my duty to give the rationale for sustainable health free from diseases of all kinds. In an era where diseases, aging, and overconsumption have become significant causes of mortality and morbidity, achieving sustainable health is paramount. Sustainable health is not just about the absence of disease but encompasses a holistic approach to well-being that ensures needo-happiness, needo-peace, needo-progress, and needo-prosperity. This article explores the concept of needo-consumption as a necessary and sufficient condition for sustainable health and highlights the importance of traditional practices and needo-living in promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Concept of Needo-Consumption

Needo-consumption is a paradigm shift from the excessive consumption patterns prevalent in modern society. It emphasizes the consumption of goods and services that meet genuine needs rather than indulging in unnecessary and often harmful excesses. This approach advocates for a balanced and mindful lifestyle, where the focus is on quality over quantity and well-being over material wealth.

Needo-understand Yog as Spiritual Mathematics in Gita

Concept of Yog (union) can be understood through the spiritual mathematics of 1+1=1 presented in the Bhagavad Gita as a profound understanding of the unity between the individual soul and the Supreme Soul. This concept challenges our conventional notions of identity and separation, inviting us to recognize the divine essence within ourselves and all beings. By embracing the principles of Yog, we can transcend the limitations of the ego, realize our true nature, and achieve lasting peace and fulfillment. In this way, the Bhagavad Gita guides us towards a life of harmony, compassion, and spiritual enlightenment.

Needo-understand Meditation as Child Play:  Needonomics Approach to Needo-Health

In the fast-paced modern world, achieving needo-health—a state of well-being based on fulfilling genuine needs rather than succumbing to consumerist desires—requires simplicity and mindfulness. One powerful tool for attaining this state is meditation, which can be as natural and effortless as child’s play. By focusing on the basic act of breathing in and out, and by becoming a witness to this simple yet profound play of life, anyone can integrate meditation into their daily routine and enhance their overall well-being.

Health as Wealth: The Importance of a Sound Mind and Body

The adage “a sound mind lives in a sound body” underscores the intrinsic link between physical health and mental well-being. Sustainable health advocates for a lifestyle that nurtures both the body and the mind. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, adequate rest, and stress management are essential components of this approach. By maintaining a healthy body, we create a foundation for mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall life satisfaction.

Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light the importance of sustainable health practices. The World Health Organization (WHO) health protocols emphasized the need for hygiene, social distancing, and mindful interactions to curb the spread of the virus. Interestingly, the pandemic also internationalized certain traditional Indian practices, such as the Namaste greeting, which replaced handshakes and hugs as a safer way to interact. This practice not only minimized physical contact but also promoted a sense of mutual respect and well-being.

Indianization of Global Practices: The Namaste Gesture

The adoption of the Namaste gesture during the pandemic is a testament to the wisdom inherent in traditional practices. Unlike handshakes or hugs, Namaste involves no physical contact, thereby reducing the risk of transmitting infections. This simple yet profound gesture exemplifies the principles of needo-consumption by promoting a respectful and mindful way of greeting that aligns with sustainable health practices.

Achieving Needo-Happiness, Needo-Peace, Needo-Progress, and Needo-Prosperity

The journey towards sustainable health is not just about physical well-being but also about achieving a higher state of needo-happiness, needo-peace, needo-progress, and needo-prosperity. These states of being are interconnected and can be attained through a lifestyle that values moderation, mindfulness, and the fulfillment of genuine needs. By embracing needo-consumption, individuals can cultivate a life of purpose, contentment, and holistic well-being.

Conclusion

Sustainable health is a multifaceted concept that goes beyond the mere absence of disease. It is about fostering a lifestyle that promotes physical health, mental clarity, and emotional well-being through mindful consumption and traditional practices. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of such practices, exemplified by the global adoption of the Namaste gesture. By understanding and embracing needo-consumption, we can pave the way for a healthier, happier, and more prosperous future for all. In the pursuit of sustainable health, let us remember that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in a balanced and fulfilling life where the body, mind, and soul are in harmony.

*Professor Madan Mohan Goel as Session Coordinator of Round Table on Sustainable Health addressed the participants of the II Global Conference on Education and Sustainability 2024 ( GCES2024)  at Unopar Anhanguera College- Unifacvest University Center  Vacaria Rio Grande do Sul (RS)-Brazilorganized by  Global Edu Leaders Forum  (GELF) on June 07,2024. He is known as Propounder Needonomics School of Thought, Three-time Vice-Chancellor including  Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD Sriperumbudur), an Institution of National Importance established by Act of Parliament, , Jagannath University Jaipur ,  Starex University and Superannuated Professor of Kurukshetra University.