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1. Income Sharing
True
happiness comes from giving. This principle forms the basis
of this step which suggests keeping aside a fixed proportion
of one's income for a social cause annually. Many societies
did have or do have such a tradition. This step proposes to
revive such a tradition. One can start with small token
contributions of 0.1 per cent to 1 per cent of annual income
going up to 5 per cent. Such contributions lead to a deep
sense of fulfilment if they ultimately reach those in need.
2. Time Sharing
Keeping
aside a fixed proportion of one's time for a social cause.
This could be designed for a day's involvement once in a few
months or a few hours every week based on circumstances.
Sharing skills, knowledge, even plain experiences without
expecting any thing in return is equivalent to sharing human
consciousness. This promotes trust in human relations,
sensitivity and all round well being of everyone. Besides
the consequences of building new forms of organisations
appropriate for alternative living could be far reaching.
3. Self Reflection
Some
separate time devoted to self-reflection everyday, gradually
making it a way of life is the key to self evolution and
meaningful transformation of one's life. This helps in
establishing long term goals, in taking important decisions
and directing one's energies towards more meaningful tasks.
It also helps in elimination of individual faults and
weaknesses.
4. Collective Reflection
A process
of collective brainstorming that enables the participants to
share perspectives relating to their values, choices and
methods of decision making, leads to considerable changes in
outlook, working and behaviour, if properly facilitated.
There is an old Indian saying One cannot develop
discretion without proper company that needs
appreciation and application. A small group of like-minded
persons can start such an exercise. It is useful to maintain
a certain regularity in such meetings even if they are at
long intervals (say, once in a month/in two months/in three
months).
5. Fault Control
Everyone
has faults and habits that one is not often happy with. One
can identify and take steps to control such faults through
self reflection.
Examples
could vary from excessive alcohol or tobacco use to short
temperament or laziness. Faulty earning, exploitative or
dictatorial behaviour could be others. One should be able to
define ones fault oneself and may take other opinions once
in a while.
6. Speech Control
Speaking
with conscious control and reflection is an important aspect
of living that can be developed through practice.
7. Domestic Responsibilities
Sharing of
domestic responsibilities including those associated with
child rearing is an important component of life discipline
and enrichment. This aspect tends to be neglected by men due
to established traditions. With changing roles and
requirements of living, there is a need for conscious
re-look into this aspect with greater participation of men
in domestic chores allowing women to participate more
equitably in social and economic spheres.
8. Local Purchase
Earmarking
a certain proportion of total consumption to goods produced
locally. This will help stimulate and strengthen small scale
production wherever feasible and can be achieved without
compromising on certain basic qualities of products. Without
a conscious effort in this direction, many quality items
produced locally go unnoticed at the cost of gainful
employment to many. Such consumer awareness and action helps
support cottage and small scale industry in the face of
global competition.
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