Human Development and Capability: Reconstructed and Fulfilled Through Maharishi Vedic Science

Abstract

This paper reconstructs the concept of human development in light of Maharishi Vedic Science. In Maharishi Vedic Science, the fulfillment of human development is realised in higher states of consciousness. In higher states of consciousness, the mind, body and senses still function in daily life, but at a much more refined and integrated state of functioning. The key aspect of human development explored is that of human capabilities, through the concept called the ‘Capability Approach’. The Capability Approach places the importance on people’s ability to have freedoms (capabilities) to lead the kind of lives they want to lead, to do what they want to do and to be the person they value and want to be. The major constituents of the Capability Approach are ‘functionings’ and ‘capabilities’. A ‘functioning’ being an achievement, and a ‘capability’, the ability to achieve the functioning. Maharishi Vedic Science places human consciousness at the level underlying that of capabilities, essentially, an underlying Universal Capability which allows any individual to naturally and spontaneously develop the full range of functionings, leading to the fulfilment of human development in everyday life. The growth of human consciousness and subsequent fulfillment of dimensions of human development is then explored through published scientific research studies on those practicing Maharishi’s Transcendental Meditation and TM-Sidhi program (the means to contact and enliven this field of human consciousness).