Asia’s spiritual-scientific traditions can guide holistic, adaptive governance by transforming consciousness to address the global polycrisis.
Authors
Naresh Singh, Professor, Jindal School of Government and Public Policy, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India; Centre for Complexity Economics, Applied Spirituality and Public Policy (CEASP), India; Centre for Legal Empowerment of the Poor, India
Devesh Gupta
Summary
This chapter discusses how Asia’s historical legacy of integrating spirituality and scientific inquiry offers a distinctive path to address the polycrisis by integrating ethical considerations with material progress. It highlights Asia’s wisdom traditions, such as Shaivism, Advaita Vedanta, Buddhism, and Confucianism, which prioritize the transformation of inner consciousness as the foundation for social harmony. The chapter calls for a new Asia policy leadership that harnesses complexity and interconnected systems by integrating spirituality, science, and policy. It stimulates a new way of thinking that perceives policy as a catalyst for collective consciousness, collective responsibility, and unity. In this direction, Asia can contribute to building holistic, adaptive, and participatory governance. With integral and relational paradigms, Asia can play a leading role in aligning with the pact for the future toward global transformation.
Published in: Handbook of Public Policy in Asia
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