an inquiry into education and well-being: perspectives from a himalayan contemplative tradition and wild pedagogies

abstract

over the last few centuries, the purpose of knowledge and well-being has been confined to our perceived need for survival in a materialist society, dominated by the idea of economic growth. however, the social and environment impacts, and the heavy cost of this approach, have compelled us to ask questions such as: what is the purpose of knowledge and education, ultimately? what is well-being in its true sense? is pure knowledge accessible to us, complete on its own? this paper explores alternative ideas about well-being and knowledge, drawing from the contemplative tradition of dudjom tersar, which is practised in the himalayas of west nepal. keywords: perception, natural awareness, well-being, wild pedagogies, education