What is Indian Psychology?
A small statue of Ganesha on an altar, symbolizing wisdom, knowledge, and the integration of Eastern philosophies in psychology. This representation reflects the importance of holistic approaches to understanding human behavior and consciousness.
Western Psychology is limited. Yes, it’s an important field of study and practice and helps millions. I've devoted my career to it, afterall! However, historically, it has been narrowed to an exploration of and diagnosis of the mind. While the study of human behavior has been explored and studied by many ancient civilizations, the field of psychology as we know it in the West was not formally birthed until the late 19th century. And since then there have been tremendous movements in the field to include the other experiences in human existence beyond the mind, like the body. Fascinatingly, the trajectory of Western Psychology has embraced an evolution that increasingly incorporates Eastern philosophies and practices.
Seeking out the California Institute of Integral Studies in San Francisco for my doctoral degree was important and has tremendously helped shape how I practice psychology today. Started by Haridas Chaudhuri, student of Sri Aurobindo and The Mother, this Institute offered a lens into ways to address and help the whole person, not merely the mental aspect of the lived experience. Studying in India deepened my understanding of how art, music, body movement, and states of consciousness are as much an integral part of the practice of psychology as much as are the id, ego, superego, archetypes, dreams, transference and countertransference. In India, it was easy to see the archetypes personified before my eyes as I saw 50 foot statutes of Ganesha and Saturn standing in front of me. The magnitude of these mirror the magnitude of the energies of archetypes. I was there to study psychology from a wider perspective inclusive of ancient understandings available through Indian psychology.
Indian psychology refers to the study and understanding of human behavior and the embodied experience, consciousness, and mental processes from Indian perspective of the whole person. It is rooted in ancient Indian philosophical and spiritual traditions, particularly in the teachings of various schools of thought, such as Vedanta, Yoga, Buddhism, and Jainism.
Indian psychology places a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit and explores the nature of consciousness and self-realization. It incorporates concepts such as karma (simplified as the law of cause and effect), dharma (duty or righteousness), and moksha (liberation from the cycle of birth and death).
One significant contribution of Indian psychology is the exploration of the mind and its various states. Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and contemplation have been used for thousands of years to gain insight into the nature of the mind, to cultivate self-awareness, and to achieve spiritual growth. These are not separate from psychology in this paradigm. Indian psychology also recognizes the existence of different levels of consciousness and states of awareness beyond the ordinary waking state.
Indian psychology emphasizes the importance of understanding individual differences and the unique nature of each person's mind. It recognizes that each individual has their own path of development and growth and encourages self-exploration and self-realization while also acknowledging we are all part of the collective.
Contemporary Indian psychology combines the traditional philosophical and spiritual perspectives with modern scientific approaches to psychology. Scholars and researchers in the field work on integrating ancient wisdom with current psychological theories and methodologies to develop a more comprehensive understanding of human behavior and well-being.
Overall, Indian psychology offers a unique perspective on the study of the mind and embodiment, blending ancient wisdom with modern science to explore the nature of consciousness, self-realization, and personal growth.
The incorporation of various techniques and practices to explore the mind, promote well-being, and cultivate self-awareness. The following are some commonly used techniques in Indian psychology:
Meditation: Meditation is a fundamental practice in Indian psychology. It involves training the mind to focus and redirect thoughts, leading to a state of clarity and calmness. Different forms of meditation, such as mindfulness meditation, loving-kindness meditation, and transcendental meditation, are employed to cultivate awareness, concentration, and inner peace.
Yoga: Yoga combines physical postures (asanas), breathwork (pranayama), and meditation to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It is an integral part of Indian psychology and aims to harmonize the body and mind, enhance self-awareness, and facilitate spiritual growth.
Pranayama: Pranayama refers to various breathing exercises that are believed to influence the flow of life force energy (prana) in the body. These techniques regulate breath patterns, calm the mind, and promote overall vitality and balance.
Self-observation and introspection: Indian psychology emphasizes the practice of self-observation and introspection. Through self-reflection, individuals gain insight into their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, allowing them to understand themselves better and work towards personal growth and self-realization.
Contemplation and self-inquiry: Contemplative practices involve deep reflection on philosophical or spiritual teachings. Individuals engage in introspective questioning to explore the nature of reality, the self, and the nature of suffering. Self-inquiry techniques, such as "Who am I?" in Advaita Vedanta, are used to probe the nature of one's identity and ultimately realize the true self.
Mantra repetition: Mantras are sacred sounds, words, or phrases that are chanted or repeated silently during meditation or as a form of spiritual practice. Mantra repetition focuses the mind, calms mental chatter, and induces a state of concentration and inner peace.
Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices involve non-judgmental awareness of the present moment. It involves paying attention to one's thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment without attachment or aversion. Mindfulness is used to cultivate a state of heightened awareness, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being.
Panchakarma: Panchakarma is a traditional Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapy that aims to balance the body, mind, and spirit. This holistic approach involves a series of cleansing procedures to eliminate toxins from the body. Psychologically, Panchakarma is believed to have a positive impact by promoting mental clarity, reducing stress, and enhancing overall emotional well-being. The process includes various therapeutic treatments like massage, steam baths, and herbal remedies, contributing to a sense of relaxation and mental equilibrium. Many proponents of Panchakarma suggest that the physical detoxification aligns with psychological benefits, fostering a harmonious connection between the body and mind.
Rituals and ceremonies: Various rituals and ceremonies are performed in Indian psychology as a means of spiritual connection, purification, and transformation. These rituals often involve the use of symbolic actions, prayers, chanting, and offerings to invoke a sense of sacredness and promote psychological and spiritual well-being.
It's important to note that some of these techniques are not exclusive to Indian psychology and are also practiced in various other traditions and modern psychological approaches. Indian psychology integrates these techniques within its unique philosophical and spiritual framework to explore the mind and promote holistic well-being. The whole person is the focal point for living one’s optimal life.
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