Psychological thought in some major Eastern Systems: Bhagavad Gita, Buddhism, Sufism, and Integral Yoga! Emergence of Psychology! Dr Manju Antil ! ugc net psychology paper notes ~ Dr Manju Antil (Counselling Psychologist and Psychotherapist)

Bhagavad Gita is the communication between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. The warrior Arjuna seeks wisdom and Krishna gives advice to him. According to the Bhagavad Gita human, face problems because of the lack in the integration of full integration of life. Bhagavad Gita explains about the concept of consciousness, which is one of the important subject matters of psychology. It is related to the concepts explained by Sigmund Freud. The story and characters in the Bhagavad Gita clearly depict how the id, ego, and superego work. Bhagavad Gita states that to understand consciousness knowledge about experiences and intellectual ability is necessary. It also explains the state of enlightenment. It also states that people have acquired the ability to interact with their environment through one intellect (Buddhi). It is the intellectual ability that helps an individual to behave appropriately according to the situation.

Buddhism is a religion which emphasises the human mind and analyzes emotion, cognition, behaviour, and motivation. It also deals with psychological therapeutic methods. The aims of Buddhist psychology in therapy are: The householder must lead a healthy and virtuous life. Nirvana is the aim of life, which means the complete cessation of dissatisfaction and suffering. Erich Fromm is a psychotherapist who explains Buddhist enlightenment experiences. Sutta peetika, one of the writings of Buddhism which is a part of Tripitaka consists of psychological materials. Buddhism also explains theories of perception and cognition. And also psychological cravings, manas (conceit) and ditthi (dogmas) are explained in Buddhism. The three basic drives in Buddhism namely, Kama tanha (craving for pleasure satisfaction0, Bava tanha (craving for existence) and bhava tanha (craving for annihilation) are compared to Freud՚s drive theory. Buddhism explains consciousness, self-development, and cognition. It also deals with mental illness.

Sufism consists of psychological concepts. The basic three concepts include Nafs, which means self, ego, or psyche, the qalb which means heart and the ruh meaning spirit. Nafs is the self or ego. According to Sufism, nafs at the lowest level are the negative trait of humans and are related to negative tendencies, which are controlled by emotions and desires. Sufic psychology explains about seven types of self. They are the tyrannical self, regretful self, inspired self, serene self, pleased self, pleasing self and the pure self.

Qalb is the spiritual heart. It includes deeper intelligence and wisdom. According to Sufic psychology, qalb is the mediator between nafs and spirit. The self is controlled by qalb.

Ruh is related to divinity. It is the whole of the soul, mind and body. Ruh is the concept related to ego psychology, cognitive psychology, behavioural psychology, and transpersonal psychology

Integral yoga is also called Supramental yoga. It is developed based on the philosophy and practice of Sri Aurobindo. It finds all life conscious or subconscious. It is also a methodized effort towards the highest condition of victory. Integral yoga suggests that spirit manifests itself in a process of involution. According to Sri Aurobindo, there are two extreme views of life. They are as follows:

The materialists: Sri Aurobindo argues that materialists believe only in matter or force. They deny anything else and consider them as inert, illusions or hallucinations.

The ascetics: accept the belief in spirit. It is termed as the mechanical unintelligent substance or energy, leading to believing reality to be an illusion of the senses.

Sri Aurobindo considers whole life as yoga which helps to be aware of the divine. According to him, there are three types of being. They are:

Outer being which means being physical and aware of everyday consciousness and experience.

The inner or subliminal being means the inner aspects of the mental being. They have a larger and freer level of consciousness.

The psychic being is the personal evolving soul. It is the innermost being, which supports the physical and mental principles.