Hinduism

Abstract

Ancient Hindu scriptures such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad-Gita (the Gita) offer important insights to the mind and mental health in ways that are complementary to those derived from Western psychology. In the Gita, the mind and body are viewed in non-dualistic terms; mental health is defined not merely as the absence of ill health, but by the positive attributes of happiness independent of external gratification. Psychopathology is viewed as resulting from too much or misplaced attachment and a faulty concept of self leading to an excessive focus on the self. The prescription for such affliction includes unattached actions, accurate awareness of self and awakening mindfulness. Many parallels may be drawn between the Gita and the principles of Western psychotherapeutic models such as cognitive and metacognitive therapies. However, apart from insights into psychopathology and its treatment, the Gita sheds light on enhancing positive mental health as well. The Gita embodies several modern concepts from positive psychology, such as flow, intrinsic motivation, reappraisal of the self-concept, and the development of compassion. It is proposed that psychotherapeutic insights from the Gita and other traditional Hindu scriptures offer a comprehensive step-wise psychobiological meta-cognitive approach to prevention, intervention, and promotion of well-being. Comprehensive and culturally compatible psychotherapeutic models integrating Eastern and Western psychotherapeutic models merit attention.