Since centuries there is a question of relevance of Indian tradition culture and various concepts of Indian psychology, myths and old stories to the Science of psychology.
The myth of creation of universe in Indian Vedas and Upanishads is radically different from other cultures of the world. This led a very different implications and consequences on development of psychology in India.
What came first the consciousness or matter is an age old question like what came first chicken or egg. This can be explained with the help of a story: once a boy goes to Shiva and asks him who is your father? He answers: Vishnu the sustainer of the world. He further asks who is your grandfather? The answer came brahma: the creator of the world. Then the child further asks who is your great grandfather ? Myself: he replies.
Thus Indian perspective is not related to western one which believes that time moves from past to future (Time’s arrow) whereas Indian philosophy believes that time is cyclical in nature.
Concepts of Indian psychology :Consciousness
According to Mandukya Upanishad there are mainly four state of consciousness: wakeful, dream, deep sleep and state of Ekatma. In first state which is wakeful state one perceives objects if external world. Dream state is exactly opposite to the first one. In this attention is directed inwards. Whereas in deep sleep one actually experiences a form of bliss. In the state of Ekatma the true self is directly experienced and one actually integrates oneself with “atman”.
Relationship between Humans and nature
Attitude towards nature in Concepts of Indian traditions have shaped psychological thoughts in India which is way different from those in the west. The behaviourist psychology rather focuses on outward perspectives whereas psychology of Indian traditions focuses on inner world. Thus it can be said that concepts in Indian tradition and culture is the culture of Man-in-nature which is opposed to Man-over-nature.
Since ancient times importance of plants and animals as well as the surrounding nature is incorporated in Indian psyche by the way of various rituals and traditions. For ex; to worship cow as mother; worship some animals considering vehicles of God etc….
This all will refrain people from killing the biodiversity around us. Though there are many such instances where violation of nature happens but when it is compared to west domination of nature is not a specialty of Indian culture.
To understand the concepts of Indian psychology and behaviour it is necessary to understand the concept of karma and dharma. Karma simply means action or “free will”. It can be sought in three ways: physically, verbally and mentally. The common notion of karma is: ‘The doer of good becomes good and the doer of evil becomes evil’. This idea is also known as ‘Doctrine of karma’
Concept of karma and Dharma
“Yadyatsamdda`syate loke sarva
Tatkarmasambhavam|
Sarvam karmamausarena
Janturbhoganbhumakti vai||”
This concept of karma links itself with “samskara”, which means that every action leaves behind a trace. Whatever a man does will receive its appropriate fruit at the right time. This concept also links itself with the concept of “Reinforcement” of western psychology. Thus it will motivate a person to perform good deeds continuously to reeive appropriate fruit of his actions.
Also, the concept of paap and punya are intricately woven with Indian psychology. In this the concept of Rebirth plays a very important role. What if the seed sown by past actions take indefinite period of time before finding appropriate conditions to bear fruit? For this it would be necessary for an individual to be reborn. However it demands for a scientific proof.
The Inborn fear of death common to all animals as well as human beings cannot be obtained through experience or observations. Hence it is the memory of the ending of the previous life cycle and is considered as a rational proof for the idea of rebirth. One do not suffer for someone else’s actions is relevant in psychology. Thus in accordance with it, all samskaras believe that man is ultimately responsible for his actions.
Dharma is one of the core concepts of Indian traditions. It is relevant in the study of society and social psychology. It is also related to the concept of caste system. Behavior of an individual is mainly shaped in accordance with caste, rules, ethics, beliefs etc… of society. The concept of dharma and karma are related to each other in the sense that on can never perform activities without initiating any action.
Hence we can say that though many concepts of Indian psychology and traditions contradict with modern psychology it has still proven itself relevant in various aspects which cannot be ignored.
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2 Responses
Great!!you explained indian psychology and enlighten indian mythology and culture pleasingly..
The roots of indian psychology is as deep as an great ocean..Great,You explained Karma, Dharma, Relationship between Humans and Nature,etc in a pleasing way….