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SYNOPSIS
Counselling in its widest connotation existed in one form or the other
from time immemorial. In India, right from the days of the Vedas,
our sages have been interested in understanding and controlling
the mental processes. As such, there is no system of Indian thought
that has not made significant contributions to Psychology. It is
against this background that an attempt has been made in the
present paper to highlight the counselling origin and psychological
sagacity in the background of Indian culture and spirituality.
the epics is that of the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna in the
battlefield of Kurukshetra.
Conclusion
Culture is a powerful variable when it comes to the efficiency of
counselling. In the globalized world that we live in, and the way that
ideas and practices spread by constantly moving and changing,
universalism has to be questioned and the context respected. Even
though diversity is a fact in the cultural horizon of India, the field of
cross-cultural counselling and the pressing need of cultural
sensitization give a strong indication of homogenizing effects. Let us
hope the academic and professional bodies proliferating in India
would endeavour to set an example in developing psychotherapy and
counselling ethos suitable for India and acceptable to the worldwide
communities.
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Abstract
Contents
Conclusion
11 112 - 119
Chapter 1 : Introduction
healing systems that have been focused on the holistic well being of
teacher and returned only after the graduation. Here, pupil had the
India, is true.
Indian seers and sages were and are interested more in the ways
primarily poetic and symbolic in nature they are not easily accessible
for researchers and scholars and hence their significance was not
obvious unless one delve deep into the symbolism as many scholars
have done. It is in the Upanishads that those seed ideas have been
the end of Vedic period, hence also called ‘Vedaanta’ are culmination
are:-
(yogavasishtam).
grouped as:-
b) mystical traditions
c) medical traditions
are called Vaids who believe that imbalance of gunnas is the main
14
the Hindu psyche for centuries. This deterministic belief asserts that
we must pay for our actions either in the present or in our next lives.
relationships goes back to more than 1500 B.C., and much can be
life without discontinuity until the present times. One thing which is
It dealt with all life domains and all stages of human development.
the individual and society together, or going one step further, the
force which makes 'individual and society hold each other together'.
best sources to examine Hindu social life through the ages. Another
material self, of person and nature, and of person and society. In this
pervasive cosmic reality. Man, animal, plant all are believed to share
the same cosmic energy, and are bound by the same cosmic
individual function of the one blends with the individual function of the
fragment it is resisted.
caste, class, family, community, and even gods) which define one's
and social background. Thus, one's social-self exists only in the mind
Plato's sense and thus deals with prescriptive social behaviour. The
who ruled the country for six centuries, or indirectly by the West. In
colonial rule in India in the 18th Century. All along, the notion of
“Hinduism” is not the original name of Indian religion and those who
followed the same since the ancient times never gave it any
eternal law that supports and sustains those who practice it.” The
language of ancient Persians, the ‘S’ of Sanskrit became ‘H’ and this
The major scriptures of Hinduism are the Vedas, the Upanishad, and
the Bhagwad Gita. Among these, Vedas are considered the oldest
and the tenets and earliest concepts of Hinduism are recorded in the
four Vedas viz., Rig Veda, Yajur Veda, Sama Veda, and Atharva
such as fire, water, wind, etc., This main purpose of worship was to
one tries to understand the concept of mind and mental illness from
ancient Hindu knowledge - Rig Veda and Yajur Veda, it suggests that
pain (depression). The Rig Veda, also discusses about the speed of
healing.
mind: waking state, dreaming state, deep sleep state, and Samadhi.
benevolent, they also believe that people who feel guilty about their
fear, they may worship images of God that look angry and
frightening. Hindus believe that God is there in all lives and manifests
as love, truth, and light. Therefore, all lives are sacred, and have to
Ahimsa or non-violence.
The broad Hindu view of life can be summed up in four basics aims
release from worldly bondage and union with the ultimate reality.
both a cause and an effect and the basic philosophy is “as you sow,
so shall you reap.” Every action will have its reaction and every
also due to Karma of the past. This law of Karma also states that we
different births till it realizes self and unites with the creator. This is
also called as Nirvana, meaning the stage when the soul ultimately
progresses in self-realization.
a fact even agreed by the modern science, that the type of food
intake grossly influences the habit and mind of people and animals.
of violence in any form toward “living things.” From the 3rd century AD
strongest impress from the Krishna cult, from whom the revering of
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this day. All these cultural aspects are important influencing factors of
behaviour evolution.
and all the dynamics of natural law. The Vedic case studies
gaining mastery over the vacillating mind and also describes the
shows a way out of worldly concerns and teaches that a person can
battle field (war between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, the
It has 18 chapters, with about 702 verses , the first one being “Arjuna
Vishada Yoga” (Sorrow of Arjuna) and the last one “Moksha Sanyasa
therapies, specially, but need not be limited to, in the Indian context.
Arjuna, who is expected to perform his duties to the best of his ability
26
without expectations of results. The fruits of our actions are not for us
that divine message of divine song is for all to study and practice and
In the case of Gita, Krishna gives advices to Arjuna (or for all ages
say that the advice given by Krishna in Gita contained the power that
provides counselling for all the ages and all the times. Krishna was
saw it. The events in contemporary India forced him to take a hand in
country’s history, this was it. He was kind, but, where necessary,
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ruthless. But his motive was always the same: upholding virtue. He
was not an idealist who merely talked; he was a man of action and it
as much as we can and make our life peaceful and successful both
are passing through rough and hard times, when there is much
confusion to decide and act upon in our life - that is the right time we
motivation which we need at right time and right place. In this age
very useful for our modern, fast aged and technological advanced
very compact scripture that deals with all practical aspects of life. The
How does the human mind operate? What happens when we are in a
and why did we do that? We feel bad and the emotions go on and on
for our actions that we are the doers. Ultimately, it teaches us to take
that leads to more confusion in our life to decide and act upon. We
much of stress, fear, anxiety and pressure in our life. There is always
That is why Bhagavad-Gita is the key to learn about the problem and
provides solution to the problem. Just take one example from this
divine book. Try to apply one principle. You will see the difference in
you. Your life will dramatically change and you will be able to cross
your boundaries and remove the fear. Your attitude will change. You
life. Soon, you will realise yourself and that way you will have total
through. You will have different view and that way you will know
yourself fully with inner vision. Next time you will experience that: No
is within you. You are the only one who can make yourself happy or
quite helpful in clinical practice. Doctors also point out that the Gita,
therapies, especially, but not limited to, in the Indian context. The
with a pinch of salt due to varying cultural, attitudes. “The Gita has
said.
of action from a state of acute anxiety and guilt laden depression that
undertaken, to help him cope with it. The counseling technique by the
only one of the greatest warriors of his time , but is also a man
the dictates of Arjuna's mind (the value of duty ) and heart (the
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his brothers and their cause but to his relatives in the opposing
Within man there is mind and there is heart. These, by their very
attuning individual life with the unified field of natural law has
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i) 2nd Chapter 3rd Verse “I am your disciple, Guide me, and Help Me”.
ii) Last (18th) Chapter verse 73 as “Clouds have cleared; my senses are
back, all your gift with my doubts vanished, Ready to act as you
context.
The very first word in Bhagavad Gita is “Dharma” and the last word is
after seeing his kith and kin (Gurus, cousins, uncles, nephews,
war, to win the kingdom, means killing all these people whom Arjuna
Probable diagnosis
day diagnostic criteria may sound ludicrous but the limitations are
stain my hands with the blood of gurus and cousins). The available
The setting is battle field and the urgency of the issue demands crisis
and veteran of many battles, in the recent past he fought against the
same army and won the battle. His proactive role in the preparation
for the current war and that he drove into the battlefield with great
enthusiasm to fight and win, shows his readiness until he faced the
realities of battlefront.
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boy in his younger days, with tons of common sense and in the
Anxiety
Verses I/30 (The great bow “Gandivam’ slips from the hand,
Depression
1. Negative thoughts:
2. Guilt:
Verses I/44:(Preparing for the sinful act of killing our own kinsmen…)
3. Death wish:
good)
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(You worry about events you are not supposed, and speak like a
learned man, Wise people do not worry about things that are
(As you remove torn clothes and wear new ones ATMA also
(Everything born must die, everything dead must get born again and
you should not worry about these events) Chapter II, Verse 27
(For a noble man disgrace is worse than death) Chapter II, Verse 34
(If you die you will go to heaven, winning will get you kingdom So get
performance anxiety and without the greed for the fruits of the work
Gita which also may be the most often quoted verse in Bagavat Gita.
(You have the right only on Action, Not on the fruits of your work.
Never own aspire responsibility to the result, Must never lose interest
individual self, and how the person alone will be responsible for his
actions, growth or otherwise. “You are your choices”. “You are your
destiny”
Naradhipam….
Omnipresent….
forms…)
Therapeutic components:
coping skills
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Catharsis, Ventilation!
the anxiety provoking situation as the therapy was in the battle field
itself
positive kind”
result – removing the guilt and re-motivating to fight the battle – and
(……Where Arjuna stands with his Gandiva [Bow] there certainly will
“It is not this approach gives power to the person; it never takes it
away”
“You have a right over action alone; never over results. Don’t be
indeed far inferior to the Yoga of attitude. Take refuge in this Yoga of
The sense of the following verse is that man may not achieve
“Man does not achieve freedom from work by abstaining from them.
means.”(III/4)
The following verse is the best therapy for depression arising out of
moreover, if you are inactive, even the maintenance of your body will
be impossible.”(III/8)
But one must know his or her limits and priorities must be judiciously
selection of priorities.
“For one who is born, death is certain, and to one who dies, rebirth is
fact.”(II/27)
Avoid expectations:
expected, and in the right place, at the right time to the right person is
The Gita says the contemplation of objects (of desire) is the root of
all evil.
II verse 62)
and ought not to be done. Through this lack, one is wholly destroyed;
“Oh best of men, that wise person whom the sense organs and
return for good or ill). He, whose intellectual attitude is the same,
process.
the first session in great detail and that is what Krishna did in
talking about one path and other time you are talking about
again.
any situation. Either change the response of the body through yogic
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idea which is analysed and then acted upon. Thought, analysis and
of spiritual knowledge.
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mythological tradition is very much active and is part of the daily life
Aphrodite or Osiris and Isis are today to be found only on books and
religious tradition for the last five thousand years. The ancient
stories like Homer’s Iliad or Odyssey in Greece, but are models for
untapped or unused.
the most ancient civilizations, India has a long history of help seeking
behaviours.
harmony of the mind, body and the soul which equips one to
(Tridosha theory).
resides within the body. When a person dies the mind too dies. The
attributes of the mind are that, it is unitary and atomic. Based on its
function, the mind is divided into Ahankara(ego) and Ittcha (will) and
Ahankara, controls and directs the mind. Buddhi, the intellect, takes
possible only when the mind receives, organizes and interprets the
sensory stimuli collected by the sense organs. The mind controls and
and Thalu (Hard palate). When the doshas are vitiated to the
only the physical and mental aspects but the spiritual aspects
years ago with the basic aim of growth, development and evolution of
can help in realizing the human potential. There are various systems
of yoga. However, all aim to achieve the same, i.e., bringing about
meditation have received wide acceptance and popularity all over the
world.
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in India, and the popularity of yoga therapy has grown steadily both
yoga practice also date back to the early 20th century, and this
Yoga therapy research began much more recently. The first study of
stated rationale still holds value in modern yoga therapy research: “It
creative potentialities”.
depression and/or anxiety and the literature has grown to the extent
that reviews of this literature are now being published. This is not
“If there was a drug that could mimic the effects of yoga, it would
researchers who have contributed to this field and the history of yoga
research reports in this special issue and not surprisingly, six of them
psychotic patients was conducted with significant sample size and is,
Meditation
Astrology which has strong followers in India has played a vital role in
and stars at the time of birth. By referring the natal chart of a person
astrologer knows not only how, but also when to share difficult
aspects of the natal chart with the personal problems of a client. But
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Dr. C.G. Jung, the respected Swiss psychiatrist, had a keen interest
Psychology, Walsh and Vaughan state, “Jung himself was the first
which literally means "the study of the psyche or soul”, had lost touch
with its true spiritual purpose of exploring the soul during its
academic development.
different angle. I must say that I very often found that the astrological
unable to understand."
“science of light”, can be a profound tool for bringing light and clarity
millennium.
handling any health challenges that they may encounter during the
face; little dialogue takes place with this format. This presentation
That is, astrologers are paid to talk, and Counsellors are paid to
listen. The problem with this approach is that it allows little, if any
input from the client. It is often difficult to assess completely from the
natal chart does not necessarily show the intention or effort that a
client is making to actualize their potential and how they are healing
regard toward the client; diagnosing mental illness, and not flooding
share at a given moment. It is also essential that the client leave the
not seen for more than one to two hours a year. Psychotherapeutic
can create a magical transference with the client seeing the therapist
as the one who knows all and has the “magic pill" for instant
recovery. This can create unrealistic projections that get in the way of
and symbols of the planets, signs and stars can be very enlightening
In astrological terms, the moon represents mind, the Sun body and
with the Moon may also be challenging to the client's mental health
depressive illness.
The planetary periods of a weak planet will also make the individual
"bad” during a consultation can generate fear, shame and low self-
Each client that comes to the astrologer is a unique soul and should
more difficult than others to work with. The following are a few of the
(1) The Professional: This type of client has usually been to many
the last past. They want some person of authority to make their
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(2) The Skeptic / Confounder: This client does not believe that
astrology is credible and would enjoy proving you wrong. This can be
the person that is given the consultation as a birthday gift. Even if his
natal chart analysis is correct, they may deny the interpretation. This
(3) The Agreeable Client: In this client's eyes, you are God,
incarnate. Every word you utter is the gospel truth. They see you as
(4) The Confessional: The client may see you as the priest or
Father figure to absolve them of their sins. They may also want you
to condone the behaviour that they may feel guilt about. Depending
(5) Rescue Me: This is the client looking for the "magic pill” and by
fine. They also want to know when Prince Charming is going to arrive
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or what are their lucky numbers for the lottery. After the session, the
(6) The Victim: They believe that the difficult aspects in their natal
chart are further proof that God is punishing them. The goal is try to
help them release the role of "playing victim" and become an active
situation, so they can also heal it. They need to know that there is
“games” being played and hopefully guide the client toward more
How the astrologer philosophically holds the issue of fate and free
will must also be explored and clarified. One’s attitudes and belief
may not share your spiritual views. However, the Vedic philosophy
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rule, and one can see the introduction of Indian psychology in the
one misses out on the larger historical events that are taking place at
epistemology.
the daily living. People tend to attribute various mental health issues
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disorder.
counselling.
what the western theories suggest. In spite of the fact that some
For the last few decades there is growing realization that for better
Prof. N.S. Vahia of Bombay was another pioneer who through many
than once beautifully written about the value of Srimad Bhagwad Gita
internal focus of control (as in the west) and have largely ignored the
illness.
more often than not come in conflict with the needs of the patients.
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may reside in the site itself, rather than in the religious leader or any
understanding the role of these institutions may help with planning for
confined to his own body, the Indian self diffuses into the intimate
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grandparents, uncles, aunts and siblings, and hence, parents are not
the sole guardians or regulators of the child. With the growth of the
and “not-me” tend to get blurred, and for Indians, “we” rather than “I”
soul, re-birth, and fatalism. The inner self of Indians has been
sooner or later mingled and became one with the Indians. Therefore,
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challenge to the Indian self was posed by an “invader”, who, for the
first time in Indian history, made no efforts to integrate with the ever
of the situation. The other model used to resolve the identity crisis
was identification with the victor by internalizing them, in this case the
before, making its presence felt time and again. Until date, this
marriage, etc., Given the differences between the Indian and western
the Indian context mind and mental health are understood from the
without taking the family into account is almost impossible. Given the
shown that the joint families help in dividing the burden of care for the
mentally ill and this in turn results in better course and outcome of
member with psychiatric illness and has been closely tied with
concerned with family and household issues while men are expected
income, and many other aspects of their lives and health will
compared with men and inevitably set limits on their opportunities for
account of the gender specific risk factors for adverse mental health
preference and less food being given to girls and women, all increase
resource for the care of the mentally ill. However, the society is
disintegration of the joint family and the rise of nuclear and extended
forms a resource for mental health that the country cannot neglect,
their mentally ill and it may pave the path for a deeper community
disorders in India, and debates the issues and concerns faced in the
Indian culture has a fixed hierarchy in which God has a higher value
higher authority, namely God, and thus relieving themselves from the
others. Surprisingly, very few studies from India have evaluated the
of caring for a mentally ill relative. Other studies, although have not
In last 2-3 decades, studies across the world have started focusing
from God for his sins, consider stressor as a work of devil, or believe
stressor.
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the stressor, seeking comfort and reassurance through the love and
from the west which have evaluated patients with different illnesses
suggest that about three-fifth of the patients use religion to cope with
the onset of the disorder and about one-fifth of the patients reported
illnesses reported that more than 80% of the subjects used religious
study also reported that majority of the patients devoted nearly half of
their total coping time to religious practices with prayer being the
most frequent activity. It was further seen that use of religious coping
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noted that those patients who devoted lesser time in religious coping
west have shown that the delusional themes of the patients are
Studies from India also suggest that many patients attribute their
they may refuse to take treatment and assert that the illness can be
semen, based on the central idea that there are seven essential
constituents of the body (the seven Dhatus: chyle, bile, blood, flesh,
distilling, the most concentrated and hence the most precious elixir
one drop of bone marrow and 40 drops of bone marrow form one
drop of semen.
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understanding how people relate with others and conduct their social
The difference is not just in terms of the methods of inquiry but more
formed.
103
forms the basis of the family systems theory, which later came to be
depending upon their own inclinations and/or the needs of the clients.
counselling. The similar practice has been followed at all the GHPUs,
which have been established in India over the last 5 decades. These
units, though may not be conducing family therapy, are working with
1970s and early 1980s, when the National Institute of Mental Health
Center in 1977. Early work from the center showed that families
notable amongst which are the Family Interaction Pattern Scale, the
Family Topology Scale and the Marital Quality Scale. In the late
turn of this century, it became the only center in India to offer formal
therapists employ different techniques for the purpose like the three
out the patient's generation and two more related generations and
life cycle chart explores the functions of the family and roles of
between the family members. This can show if relations are normal,
symptoms for the patient and the role of the family members in
maintaining them.
west, they need to be suitably modified for use in the eastern culture.
scale, looks into the developmental phases of the family. The scale
The therapy proper is the phase, where major work on the family is
of the disorder will also determine the therapy, like the use of
comfort and training, and the time the family can spare for therapy
members to usurp his authority and so may not allow other family
sides with the wife rather than with the husband in couple's therapy.
from parents, the culture clash with children going for night-outs,
troubled the west in the 1960s and the 1970s, our cultural differences
societies, when they stand up for their individual rights are termed
severe cases, the people seek support from outsiders, and even then
member of the family responsible for the behaviour and the life
over involvement, lack of privacy and space for the client. Indeed,
west.
and effective.
over the next 6 months to a year to ensure that the client therapist
defined and presently anyone at all with little or no training can offer
the first chair in psychology was endowed. After this, within a year,
University.
the bureau was closed out of financial burden during 1950s, but
restarted in 1960s.
115
as its first Director. Soon after this, five more regional bureaus –
at Uttar Pradesh.
decision was taken to start a journal. The journal had its first issue in
1956.
unqualified personnel and quacks have made the field doubtful to the
services and counselling may help to rectify the doubts of the people.
Chapter 11 : Conclusion
linked with the social, political, and economic life of people. However,
common man, but at the same time have widened the disparity
between the rich and the poor, the haves and the have-nots. As a
the social reality can be grappled with. In the past, the focus has
Over the years, powerful arguments have been made for the role of
next.
(as many other organisations in the world) and at the other hand it is
show that ideas are products of their context and change when
some aspects religion, are part of the Indian context that they
their clientele are part of a context where roles are changing. Young
in rural areas.
client’s needs and wishes first. It seems that some clients do not
from religion and by some, that they are entwined. Spirituality should
important part of the Indian context and the counsellors are culturally
stigmatization.
122
of sand therapy, art therapy and using small animals. The methods
and endurance and the use of metaphors from Indian epics such as
the Mahabharata.
Ayurveda, shamans and gurus differ a lot from the paradigms within
conditions.
collectivistic values.
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expectation of advice-giving.
counselling. In the globalized world that we live in, and the way that
Integrating psychological
Adhikari Srikanta Dash,
knowledge:
7 Centre of Advanced Study in Psychology,,
ancient & modern
Utkal University, Orissa
Western
Introducing Indian Matthijs Cornelissen,
8 psychology: the basics Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Pondicherry.