This paper was presented at the
National Seminar on
Indian Psychology: Theories and Models
SVYASA, Bangalore,
December 26 - 28, 2007
 

Indian Psychology and the evolution of Integral consciousness

Kundan — California Institute of Integral Studies, California

Psychologists have identified collectivism, community-based living, hierarchy, and duty-based instead of right-based approach to communal living among many others as central to Indian social psychology. However, with the growth in the information technology sector, things are changing fast and some of the prominent aspects of Western ways of life based in the ethos of Modernism and French Revolution—for instance, individualism and rights-based approach to societal living—are penetrating deeply into the Indian consciousness. This undoubtedly creates a lot of inner conflict in the beings of young Indians, some of who are not able to understand and reconcile these dichotomous relationships between traditional India and Modern West. This paper while enumerating some of the chief features of Indian psychology discusses some of the conflicts that ensue due to modern West's impact, and explores and offers a few perspectives on reconciling some of those dichotomous split like collectivism/individualism, modernity/tradition, duty-based living/rights-based living, etc. from the integral standpoint of Sri Aurobindo, one of the established rishis of modern India.

Email the author, Dr. Kundan Singh, at kundan56@hotmail.com