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

How to teach Indian Psychology

V Shankar Kumaran — Veda Vijnana Gurukulam, Bangalore

The whole world has become a global village. Everything is changing very fast and no doubt, there is a stupendous growth in all fields, but, problems of tension, distrust, family disharmony, lack of sense of belonging i.e. vortex of negative-emotions have also become manifold in this century. It becomes very difficult to maintain a harmony in our life-style. Therefore, Yoga Psychology has become so important to help us come out of the psychosomatic imbalances. Sri Aurobindo Maharishi says “The whole Vedas are dealt with human psychology”. The Taitareeya Upanishad of Yajur-Veda declares that we human beings are not just physical bodies but have four more subtle entities. They are the consciousness at the level of the body, vital, mind, gnosis and bliss respectively. This knowledge-base called Pancha-kosha-vijnanam, is the fundamental theory on which Indian Psychology stands on. In the course of routine everyday awareness, which operates at a surface level, we have access only to the lower levels of our being. But as one practices few techniques one’s consciousness moves from the surface to increasingly deeper levels. One gradually becomes more aware of integral nature. This is Indian Psychology.

By using different tools one can reveal one’s different sheaths (Koshas) and they are:

• Annamayakosha: Practising Suryanamaskars, Shirsanana and Yoga-nidra along with Satvic diet.
• Pranamayakosha: Kaphalabati, Vibhagapranayama and Nadi-shuddhi.
• Manomayakosha:  Healthy family-system which includes sharing & caring, batting & patting methods.
• Vijnanamayakosha: Acharya i.e. a person who walks his talk, a living role-model.
• Anandamayakosha:  Sheath revealing itself by the sublimation of the other four.      

Since Indian Psychology is a subject matter of experience, it differs from person to person. Therefore only by rejuvenating the eco-friendly life-style, a healthy family system the teaching of Indian Psychology becomes productive and helps the child in its holistic growth.

Email the author, Shri Shankar Kumaran V, at rgbhat@vvgurukulam.org