INIDAN PSYCH

UNIT 1

🌟 Background of Indian Psychology

Indian psychology is deeply rooted in spiritual and philosophical traditions,

particularly the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Yoga Sutras.
Unlike Western psychology, which primarily studies behavior and mental
processes through experimentation, Indian psychology centers on inner
experience, consciousness, and the path to self-realization.

Key Features:

 Mind is not the Self: The self (Atman) is distinct from the mind
and body.

 Primacy of Consciousness: Consciousness (Chit) is the ultimate

reality.

 Aim of Psychology: To attain liberation (Moksha) by transcending

the ego.

 Holistic View: Encompasses physical, mental, intellectual, and

spiritual dimensions.

 Ethical Foundation: Moral values like dharma, ahimsa, and satya

are central.

Major Schools:

 Vedanta: Emphasizes non-duality and self-realization.

 Samkhya: Dualistic—Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter).

 Yoga (Patanjali): Eightfold path for mental purification.

 Buddhism: Focuses on impermanence and mindfulness.

 Bhagavad Gita: Combines paths of action, knowledge, and

devotion.

Comparison with Western Psychology:

Feature Indian Psychology Western Psychology

Self-realization, inner
Focus Behavior, cognition
transformation

Method Yoga, meditation, introspection Experimentation,

 observation

Often ego-centric or
View of Self Eternal and spiritual
physical

Time
Cyclical and eternal Linear and time-bound
Orientation

Sthitpragya – Concept and Characteristics

Definition: Found in Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2 (Verses 54–72),

Sthitpragya refers to a person of steady wisdom who remains unmoved by
pleasure, pain, success, or failure.

Characteristics:

 Desirelessness: Free from cravings and attachments.

 Equanimity: Balanced in joy and sorrow.

 Self-Control: Withdraws senses from temptations.

 Inner Peace: Joy comes from within, not external objects.

 Stable Mind: Unaffected by lust, anger, or fear.

 Rooted in Self: Centered in the eternal Atman.

💼 Karma Yogi – Concept and Characteristics

Definition: A Karma Yogi is one who performs actions selflessly, without

attachment to outcomes, as explained in Chapters 3 and 5 of the
Bhagavad Gita.

Characteristics:

 Detached Action: Does duties without desire for reward.

 Selflessness: Focuses on serving others and Dharma.

 Mental Balance: Accepts success and failure equally.

 Non-egoistic: Does not claim authorship of actions.

 Spiritual Focus: Offers all actions to the Divine.

 Path to Liberation: Purifies mind and leads to Moksha.

✨ Panchkosha – Evolution of Self from Gross to Subtle

Described in the Taittiriya Upanishad, the Panchkosha model outlines five
sheaths (koshas) covering the Self (Atman), representing personality
layers from gross to subtle.

1. Annamaya Kosha (Food Sheath)

 Nature: Physical body sustained by food.

 Personality Aspect: Biological and physiological.

2. Pranamaya Kosha (Vital Energy Sheath)

 Nature: Life force energy (prana), breath, circulation.

 Personality Aspect: Vital and emotional functioning.

3. Manomaya Kosha (Mental Sheath)

 Nature: Mind, emotions, and sensory experience.

 Personality Aspect: Thoughts, desires, emotional tendencies.

4. Vijnanamaya Kosha (Intellectual Sheath)

 Nature: Intellect, discrimination, and ego.

 Personality Aspect: Rationality and self-identity.

5. Anandamaya Kosha (Bliss Sheath)

 Nature: Deep inner joy and peace.

 Personality Aspect: Subtle, spiritual core closest to Atman.

Purpose of Panchkosha Analysis:

 Helps in understanding personality holistically.

 Aims at moving inward from physical to spiritual.

 Final goal: Realization of Atman by transcending all koshas.

UNIT 2🔋 Energy and Chakras – Relationship with Gunas

In yogic psychology, the human body is viewed as a system of energy
centers known as chakras, aligned along the spine. Each chakra governs
specific psychological and physiological functions and is associated with
particular gunas (sattva, rajas, tamas), which are the fundamental
qualities of nature in Samkhya philosophy.

The Seven Chakras and Their Gunas:

Chakra Location Function Dominant Guna

Tamas – inertia,
Muladhara Base of spine Survival, stability
grounding

Swadhistha Emotions, creativity, Rajas – activity,

Sacral area
na sexuality desire

Navel/solar
Manipura Power, will, confidence Rajas/Sattva mix
plexus

Love, compassion, Sattva – purity,

Anahata Heart
empathy balance

Vishuddha Throat Communication, truth Sattva

Ajna Brow/third eye Intuition, insight Sattva

Spiritual awakening,
Sahasrara Crown Transcends Gunas
oneness

Personality Insight:

 When Tamas dominates lower chakras → Fear, lethargy.

 When Rajas dominates middle chakras → Ambition, restlessness.

 When Sattva dominates upper chakras → Clarity, wisdom, spiritual

insight.

⚖️Balancing Vata, Pitta, and Kapha – Ayurvedic View of

Personality

Ayurveda defines personality through three doshas (bio-energies): Vata,

Pitta, and Kapha, each combining elements and affecting body and
mind.

1. Vata (Air + Ether)

 Traits: Creative, energetic, anxious, quick thinker.

 Imbalance: Fear, insomnia, indecisiveness.

 Balance: Warm food, routine, calming practices.

2. Pitta (Fire + Water)

 Traits: Focused, passionate, sharp intellect, competitive.

 Imbalance: Anger, criticism, impatience.

  Balance: Cooling foods, relaxation, compassion.

3. Kapha (Earth + Water)

 Traits: Calm, loyal, nurturing, grounded.

 Imbalance: Lethargy, attachment, depression.

 Balance: Stimulation, light food, movement.

Ayurvedic Personality:

 Most people are a combination of doshas.

 Mental harmony and physical health come from dosha balance.

 Practices like yoga, diet, meditation, and lifestyle changes help

maintain this balance.

🧭 Dharmas at Different Life Stages – Ashram Vyavastha

The Ashram Vyavastha divides life into four stages (ashrams) with
corresponding dharmas (duties). It provides a psychological and social
roadmap for personality growth across the lifespan.

1. Brahmacharya (Student life)

 Age: Up to ~25 years.

 Dharma: Celibacy, discipline, learning, character building.

 Psychological Goal: Development of concentration, curiosity,

moral grounding.

2. Grihastha (Householder life)

 Age: ~25–50 years.

 Dharma: Marriage, family, earning livelihood, social duties.

 Psychological Goal: Responsibility, emotional maturity, fulfillment

of kama and artha within dharma.

3. Vanaprastha (Retired life)

 Age: ~50–75 years.

 Dharma: Gradual withdrawal from material life, mentoring,

contemplation.

 Psychological Goal: Detachment, reflection, inner balance.

4. Sannyasa (Renunciate life)

  Age: ~75+ years or earlier if ready.

 Dharma: Renunciation, spiritual quest, seeking moksha.

 Psychological Goal: Transcend ego, realize Atman, union with

Brahman.

Relevance to Personality:

 Each stage nurtures specific aspects of self – intellectual,

emotional, social, and spiritual.Encourages lifelong development
and harmony with inner and outer worlds.

UNIT 3

Personality in Buddhism

1. History

 Buddhism originated with Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) around

5th–6th century BCE in India.

 It focuses on ending suffering (dukkha) through self-awareness

and compassion.

 Personality in Buddhism is seen as impermanent, non-fixed, and

interdependent.

🧠 Easy Tip: Buddhism = Understanding Suffering + Cultivating Awareness

2. Three Characteristics of Existence (Trilakshana)

These describe the true nature of life and personality:

1. Anicca (Impermanence) – Nothing lasts forever.

2. Dukkha (Suffering) – Life involves dissatisfaction.

3. Anatta (Non-self) – No permanent, unchanging "self".

🪷 Tip: A-D-A = Anicca, Dukkha, Anatta

(Like an ADA code of reality)

3. Four Noble Truths

The foundation of Buddhist thought:

1. Dukkha – Suffering exists.

2. Samudaya – It has a cause (desire/attachment).

 3. Nirodha – It can end (cessation).

4. Magga – The Eightfold Path is the way to end it.

🎯 Tip: D-S-N-M = Diagnosis, Source, No more, Method (like a therapy

plan)

4. Arhat and Bodhisattva

 Arhat – One who attains personal liberation (Nirvana); focuses on

self-enlightenment.

 Bodhisattva – One who postpones Nirvana to help others

achieve it; full of compassion.

✨ Tip:
🧘 Arhat = Alone Awakens
Bodhisattva = Back for Others

5. Dynamics of Personality

 Personality is seen as a process, not a fixed entity.

 Made of Five Aggregates (Skandhas):

1. Form (body)

2. Sensation

3. Perception

4. Mental formations (thoughts)

5. Consciousness

⚙️Tip: Think of it as a dynamic machine that keeps changing.

6. Psychological Growth in Buddhism

 Growth means letting go of attachment, ego, and ignorance.

 Achieved through:

o Meditation (mind training)

o Mindfulness

o Moral conduct (sila)

🌱 Tip: Grow by stilling the mind and opening the heart.

7. Obstacles of Growth (Kleshas)

These are mental defilements that block spiritual development:

1. Avidya (Ignorance)

2. Raga (Attachment/Greed)

3. Dvesha (Aversion/Hatred)

4. Asmita (Ego)

5. Moha (Delusion)

🚧 Tip: Think of them as mental toxins.

A-R-D-A-M = Avoid Riding Dangerous Angry Minds

8. Structure of Personality in Buddhism

Buddhist personality considers multiple interconnected aspects:

Compone
Meaning
nt

Body Vehicle of action and meditation

Relations
Rooted in compassion and interdependence
hip

Strength to choose the right path (Right

Will
Intention)

Emotions are transient; mindfulness can

Emotion
guide them

Wisdom (Prajna); knowing the truth of

Intellect
existence

Guru or Buddha – acts as guide to

Teacher
enlightenment

🧘 Tip: B-R-W-E-I-T
Be Real With Emotions, Intellect, and Teacher

📚 Summary Table for Quick Revision

Concept Key Idea Memory Tip

Buddha = Awareness
History Buddhism = Ending Suffering
Guru

Impermanence, Suffering, Non-

3 Characteristics A-D-A
self

D-S-N-M (Diagnosis to
4 Noble Truths Suffering → Cause → End → Path
Method)

Arhat vs. Alone Awakens / Back

Self vs. Compassionate Liberation
Bodhisattva for Others

Dynamics Form, Feeling,

5 changing parts of the self
(Skandhas) Perception…

Psychological
Let go, be mindful Still Mind = Growth
Growth

Obstacles Ignorance, Greed, Hatred, Ego,

A-R-D-A-M
(Kleshas) Delusion

Body, Relationships, Will, Emotion,

Structure B-R-W-E-I-T
Intellect, Teacher

UNIT 4

1. Cultural Context of Personality

Personality is not just shaped by biology or upbringing—culture plays a

big role. People behave and think differently based on cultural norms,
values, and beliefs.

a. Comparative Approach

 What it is: Compares personality traits across different cultures.

 Goal: To find universal traits or differences between cultures.

 Example: Comparing how Americans and Japanese express

emotions.

 Easy Tip: Compare to contrast! This approach finds similarities

and differences.
b. Indigenous Approach

 What it is: Studies personality within a specific culture, using

local ideas and traditions.

 Goal: To understand personality the way local people see it.

 Example: Studying Indian personality using concepts like 'gunas'

or karma.

 Easy Tip: In = Inside! Study personality from within the culture.

c. Combined Approach

 What it is: Uses both comparative and indigenous methods.

 Goal: To create a balanced understanding by combining global

and local insights.

 Easy Tip: Combine = Complete! Mixes both views for a full

picture.

2. Benefits of a Yogic Lifestyle

A yogic lifestyle is based on yoga philosophy—simple living, healthy

habits, and inner peace.

Key Benefits:

1. Physical Health – Improves flexibility, posture, immunity.

2. Mental Health – Reduces stress, anxiety, and depression.

3. Discipline – Encourages regularity and balance in life.

4. Emotional Balance – Helps control anger, fear, and ego.

5. Spiritual Growth – Encourages connection with inner self and

higher consciousness.

Easy Tip:
🌿 YOGA =
Your body
Organized mind
Good habits
Awakened soul
3. Self-Realization through Meditation

Self-realization means understanding your true nature beyond the

ego, body, or thoughts.

How Meditation Helps:

1. Mindfulness – Helps you observe your thoughts without reacting.

2. Inner Awareness – You become aware of your real self, not your
labels (like name, job).

3. Detachment – You learn to detach from worldly suffering.

4. Bliss & Peace – Leads to joy, clarity, and spiritual awakening.

Easy Tip:
🧘 REAL through meditation =
Reflection
Ego dropping
Awareness
Liberation

📌 Summary Table to Remember Easily:

Concept Core Idea Easy Tip

Comparative Cross-cultural
Compare to Contrast
Approach comparison

Local cultural
Indigenous Approach In = Inside (culture)
understanding

Combined Approach Mix of both methods Combine = Complete

Benefits of Yogic Health, discipline, YOGA = Body, Mind, Habits,

Lifestyle balance, growth Soul

Self-Realization via Knowing true self REAL = Reflection, Ego,

Meditation beyond ego Awareness, Liberation