Course

Unit 1

Foundations of Indian Psychology

Definition and scope of Indian Psychology. Differences between Indian and Western Psychology. Sources: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Samkhya and Vedanta systems. Concepts of Manas, Buddhi, Ahamkara, and Atman. Purushartha and its psychological relevance

Unit 2

Psychology in the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads

Psychological insights from the Bhagavad Gita: duty, self-control, detachment. Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, Tamas) and personality. Models of mind and consciousness in the Upanishads. Concept of self and liberation

Unit 3

Yoga and Indian Psychological Practices

Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga and psychological purification. Yoga as a therapeutic practice: mind-body harmony. Meditation, Pranayama, and concentration. Holistic healing through Indian spiritual psychology

Unit 4

Logic, Indian Thinkers and Contributions

Logic: Reflective thinking, propositions, arguments, and inductive and deductive reasoning, focusing on truth, validity, and laws of thought.

Sri Aurobindo’s Integral Yoga Psychology. Swami Vivekananda on education, self-realisation, and human potential. J. Krishnamurti’s approach to self-awareness and conditioning. Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi’s teachings. Role of women in Indian Psychology: Eastern vs Western views

Unit 5

Applications of Indian Psychology

Indian Psychology in mental health and well-being. Indian approaches to counselling and therapy. Research and developments in contemporary Indian Psychology. Challenges and scope of integrating Indian Psychology in academia and practice

Text Books / References

Textbooks

1. Krishnamurthy, J. (2019). Introduction to Indian logic. Motilal Banarsidass.
2. Copi, I. M., Cohen, C., & Rodych, V. (2019). Introduction to logic (15th ed.). Routledge.
3. Misra, G., & Mohanty, A. K. (2002). Perspectives on indigenous psychology. Concept Publishing Company.
4. Cornelissen, R. M. M., Misra, G., & Varma, S. (2014). Foundations of Indian psychology (Vols. 1 & 2). Pearson.
5. Rao, K. R., Paranjpe, A. C., & Dalal, A. K. (2008). Handbook of Indian Psychology. Cambridge University Press India.
6. Aurobindo, S. (1997). The life divine. Sri Aurobindo Ashram Trust.

Suggested Readings

1. Vatsayan, K. (2022). Yoga for mental health. In Yoga and Mental Health: Proceedings of the International Conference, CCRYN.
2. Feldman, R. S. (2017). Understanding psychology (13th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
3. Gerrig, R. J. (2012). Psychology and life (20th ed.). Pearson Education.

Indian Psychology is based on psychological concepts and methods found in India’s philosophical and spiritual heritage. Unlike Western psychology, which often focuses on observable and material aspects, Indian Psychology centres on inner experiences, self-awareness, and overall growth. This course introduces students to native perspectives on human behaviour, well-being, and transformation by exploring classical scriptures, yogic psychology, and the contributions of Indian scholars.

Course Objectives

• To introduce students to the foundational concepts of Indian Psychology derived from Indian philosophical systems.
• To explore the psychological implications of concepts such as self (tman), mind (Manas), consciousness (Cit), and liberation (Moka).
• To examine the relevance of yogic, spiritual, and meditative practices for psychological health and well-being.
• To familiarize students with the contributions of key Indian psychologists like Sri Aurobindo and Swami Vivekananda.
• To critically compare Indian and Western approaches to psychological inquiry and healing.

Course Outcomes

• CO1: Understand and articulate key principles of Indian Psychology and how they differ from Western frameworks.
• CO2: Analyse concepts like consciousness, mind, ego, and self from classical Indian perspectives.
• CO3: Evaluate the psychological insights embedded in Indian spiritual practices such as yoga and meditation.
• CO4: Apply Indian psychological principles to issues of mental health, personal growth, and counselling.
• CO5: Appreciate the relevance of Indian Psychology in contemporary psychological research and practice.

CO-PO Mapping