Indian Psychology – UGC NET Concise
Notes
1. Introduction to Indian Psychology
- Indian Psychology is the study of mental processes, behavior, and experience rooted in
Indian philosophical and spiritual traditions.
- It emphasizes self-realization (Atma Jnana), inner transformation, and liberation
(Moksha), unlike the Western focus on external behavior and pathology.
2. Key Sources
- Vedas: Contain early psychological concepts (e.g., consciousness, mind-body relationship).
- Upanishads: Focus on Atman, Brahman, layers of consciousness.
- Bhagavad Gita: Explains personality types (based on Gunas), ethical decision-making, and
the role of duty (Dharma).
- Patanjali's Yoga Sutras: Present a systematic model of the mind and eightfold path to
mental discipline.
- Buddhism: Concepts of Anatta (no-self), mindfulness (Sati), and impermanence (Anicca).
- Jainism: Emphasis on self-control, non-violence, and karma theory.
3. Models of Mind and Self
- Panchakosha (Five Sheaths): Annamaya (body), Pranamaya (vital energy), Manomaya
(mind), Vijnanamaya (intellect), Anandamaya (bliss).
- States of Consciousness: Jagrat (waking), Swapna (dream), Sushupti (deep sleep), Turiya
(pure awareness).
- Antahkarana (Inner Instrument): Manas (mind), Buddhi (intellect), Ahamkara (ego), Chitta
(storehouse of impressions).
4. Trigunas (Three Qualities)
- Sattva: Purity, harmony, knowledge.
- Rajas: Activity, desire, restlessness.
- Tamas: Inertia, ignorance, delusion.
- Every individual is a mix of these three; dominance defines personality and behavior.
5. Indian Personality Theories
- Gunas form the basis of personality classification.
- Classification in Bhagavad Gita: Sattvic (balanced), Rajasic (ambitious), Tamasic
(ignorant).
- Dharma-based behavior is ideal; personality development aims at Self-realization, not
material gain.
6. Yoga Psychology (Patanjali)
- Chitta Vritti Nirodha: Yoga is cessation of mental modifications.
- Eight Limbs (Ashtanga Yoga): Yama (restraints), Niyama (observances), Asana (posture),
Pranayama (breathing), Pratyahara (withdrawal), Dharana (concentration), Dhyana
(meditation), Samadhi (absorption).
- Goal: Liberation (Kaivalya) through controlling fluctuations of the mind.
7. Buddhist Psychology
- Five Skandhas: Rupa (form), Vedana (sensation), Samjna (perception), Samskara (mental
formations), Vijnana (consciousness).
- Anatta (No-Self): The self is a changing process, not a fixed entity.
- Noble Eightfold Path: Right view, intention, speech, action, livelihood, effort, mindfulness,
concentration.
- Focus on mindfulness, compassion, and breaking the cycle of suffering (Dukkha).
8. Emotions and Cognition in Indian Psychology
- Emotions: Regarded as rooted in attachment and ignorance; purification is the goal.
- Cognition: Based on Pramanas (sources of knowledge): Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana
(inference), Shabda (verbal testimony), Upamana (comparison), Arthapatti (postulation),
Anupalabdhi (non-apprehension).
- Indian models link emotion and thought with karma, guna, and consciousness.
9. Methods of Self-Knowledge
- Introspection (Antar Darshan): Knowing the self through silence and contemplation.
- Meditation (Dhyana): Regular practice to develop concentration and detach from worldly
suffering.
- Satsang and Self-inquiry (Atma Vichara): Seeking truth through dialogue and critical
reflection.
10. Applied Indian Psychology
- Psychotherapy: Based on balancing Gunas, resolving Samskaras, and aligning with
Dharma.
- Educational Psychology: Emphasizes value education, character-building, and
mindfulness.
- Organizational and Social Applications: Karma Yoga (action without attachment),
leadership based on Dharma.
11. Indian Psychology vs Western Psychology
- Indian: Holistic, spiritual, introspective, focused on liberation.
- Western: Analytical, objective, empirical, focused on adjustment.
- Indian approach sees mind and consciousness as subtle energies; Western sees them in
physical/neurological terms.
12. Contemporary Contributors
- Swami Vivekananda: Introduced Raja Yoga; emphasized strength, willpower, and self-
control.
- Sri Aurobindo: Integral Yoga; evolution of consciousness.
- J. Krishnamurti: Radical self-awareness and freedom from conditioning.
- Durganand Sinha: Founder of modern Indian Psychology movement in academia.
EXAM TIPS:
- Understand key Sanskrit terms and their meanings.
- Focus on contrast with Western ideas.
- Practice MCQs based on models (e.g., Panchakosha, Skandhas, Gunas).
- Revise through tables, flowcharts, and terms like Chitta, Vritti, Karma, Pramana.
