Yoga therapy
for psycho-complexities
=Pt. ShriRam Sharma Acharya
The Vedic Science of Yoga begins with the
recognition of existence of immortal and eternal soul as the essence of
personality and regards its super-consciousness as the origin of the self and
the foundation for manifestation of personality. The methods of yoga therefore
focus on the awakening of the inner force and encompass enlightened aspects of
life in general; cultivation of positive attitude, mental liberation and
incessant purification and refinement of personality are emphasized here.
Rather than being confined to the ego of individual self, the yogic psychology
aims at uniting it with its supreme origin and unfolding its unbounded
expansion in the infinity of the omnipresent consciousness force.
The methods of yogic therapy not only heal
psychosomatic disorders and effectuate harmonized mind-body cooperation, but
also helps in integrated development and ennobling transmutation of personality
and life as a whole. According to yoga philosophy expansion of the narrow
peripheries of selfishness towards selflessness and transformation of the
ego-based individual self into the impersonal self is essential for the
realization and manifestation of the real self in its entirety. Thus, the
science of yoga seems to begin where the peripheries of psychological and
neurosciences end.
The former encompasses all dimensions at the gross
physical, mental, (para) psychological, and spiritual domains of human life.
The adoption of yoga therapy is also the key to attainment of vigorous
potentials, virtuous talents and unlimited joy. As Swami Yatishwaranand puts it
in the state of yoga-trance, the individual consciousness is synthesized with
the cosmic consciousness. As a consequence, at the gross level, the mind-body
system remains fully organized and energetic without any pressure or hindrance
and also receives the natural support and driving force of the inner strength
(inner self). Several eminent scholars and medical experts have also expressed
similar views on the promising role of yoga therapy in resolving the crisis of
psychosomatic disorders and complexities of a disintegrated and shattered
personality. Based on his long-term research and thorough analysis, Prof. P. A.
Sorokin concludes that yoga therapy encompasses all the scientifically sound
approaches of the modern psychological/psychiatric methods and other modes of
health care.
It is more
vast, advanced and diverse and at the same time least dependent on external
aids/instruments. Dr. Geraldyne Koastler has carried out a comparative study of
yoga and modern medical sciences. She has recognized yoga methods as
universally effective and of immense benefits for the human society. She also
finds yoga as a definite and practical science of mental evolution. She firmly
believes that "Yogsutras" of Maharshi Patanjali contain those
solutions (keys), which the most advanced and eminent neuroscientists and
psychologists among us are eagerly searching for today. Farsighted thinkers and
scientists concerned with the pathetic condition of physical and mental health
across the world have envisaged a leading role for yoga in alternate and
complementary therapies.
They have also recognized the need for revival of
yoga practices and research studies on the philosophy and science of yoga for
integrated psychological and personality-refinement. Several researchers have
also reviewed the ancient Indian science of mind in this regard. Yadunath
Sinhas "Indian Psychology", Swami Akhilanans "Mental Health and
Hindu Psychology", Raghunath Safayas "Indian Psychology", Dr.
Shantiprakash Atreys "Yoga Mahavigyan", etc are notable contributions
in this direction. However, much more remains to be done, especially towards
investigation into yoga philosophy and science, comparative study of modern and
other ethno therapies for mental health and consciousness issues, leading to
practical implementation of an integrated comprehensive approach towards
psychosomatic healing. Dev Sanskriti Vishwq Vidyalaya, Shantikunj, Hardwar has
also initiated innovative efforts through its trend-setting curriculum of Yoga-Psychology.
We hope and trust that all these in-depth researches and studies would soon
lead to revolutionary and integrative methods of healing and health of the
human psychosomatic system.
Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,
Shiv Sharma
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