Yoga and Mental Health: Applying Yoga Philosophy for Well-Being

Yoga and Mental Health: Applying Yoga Philosophy for Well-Being

Dr. Desh Raj Sirswal

Abstract

Indian Philosophy is a term that refers to schools of philosophical thought that originated in the Indian subcontinent. Over the ages there has been continuity in enlarge this filed of philosophical enquiry, which as lead to a wide range of scriptures and systems of philosophy. The Yoga School, which was founded by Patanjali, was closely allied with Samkhya, and accepts its epistemology and metaphysics it was introduced by Patañjali in the 2nd century BC. The Practice of Yoga as a discipline had been done since ancient times. However, since its alliance with the Samkhya, it tried to develop a specific philosophy of its own, which would be in harmony with the Samkhya Philosophy. Though the popular understanding of Yoga equates it with just the asanas, there are eight steps prescribed for its practice, which emphasize internal and external cleansing, self - discipline physical fitness, and meditation, which result in alertness and mental strength. Yoga as a term used for a system of abstract meditation or mental abstraction. Someone who practices yoga or follows the yoga philosophy with a high level of commitment is called a yogi or yogini. Virtually everyone can see physical benefits from yoga, and its practice can also give psychological benefits, such as stress reduction and a sense of well-being, and spiritual benefits, such as a feeling of connectedness with God or Spirit, or a feeling of transcendence. Mental stress is an important part of our life. It is the biggest challenge to live a life without stress and to continue with the peace of mind. In this paper it is an attempt to made the discuss yoga philosophy in present day intellectual world as well its application to maintain human well-being.

Note: Wrote for a seminar on yoga.

Relevance of Triguna Theory in Contemporary World

The Institute is organising a National seminar on “Relevance of Triguna Theory in Contemporary World” from 03-04 October 2018. The inaugural session of the seminar will take place at the Pool Theatre on 03 October 2018 (Wednesday) at 10.00 a.m. This would be followed by High Tea at 10.45 a.m

Link:

http://www.iias.ac.in/event/relevance-triguna-theory-contemporary-world-0

• http://www.iias.ac.in/event/relevance-triguna-theory-contemporary-world-0(active tab

A STUDY OF SELF –PERCEPTION IN RELATION TO WELL-BEING IN BUDDHISM

Rajni Bala

Research Scholar, Department of Psychology,

Panjab University, Chandigarh.

&

Dr. Desh Raj Sirswal

Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy,

Post Graduate Govt. College for Girls, 

Sector-11, Chandigarh

Abstract

Indian philosophy is a term that refers to schools of philosophical thought that originated in the Indian continent. Buddhism is one of the important school of Indian philosophical thought. The objective of this paper is to the study the idea of self –perception in relation to well-being in Buddhism. Well-being or happiness is much pursued by individuals and society in all cultures. Eastern and western cultures have understood well-being and evolved ways and means to promote well-being over the years. Buddhism pursues happiness by using knowledge and practice to achieve mental equanimity. In Buddhism, equanimity, or peace of mind, is achieved by detaching oneself from the cycle of craving that produces dukkha. So by achieving a mental state where you can detach from all the passions, needs and wants of life, you free yourself and achieve a state of transcendent bliss and well-being. The journey to attain a deeper form of happiness requires an unflinching look into the face of a reality where all life is seen as dukkha  or mental dysfunction. Buddhism is a philosophy and practice that is extremely concerned with the mind and its various delusions, misunderstandings and cravings but, happily for us, sees a way out through higher consciousness and mindful practice. Perhaps it is because of this seemingly dim view of reality that happiness in Buddhism is so tremendously full; the ideas contained in Buddha's teachings point to a thorough engagement with lived reality. Ironically, it is through such an engagement with one's self, the world and reality that one is able to achieve a transcendent happiness. Equanimity, a deep sense of wellbeing and happiness, is attainable through proper knowledge and practice in everyday life. (The Pursuit of happiness).

Key-Words: Buddhism, Well-Being, Happiness, Self-Perception, Indian Philosophy.

Four-day Workshop Integral Indian Psychology

Four-day Workshop Integral Indian Psychology
At Puducherry
14-17 December 2017

Introduction

The Indian Psychology Institute aims to contribute to the development of new approaches to psychology based on Indian philosophy, yoga and a life-affirming spirituality. The method we follow is largely, but not exclusively, based on Sri Aurobindo’s vision of an ongoing evolution of consciousness and the integral synthesis he made of the psychological essence of the various systems of yoga found in the Indian tradition. IPI workshops offer an introduction into various concepts and techniques of Integral Indian Psychology with a focus on conscious self-development.

Course content and description

The central focus of this workshop is on increasing one’s self-knowledge, and on developing consciousness-based psychological attitudes and skills that enable an individual to live a fulfilled life. It covers topics like consciousness as the foundation of reality, self and personality, individual change and development, yoga-based research methodologies, etc.

The basic concepts and processes that are part of Indian Psychology are explained in lectures and discussion groups based on an intense, direct interaction between the facilitators and the participants. An attempt is made to help the participants experience the core concepts and processes that come up in the lectures, and to explore, both collectively and ¬individually, how they can be used for one’s personal growth as well as in one’s professional work.

Eligibility

This workshop is open to anyone who seriously wants to get an experience-based understanding of Indian approaches to psychology. However, preference will be given to students, research scholars, teachers in academic institutions and professionals in psychology related areas who intend to apply it in their work.

Important information

• Dates: 14th to 17th December 2017
• Venue: Park Guest House, Puducherry
• Registration fees: Rs. 2000
• Last date for registration: 1st November, 2017

Please note that the registration fee does not include boarding and lodging. We will, however assist participants with arranging their stay at the venue where the cost of accommodation ranges from Rs. 125/- to Rs. 1000/- per person, per night.

Registration Form

Please email the following information as early as possible, but not later than November 1st, 2017 to: admissions@ipi.org.in

1. A “motivation note” of maximum 300 words
   Please focus on why you are interested in this workshop, what you expect from it, and how you plan to use what you have learned.
2. Factual information
   • Name:
   • Gender:
   • Year of birth:
   • Educational qualifications:
   • Present position & place of work:
   • Preferred Postal Address:
   • Email address(es):
   • Have you attended any previous IPI-workshop? …
     If yes, when? …
   • How did you hear about this workshop?

There are only limited seats, so if you are interested, please register at the earliest but not later than 1 November, 2017

Please don’t send the fee before you have received our acceptance email.

If you need any further information, please write to mail@ipi.org.in

Seven Day ICPR Workshop on Studies in Consciousness in the Light of Sri Aurobindo’s Philosophy (With special Emphasis on the Upanishads)

Seven Day ICPR Workshop on

Studies in Consciousness in the Light of
Sri Aurobindo’s Philosophy

(With special Emphasis on the Upanishads)

19th – 25th July 2017

Sponsored By

Indian Council for Philosophical Research, New Delhi

Organised by

Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research, Puducherry

Theme Note

“Consciousness” is one of the most interesting terms ever discussed in the field of philosophy and psychology. As it is interesting so is it equally evasive. Centuries of studies in this direction still does not seem to give any definition to consciousness. In common parlance, consciousness is understood as being conscious or being aware of one’s surroundings or what is within oneself. From its Latin origin the term conscious means “to know”. There are a few pertinent questions that may be asked with regard to the study of consciousness both in philosophical and psychological studies. “To know” what? Who is the knower? Who or what is known? What is the process of knowing? These questions are relevant for they have been bothering humanity since time immemorial. The quest for knowing the reasons of one’s birth and the process of creation have occupied the minds of the greatest of our rishis since ages. These quests and the process of finding answers to them have taken the form of the Vedas, the Upanishads, shad-darshana, Bhagavad Gita and in contemporary times The Life Divine and other recent noteworthy studies in different fields of science and arts.

The ancient wisdom concludes that consciousness is not only awareness of the mind. It exists in all things animate and inanimate for it is the cause of all. The modern definitions of consciousness are slowly heading towards discovering the inherent nature of consciousness by defining this power as energy or vibration. Whether natural or human sciences all are compelled, as if, to conclude that consciousness exists in everything and is present everywhere. Therefore, studies in consciousness have been extended to medicine, education, management, sociology, anthropology and other disciplines. Consciousness has come out of the restriction of philosophy and

psychology and made its place in various fields of knowledge.

It is to view this need of the growing study of consciousness that this seven-day workshop is being organized. It will bring in the perspectives of consciousness from the disciplines of Philosophy, Psychology, Literature etc. Its aim is to bring clarity about the Vedantic concept of consciousness and its applicability to the world today as given to us in The Life Divine by Sri Aurobindo.

Note for participants:

1. No remuneration would be given to the participants.
2. All travel bills to be submitted to SACAR Coordinator for reimbursement which will be given on the last day of the workshop.
3. Participants are expected to reach the Venue by 18th July 2017, evening. Workshop commences 19th July, 10 am sharp. Finishes on 25th July 5.30 pm Participants may have breakfast and leave on 26th morning.
4. It is mandatory for all the participants to attend the entire workshop for all the seven days to claim any reimbursement or the Certificate of Participation.
5. Participants will be chosen on ‘First come First served’ basis. And the selected participants would be confirmed by our office and only then should the participants book his/her travel tickets.
6. Eligibility: Research Scholars, Assistant Professors, Associate Professors, Professors and Academicians.
7. TA for participants to be given for the AC III for the shortest train route.
8. Lodging and Boarding facilities for the participants would be made at SACAR campus.

Proposed Sub-Themes:

 The Problem of Consciousness
 Consciousness and the Inconscient
 Consciousness Studies in Literature
 Dimensions of Consciousness in Advaita

Vedanta
 Levels of Consciousness in the Integral

Philosophy
 Phenomenology: The Indian Perspective
 Consciousness and Immortality – the focus of

the Upanishads
 Vedantic Psychology in Kena Upanishad
 A Conscious Transformation of Nature:
 Consciousness: the Materialist’s Perspective
 The Ascending scale of Consciousness: A

Vision of The Life Divine
 Management by Consciousness

Speakers:

 Prof. Sreekala Nair ( Member ICPR, Dean, faculty of Social sciences & Head, Dept. of Philosophy, Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit, Kalady, Kerala)

 Prof. Sangeetha Menon (Professor & Head, Consciousness Studies Programme, National Institute of Advanced Studies, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore)

 Prof. S. Murali (Retd. Prof. Department of English, Pondicherry Unviersity)

 Prof. Narendra Joshi (Principal, Agnel Technical College, Bandra(W), Mumbai)

 Dr. Ananda Reddy, (Director, SACAR, Puducherry)

About SACAR:

Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research (SACAR) started in Pondicherry in 1998, is a non- governmental, educational research Institute. It has for its objective an in-depth study of and research into the thought and vision of Sri Aurobindo and the Mother and relate it to the present and the future of India in particular and the world in general. The guiding principle of all our activities is the synthesizing movement to unite in a practical and progressive way the highest spiritual realisations with the development and perfection of the outer life — two fields that have been historically the special domain of Eastern and Western nations, respectively.

Activities at SACAR:

•   Online courses on Sri Aurobindo’s major works
•   “Living Within” Study camps
•   Intensive and Extensive Research for one/three
  months in
  Sri Aurobindo’s major works
•   M.A, PhD. Courses in Collaboration with Hindu
  University of America, Florida.
•   Workshops and Seminars in Integral
  Management
•   Publications: Books and Journal
•   Research in Management Studies
•   Teacher Training Programme
•   Research Project: Mankind on the March

Convenor:

Dr. Ananda Reddy: 9443019172

Coordinator:

Dr. Shruti Bidwaikar: 9994190403

Organizing Committee:

Dr. Sampananda Misra Prof. Kisholoy Gupta Mrs. Deepshikha Reddy Dr. Falguni Jani Ms. Oeendrila Guha

Venue:

Sri Aurobindo Centre for Advanced Research, (SACAR)
39, Vanniar Street, Vaithikuppam Puducherry, 605012 www.sacar.in

Email: sacaricpr@gmail.com

Two Workshop at IPI

Dear All,

SAFIC has announced two workshops in June.

The first one is from 14-17 June on the root-sounds of Sanskrit
and the second one is from 23-25 June on conscious Maternity and parenting.

Please visit the following links for details.
You may forward it to others who you feel will be interested in participating in the workshops.

Link for the workshop on Root-sounds in Sanskrit:
http://aurosociety.bmeurl.co/6E9E93C

Link for the workshop on conscious Maternity and Parenting:
http://aurosociety.bmeurl.co/6EDBEC7

Regards

      Sampadananda Mishra
      M :91-9952888350
      Website : http://aurosociety.org

International Seminar on Bhagavad-Gita: Holistic Life Management and World Harmony Tourism Motivation

International Seminar on

Bhagavad-Gita: Holistic Life Management and World Harmony Tourism Motivation

6th - 9th December 2016

Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra (Haryana), India

http://gitaseminarkurukshetra.com/