Bridges between psychology and spirituality?

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

 

As requested in the FAQ, let me introduce my interests to the list. I believe

in non-dualism as a core spiritual truth. I've been reading the archives

of this mailing list and find them to be inspiring and intriguing. It's

truly special to read the perspectives of people who are following the same

signposts on the road to self-realization.

 

One of my main interests is to connect the concepts and principles that I

understand from a day-to-day, dualistic perspective, to the appropriate

mapping points on the higher plane. In other words, to connect

psychology to spirituality.

 

I have found the principles illustrated by Jung, and since expanded by

several others, to be highly resonant with the principles expounded

in Advaita. Jung points to the Self as the culmination of the

individuation process. Advaita describes the process of Self-Realization that

occurs after veils of illusion are lifted. In both cases, the Self is

arrived at after transcending the ego.

 

The Self is perhaps the most obvious parallel between these realms. I'm

wondering what other valid connections can be made. I have some ideas,

but I'm more interested in hearing from other people at this point. The

question I'm asking is, what psychological concepts or principles do you

*experience* as being most relevant to the principles of non-dualism, and

are most helpful on the path to self-realization?

 

Any insights would be most welcome.

 

Cheers,

 

Kartik Subbarao

 

--

Email: subbarao

WWW: http://www.geocities.com/SiliconValley/Way/1234/

[Guest guest]

Hari Om Kartik:

 

The points that you have raised are quite valid and Vedanta is not just

abstract, but it is practical! The practice of Vedanta (just like other

professions) depend on the level of expertise and experience of

the praticioners. One of my collegue in my office (an African American) was

quite interested in Bhagavad Gita as a guide for his day to day life. Infact

Gandhiji had expressed similar view of Gita.

 

The mind agitation starts when we develop an attitude to question every action

that we undertake and start analyzing before the actions. The spiritual persons

develop such an attitude of GIVING without

looking for return favor! A spiritual person doesn't store Vasanas and

consequently free the mind from agitations. Psychologists also try to

understand the minds of agitated persons to find remedies. The

Vedantic remedy is Self-Development and Self-Awareness and keep the body, mind

and intellect as tools for the development.

 

I am quite confident that the points that you have raised will force many others

in this list add more to what I have said. I am looking forward to the wisdom

of others and all of us can learn more through

such exchanges.

 

Let me take this opportunity to request everyone (especially those who feel shy

to participate) to express their viewpoints.

 

Regards,

 

Ram Chandran

 

 

subbarao wrote:

> subbarao

>

> Hi everyone,

>

> I have found the principles illustrated by Jung, and since expanded by

> several others, to be highly resonant with the principles expounded

> in Advaita. Jung points to the Self as the culmination of the

> individuation process. Advaita describes the process of Self-Realization that

> occurs after veils of illusion are lifted. In both cases, the Self is

> arrived at after transcending the ego.

>

> The Self is perhaps the most obvious parallel between these realms. I'm

> wondering what other valid connections can be made. I have some ideas,

> but I'm more interested in hearing from other people at this point. The

> question I'm asking is, what psychological concepts or principles do you

> *experience* as being most relevant to the principles of non-dualism, and

> are most helpful on the path to self-realization?

>

> Any insights would be most welcome.

>

> Cheers,

>

> Kartik Subbarao

>