mental health :: perspectives from the vedic schools of thought
Author :: Jess Marie, CVC, CAHC, INHC, RYT 🌻
The Vedas are a collection of ancient Hindu texts that provide insight into various aspects of life, including philosophy, spirituality, and health. The Vedas are divided into four main books: Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda. These books contain a vast amount of knowledge and information, and different schools of thought have emerged from the interpretation of these texts.
Samkhya School
The Samkhya School is one of the oldest schools of Indian philosophy, and it is based on the principle of dualism. The Samkhya School believes that the universe consists of two distinct entities, purusha (consciousness) and prakriti (matter). According to this school of thought, suffering and mental health issues arise from the attachment to material things and the identification with the ego. The Samkhya School proposes that by developing the ability to detach from material things and identify with pure consciousness, individuals can attain liberation from suffering.
Yoga School
The Yoga School is a school of Hindu philosophy that originated in ancient India. The term "yoga" means "union" or "connection" and refers to the union of the individual consciousness with the universal consciousness. The Yoga School focuses on physical & mental practices to achieve this union. Ashtanga Yoga / The Eight Limbed Path of Yoga is the foundation of this school. According to the Yoga School, mental health issues arise from a lack of balance between the body, mind, and spirit. The practice of yoga, meditation, and pranayama is said to balance these aspects of life and improve mental health.
Nyaya School
The Nyaya School is a school of Hindu philosophy that is concerned with logic & epistemology. This school of thought seeks to understand the nature of reality through logical analysis & argumentation. The Nyaya School holds that the mind is the source of knowledge and that the pursuit of knowledge is essential to mental health. This school of thought emphasizes the importance of reasoning, evidence, and logical analysis to arrive at valid conclusions.
Vaisheshika School
The Vaisheshika School is a school of Hindu philosophy that is concerned with metaphysics & ontology. This school of thought holds that the universe consists of six substances: earth, water, air, fire, ether, and time. Mental health issues arise when there is a lack of balance between these substances. According to the Vaisheshika School, the pursuit of knowledge and the practice of Self-discipline are essential for maintaining balance & achieving mental health.
Vedanta School
The Vedanta School is a school of Hindu philosophy that is concerned with the interpretation of the Vedas. This school of thought holds that the ultimate reality is Brahman, and the individual soul is identical with Brahman. The Vedanta School proposes that mental health issues arise from ignorance of this fundamental truth. The practice of Self-realization & Self-knowledge is essential to achieving mental health according to the Vedanta School.
Mimamsa School
The Mimamsa School is a school of Hindu philosophy that is concerned with the interpretation of the Vedas and the performance of Vedic rituals. This school of thought holds that mental health issues arise from the misinterpretation or misperformance of Vedic rituals. The Mimamsa School proposes that the practice of Vedic rituals is essential to achieving mental health.
The Vedas have given rise to a variety of schools of thought that offer unique perspectives on life, spirituality, and mental health. Each school of thought emphasizes the importance of Self-knowledge, Self-realization, and Self-discipline in achieving mental health.
Experience a deeper understanding of your Self & the universe.
If you're interested in exploring Vedic Counseling for mental health support, be sure to seek care from a qualified Vedic Counselor (like me! 🌻) to learn more about this ancient & effective approach to healing.
Jess Marie 🌻
CVC, CAHC, INHC, RYT
Jess is a multi-certified, multi-faceted Vedic professional & business consultant. She offers wellness offerings to support those seeking a more holistic & integrative approach to healing, as well as business support services for professionals in the health, wellness & spirituality fields.
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