The Bhagavad Gita and the Psychology of Inner Transformation
International Journal of Creative and Open Research in Engineering and Management July 10, 2026 DOI: 10.55041/ijcope.v2i7.098 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Existentialism Clarity Conversation Context archaeology Cognition Transpersonal psychology Epistemology Psychoanalysis Psychotherapist Cognitive science Cognitive psychology Object grammar Transformation genetics Consciousness Mental health |
| Key points | Argues that the Bhagavad Gita presents a six-stage model of psychological healing that anticipates modern therapeutic approaches including CBT, existential psychology, and transpersonal therapy. |
Abstract
The purpose of the paper is to re-interpret the Bhagavad Gita as a psychological document of an early time period, which anticipates some of the modern counseling, psychotherapeutic, emotional regulation and behavioural transformation theories. It has been proposed that Arjuna's vishada (emotional breakdown) represents some of the earliest recorded instances of emotional breakdown and that of Krishna's therapy a finely-tuned form that falls somewhere between what is called modern day CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) and existential psychology, trauma counselling and transpersonal psychology. The six therapeutic stages (i.e., stabilization, cognitive reframing, self-knowledge, behavioural activation, emotional integration and transpersonal expansion) are the items discussed in the conversation between Arjuna and Krishna. The paper embeds the Gita in the context of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), focusing on the Gita's message on human behaviour, personality, ethics, and well-being. It is a comprehensive model of psychological healing from crisis to clarity that can be found in the Gita and is a profound and ageless text for mental health, ethical choices, and the inner strength of today's world. Keywords: Bhagavad Gita, psychology, counseling, cognitive reframing, Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), existential psychology, transpersonal therapy.