Know thyself (Jnana Yoga): Psychotherapeutic insights from the east.
Matcheri S Keshavan, Hemant Bhargav
Asian Journal of Psychiatry February 1, 2024 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103907 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Eastern Metacognition Self |
| Citations | 12 |
| Key findings | Eastern philosophical views of the self as illusory and universal are converging with modern psychological research on metacognition and mindfulness, influencing Western psychotherapeutic models. |
Abstract
Humans have asked themselves the question "who am I" from ancient times. Vedic, upanishadic and buddhist philosophers have pointed out over millennia the illusive nature of the individual self, and posit either a no-self, or a universal Self. Vedantic scholars also posit the illusory nature of the universe (Maya) and suggest that the only reality is the knower (Brahman), a view resonating with modern concepts in quantum theory. On the other hand, western philosophers, notably influenced by the Cartesian dualism, have pursued an individualist view of the self. Recent psychological literature is convergent with eastern views and emphasizes the importance of understanding the self, metacognition and mindful practices to understand the mind and its afflictions. Several recent western psychotherapeutic models resonate with, and may have been motivated, at least in part, by ancient eastern philosophy and spiritual practices. More work is needed to develop and implement psychotherapeutic approaches using eastern insights, and to empirically test their effectiveness.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on meditation, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mindfulness training as a clinical intervention: A conceptual and empirical review. Clinical populations | 2003 | Review | |
| Mindfulness: Theoretical Foundations and Evidence for its Salutary Effects | 2007 | Review | |
| Mindfulness Interventions | 2016 | Review | |
| Mind the Hype: A Critical Evaluation and Prescriptive Agenda for Research on Mindfulness and Meditation | 2017 | Review | |
| Mindfulness and acceptance: expanding the cognitive-behavioral tradition | 2005 | Review |
Citations in the library
Cited by 3
- Dhyana yoga, the path of meditative being: Psychotherapeutic insights from the east. Asian Journal of Psychiatry June 1, 2025
- Breathing and the brain: Pranayama, an ancient self-directed approach to neuromodulation. Asian Journal of Psychiatry 2026
- Exploring “Who am I”: the potential of applying the Indian Vedanta philosophical practice of self-enquiry in psychotherapy Humanities and Social Sciences Communications March 2, 2025
Cites 6
- Default Mode Network Modulation by Psychedelics: A Systematic Review The International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology October 21, 2022
- How Does Meditation Affect the Default Mode Network: A Systematic Review. Advances in experimental medicine and biology 2023
- Schizophrenia Patient or Spiritually Advanced Personality? A Qualitative Case Analysis. Journal of Religion and Health October 1, 2015
- Evolutionary aspects of self- and world consciousness in vertebrates. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience March 26, 2015
- The role of mindfulness in positive reappraisal. Explore 2009
and 1 more in the library