Svayoga approach to applying Indian psychology for mental health
PsyArXiv Preprints July 5, 2026 preprint DOI: osf:bdyar_v2 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Indian psychology Karmayoga Mental health Svayoga Triguna Well-being Yoga psychology Clinical psychology Cultural psychology |
| Key points | Proposes a seven-theme model of Svayoga based on yogic texts, expanded with parallel ideas from other Indian traditions, for application to mental health. |
Abstract
The Svayoga approach is predominantly rooted in core yogic texts; the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yogasutra and Yoga Vasistha, and its thematic analysis, which had resulted in a model with seven interlinked themes (Agrawal, 2022). The theme of ‘Yogic perspective’ emphasizes the role of Consciousness, play of triguna, meaning of suffering and cultivation of inner freedom; theme of ‘Self’ differentiates outer and inner self, and provides reflections and practices to find intimacy with one’s deeper self; theme of ‘Experiences’ explores the dynamics of klesha which colors our daily experiences and keeps us stuck, and need for cultivation of anasakti and samata; themes of ‘Sattvic qualities’ focuses on personal growth and self-perfection through discovering as well as developing various positive qualities; theme of ‘Karmayoga’ examines the path of desireless action and its practice in routine life; theme of ‘Interconnection’ discusses the presence of same Consciousness in everyone and developing ethical and harmonious approach to relationships; finally the theme of ‘Divine’ explores various manifestations of sacred, and deepening our personal spirituality. The model has further been expanded with inclusion of parallel ideas from other Indian texts, traditions, as well as writings of saints and mystics to make it more comprehensive and relatable for application. The approach and empirical findings while applying the model for mental health will be discussed in this chapter.