Inward Journeys
Improving Mental Well-Being at the Intersection of Mindfulness, Meditation, and Yoga May 9, 2026 DOI: 10.4018/979-8-3373-4187-3.ch001 (opens in new tab)
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe essay argues that yoga, meditation, and mindfulness are rooted in ancient Indian philosophical traditions—such as Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras, Advaita Vedānta, and Buddhist teachings—that prioritize ethical living and existential liberation over mere technique. It criticizes the modern commercialization of these practices, which reduces them to self-optimization tools, and advocates for a return to their original purposes: achieving freedom from pain and illusion through lived experience. The work calls for culturally sensitive, morally grounded approaches in contemporary settings, offering insights for educators, therapists, and practitioners seeking a deeper connection to contemplative life.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Argues that authentic contemplative practice, rooted in Indian traditions, is a transformative path toward ethical simplicity and existential insight, not a self-optimization method. |
Abstract
The essay explores the philosophical foundations of Indian contemplative traditions, offering a comprehensive understanding of yoga, meditation, and mindfulness in both traditional and modern settings. It reestablishes the connection between these disciplines and their original philosophical, ethical, and existential purposes, using ancient sources like Patañjali's Yoga Sūtras, Advaita Vedānta, and Buddhist teachings. The essay emphasizes the importance of lived experiences in achieving freedom from pain and illusion, rather than just academic concepts. The essay criticizes the commercialization of yoga and mindfulness in contemporary contexts, advocating for more morally sound and culturally sensitive methods. The research offers valuable insights for educators, practitioners, therapists, and academics seeking a deeper connection to contemplative life. Inner Journeys presents mindfulness as a transformative path towards ethical simplicity, existential insight, and holistic well-being, rather than a self-optimization method.