Sanatan Roots, Modern Shoots: The Evolution And Impact Of Mindfulness Practice In Modern India With Pharmacological Balance Of Ayurveda On Mindfulness Through The Lens Of The Indian Knowledge System
Navin Kumar Shrivastava
International Journal of Drug Delivery Technology May 11, 2026 DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.26s.21 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Qualitative study Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Sample size | 25 |
| Population | Indian participants from metropolitan hubs (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore) who practice traditional meditation such as Vipassana, yoga, and dhyana |
| Topics | Anxiety Meditation |
| Keywords | Context archaeology Karma Contemplation Compassion Transformative learning Psychotherapist Intervention counseling Relevance law |
| Key findings | Participants reported improved emotional control, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and practical benefits in professional and family contexts when applying mindfulness rooted in IKS and Sanatan values. |
Abstract
In india, the birthplace of contemplative traditions, mindfulness has evolved from its ancient roots in sanatan philosophy and the indian knowledge system (iks) into a diverse spectrum of practices ranging from spiritual sadhana (discipline) to secular clinical interventions. This study examines the factors contributing to this transformation, focusing on individuals practicing meditation within the framework of iks including the insights from ayurveda. Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 25 indian participants from metropolitan hubs (delhi, mumbai, bangalore) who engaged in traditional practices such as vipassana, yoga, and dhyana to investigate their application of mindfulness in daily life and its impact on emotional regulation and stress management. Participants reported improved emotional control, reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression, and practical benefits in professional and family contexts. Many emphasized the continued relevance of sanatan values such as sakshi bhava (witness consciousness), karma yoga (selfless action), and ahimsa (non-violence), which they perceived as enhancing the significance and effectiveness of their practice. However, participants also noted challenges in maintaining consistent routines (sadhana) amidst the distractions of modern urban life and the rapid commodification of wellness. Also the pharmacological balance provided by ayurveda acts not as a sedative, but as a vital adjunct to mindfulness. The study identifies a tension between traditional spiritual depth and contemporary secular "mcmindfulness" approaches, highlighting the necessity for practitioners to remain connected to ethical frameworks. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of mindfulness in the indian context and inform the development of culturally sensitive, iks-grounded mindfulness programs for public health and education in alignment with the national education policy (nep) 2020.
Comparable studies
Other qualitative studies on meditation, most cited first.