Mind and consciousness in yoga - Vedanta: A comparative analysis with western psychological concepts.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry January 1, 2013 DOI: 10.4103/0019-5545.105524 (opens in new tab) via PubMed
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractStudying mind and consciousness through conventional scientific methods is challenging because of the divide between the observer and the observed. The Cartesian dualist view, which treats mind and matter as separate and unrelated, has been challenged by Eastern traditions like Yoga and Vedanta and by recent quantum theories in physics. Freudian and Neo-Freudian schools, rooted in the Cartesian model, have been criticized by humanistic schools that align more closely with the Vedantic concept of unity. The paper provides a comparative analysis of these two approaches.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Mind Purusha Upanishads Vedanta Consciousness |
| Key finding | Argues that Cartesian dualism is inadequate for studying consciousness and that Vedantic and quantum approaches offer a more unified perspective. |
Abstract
Study of mind and consciousness through established scientific methods is often difficult due to the observed-observer dichotomy. Cartesian approach of dualism considering the mind and matter as two diverse and unconnected entities has been questioned by oriental schools of Yoga and Vedanta as well as the recent quantum theories of modern physics. Freudian and Neo-freudian schools based on the Cartesian model have been criticized by the humanistic schools which come much closer to the vedantic approach of unitariness. A comparative analysis of the two approaches is discussed.