Bridging Minds: Psychoanalysis and the Indian Knowledge System

This paper argues that Western psychoanalysis and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) can be brought into a complementary, culturally attuned dialogue. It maps psychoanalytic concepts such as unconscious processes, repression, and ego dynamics onto IKS concepts including citta, samskara, ahamkara, and avidya. While psychoanalysis focuses on intrapsychic conflict and ego strengthening, IKS locates suffering in metaphysical misidentification and prescribes contemplative practices. The paper surveys Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, Buddhism, and Ayurveda, highlighting convergences and divergences. Adopting a hermeneutic methodology, it cautions against superficial appropriation and advocates for integrative therapeutic pathways combining insight-oriented work with mindfulness, breath regulation, and embodied discipline.

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Abstract

This paper examines the theoretical and practical dialogue between Western psychoanalysis and Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS), arguing for a complementary, culturally attuned psychology. It maps core psychoanalytic constructs; unconscious processes, repression, ego dynamics, and the therapeutic role of narrative, onto IKS concepts such as citta , samskara , ahamkara , and avidya . While psychoanalysis foregrounds intrapsychic conflict, developmental history, and ego strengthening to enhance adaptive functioning, IKS locates suffering in metaphysical misidentification and karmic conditioning and prescribes embodied, ethical, and contemplative practices for transformation. The paper surveys Vedanta, Samkhya, Yoga, Buddhism, and Ayurveda to highlight convergences shared recognition of non-obvious determinants of experience and divergences distinct soteriological goals and ontological assumptions. Adopting a hermeneutic methodology, the study emphasizes interpretive reciprocity and functional equivalence, cautioning against superficial appropriation or reductionism. Practical implications for clinical practice, cross-cultural research, and mental-health policy are outlined, including integrative therapeutic pathways that combine insight-oriented work with mindfulness, breath regulation, and embodied discipline. By challenging Eurocentric universalisms and honoring indigenous epistemologies, the paper advocates a pluralistic, ethically grounded psychology that integrates scientific rigor with contemplative wisdom to address the full complexity of human suffering and flourishing.