BHAGAVAD-GITA'S MODEL OF THE SELF AND IT'S TESTABILITY

Abstract

Bhagavad-Gita's model of the self is presented with a view to exploring it's testability.Bhagavad-Gita presents a logically consistent and precisely defined conceptualization of the self with the potential of expanding current psychological theories of the self.However this conception of the self is outside the range of the hypothetico-deductive approach.It would be unscientific to not i~vestigate Bhagavad-Gita's model simply because of the limitation of the hypotheticodeductive approach.This paper proposes that Bhagavad-Gita's inherent nonmechanistic method of self-realization namely Bhakti-Yoga may offer a viable means to test it's model of the self.The self has been discussed at one time or another by people in practically every field of human behaviour.The concept of the self is of major interest to philosophers and psychologists.Currently among psychologists there is a growing interest in meditation and ancient Eastern texts such as the Bhagavad-Gita and the utility of it's psychological theory (Dillbeck, 1983a, b;Darbar, 1985).The aims of this paper are twofold, firstly to view the self as depicted within the Bhagavad-Gita with textual references and secondly, to discuss the inadequacy of the hypothetico-deductive ap-.proach in testing Bhagavad-Gita's model of the self and an alternate method of investigation is suggested.Bhagavad-Gita begins with an inquiry.With the two armies preparing to fight, King Dhrtarastra, the father of the Kurus, was doubtful of his sons ultimate victory.He therefore inquired from his secretary Sanjaya about the situation on the battlefield.Sanjaya then explained everything that took place on the battlefield.He described how Arjuna requested Lord Krsna to draw up the chariot in between the two armies so that he might observe who was present there.Upon seeing so many relatives, friends and teachers in the midst of both parties, Arjuna became overwhelmed with anxiety and decided to withdraw from the battle, rather than fight.He became perplexed as to what he should do.Within this context the Bhagavad-Gita was spoken by Lord Krsna to enlighten Arjuna in the matter of self-realization.Bhagavad-Gita (Prabhupada 1985) focuses on five main concepts.These are: Isvara (the supreme controller), Jiva (the self), Prakrti (material nature), Kala (time) and Karma (action).This paper is centered on the jiva.