Integrating the Bhagavad Gita with Modern Psychological Thought: Self-realisation, Mental Health, and Holistic Human Development
A. Yadav, Anoop Pandey, S. Yadav
International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research February 10, 2026 DOI: 10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i01.68608 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that the Bhagavad Gita articulates a proto-theoretical psychology in which cognition, affect, behavior, ethics, and ontology are inseparable, and that its constructs can be integrated with humanistic, cognitive, existential, and contemplative psychology into a unified model of consciousness and transformation. Proposes that the Gita situates mental well-being within an existential-ethical trajectory toward liberation (moksha), meaning construction, and identity transcendence, supporting a transpersonal, value-embedded, meaning-centered framework for psychotherapy, education, and interdisciplinary consciousness research. |
Abstract
This study advances a theoretically rigorous synthesis between the metaphysical psychology of the Bhagavad Gita and contemporary psychological science. Drawing from humanistic, cognitive, existential, and contemplative frameworks, the analysis interprets Gita constructs—Atman, ahamkara, samskaras, Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga, and meditation—as components of a unified model of consciousness and human transformation. The Gita is positioned as articulating a proto-theoretical psychology in which cognition, affect, behavior, ethics, and ontology are inseparable domains of functioning. In contrast to symptom-oriented paradigms, the Gita situates mental well-being within an existential-ethical trajectory oriented toward liberation (moksha), meaning construction, and identity transcendence. This integrative synthesis supports the development of a transpersonal, value-embedded, and meaning-centered psychological framework with implications for psychotherapy, education, and interdisciplinary consciousness research.