Integral Psychology: A new science of self, personality, and psychology
Suneet Kumar Verma
Mind and Society May 2, 2023 DOI: 10.56011/mind-mri-121-20232 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Citations | 5 |
| Key points | Argues that Sri Aurobindo's neo-Vedāntic system constitutes a comprehensive psychology that synthesizes Western and Indian conceptualizations of the psyche, and that its integral approach contributes to the transformation of emotions and to psychotherapy, offering a vision of an optimistic future for humankind. |
Abstract
This paper outlines a theory of psychology based on Sri Aurobindo’s conceptualization of the human being. Starting with the basic notion of self and personhood in contemporary academic psychology, largely located in the lower levels of psychological functioning, the field of Transpersonal Psychology is used as a stepping stone to access the higher reaches of humanity. A brief outline of the Advaita Vedāntic perspectives on personality then paves the way for Sri Aurobindo’s neo-Vedāntic depiction of the person. The contribution of the integral approach to the transformation of emotions, and its role in psychotherapy is then outlined. It is the author’s contention that Sri Aurobindo’s system contains a comprehensive framework of psychology, which allows for both Western as well as Indian conceptualization of the psyche and provides a synthesis, which is more than a mere sum of parts, giving a vision for an optimistic and glorious future of humankind, paving the way for divine life to manifest upon earth.