THE PATANJALI YOGA SUTRA AS A THEORETICAL MODEL FOR REDUCING PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND ENHANCING THE COGNITIVE-EMOTIONAL FUNCTIONING IN ACADEMIC SETTINGS

Abstract

This paper will discuss the idea of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras as an organized and oriented plan for education and therapy to combat the increasing psychological burden on the students of the university. This study addresses how careful practices can lead to better focus and emotional control, thus reducing cognitive strain that is common in today's higher education systems, while incorporating the eightfold path (Astanga yoga). This study discusses the healing potential of these ancient practices and makes the case for their application to all-encompassing student well-being programs. Students' psychological distress has grown as a major problem in modern educational environment, having negative impacts on cognitive functioning, emotional stability and overall academic wellbeing. Traditional contemplative systems offer holistic approaches to mental health, and there is increasing interest in such systems as a source of helpful interventions, in addition to the traditional psychological systems. In addition to traditional psychological systems, there is growing interest in traditional contemplative systems as sources of helpful interventions, as they offer holistic approaches to mental health. The Patanjali Yoga Sutra offers a full manual on how to comprehend, and calm, mental activity in conjunction with Chittavritti nirodha (extinguishing the fluctuations of the mind), self-discipline, ethical behaviour, concentration and meditative awareness. The present review focuses on the significance of Patanjali Yoga Sutra for deriving theoretical framework to alleviate psychological distress and enhance cognitive-emotional functioning in academic groups.