K. Ramakrishna Rao’s Patañjali’s Yogasūtra A Psychological Study
Vanshika Dobriyal, Laxmi Chauhan
The Criterion An International Journal in English April 30, 2026 DOI: 10.66376/criterion.v17.n2.3 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key findings | The reviewed book argues that Patañjali's Yogasūtra offers a psychological framework relevant to modern mental health, self-regulation, and well-being, and that Indian psychology has a dynamic, universal character that differs from Western psychological approaches. The review evaluates these claims and the book's methodology and contributions to psychology and Indic philosophy. |
Abstract
A Psychological Study offers a scholarly exploration of Patañjali's Yogasūtra from a psychological perspective.It talks about the eight aṣṭāṅgas set forth by Patañjali, along with aphorisms, various pādas and their impact on the human mind.Blending classical Indian thought with modern psychology, Rao examines the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural dimensions of yoga, highlighting its relevance to contemporary mental health and self-regulation.The main focus is on yoga psychology, its effect on an individual's psyche and the role of the self or personality in an Indian context.This paper evaluates the book's key arguments, methodology, and contributions to both psychology and Indic philosophy along with the discussion of universality of Indian psychology, its historical background, various theories, showing the dynamic nature of Indian psychology, psychological aspects of various indigenous texts and the difference in approach of Indian and Western psychologists.It also discusses the book's implications for modern psychological practices, particularly in mindfulness, cognitive therapy, and well-being.