YOGA WITHIN INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS: A NEURO-PSYCHOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVE ON COGNITIVE AND EMOTIONAL REGULATION
Moradhvaj Singh
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) May 2, 2026 preprint DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.19976167 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Interventions | Asana Pranayama Dharana Dhyana |
| Key points | Argues that classical yogic formulations and modern affective neuroscience show substantial convergence, and proposes a conceptual framework integrating Pancha Kosha theory with neuroanatomical models of self-regulation. Contends that yoga, through asana, pranayama, dharana, and dhyana, constitutes a multi-layered intervention for enhancing executive function, attentional control, and emotional homeostasis. |
Abstract
Abstract:The present study explores yoga as articulated within classical Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and examines its neuro-psychological substrates in the domains of cognitive functioning and emotional regulation. Drawing upon primary sources including the Patanjala Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad Gita, and Upanishadic literature, this work delineates the theoretical architecture of yogic practices aimed at mental discipline and affective equilibrium. Contemporary neuroscientific evidence is synthesized to elucidate mechanisms through which asana, pranayama, dharana, and dhyana modulate prefrontal cortical activation, amygdala reactivity, HPA axis functioning, and default mode network connectivity. A conceptual framework integrating Pancha Kosha theory with neuroanatomical models of self-regulation is proposed. The analysis reveals substantial convergence between ancient yogic formulations and modern affective neuroscience, suggesting that yoga constitutes a sophisticated, multi-layered intervention for enhancing executive function, attentional control, and emotional homeostasis. Implications for educational settings, clinical psychology, and holistic wellness paradigms are discussed.