One of the most beautifully developed sciences of spiritually-based psychology is the psychology of yoga, the study of the human psyche in relation to life and the larger dimensions of existence. This science, enrolled in the ancient tradition of yoga, seeks to explain and explore the potentials of human life, uncovering the hidden mysteries behind the purpose, existence and relationship of life with the world in which we live. While there are many systems of psychology available to modern man, the psychology of yoga is unique in that it seeks to merge modern science with ancient philosophy. Through its various methods of treating and transforming the mind in its open and holistic approach to life, yoga psychology is an effective science for bringing a healthy, balanced and individually responsive approach to mental health and well-being.
The Philosophy of Psychology
Generally, the philosophy of psychology has pursued two ways out. The first one that suggests that life is empirical and can be measured and observed on a material level. This philosophy holds that all systems are composed of matter that can be seen through physical observation and observed through the senses. Therefore, everything that exists within the human being can be measured on a physical level and accounts for all aspects of human existence. An important point of this philosophical ideology is that everything is based on experience, external contributions and genetic disposition. These together form the complete foundation of the psyche. Therefore, elements that seem to extend beyond the confines of the physical and observable level of existence are either imagined or have not yet been proven through empirical observation.
Contrary to empirical belief, there is the philosophy that human beings are composed of elements that are beyond the confines of the physical structure of the human being. Although material components contribute to our existence, there are many characteristics of the human being that cannot be measured with a microscope or electromagnetic scans. Although these characteristics are not composed of the same material as the human body, they exist in their own dimension and retain their own qualities that allow them to exist. One of the main examples of an element that exists in its own form is consciousness. According to the definition of non-empirical philosophy, consciousness is part of human life, but it is not contained solely within the human being, nor can it be found within the structures of the brain. Rather it is a field of existence that permeates all of creation, but takes on the appearance of separate entities when filtered through the structure of individual entities as a human being. Therefore, it is part of the human being, but it is not limited to the human structure itself.
For the most part, empirically based psychology believes that consciousness is a component of the brain and that there is no spirit, or some entity that is connected to a higher source. Everything that is experienced and seen within the individual can be explained within the physical content of the human being. Therefore, the search for understanding and understanding of the functions of the human psyche are mainly undertaken within the study of the brain through sciences such as neuropsychology. This forms the basis for larger studies in cognitive, developmental, and behavioral psychology.
Non-empirical psychology, on the other hand, accepts the soul, or something that exists with the human being that extends beyond the limits of the perishable body, as an additional entity that contributes to human existence. Although the human body contains some of the material necessary to form life, it does not constitute the entire system. Non-empirical psychology holds the belief that individual consciousness is a component of a great system that has been called cosmic, universal, or collective consciousness. With this understanding in mind, non-empirical psychology pursues the study of the human psyche through the components of consciousness, the soul / spirit, and other elements beyond the physical body.
Although not all psychologies conform to these limits, most of the applied practices of psychology conform to the scheme of one of these ideologies; either the mind is in the body and the brain, or it is part of something larger and beyond the limits of the body. As a social practice, Western psychology tends to follow the path of empirical study while Eastern psychology has been that of the metaphysical and spiritualistic. However, there are modern schools of thought, researchers, and psychologists who are reaching beyond these limits and seeking to reshape psychology into a comprehensive science of the human mind. In fact, the human brain shows significant contributions to the functions of thinking, perception and behavior, but at the same time there has been no substantial evidence that self-awareness or consciousness can be contained within the functions of the brain. Together, these two insights have proven to be significant challenges for modern research in the psychology of human beings.
Yoga psychology, as a conventional practice, has evolved to incorporate both the empirical and non-empirical perspectives of psychology. Although in general it could be considered a non-empirical philosophy, the psychology of yoga has also largely accepted the influences of anatomical structure on the development, formation and creation of the psychology of a human being; however, the physical body does not contain all the elements necessary to form the complexity of the human mind and consciousness. Through the philosophy and spiritual inquisition of yoga, yoga psychology maintains the belief that human psychology is made up of factors from various spheres of life, starting from the most material physical body and progressing to the subtle elements of the spirit. . Each layer is not an independent system nor is it contained in a single structure. Rather, there are several shells that coexist and work seamlessly with each other to form the entire structure, form, and existence of the human being.
The application of psychology
Practically, psychology is designed to be applied as a functional means of providing people with a healthy mind. While the definition of what constitutes a healthy mind can vary between different philosophical beliefs, in general, people want to live a life that contains more happiness, a stronger self-concept, and a personality that is capable of handling change and the evolutionary events of life. Psychology seeks to provide people with the tools necessary to create the right circumstances for a healthy mind, using a variety of skills, insights, and methods to help shape desired results. Some of the major components used by modern psychology to help people find a healthier mental construct include: medication, counseling, group therapy, psychoanalysis, environmental disturbances, and mental conditioning. All these methods seek to provide people with a stronger mental state with which they can face life.
The “natural” forms of psychology generally avoid medication and evasive techniques that can cause unnecessary changes in the biochemical structure of the body. They also traditionally focus on addressing psychological complexes with a more holistic perspective that includes physical ailments and emotional disturbances. In contrast, a more “westernized” system of psychology tends to treat patients on the basis of classified disorders or dysfunctions that are related to the mind or brain. Treatment is provided based on a patient’s symptoms relative to other classically defined cases. For many patients, medication is used in conjunction with counseling and therapy.
As a practice, yoga psychology generally addresses the psychological changes within a human’s life with a wide variety of techniques, each designed to help regulate and modify a specific irregularity within the human system. In general, the psychology of yoga follows the “natural” system of psychological medical care, as it normally treats each case independently, providing help to an individual after analysis of the physical, psychological, energetic and spiritual elements of his life. . For physical alterations that are affecting the psychological state, exercises and movements known as asanas (postures) are applied. These can also be used in conjunction with cleansing techniques that help remove toxins from the body. For psychological disorders, meditation, concentration, and self-observation are used. The body and mind are generally considered interdependent entities, so physical activity or specific disturbances can also treat psychological disorders. For energy problems, breathing exercises are used to increase or decrease energy within the body. The diet can also be modified to help increase vitality. The health of the spiritual aspect of life depends on the state of the physical, mental and energetic bodies and is therefore generally cared for by treating these bodies first.
Although there are many systems of psychology, the psychology of yoga is one that can be applied for those seeking a better knowledge of themselves. While belief in the spiritual aspects of life will help anyone who wishes to practice yoga psychology, it is not a necessity. Rather, the psychology of yoga should be viewed as a holistic system of psychology that works to create balance in the body and mind so that optimal health and strength can be achieved. It also works to provide people with a greater understanding of life as the body, mind and spirit are actively transformed to reach their full potential.