Samjnana Sudha (Ancient Indian Strategies for Current Psychological Problems)

21ST century is marked by several advances. Revolutions in the field of Science and Technology, Agriculture have had a wide range of application the fruits of which has benefited the mankind at a global level. Globalization, Urbanization, Liberalization has brought in material progress resulting in a stable economic status. Man is driven towards higher levels of achievement, striving towards better personal life which is assumed to give him happiness. It is also interesting note that attempt to assess happiness through happiness index emphasizes on socio economic aspects and happiness at the individual level as well as at the global level is measured and compared based on these socio economic parameters.

These changes have augmented a paradigm shift in the value orientation marked by individualistic, materialistic, competitive, achievement oriented perspective to one's life. Growth and Development of the mankind across the globe is measured in terms of GDP achieved. Under developed and developing economies have accepted this new perspective to life are striving hard to achieve this resulting in discontentment and unhappiness. On the other hand people in the developed economies are also discontented and unhappy as they have failed to realize that the individualistic perspective to life is detrimental basic human nature of being collective and to experience happiness collectively.

Psychological implications of these at a macro level has manifested in terms of division of society, conflicts and wars, terrorism and extremism etc. At the individual level it is manifested in terms of stress, anxiety, emotional problems etc. Social problems of the modem times like Suicide, Divorce, Criminality. Corruption etc are attributed to the life style factors that have individualistic perspective to life. Unsuccessful attempts in resolving these issues both at the individual and societal level is bound to have both physical and psychological health. The cost of which is seen with an alarming increase in discontentment, unhappiness, decrease in peace and harmony etc.

Academicians and Practitioners especially from the developed countries are attempting to find alternative theories, methodologies in understanding and enhancing the quality of life of the mankind at the global level. Humanistic Psychology, Positive Psychology have been evolved in this process.

Therapeutic strategies of these schools of psychology emphasize on understanding one's real self, enhancing inherent goodness, orientation towards spirituality, etc. Practitioners in the field of health on the other hand are exploring alterative strategies to understand the complex body-mind, brain-behaviour relationships. A half hearted attempt to understand and implement Ancient Indian systems in the form of Yoga, Meditation has found to handle some of these health related issues and has kindled interest to undertake a much deeper, indepth understanding of Ancient Indian systems.

In this backdrop the theme of this conference has been framed. Deliberations during this conference is expected to discuss on ancient strategies for a better understanding of oneself, to mould one's personality. to progress in one's vocation/occupation, to achieve peace, harmony across the globe, etc. Deliberations based on some of the ancient Indian System like Yogic way of life, Trigunas, pancha koshas, purusharthas is expected to bring a more clarity and objective methodology of applying it to a better understanding self. Deliberations on the values like anasakti, niskama karma is likely to facilitate its application in the field of vocation and occupation. Deliberations on tridoshas, panchakarma etc is expected to enhance health not from the illness perspective but towards holistic health and well being.

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