Integral Positive Psychology: A Bhagavad Gītā Framework for Indian Well-being.
Published In: Indian Journal of Positive Psychology, 2025, v. 16, n. 3. P. 475 1 of 3
Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3
Authored By: Gannamraju, Sai Kiran; Chembrolu, Venkatesh H. 3 of 3
Abstract
This paper integrates Positive Psychology (PP) with the Bhagavad Gītā, an ancient Indian philosophical text, to address PP's limitations, particularly its individualistic bias and limited spiritual depth. Through an integrative literature review that synthesizes Indian psychology, Gītā commentaries, and critiques of mainstream Positive Psychology, we challenge its Western-centric assumptions and propose a culturally inclusive alternative. Concepts such as anāsakti (non-attachment), bhakti (devotion), and svadharma (personal duty) are shown to deepen and broaden PP by fostering spiritual self-realization and incorporating ethical and collectivist perspectives. Alignments between PP constructs (e.g., hope, resilience, psychological capital) and Gītā principles are illustrated, supported by emerging empirical research (Banth & Talwar, 2012). We introduce an "Integral Positive Psychology" framework to expand the theoretical scope of Positive Psychology (PP). Applications include svadharma-guided career counseling and anāsakti-based stress reduction in culturally sensitive education and therapy. We conclude with a call for rigorous empirical validation to advance this decolonized and spiritually enriched approach to global flourishing. This paper also highlights how such a spiritually integrated model can promote sustainable mental health and ethical well-being. By aligning inner growth with outer responsibility, the Gītā-based framework offers tools for navigating emotional distress, moral conflicts, and life transitions with clarity and balance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Additional Information
- Source:Indian Journal of Positive Psychology. 2025/09, Vol. 16, Issue 3, p475
- Document Type:Literature Review
- Subject Area:Literature and Writing
- Publication Date:2025
- ISSN:2229-4937
- Accession Number:188772371
- Copyright Statement:Copyright of Indian Journal of Positive Psychology is the property of Indian Association of Health, Research & Welfare and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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