Vedic Psychology
Before exploring Vedic Psychology - let us first look at the Scientific Minds of the ancient Vedic peoples of India.
The Vedic people of India gave rise to many things in the modern world, including:
-The Current Numeral system and concept of Zero
-Several Mathematical Discoveries (Calculus and Trigonometry)
-Larger Numbers (Trillions), unknown to the Western world until later
-Cataract, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Plastic Surgery
-Sewerage / Drainage systems, Toilets and Running water 3000bce
-Cotton cloth and Textiles
-World's Oldest Grammar and Dictionaries (600bce)
-The ancient Astronomical Text Surya Siddhanta describes the average length of the tropical year as 365.2421756 days, which is only 1.4 seconds shorter than the modern value of 365.2421904 days. It also states the average length of the sidereal year, the actual length of the Earth's revolution around the Sun, as being around 365.2563627 days, which is virtually the same as the modern value of 365.25636305 days
-Surya Siddhanta text also estimates the diameters of planets: Mercury is estimated as 3,008 miles, an error less than 1% from the current accepted diameter of 3,032 miles; Estimates Saturn as 73,882 miles, which is an error less than 1% from the currently accepted diameter (74,580). Its estimate for the diameter of Mars is 3,772 miles, which has an error within 11% of the currently accepted diameter of 4,218 miles
This is in addition to the Sanskrit language, described by scholars as a Perfect and Scientific Language (remember, it also gave us our Numerals).
Before we commence with Vedic Psychology, we hence have to realise the Advanced Nature of the ancient Vedic peoples and their contributions to our culture already. Where would we be today for example, without the concept of Zero, or even the Numerals. Imagine still using cumbersome Roman Numerals!
Vedic Psychology is the ancient system of healing behind Yoga and connected with it.
Vedic Psychology was a branch of Ayurveda, the medical tradition of Yoga, called "Bhuta-Vidya" (Science of Spirits or Elements) or "Graha-Chikitsa" (Therapy of Seizers / Planets).
Ancient people hence knew that the movements of the Planets, the Cycles of the Moon, as well as the elements and changes in the elements (such as seasonal changes), along with subtle entities that dwell in higher realms of consciousness caused disorders of the mind.
The ancient Ayurvedic or Medical texts of India describe that various entities can also affect the mind of the individual, due to past actions, just as external factors can cause many issues. Other factors include indulgence in bad habits according to Vedic Philosophy, which can cause negative samskaras (previous traits) to come through in the current lifetime, which we have to deal with (negative karma, if you like).
According to the Vedic model, the mind has Four Levels: The Ego, the Emotional Mind, the Intellect and Consciousness (or Unconscious Mind). Beyond that is the Self (Atman), the Transcendantal True Nature of one's Being.
There are also Five Bodily Sheaths (koshas) that surround the Self or Soul (Food / Gross, Pranic or Subtle, Mental, Wisdom and Bliss). There are Three Bodies (Shariras) in Yogic Philosophy - Physical, Astral and Causal. The Seven Chakras within these also represent various centres of 'states of consciousness' so to speak also.
Vedic Psychology hence deals with higher applications of therapies, beginning with Sattvavajaya, meaning restoration to purity and clarity (sattvas).
Just as physical metabolism or the digestive fire is necessary for optimum health, so also development of the intellect (buddhi) or the mental fire is required for proper "Mental Metabolism". Otherwise, just as we do not burn up our waste food products, so also our waste or excess mental impressions, especially negative ones turn into mental toxins, which cause psychological problems.
At the time of one's birth, we can look at various factors in the system of Vedic Astrology, to ascertain the positive and negative forces at play with regards to the Mind-Psychology, indicated by the Moon and other factors. These are correlated with Ayurvedic Principles and calculated, to see various psychological problems in the present or past lives, and how these can be rectified.
Remedial measures include living a Sattvic or Pure Lifestyle, to restore the mind back to it's state of calmness and sincerity. At other times, where excess dullness exists, certain therapies are required to "stimulate" the mind back into action, by breaking up excess mental toxins.
Such therapies can include:
-Therapies for Stimulation of Pressure-Points (Marmas) in the Head-region
-Medicated Oils for Head Application, and also Nasal Application of Medicated Oils / Herbs
-Specific Herbs & Formulas for the Mind, as Sedatives, Nervine Tonics, Antispasmodics etc.
-Applying a Diet and Lifestyle that reduces causative factors affecting the psyche
-Avoiding certain Foods, Environments etc. that may cause further harm to the mind
-Releasing past accumulations of negative impressions, emotions and thoughts
-Sound and specific Mantra therapies, using the Sanskrit language and syllables
-Yoga breathing techniques, postures and even performing rituals
-Propitiating Planets or specific Deities
-Specific Deities with specific Psychological functions for Transformation of the Psyche
-Charity or Selfless Service
-Aroma Therapy and Colour Therapies
-Use of Gemstones for strengthening symbolic mental and physical weaknesses
-Meditations for the Mind and Psycho-Physical makeup of the Individual
-Yogic Philosophy of the Self, Transcendance and Freedom / Detachment from action
-Positive Affirmations by great Teachers, Seers and Yogis for bringing in Positive Impressions
Before exploring Vedic Psychology - let us first look at the Scientific Minds of the ancient Vedic peoples of India.
The Vedic people of India gave rise to many things in the modern world, including:
-The Current Numeral system and concept of Zero
-Several Mathematical Discoveries (Calculus and Trigonometry)
-Larger Numbers (Trillions), unknown to the Western world until later
-Cataract, Dentistry, Veterinary Science and Plastic Surgery
-Sewerage / Drainage systems, Toilets and Running water 3000bce
-Cotton cloth and Textiles
-World's Oldest Grammar and Dictionaries (600bce)
-The ancient Astronomical Text Surya Siddhanta describes the average length of the tropical year as 365.2421756 days, which is only 1.4 seconds shorter than the modern value of 365.2421904 days. It also states the average length of the sidereal year, the actual length of the Earth's revolution around the Sun, as being around 365.2563627 days, which is virtually the same as the modern value of 365.25636305 days
-Surya Siddhanta text also estimates the diameters of planets: Mercury is estimated as 3,008 miles, an error less than 1% from the current accepted diameter of 3,032 miles; Estimates Saturn as 73,882 miles, which is an error less than 1% from the currently accepted diameter (74,580). Its estimate for the diameter of Mars is 3,772 miles, which has an error within 11% of the currently accepted diameter of 4,218 miles
This is in addition to the Sanskrit language, described by scholars as a Perfect and Scientific Language (remember, it also gave us our Numerals).
Before we commence with Vedic Psychology, we hence have to realise the Advanced Nature of the ancient Vedic peoples and their contributions to our culture already. Where would we be today for example, without the concept of Zero, or even the Numerals. Imagine still using cumbersome Roman Numerals!
Vedic Psychology is the ancient system of healing behind Yoga and connected with it.
Vedic Psychology was a branch of Ayurveda, the medical tradition of Yoga, called "Bhuta-Vidya" (Science of Spirits or Elements) or "Graha-Chikitsa" (Therapy of Seizers / Planets).
Ancient people hence knew that the movements of the Planets, the Cycles of the Moon, as well as the elements and changes in the elements (such as seasonal changes), along with subtle entities that dwell in higher realms of consciousness caused disorders of the mind.
The ancient Ayurvedic or Medical texts of India describe that various entities can also affect the mind of the individual, due to past actions, just as external factors can cause many issues. Other factors include indulgence in bad habits according to Vedic Philosophy, which can cause negative samskaras (previous traits) to come through in the current lifetime, which we have to deal with (negative karma, if you like).
According to the Vedic model, the mind has Four Levels: The Ego, the Emotional Mind, the Intellect and Consciousness (or Unconscious Mind). Beyond that is the Self (Atman), the Transcendantal True Nature of one's Being.
There are also Five Bodily Sheaths (koshas) that surround the Self or Soul (Food / Gross, Pranic or Subtle, Mental, Wisdom and Bliss). There are Three Bodies (Shariras) in Yogic Philosophy - Physical, Astral and Causal. The Seven Chakras within these also represent various centres of 'states of consciousness' so to speak also.
Vedic Psychology hence deals with higher applications of therapies, beginning with Sattvavajaya, meaning restoration to purity and clarity (sattvas).
Just as physical metabolism or the digestive fire is necessary for optimum health, so also development of the intellect (buddhi) or the mental fire is required for proper "Mental Metabolism". Otherwise, just as we do not burn up our waste food products, so also our waste or excess mental impressions, especially negative ones turn into mental toxins, which cause psychological problems.
At the time of one's birth, we can look at various factors in the system of Vedic Astrology, to ascertain the positive and negative forces at play with regards to the Mind-Psychology, indicated by the Moon and other factors. These are correlated with Ayurvedic Principles and calculated, to see various psychological problems in the present or past lives, and how these can be rectified.
Remedial measures include living a Sattvic or Pure Lifestyle, to restore the mind back to it's state of calmness and sincerity. At other times, where excess dullness exists, certain therapies are required to "stimulate" the mind back into action, by breaking up excess mental toxins.
Such therapies can include:
-Therapies for Stimulation of Pressure-Points (Marmas) in the Head-region
-Medicated Oils for Head Application, and also Nasal Application of Medicated Oils / Herbs
-Specific Herbs & Formulas for the Mind, as Sedatives, Nervine Tonics, Antispasmodics etc.
-Applying a Diet and Lifestyle that reduces causative factors affecting the psyche
-Avoiding certain Foods, Environments etc. that may cause further harm to the mind
-Releasing past accumulations of negative impressions, emotions and thoughts
-Sound and specific Mantra therapies, using the Sanskrit language and syllables
-Yoga breathing techniques, postures and even performing rituals
-Propitiating Planets or specific Deities
-Specific Deities with specific Psychological functions for Transformation of the Psyche
-Charity or Selfless Service
-Aroma Therapy and Colour Therapies
-Use of Gemstones for strengthening symbolic mental and physical weaknesses
-Meditations for the Mind and Psycho-Physical makeup of the Individual
-Yogic Philosophy of the Self, Transcendance and Freedom / Detachment from action
-Positive Affirmations by great Teachers, Seers and Yogis for bringing in Positive Impressions