The Indigenous Self

Reflecting on Indian Cultural Contributions to Psychology

Abstract

The conceptualization of pathology or deviant behavior has largely been determined by a group of individuals working within the frameworks of individualistic cultures and largely positivist approaches to research. The present paper has discussed the nature of understanding of the broad concept of ‘self’ and ‘consciousness’ in a comparative perspective of the Eastern and Western paradigms of research to see the culture specific assumptions of morality of the self. An attempt has been made to examine how the re-interpretation of these concepts might influence the way mental health professionals define well being and envision desirable goals of therapy in the Indian context. Questions regarding the unique location of youth in the “hybrid” culture of modern India have been emphasized. The paper has utilized analytical papers of K Kiran Kumar; Ajit Dalal; Raja Selvam; commentarial texts on the Bhagavad Gita to see their practical applications in everyday living.