The Balancing Act: What Freud and Sattva Teach Us About Living Right?

After reading "The Yoga Manual " by Vishwanath (Vishu) Iyer , an interesting connection can be made between two ideas: Freud's concept of the Superego and the Indian philosophy of Sattva. Although these ideas come from different worlds—one from Western psychology and the other from Eastern spirituality—they both focus on leading a morally good life.

Freud’s Superego is like a voice in our mind that guides us to do what’s right. It’s the part of us that holds our values and principles, making us feel proud when we follow them and guilty when we don’t. The Superego pushes us to live up to the standards we set for ourselves, even when it’s challenging.

Sattva, from Hindu philosophy, represents purity, wisdom, and balance. When we are in a state of Sattva, we act with clarity and kindness, making decisions aligned with truth and righteousness. Sattva encourages us to go beyond our basic desires and impulses to live a peaceful and virtuous life.

Upon further exploration, the Superego and Sattva reveal striking similarities. Both guide us to make better choices, helping us rise above our immediate wants and instincts. They push us to act according to our highest values and contribute positively to the world.

This connection highlights a universal truth:- The goal is often the same: to live a life guided by goodness, integrity, and care for others. Understanding this link between the Superego and Sattva reminds us that striving for a moral and ethical life is a universal journey, shared across different cultures and philosophies.