A Journey Through Vedic Psychology and the Mind for hyper-learning
Radhika Gopinatha dasa
Professor of Vedic Theology and Religious Studies: Present society needs a new paradigm of devotion to God.
First it was Claudine Gay, Harvard president (PhD thesis plagiarism, and condoning campus anti-semitism), Jerome Powell (US Federal Reserve chief who some say raised interest rates too fast), and then Suchana Seth, Harvard Fellow (child killer) who showed lack of judgement under pressure. The Vedic path shows how we learn and how we should access true judgement from within.
For millennia, the ancient wisdom of the Vedas has offered profound insights into the human condition, particularly the workings of the mind. Vedic psychology, not quite synonymous with Western psychology, is a unique lens through which we can perceive our thoughts, emotions, and motivations. It paints a vibrant picture of the inner landscape, inviting us to journey beyond the surface and explore the vast depths of our being.
From a non-Vedic perspective, the Different theories of ToM development are:
Theory-Theory:
Simulation Theory:
Modular Theory:
Vedic and Shastric perspective
Now let us look at the stages from a Vedic and Shastric perspective in your own learning journey and to take steps to move forward with hyper-learning.
Humans normally associate with 5 senses
Humans have more than just the traditional five senses! While sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch are the most well-known, there are numerous other sensory modalities that give us rich information about the world around us and within ourselves. Let's explore these senses in more detail:
The "classic" five senses:
Beyond the common five known to medical science:
Relationship between mind, senses and intelligence: Karma-yoga from Bhagavad-gita, Chapter 3, TEXT 42
indriyani parany ahur
indriyebhyah param manah
manasas tu para buddhir
yo buddheh paratas tu sah
The working senses are superior to dull matter; mind is higher than the senses; intelligence is still higher than the mind; and he [the soul] is even higher than the intelligence.
There are four layers to the mind.
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Intelligence is still higher than the mind
We need to tame the mind via intelligence which is informed, coached and guided by Apaurusheya (not written by man by revealed by higher powers) scriptures.
Why people might not learn?
There are many reasons why people might not learn, and it can be a complex issue with various contributing factors. Here are some potential reasons:
Internal factors:
External factors:
Wandering Mind:
Lack of Prerequisite Knowledge:
Beyond the Five Senses: The Layers of the Mind
Vedic psychology doesn't solely focus on the conscious mind, but delves deeper, recognizing five layers of mental experience:
Understanding these layers reveals the complexity of our mental processes and sheds light on how our thoughts, emotions, and actions are shaped by a dynamic interplay between them.
The Dance of the Gunas: Qualities of the Mind
Vedic psychology also introduces the concept of the "gunas," three fundamental qualities that influence our mental state:
These gunas are not static, but constantly interact and fluctuate within us, coloring our perception and influencing our behavior. Cultivating sattva through practices like meditation and yoga becomes a key focus, as it brings balance and equanimity to the mind.
Vedic Psychology in the Modern World
While rooted in ancient wisdom, Vedic psychology offers valuable insights even today. Its emphasis on self-awareness, emotional regulation, and inner balance aligns with contemporary therapeutic approaches. By integrating its principles into our daily lives, we can cultivate mental well-being, navigate relationships with greater understanding, and find deeper meaning in our existence.
Looking beyond:
Karma and Samskaras: Understanding Our Journey
The concept of karma plays a vital role in Vedic psychology. It suggests that our past actions and thoughts leave imprints on our chitta, known as "samskaras," shaping our present experiences and tendencies. Recognizing these samskaras allows us to break free from their automatic patterns and consciously choose our responses.
The Pursuit of Moksha and prema: Liberation, Self-Realization, and love of Godhead Krishna
Ultimately, Vedic psychology is a roadmap for self-exploration and liberation. It guides us towards transcending the limitations of the mind and ego, realizing the true nature of our Atman and Paramatma and Bhagavan. This journey gives liberation from the cycle of birth and death, and a life of inner peace in seva to Bhagavan.
Conclusion:
We need to surface the paradigm for mind-body-soul learning. Understand that you are a soul moving from body to body millions of times and the samskaras and vasanas from many lifetimes can enhance or hinder the mind. Using mantras can harness the inner powers of the soul if properly done. I hypothesize that Claudine Gay, Jerome Powell, and Suchana Seth would have benefitted from classes on Mantra Meditation at their colleges Harvard and Princeton.
Full Stack Developer at AQAD
8 个月Thank you for sharing this insightful perspective on recent individuals and their challenges. The ancient wisdom of the #Vedas indeed provides profound insights into the human condition, guiding us towards true judgment from within. ?? **Vedic Psychology:** For millennia, Vedic psychology has illuminated the workings of the mind, offering a unique lens to understand thoughts, emotions, and motivations. It encourages us to explore the depths of our being beyond the surface. ?? **Theory of Mind (ToM) Development:** From a non-Vedic standpoint, theories like Theory-Theory and Simulation Theory provide interesting insights into how children develop an understanding of minds. The Modular Theory suggests a dedicated brain module for processing mental states. ?? **Vedic and Shastric Perspective:** Examining these theories from a Vedic and Shastric perspective adds depth to our learning journey. It allows us to take conscious steps towards hyper-learning, aligning our growth with ancient wisdom.