An Ayurvedic Perspective of Personality Development and Psychotherapeutic System. Abstract proceeding book, 5th Annual Research Conference on the Humanities and Social Sciences the Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka RASSL March 30th and 31st 2012

Abstract

The knowledge of Ayurveda and its concepts which define the working of human behavior and mind in detail can provide answers to many questions which are puzzling scientists even today to a large extent. The major objectives of this analysis are to consolidate personality development taking support from the Ayurveda aspect of psychological matters and to explore their correlation with environmental factors. According to Ayurveda, the human body is composed of three fundamental categories called Doshas, Dhatus and Malas. Their psychological correlates which play a role in the functioning and behavior of humans are the Trigunas, namely Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. According to Ayurveda concept naturally a particular Dosha (Vata, Pitta or Kapha) is dominant in a person. That natural state is called Prakruti or body constitution. It is genetically predetermined and it shows specific characters to phenotypes and remains unaltered over the individual’s lifetime. Each Dosha gives certain characteristic qualities to the person and based on this we can classify personal qualities or Prakriti as Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Vata-Pitta, Vata-Kapha, Pitta-Kapha and vata-Pitta-Kapha. Acoording to Ayurveda concepts Prakriti is composed of three psychological qualities or Gunas namely Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. According to these qualities we can predict ones personality type and this will lead to better functions of a human group or an increase in productivity. Ayurveda concepts also explored psychotherapeutic systems for some personality disorders. Sattvavajaya or Ayurveda psychotherapeutic system also comprises the devices of Ashvasana (assurance), Samsuchana (suggestion), Pratyayayana (persuasion), Nirdesana (guidance), Prashikshana (education & training), Parimarjana (modification), Sammohana (hypnosis), Visamvedana (desensitization), Rechana (catharsis-discharge pent up emotions), and Samtripti (satisfying ). In conclusion, according to our analysis Ayurveda can be considered as a useful tool to personality development in the modern world.