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Yogic insights into human psychology

Yoga as practical psychology

Dr. Alok Pandey

Abstract
The transition from animal to man is much more than biological. It has brought in the sense of a subjective-
self that is other than the bodily needs or desires. Man is conscious of an inner subjective space, in which he
can reflect and change, assay and analyse, grow and evolve in many ways. It is a door opening with infinite
possibilities. Through yoga we can enter this door and discover much that is now unknown to us.

There are two short definitions of yoga that Nothing is really separate and isolated. There
are packed with immense significance is a mutuality, an interdependence, a co-
for the human race. The first is yoga as penetration and not just a co-habitation of
practical psychology. The second is yoga life with other life, an interconnectedness of
as a conscious and concentrated evolution. the different elements of creation in some
It is an understanding of yoga along these common mysterious matrix that holds this
lines that will open the doors to the future mysterious dance of creation. The difference
and help humanity reap the full benefits of however is that in man all these elements
yogic processes. But let us first understand begin to act much more forcefully and
what they mean and imply. Psychology deals palpably. Besides, man can become conscious
with the science of human behaviour. But of these many elements that extend not only
human behaviour is a surface phenomenon in space but also in time (in terms of his past
and what stands behind it is a complex play and future). This is because of three unique
of forces, both individual and collective and, elements that have begun to emerge in man.
if we take the yogic view, cosmic forces as
well. It implies that an individual is not a Man’s subjective self
separate isolated entity who is at most loosely
connected with his immediate environment First and foremost, man has become aware
and circumstances of birth. The entire cosmos of a subjective self within him which, though
is alive in him even though he knows it not. intangible and unmeasurable, is yet the
This is a basic premise of yoga that within ground of what he inwardly is and becomes.
man dwells the entire cosmos. In a sense it This subjective self opens the doors for man
is true of the smallest element of creation. to reach a ground of consciousness wherein

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