Page 35 - NAMAH-Jan-2020
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Notes on counselling








        Dissociation of consciousness — implications in psychology and yoga



        Dr. Soumitra Basu


        Abstract
        Dissociation of consciousness is not only a psycho-pathological construct but has cultural
        and spiritual connotations too. While clinical psychology would explore multiple
        personalities resulting from dissociation, a consciousness perspective would reach beyond
        multiple self-states at the outer being to an Unitary Self deep within that transcends the
        ego.





        It is well known that an aspect of consciousness  petechiae (in episodes marked as stigmata
        can become dissociated at times. In other  of Christ) during intense religious fervour.
        words, there can be a temporary alteration  Such feats are executed in the famous
        in the integrative functions of awareness or  Kumbha Melas (great religious fairs held
        identity. The part of consciousness dissociated  periodically) in India.  What is exceptional
        from the dimension of awareness can create a  is that during these episodes there is no
        sort of third reality where fantasised elements  pain or bleeding, a phenomenon probably
        can be projected in terms of objectivity. Such a  mediated by endorphins. Typically such
        reaction can occur as a response to emotional  culture-friendly episodes are short lasting
        conflicts or internal or external stress.  and when the subject comes back to the usual
                                                 mode of life, he or she is again subject to pain
        Culture- friendly disssociation          and bleeding. There is also no blackout of
                                                 memory of the altered states for the subject
        Yet, certain dissociative states may not be  remembers everything though emotionally
        necessarily viewed in a pathological way.  highly charged.
        There are dissociative states which have
        cultural implications. Thus, the phenomenon  Adaptive dissociation
        of dissociation is perceived in altered states
        of consciousness where subjects jump on  Then there are some dissociated states which
        a bed of nails, self-harm themselves, walk  act to safeguard the body and mind during
        through fire and even develop weals and  intense crisis. In such cases, dissociation

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