Intro to Yoga Psychology

Catalog description

Taught by GTU. "Yoga is nothing but practical psychology" stated a famous sage of the twentieth century, Sri Aurobindo. It is not a mode of "physical fitness" but is embedded in contemplative models based on an expansive psychological study of the nature of mind. Given that the strict dichotomous distinction of psychology and philosophy did not exist in the Hindu thought, this course will discuss yoga psychology within the larger context of yoga philosophy beginning with the "Yogasutras of Patanjali." It will then advance to discussing psychology within the overall Vedantic framework of Sri Adi Sankaracharya, Sri Ramana Maharshi, and Swami Vivekananda. The discussions and lectures will include current psychological issues and problems faced by humanity within the larger context of the Yoga worldview. The psycho-spiritual transformation is highly essential in realizing the true objective of yoga-union with the divine-but there are many layers that have to be transformed before the objective is achieved, and the course will keep that in view. Requirements include a quiz, class discussions based on reading reflections, and a term paper. This course is appropriate for MA, MDiv, and PhD students (additional research).