Eighth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Yoga is mostly associated with wellbeing in terms of its physical aspect, but less with its psychological one. By reconsidering Patañjali’s authoritative yoga text, this paper explores what yoga offers in terms of concrete psychological methods and their therapeutic effects and relevance for contemporary yoga practitioners. Although spiritual insight in yoga and its practice is very effective, it does not automatically grant the yogi a high standard of moral conduct or emotional maturity, as they may still be challenged by issues such as sexuality, relationships or money. These challenges can arise because the raw potential energy of unresolved subliminal imprints can be acted out when triggered by particular circumstances. Those subliminal imprints (saṃskāras) are self-perceptions and beliefs that reside in the depths of our memories, and comprise emotions, sensations and thoughts that are etched in our minds as a result of past events. This process prompts the need to re-evaluate yoga’s psychological methods. This paper examines a specific Western psychological method, demonstrating its capacity to resolve subliminal imprints or habitual tendencies, particularly compulsive afflictive ones. This method informs and complements yoga, allowing us to move towards a fresh understanding of yoga’s psychological aspect as an essential component of wellbeing.