Psychology = “‘The science of the mind, or mental states and processes; the science of human nature…”
WHAT IS HUMAN NATURE?
Western psychology is a relatively recent science which, although valuable in basic matters regarding behaviour, personality and the general function of the mind, in no way claims knowledge of, or allows for the existence, let alone the study of the soul and spirit of the human being. It has made great advances in the study of human behaviour and mental diseases but has not found answers enough to cope with the mental aberrations which torment society and which are on the increase.
Many of these abnormal conditions of mental disease in the community have been created by drugs of all kinds, chemical pollutants, alcohol and unhealthy nutrition to which there is no answer but by rectifying these negative habits and conditions.
In this regard the Yoga approach satisfies this need. It concentrates upon the individual building and maintaining a healthy body and brain through a healthy lifestyle. It also involves establishing emotional stability, development of intellectual skills and talents, right habits of thinking, soul satisfying work and occupation, and a satisfactory spiritual way of life that allows for both duty and pleasure.
If the body is not nourished properly, the brain is not being nourished with an adequate and rich blood supply. It is not possible for the brain to serve as a healthy instrument either for creating or transmitting healthy thoughts. The diet of most westerners is totally unbalanced when ‘fast foods’, white bread, chocolate and coca cola have been monitored as the most popular consumer items in supermarkets.
Not only good food but so many other factors as well as those mentioned are equally important and these are fundamental to the teachings of Hatha Yoga which focuses upon physical health. The value of these teachings is acknowledged with the practice of Hatha Yoga becoming increasingly popular world wide.
But our efforts must include equal attention to emotional control and mental discipline if we are to avoid the complex problems of modern times and enjoy total well being.
Understanding one’s personality and observing good and bad character traits is important, and most people are aware of the simple basis of psychology and the need to be assertive, to offload ‘baggage’ and to keep a positive attitude to life. Although this work is valuable, there is a need for deeper comprehension and to focus upon the entire human being, beyond the personality.
We need to be true to our own deeper nature – our soul and thence to discover our spiritual being. Only then are we integrating all the facets of human nature that are required in the study and practise of psychology.
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