Sahaja: an Indian ideal of mental health.
Psychiatry February 1, 1975 Peer reviewed DOI: 10.1080/00332747.1975.11023830 via PubMed
Summary
Sahaja, an Indian ideal of mental and spiritual health, is especially emphasized in the Sikh scriptures, particularly the Adi Granth. Although traditionally associated with mystical thought and described in esoteric terms, this communication aims to strip sahaja of those connotations and redefine it as a mental health ideal relevant to contemporary conditions.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | Sahaja can be redefined as a mental health ideal for contemporary conditions, removed from its esoteric and mystical associations. |
Abstract
Sahaja is an Indian ideal of mental and spiritual health that has received special emphasis in the Sikh scriptures--especially, the Adi Granth. Since the concept of sahaja has long been associated with mystical thought and practice, its description has become shrouded in peculiar esoteric terminologies. It is the purpose of this communication to divest sahaja of its esoteric, mystic connotations and to redefine it as a mental health ideal in the context of contemporary conditions.