Svayoga approach to applying Indian psychology for mental health
PsyArXiv Preprints July 5, 2026 Peer reviewed DOI: osf:bdyar_v2 via PsyArXiv
Summary
The Svayoga approach, rooted in the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yogasutra, and Yoga Vasistha, offers a model of seven interlinked themes for mental health. The 'Yogic perspective' emphasizes Consciousness, the play of triguna, suffering, and inner freedom; 'Self' differentiates outer and inner self; 'Experiences' explores klesha and the need for anasakti and samata; 'Sattvic qualities' focuses on personal growth; 'Karmayoga' examines desireless action; 'Interconnection' discusses shared Consciousness and ethical relationships; and 'Divine' explores sacred manifestations and spirituality. The model is expanded with ideas from other Indian texts and mystics. Empirical findings from applying the model for mental health are discussed.
Study at a glance
| Design | theoretical or philosophical paper |
|---|---|
| Key finding | The Svayoga model comprises seven interlinked themes—Yogic perspective, Self, Experiences, Sattvic qualities, Karmayoga, Interconnection, and Divine—rooted in core yogic texts, and is applied for mental health. |
Abstract
The Svayoga approach is predominantly rooted in core yogic texts; the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali Yogasutra and Yoga Vasistha, and its thematic analysis, which had resulted in a model with seven interlinked themes (Agrawal, 2022). The theme of ‘Yogic perspective’ emphasizes the role of Consciousness, play of triguna, meaning of suffering and cultivation of inner freedom; theme of ‘Self’ differentiates outer and inner self, and provides reflections and practices to find intimacy with one’s deeper self; theme of ‘Experiences’ explores the dynamics of klesha which colors our daily experiences and keeps us stuck, and need for cultivation of anasakti and samata; themes of ‘Sattvic qualities’ focuses on personal growth and self-perfection through discovering as well as developing various positive qualities; theme of ‘Karmayoga’ examines the path of desireless action and its practice in routine life; theme of ‘Interconnection’ discusses the presence of same Consciousness in everyone and developing ethical and harmonious approach to relationships; finally the theme of ‘Divine’ explores various manifestations of sacred, and deepening our personal spirituality. The model has further been expanded with inclusion of parallel ideas from other Indian texts, traditions, as well as writings of saints and mystics to make it more comprehensive and relatable for application. The approach and empirical findings while applying the model for mental health will be discussed in this chapter.