Know thyself (Jnana Yoga): Psychotherapeutic insights from the east.

Ancient Eastern philosophies, including Vedic, Upanishadic, and Buddhist traditions, have long argued that the individual self is illusory, proposing either a no-self or a universal Self, and that the perceived universe is an illusion (Maya) with only the knower (Brahman) as real—a view that resonates with modern quantum theory. In contrast, Western philosophy, shaped by Cartesian dualism, has pursued an individualist view of the self. Recent psychological research converges with Eastern perspectives, highlighting the role of self-understanding, metacognition, and mindfulness in addressing mental afflictions. Several contemporary Western psychotherapeutic models reflect these ancient insights, but further empirical testing and development of such approaches are needed.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Humans have asked themselves the question "who am I" from ancient times. Vedic, upanishadic and buddhist philosophers have pointed out over millennia the illusive nature of the individual self, and posit either a no-self, or a universal Self. Vedantic scholars also posit the illusory nature of the universe (Maya) and suggest that the only reality is the knower (Brahman), a view resonating with modern concepts in quantum theory. On the other hand, western philosophers, notably influenced by the Cartesian dualism, have pursued an individualist view of the self. Recent psychological literature is convergent with eastern views and emphasizes the importance of understanding the self, metacognition and mindful practices to understand the mind and its afflictions. Several recent western psychotherapeutic models resonate with, and may have been motivated, at least in part, by ancient eastern philosophy and spiritual practices. More work is needed to develop and implement psychotherapeutic approaches using eastern insights, and to empirically test their effectiveness.