Beyond Freud: The Rich Roots of Indian Psychology
Discover how Indian traditions shaped psychology long before Western theories.
Introduction: Psychology Didn’t Start in Vienna
When most psychology textbooks open with Freud, Jung, and Pavlov, it can feel as though the study of the mind began in 19th-century Europe. But centuries earlier, Indian philosophers, scholars, and practitioners were already asking, and answering profound questions about human thought, suffering, and transformation.
At PsyQuench, we believe exploring these eastern therapy techniques isn’t about choosing East over West, but about widening the lens. By rediscovering the rich, ancient roots of Indian psychology, therapists, students, and curious minds can deepen their understanding of why we think, feel, and act the way we do and how to heal.
A Brief History: How Indian Thought Explored the Mind Long Before Modern Psychology
The history of Indian psychology stretches back thousands of years, rooted in diverse philosophical traditions. Unlike the Western path that often separated mind and spirit, Indian thought viewed the psyche as interconnected with body, soul, and society.
The Vedic and Upanishadic era (1500 BCE – 500 BCE):
Early Vedic hymns and rituals already hinted at human desires, fears, and attachments. The Upanishads later offered deeper reflection on consciousness (chit), the mind (manas), intellect (buddhi), and the Self (atman). Thinkers asked: What is the true self? Why do humans suffer? questions that remain central to therapy today.
Buddhist Psychology (5th century BCE onwards):
Gautama Buddha’s teachings reframed suffering (dukkha) as a universal human condition, rooted in attachment, aversion, and ignorance. The Abhidhamma texts then systematically categorized mental states, creating one of the earliest psychological taxonomies in the world.
Buddhist practice emphasized mindfulness (sati) and compassion (karuna), eastern therapy techniques now used in modern therapies like MBCT (Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy) and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (around 2nd century BCE – 4th century CE):
A cornerstone of Indian psychology, the Yoga Sutras described the mind’s fluctuations (chitta vritti) and offered an eightfold path (ashtanga yoga) to calm, observe, and ultimately transcend them. Beyond physical postures (asanas), this included:
- Pratyahara: Withdrawal of senses to reduce distraction
- Dharana & dhyana: Focus and meditation to cultivate inner awareness
- Samadhi: A state of deep, unitive consciousness
The aim wasn’t just stress relief but liberation from suffering (kaivalya), what we might today call profound psychological resilience and self-actualization.
Classical Schools: Sankhya, Vedanta, Jain, Ayurveda:
Each contributed unique perspectives:
- Sankhya: Classified mind, ego, and intellect as separate but interacting forces.
- Vedanta: Explored identity, illusion (maya), and realization of the true Self.
- Jain philosophy: Focused on self-control, non-violence, and personal responsibility.
- Ayurveda: Viewed mental health as a balance among biological energies (doshas) and emphasized diet, routine, and meditation.
All saw psychology not just as study, but as practice, a path to healthier living.
Also Read: AN INTRODUCTION TO INDIAN PSYCHOLOGY – Psychopedia – Psychology Coaching And Research Training
Key Ideas That Shaped Indian Psychology
While diverse, Indian traditions share common themes deeply relevant to modern therapy:
- Holism: Mind, body, and spirit are parts of one system.
- Impermanence: Thoughts and emotions arise and pass; they don’t define the Self.
- Freedom through awareness: True change comes from self-observation, not suppression.
- Ethical living: Inner peace links closely to values like truthfulness, compassion, and non-violence.
- Transformative practice: Psychology isn’t only about “why,” but about “how” through meditation, inquiry, and ethical living.
Eastern Therapy Techniques: More Than Meditation
Modern mindfulness-based therapies draw directly from Indian and Buddhist practices, often without full acknowledgment of their origins.
Beyond mindfulness, Indian psychology offers:
- Atma Vichara (self-inquiry): Questioning the source of identity to loosen self-limiting beliefs
- Pranayama: Breathwork to regulate emotion and attention
- Bhakti practices: Using devotion and relationship to cultivate positive emotions
- Karma yoga: Finding meaning by acting skillfully, without obsessive attachment to results
These techniques don’t aim only at symptom relief but at deep, long-term transformation.
Why Indian Psychology Still Matters in Therapy Rooms Today
In Indian and global contexts alike, clients often ask:
- “Who am I beyond my roles?”
- “Why do I keep repeating painful patterns?”
- “How can I find peace in uncertainty?”
