EASTERN PERSPECTIVES ON POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY.pptx

IIT kharagpur

1. EASTERN PERSPECTIVES ON POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY Prof. Dr. Rabindra kumar Pradhan Associate Professor department of humanities and social sciences Indian institute of technology kharagpur , WB, INDIA

2. INTRODUCTION Eastern and Western traditions have influenced the world of science, technology and philosophy in general, differently. The way we look at life derives heavily from cultural influences. Today, the globe has become small, cultures are mingling, information is at the fingertips, but in earlier days, the cultures and philosophical influences in the ‘way of life’ were very different, the impact of which is still visible today. Let us try to understand what the fundamentals of positive psychology constructs from an eastern philosophical standpoint.

3. INTRODUCTION Westerners search for rewards in the physical plane whereas easterners seek to transcend the human plane and rise to the spiritual one. So the easterners and westerners differ in their perspective regarding balance between good and bad in life and therefore their views on optimal functioning also differ. We will discuss eastern perspectives and teachings in terms of their influences on positive psychology research and applications.

4. CONFUCIANISM A tradition associated with China Founder – ‘Confucius’ Emphasis on ‘morality’ for the cure of evil Emphasis on welfare of others

5. CONFUCIANISM The attainment of virtues is the core of Confucian teachings. The five virtues are central to living a moral existence are: jen (humanity) yi (duty) li (etiquette) zhi (wisdom) xin (truthfulness)

6. TAOISM Associated with China Creator-: Lao-Tzu The key concept is ‘Tao’ (pronounced as “Dow”) Tao is roughly translated as ‘the way’ Tao is the energy that surrounds everyone and is a power that envelopes, surrounds, and flows through all things.

7. TAOISM Emphasis on the harmony between contrasting concepts like no light without dark, no male without female, and so on. ‘yin and yang’ symbol also reflects ever changing balance between contrasting forces and desires. Achievement of naturalness and spontaneity are important goal in Taoist philosophy Virtues of humanity, justice, and temperance must be practiced One who achieves transcendence do not need to think of optimal functioning rather behaves virtuously in a natural manner.

8. Yin Yang The ancient Chinese subscribe to a concept called  Yin Yang which is a belief that there exist s two complementary forces in the universe. One is Yang which represents everything positive or masculine and the other is Yin which is characterized as negative or feminine. One is not better than the other. Instead they are both necessary and a balance of both is highly desirable.

9. BUDDHISM The four noble truths of ‘Buddhism’ are: Life is suffering, essentially painful from birth to death All suffering is caused by ignorance of the nature of reality and the resultant craving, attachment, and grasping Suffering can be ended by overcoming ignorance The way to relief from suffering is the noble eightfold path

10. BUDDHISM

11. BUDDHISM Brahma Viharas (universal virtues) Love ( maitri ) Compassion ( karuna ) Joy ( mudita ) Equanimity ( upeksa )(emotional stability) The concept of ‘Nirvana’ (final destination)

12. HINDUISM Upanishads are the written source Emphasis on ‘interconnectedness’ of all things Paths after death Reincarnation (returning to earth) N irvana o r no reincarnation (highest knowledge possible achieved)

13. EAST MEETS WEST Cultural differences give information about strengths identified in each culture and ways in which positive outcomes are achieved. The differences between the two systems on the basis of three things – Value systems Orientation to time Thought processes

14. VALUE SYSTEMS: Individualistic/collectivistic Independence Desire of stand out Use self as a unit of analysis in thinking about life Dependence Conformity Perception of group as a fundamental unit of analysis

15. ORIENTATION TO TIME Eastern cultures emphasise more on learning from the past (ancestors) and to recognise and learn the wisdom ancestors gained . Western philosophy is future oriented. Hope, optimism and such other constructs which point towards the future are emphasized.

16. THOUGHT PROCESSES Put simply, the western outlook towards life is like a straight line while that of eastern philosophy is mostly circular. The common westerner draws a straight line to his goal, looking carefully for obstacles and finding possible ways around them. His goal is to achieve this eternal happiness – a one way street where there is no life after death and one moves only ahead. For an eastern philosopher, such happiness may not make sense rather he will consider it as ‘end of unhappiness’. Good and bad, Yin and Yang, they all exhibit a circular nature – thus placing importance on both, positive and negative aspects of life.

17. WAYS TO POSITIVE OUTCOMES Both western and eastern thinking have different focus. Individualism/collectivism But two constructs are common - Compassion Harmony

18. COMPASSION Aristotle in western perspective noted the concept of compassion. Confucian concept of ‘ jen ’ (humanity), Buddhist concept of ‘ karuna ’ also gave importance to compassion. Compassion as an aspect of humanity involves looking outside ourselves and thinking about others. Compassion fosters group along with self.

19. HARMONY Harmony is when multiple seemingly different things exist together. The world is full of diversity but it is the co-dependence and interaction among the elements that makes life possible and flourishing. In eastern philosophy harmony is viewed as central to achieving happiness. Hinduism gave the concept of ‘interconnectedness’

20. Conclusion The scientific study of psychology takes both views into consideration where virtues and strengths are given importance. Fundamental differences in the philosophies are reflected by the theoretical constructs proposed by them, but, ultimately, the realm of po sitive p sychology aims to identify and nurture the virtues and strengths (including acceptance of negative emotions) to achieve optimal functioning.

21. Thank you.