Sahaja: an Indian ideal of mental health

Psychiatry. 1975 Feb;38(1):1-10. doi: 10.1080/00332747.1975.11023830.

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.

MeSH terms

  • Behavior
  • Consciousness
  • Culture
  • Esthetics
  • Humans
  • Identification, Psychological
  • India
  • Mental Health*
  • Mysticism*
  • Parapsychology
  • Personality
  • Thinking
  • Yoga