The spiritual philosophy of Advaita: Basic concepts and relevance to psychiatry

Indian J Psychiatry. 2024 Feb;66(2):202-207. doi: 10.4103/indianjpsychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_368_23. Epub 2024 Feb 12.

Abstract

Advaita is a major Hindu spiritual doctrine that has its roots in the Vedas. This essay presents a broad overview of some key aspects of Advaita. Then, the following five important features of Advaita that have relevance to the practice of psychiatry are elaborated: 1. The Guru-Sishya (teacher-disciple) dyad, 2. Levels of reality, 3. Sleep analysis, 4. Indispensable role of knowledge, and 5. Using analogies.

Keywords: Advaita; Bhagavad Gita; Upanishads; Vedanta; psychiatry; spirituality.