Bridging Faith and Mind: A Psychological Perspective on Sacred Scriptures

Abstract

The psychological insight is derived from the selected Bhagavad Gita verses covered along with their applicability to modern psychological theories and practices. Five essential sholkas that provide the means to understand behavior and well-being in human life are examined. This corresponds to concepts such as intrinsic motivation, mindfulness, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the first verse being a reminder of the imperative to act in chapter 2, verse 47. This underlines the effort to reduce the performance anxiety and evolve into a strong personality. Chapter 2, Verse 63 describes how anger, a much more serious trap, grows from doubt and forgetfulness to a lowered intelligence and self-ruin once heated. This is also in line with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), according to which anger may give rise to cognitive distortions, such as all-or-nothing thinking and overgeneralization, exacerbating emotional dysregulation (Beck, 1979). And it reinforces the importance of emotion regulation tactics like cognitive restructuring and mindfulness. Inspired by social learning theory, transformational leadership, and social norms theory, the third verse, Chapter 3, Verse 21, focuses on role modeling and leadership. It underscores the moral responsibilities of public figures on the grounds that their behaviors affect those around them. The nature of the self is described as a metaphor in meaning, reaching resilience, inner strength ideas, Existential psychology, and wellness theories via fourth verse (Chapter 2 / Verse 23). It tells us that one needs to develop a more significant, solid self, that is unyielding when faced with struggles. It helps, in particular, to specify the fifth verse (Chapter 6:5) regarding self-empowerment and self-regulation (and apply it to cognitive-behavioral theory  such as the idea of self-efficacy; or self-determination theory). Viewed with Psychological lens, this paper demonstrates how the sacred shlokas illustrate contemporary interpretations of ancient lessons to address and improve human well-being  through action, meaning, and change, echoing via Bhagavad Gita.