Human Psychology and Personality Traits in Srimad Bhagvad-Gita: A Scientific Perspective

Abstract

A case of the ‘greatest psychologist’, the ‘psychic patient of the highest degree’ and the ‘universal and evergreen treatment for the mental diseases’ suggested thereof, is available in the sacred book –Srimad Bhagvad-Gita (SMBG). In fact, a capsule wisdom imparted by the Lord to Arjun in SMBG has become the eternal truth for the entire human race and it also provides a guiding principle towards a happy and peaceful life. In this paper, we decode this wisdom in the context of modern personality theory of Carl Jung that is taught in the class rooms of psychology and management. In the light of this wisdom, several modifications in this theory are suggested which make the theory more useful and viable with regard to the studies of spiritual content in the personality. In particular, a deeper foundation of the personality traits is investigated in this scheme of study. To this effect, the dynamics of inner essences of life, namely mind, intellect and ego is explored in the process of character building and later in the personality development, since the personality of a person represents the outer garment of his character. In particular, a consistent and deeper platform for the popular 16 personality factors in the Big Five theory of personality and the working of the four style matrices in the theory of Jung, is highlighted in Vedic traditions.