Flourishing Through the Lens of Indian Traditions

Abstract

Flourishing is a relatively new concept in the field of Positive Psychology focusing on positive mental health and the life well lived. It is a comprehensive form of well-being that encompasses emotional, psychological and social well-being. The present paper is a comparative analysis of Western and Eastern perspectives on Flourishing. It analyses concepts described in ancient Indian traditions that are equivalent of Flourishing and their relevance in present times. While the mainstream psychological literature describes flourishing in terms of flow, growth, thriving and resilience. In Indian Traditions flourishing at the individual level constitutes virtues such as ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Nishkama karma, Santosa (contentment) and attainment of the state of Sat-chit-ananda and Stithpragya, in developing of sattvic guna and following the path of ashtangamarga and so forth. Similarly at the collective level flourishing can be explained lokasamgraha (taking care of people) and Vasudev Kutumbhkam (the world is a family), and in Sarvodaya (rise of all). The paper also attempts to see flourishing from the Sufi perspectives of unity to God and annihilation of self.