Vedic literature on mental health
The rising awareness about mental health is a much needed change that our society deserves. Until few years back, discussing mental health was considered a taboo. But, nevertheless, we are gradually moving towards a better set-up where people realize that ‘it is okay, not to be okay’ . It is some 200 years ago that modern psychology was established as a science, which was originally derived from philosophy and physiology. This is a modern perspective. While, our vedic philosophy describes Atman as the core of human existence whereas; the other traits and tendencies mentioned in psychology, are a part of it. Veds mention mantras as a tool for generating positive thoughts and purifying the mind via prayers because, prayers are seen as a form of psychotherapy in the Veds. The Rigved distinguishes mental illness as a separate condition from physical illness and defines the Trigun (Sattva gun, Rajo gun, and Tamo gun) as traits of personalities. The psychopathology has its roots in the