Beyond Ego and Intellect: Defining the Concepts of Consciousness and Mental Health through the Ribhu Gita

Description

Himalaya Tiwari¹, Pragati Chaturvedi², and Bodhraj Kumkaria³ (Department of Psychology, Magadh University, Bodhgaya, Bihar^1,2 and
Department of Psychology, University of Delhi, Delhi³)

This article examines modern psychological accounts of selfhood in relation to the Ribhu Gita, a Sanskrit text of the Shiva Rahasya Purana that presents a non-dual philosophy. It considers how the text’s account of self-identification questions psychological concepts of ego, identity, and cognitive schemas. A qualitative comparative textual design uses hermeneutic interpretation of five selected verses alongside psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic perspectives. The analysis is organized around the nature of self, transformation strategies, and implications for well-being and development. No participant data or statistical tests are involved. The passages negate identification with mind, ego, temporal conditions, practice, knowledge, and experience while affirming Brahman as undivided consciousness. This creates a contrast with psychological approaches concerned with adaptation, together with limited affinities concerning reduced attachment to self-descriptions.The non-dual perspective can broaden cross-cultural discussion of selfhood and well-being. These conceptual findings do not establish therapeutic efficacy or equate spiritual liberation with mental health.