Vedic Psychology

Modern day psychology is defined as the science of the mind, and modern day psychologists focus on the mind considering it to be the self. But according to the Greek language, from which the term psychology has been derived, psychology can also mean the science of the soul. It is this approach to psychology that we find in Vedic psychology. The mind by its very nature is fickle and unsteady. So as long as we identify the self with the mind we are going to be in an unstable psychological state. As long as we allow our mind to predominate we will find ourselves shifting from one thing to another without ever finding peace of mind. It is only when the mind is brought under control by the superior conscious self, the spirit-soul, by being engaged steadily in progressive activities for its elevation that we will find permanently lasting peace. Progressive activities are those practices which reconnect the individual conscious self with the supreme conscious self, and loving devotion to that supreme self is the easiest, quickest way to accomplish this. The Vedic scriptures especially recommend the regular repetition of the holy names of the supreme person, mantra yoga (the yoga of delivering the mind), as the most powerful, effective method for perfecting the consciousness in this age.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

Elevating the Mind by Krishna Kirtan Shah Alam, Malaysia--1 June 2009

Sankarshan Das Elevating the Mind by Krishna Kirtan at Malaysia

Answers According to the Vedic Version:

Question: Chanting Before 4am?

Can chanting on japa mala be done before 4 am, or is 4 am the earliest time to begin chanting for the day?

Sunil

Answer: Yes

Japa may be chanted before 4am. Sometimes devotees will rise by 2am and finish their 16 rounds before the mangal arati at 430am. In this way they can complete their rounds in the early morning hours and still have have time to bathe and dress the deities or study and write during the auspicious brahma muhurta time beginning 1.5 hours before sunrise.

Sankarshan Das Adhikari

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