For those interested in philosophical counseling, here is my abstract for the JNU/ICSSR conference:
Sthitaprajna as an Ideal within Indian Knowledge Systems
By Dr. Ashwini Mokashi
Abstract
This paper serves two-fold purposes. Firstly, it attempts to establish a connection between my research on the ideal wise person with the Indian Knowledge System using my book entitled ‘Sapiens and Sthitaprajna’ (2019) as a foundational reference. The book provides a comparative study of the ideal wise person of the Stoic Philosophy and that of the Bhagavad-Gita. Indian Knowledge system refers to the knowledge of the Vedas and ancient Indian philosophies. The concept of “Sthitaprajna,” representing unwavering wisdom and equanimity, aligns with IKS ideals of self-realization and liberation (moksha). Practices such as yoga and meditation, central to IKS, serve as transformative tools for achieving mental stability and wisdom. IKS also provides a comprehensive framework for personal and societal development, emphasizing education, ethical conduct, the principle of duty (dharma), and liberation, which are central to the philosophy of Sthitaprajna.
Secondly, the paper will also attempt to establish a connection between ancient wisdom and its modern application to solve some real-world problems such as mental health issues and discuss how ancient philosophy can show us ways for growth and development of human mind as well as accomplishing health and well-being through philosophical counseling. The paper considers a case study of how these principles can help a person gain mental clarity and recover from mental health issues, by referring to the principles of Indian heritage, offering cultural and philosophical insights.
The paper concludes by demonstrating the application of ancient Indian wisdom as well as offering a comparative analysis with other ancient cultures.
Keywords: Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad-Gita, Sapiens, Sthitaprajna, Stoicism, Wisdom,
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