Human being as a self-responsible and connected being: A thematic analysis of Gandhian ideas of human nature and their implications for self-nurturance and psychological counseling

Abstract

Background: In contemporary scenario, we can notice a significant drop in self-responsibility and social connectedness among modern intellectuals and youth. As a result, several irresponsible and denigrating comments against cultural tools and practices continue to surface in the media and on the social networking sites. Psychological studies have identified co-occurrence between loss of reliance on cultural practices and emergence of physical and mental health issues. Objectives: Against this backdrop, current study has sought to analyzes integrative and comprehensive perspective of human nature found in Gandhian literature to expand the paradigms of self-nurturance and psychological counseling. Materials and Method: The data were analyzed by using thematic analysis. Results: Gandhian view goes beyond the prevalent notions of individualism and identifies over-indulgence in sensory pleasures, lack of self-investigation, utilitarianism, and lack of faith in God as causal pathways for mental health concerns. Addressing these challenges requires attending to the functioning of body, mind, spirit /soul, and nature (svabhav). Conclusion: Inculcating spirituality, love, non-violence, truth, theism, service, and celibacy in the process of psychological counseling is important. The Gandhian perspective especially acknowledges the relevance of self-expansion, sensory restraint, prayer, and inculcation of peace as techniques for Psychological counseling to restore physical and mental health.