Mental health and spiritual values. A view from the East

Journal/Book: Int Rev Psychiatr. 1999; 11: PO Box 25, Abingdon Ox14 3Ue, Oxfordshire, England. Carfax Publ Co. 92-96.

Abstract: Psychiatry and psychiatrists often forget the value and role of spirituality in the life of their patients. This paper deals with the inter-relationship of mental health and spirituality in India and using illustrations from Hinduism suggests that Indian system does not follow the Western concepts of mind-body dichotomy. Furthermore the Hindu view of life includes righteousness, biological needs, social needs and release from worldly bondage and union with ultimate reality. The dangers of ethno-centricity in reaching clinical diagnosis and managing patients with mental illness across cultures are highlighted. The clinician must be aware of scientific progress but without giving up the role of religion.

Note: Article Wig NN, 279, Sector 6, Panchkula 134109, Hanyana, INDIA

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