VEDIC THOUGHT AND WESTERN PSYCHOLOGY

VEDIC THOUGHT AND WESTERN PSYCHOLOGY by Dr.Shivaram Karikal, is one of the finest books I have read in recent times. Long time back, I had read Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra and in that book, author links the philosophy ( or rather various philosophies) with the various concepts of modern physics. I liked the book upto some point and later, found that, author got completely confused with the, Advaithic doctrines, Buddhist and Chinese doctrines; and in process almost merged all of them under single roof. I thought, at that time, that; Self Realization is not an easy one to be attained (as Somerset Maugham quoted from Katha Upanishad in his Razor's edge -- "The sharp edge of a razor is difficult to pass over; thus the wise say the path to Salvation is hard.")  

This book was the first book I encountered, in which, author explained the philosophy from the Psychology point of view. I came across couple of books in which authors explained philosophy from science point of view; and especially Modern physics. (like MAYA in physics etc..).

The author beautifully began with an introduction to various western psychologies, their drawbacks in explaining some of the phenomena and how each succeeding theories contradict the prevailing ones etc etc. Later, he came to the Indian Philosophy and especially Advaitha philosophy and explained the various tough, tougher and toughest concepts with beautiful, line diagrams, analogies and analysis. He explained various human emotions from both Psychology and philosophy standpoints. I also liked the authors way of putting the Yoga as the best way of Psychoanalysis and also the following explanation in support of it. He ended the book with few exercises in YOGA and they are interesting. I don't want to tell much about this book as this would tamper your interest. The language in the book is highly technical and bit complicated in manner.

Final word is, I really owe a big thanks to the author for clearing the many doubts prevailing in the philosophy effortlessly and clearing my path, for the further quest. My big thanks and Best regards to the author  Dr.Shivaram Karikal.