Bhagwat Gita is a clinical tool to treat certain psychological problems: Dr. Naresh Purohit

Mumbai/New Delhi: ‘Bhagwat Gita is fast emerging as a clinical tool to treat certain psychological problems, particularly those related to anxiety, depression and a negative attitude towards life and career goals. Mental health is not just absence of ill-health, but the presence of happiness or joy not dependent on external gratification. According to the Gita, mental ailments are viewed as resulting from too much or misplaced craving and excessive self-reference bias’, said *Dr. Naresh Purohit, Advisor- National Mental Health Programme.

Speaking to NewsOnRadar.com  on this issue after addressing a convention on
“Gita A Remedy for Mental Problems” organised by the Mumbai based Bhaktivedanta Hospital And Research Institute on Tuesday , Disaster Mental Health Expert Dr Purohit averred that stress, poor eating, smoking, drinking, drug abuse, and malnutrition contribute to an unhealthy lifestyle. A harmful lifestyle results in medical issues such as metabolic disorders, joint and bone disorders, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, and aggression. Bhagwat Gita recommends strategies to prevent these medical disorders.
Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies for Mental Care , Dr Purohit pointed that the Shrimad

Bhagwat Gita clarifies coping strategies for a variety of life circumstances. The dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna demonstrates constructive coping mechanisms.
The purpose of all these spiritual paths is known as yogas, which include Gyan Yoga, which focuses on knowledge, Karma Yoga, which emphasizes effort; and Bhakti Yoga, which emphasizes love and devotion.

“Negative emotions such as anger, fear, and sadness significantly impact mental well-being. The Bhagwad Gita provides guidance on managing and transcending these emotions. It emphasizes the importance of controlling the mind and senses, cultivating positive thoughts, and channelling emotions in a constructive manner. The Gita teaches that by maintaining a calm and balanced mind, individuals can overcome negative emotions and foster emotional resilience.” he averred.

Renowned physician said that the Bhagwat Gita teaches the concept of detachment, highlighting the importance of performing one’s duties without being attached to the results. This teaching holds particular relevance to mental health, as an attachment to outcomes often leads to anxiety, fear of failure, and dissatisfaction.

He emphasised that by embracing non-attachment, individuals can alleviate unnecessary stress and find contentment in the process rather than solely focusing on the outcome.

*Dr. Naresh Purohit, MD, DNB,DIH, MHA, MRCP is an advisor to Govt. of India on Community Health,  and Epidemiologist, and Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program. 

He’s also Executive Member of the Association of  Hospital Administration .