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organs are not required anymore, and this happens through attaining the superconscious state of mind. Thus, the topographical aspect of mind as described in yoga is more comprehensive than that explained in psychoanalysis.
Today, when Dr. Tompkins was talking about kundalini yoga, he explained how genius could be made or produced. This is a challenging assertion. Until now psychology holds that a genius is a genius by birth. But the experiments being conducted by applying the techniques of kundalini yoga have given encouraging results and we are hopeful that they will, in the near future, refute the genetic theory of genius. Similarly, in the dynamic aspect of mind, psychologists talk about the id, ego and superego.
Psychoanalysis says that when the id is strong, desires dominate and a person becomes impulsive and even criminal or socially of a pathological character. Similarly, when the superego becomes very strong, the person becomes highly repressive, nervous and neurotic. He lacks self-confidence and idealizes his weaknesses through projective mechanisms. This is why the optimum strength of ego is said to be a must. But yoga aims at attaining egolessness of mind. How can we achieve this?
Psychoanalysis overlooked one aspect. It did not elaborate what happens when the ego becomes very strong. In that condition the person becomes egoistic and the ego expresses itself in many perverse ways. This results in a clash within the personality and develops a perverted thinking and personality. For example, a person may develop an ambition to dominate over others, seek obedience from them and even display coercive power. Such a person will be unacceptable to society because he hurts society through his actions.
In yoga, the dominant ego is called ahamkaar which has been considered as the greatest enemy of man. So, we must reduce its strength and yoga provides techniques to do so and achieve the state of egolessness. This does not imply a lack of self-confidence. On the other hand, the state of egolessness increases self-confidence, ends arrogance and creates a strong will.
What would be the most comprehensive and broad theory which can explain mental health and personality transformation? I would like to mention one such model the attachment
Jain Education International
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| SR No. | 014011 |
| Book Title | Yoga Sagar |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Paramhamsa Satyananda |
| Publisher | Bihar School of Yoga Munger |
| Publication Year | 1994 |
| Total Pages | 436 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Seminar & Articles |
| File Size | 24 MB |