Spirituality and Mental Health: Indian-Western Perspectives

Abstract

Spirituality significantly impacts mental health across diverse cultures, influencing emotional resilience, coping mechanisms, and overall psychological well-being. Purpose of this review article is to explore the convergence of spirituality and mental health through both Indian and Western lenses. In Indian traditions, spirituality is intrinsically woven into daily life, with concepts like karma, dharma, yoga, and meditation serving as fundamental pillars of mental equilibrium. Practices such as Yoga, Meditation, Mantra Chanting, Ayurveda, and holistic healing emphasize the mind-body connection, fostering inner harmony and stress reduction. Bhakti, or devotion, alongside seva (selfless service), fosters both self-realization and emotional stability. This principle resonates with the tenets of Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism, all of which emphasize practices conducive to inner peace and spiritual understanding. Western perspectives often frame spirituality within psychological constructs, such as meaning-making, existential well-being, mindfulness-based therapies and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) incorporate spiritual dimensions to augment mental health outcomes. Empirical studies demonstrate that spirituality cultivates hope, alleviates anxiety, and strengthens resilience in individuals confronting stress, trauma, and psychiatric conditions. By analyzing the integration of spirituality in therapeutic practices across these traditions, this research underscores the necessity for culturally informed interventions. Bridging Eastern and Western perspectives offers the potential for a more holistic approach to mental health, ensuring personalized and effective healing strategies for a global population.