ABSTRACT:
The Indian Knowledge System (IKS) represents a holistic intellectual tradition integrating philosophy, spirituality, ethics, and psychological well-being. Among the various schools of Indian philosophy, Jainism provides a profound framework for understanding emotional regulation, self-discipline, ethical living, and mental health. The present paper explores the contribution of Jain philosophy to psychological well-being through its core principles such as Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness), Anekantavada (multiplicity of viewpoints), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (self-restraint), and Ratnatraya (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct). The paper further highlights the significance of Duslakshana Dharma (Ten Universal Virtues) in personality development and emotional purification.
Contemporary society is increasingly affected by stress, anxiety, aggression, materialism, and interpersonal conflicts, leading to a growing mental health crisis. In this context, Jain philosophy offers practical psychological tools for achieving inner harmony, emotional stability, compassion, tolerance, and cognitive flexibility. The study emphasizes the relevance of Jain teachings in promoting resilience, self-regulation, and holistic well-being from the perspective of contemporary psychology and positive mental health. By integrating traditional Indian wisdom with modern psychological understanding, the paper proposes that Jain philosophy serves as a valuable indigenous framework for promoting sustainable psychological well-being and social harmony.
References
Basu, T., Dangwal,
P., Deokar, M., & Chaurasiya, J. (2026). Effectiveness of Anapanasati
meditation on internal locus of control, psychological well-being, resilience
and altruism among orphan
adolescents. Psychological Studies.
https://doi.org/10.1177/09727531251401777
Bali, A.,
Kachwala,
T. & Sivaramakrishnan, S. (2019). Aparigraha - is it good for
organisations? International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy 12(30),360-384,
Chapple, C. K.
(2014). Jainism and Ecology. Harvard University Press.
Corey, G. (2017).
Theory and Practice of Counseling and Psychotherapy (10th ed.). Cengage Learning.
Dasgupta, S.
(1922). A History of Indian Philosophy. Cambridge University Press.
Donaldson, B.
(2022). Jain medical professionals’ reflexive ethical orientation: Adaptive
nonviolence, multiple sources of knowledge, and concern for five-sensed beings.
Religions, 13(11), 1123.
https://doi.org/10.3390/rel13111123
Dundas, P. (2002).
The Jains (2nd ed.). Routledge.
Goleman, D.
(1995). Emotional Intelligence. Bantam Books.
Gupta, K., &
Agrawal, J. (2022). An empirical study of ancient wisdom: Effect of Anasakti
(non-attachment) and Ahamkara (ego) on well-being amongst Indians. European
Journal of Mental Health, 17.
https://doi.org/10.5708/EJMH.17.2022.3.6
Jaini, P. S.
(1979). The Jaina Path of Purification. University of California Press.
Jain, P., Keswani,
L., Jain, S., Jain, T., Wankhede, G., & Jaiswal, T. (2023). Importance of
Jain Darshan in Mental Health. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical
Sciences, 8(4).
Jaiswal, I., Jain,
G., & Pareek, S. (2026). Spirituality and self-efficacy as predictors of
wellbeing among young adults in India: A mixed method study. Mental Health,
Religion & Culture. https://doi.org/10.1080/13674676.2025.2521405
Kabat-Zinn, J.
(1994). Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday
Life. Hyperion.
Matilal, B. K.
(1991). The Central Philosophy of Jainism (Anekantavada). L.D. Institute of
Indology.
Radhakrishnan, S.
(1953). The Principal Upanishads. Harper Collins.
Rankin, J. (2018).
Aparigraha: Ethics of Non-Possession in Jain Thought. Brill.
Ryan, R. M., &
Deci, E. L. (2000). Self-Determination Theory and the Facilitation of Intrinsic
Motivation, Social
Development, and Well-Being. American Psychologist, 55(1), 68–78.
Ryff, C. D.
(1989). Happiness Is Everything, or Is It? Explorations on the Meaning of
Psychological Well-Being. Journal of
Personality and Social Psychology, 57(6), 1069–1081.
Seligman, M. E. P.
(2011). Flourish: A Visionary New Understanding of Happiness and Well-Being.
Free Press.
Swaminathan, J.
J., Crea, G., & Formella, Z. (2022). Sense of balance in Indian
conceptualisation of psychological
well-being. Studia Ecologiae et Bioethicae, 19(4), 55–68. https://doi.org/10.21697/seb.2021.19.4.05
Tatia, N. (1994).
Tattvartha Sutra: That Which Is. Harper Collins.
Vivekananda, S.
(1896). Raja Yoga. Advaita Ashrama.
Williams, R.
(1963). Jaina Yoga. Oxford University Press.