By TCN News,
Aligarh: Prof. K Ramakrishna Rao, Chancellor, GITAM University, Vishakhapatnam said, “Indian psychology is not Hindu psychology, rather it is spiritual psychology. Its seeds are found in all the Hindu systems of thought, in Buddhism and Jainism as well as in Indian Sufism”. He was delivering the keynote address in inaugural session of the national seminar on “Spiritual Psychology: Recent Trend in Research, Theory, Practice and Training” organized by Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University.
Prof. Rao said that science and spirituality are twin endeavours of human quest for truth and happiness. However, the two ran on parallel lines in the west. He said that spiritual psychology was considered an oxymoron by those with the western mindset where psychology is considered a science and therefore could not have a link with spirituality. While, in Indian tradition, science and spirituality are complementary and mutually reinforcing pursuits. They have the same goal – liberation, liberation from physical world, external constraints and the inner spirit.
Prof. Krishna Rao addressing the Conference on Spiritual Psychology
AMU Vice Chancellor, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Zameer Uddin Shah said that spirituality is an important aspect of our lives. It radiates positively and leads to personal and organizational development. He said that spirituality in the body, mind, spirit or soul of people would change the attitude and lifestyle of millions of people all over the world. Spirituality offers solutions for personal and social problems and is instrumental in developing human potentials and human nature.
Prof. Abu Sufiyan Zilli, Chairman, Department of Psychology and Organizing Secretary of the seminar said that the department enjoyed privilege of being one of the oldest Departments of Psychology in the subcontinent. He said that the products of this department held distinguished positions in USA, Canada, UK, Norway, Germany etc. He said that the department had introduced two new courses during the academic session 2012-13, Spiritual Psychology and Positive Psychology at the M.A. III and IV Semester.
Prof. Akbar Husain, Director, NSSP and Coordinator, UGC (SAP) DRS-I, said that the National Seminar provided an opportunity to discuss new horizons in the field of Spiritual Psychology. He said that all human beings were spiritual in nature. Spirituality is the cure to all hidden wounds and it seeks to purify of our true nature. It gives a new dimension to see the worldly problems as transitory in nature.
Prof. Akbar Husain addressing the conference on Spiritual Psychology at AMU
Prof. Husain said those who followed the holy Qur’an and the traditions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would reach the highest realm of spirituality through knowledge, piety and righteousness. Those who sought knowledge and science through spiritual education would show the exemplary life in every sphere of activity.
Prof. Grishwar Mishra, University of Delhi said that in today’s competitive world, the peace of mind is must and spirituality is the part of life. He said that research on spirituality should be done in a broad manner. He also released the book “Psychology of Humanity and Spirituality” written by Prof. Akbar Husain and co-authored by Prof. Moazziz Ali Beg.
Prof. Shabahat Husain, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences proposed a vote of thanks. Dr. Romana N Siddiqui, Associate Professor at Women’s College conducted the programme.