Stress in School Children and Concept of Mental wellbeing According to Maharishi Patanjali

Abstract

Introduction

Maharishi Patanjali, in the Patanjali Yoga Sutras, outlines various obstacles and methods for maintaining mental wellness (chittaprasadha).

Obstacles to Mental Health:

In the Samadhipada chapter, Patanjali identifies 9 obstacles (chittavikshepa) affecting the mind:

1. Vyadhi – Physical illness

2. Styana – Mental dullness or inability to focus

3. Samshaya – Doubt (in oneself, technique, or teacher)

4. Pramada – Carelessness or negligence

5. Alasya – Laziness

6. Avirati – Obsession or attachment to sense objects

7. Bhranti Darshana – Illusions or hallucinations

8. Alabdha Bhumikatva – Inability to attain or sustain meditative states

9. Anavastitatva – Instability of mind

Along with these, 5 signs of a disturbed mind are mentioned: sorrow, bitterness, restlessness, and irregular breathing.

Ways to Maintain Mental Wellness:

Patanjali prescribes several approaches:

• Through feelings: Cultivate friendliness (Maitri) with the happy, compassion (Karuna) for the unhappy, joy (Mudita) for the virtuous, and indifference (Upeksha) toward the sinful to keep the mind peaceful.

• Using Prana (breath control): Holding the breath after exhalation calms and focuses the mind.

• Meditation: Practice meditation according to one’s own faith and understanding.

• OM chanting: Repetition and understanding of OM helps focus the mind and access higher wisdom.

• Ashtanga Yoga (Eight-limbs of Yoga): Practicing the eight limbs purifies impurities and leads to wisdom and mental clarity.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga (Ashtanga Yoga):

1. Yamas (ethical restraints): Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (moderation), Aparigraha (non-possessiveness).

2. Niyamas (personal observances): Shouch (purity), Santosha (contentment), Tapah (austerity), Swadhyaya (self-study), Ishwarapranidhana (surrender to the divine).

3. Asana (posture): Stable and comfortable physical posture that calms the body and mind.

4. Pranayama (breath control): Regulation of breath to purify and steady the mind.

5. Pratyahara (withdrawal of senses): Detaching senses from external distractions.

6. Dharana (concentration): Focusing the mind on a single object.

7. Dhyana (meditation): Sustained concentration without distraction.

8. Samadhi (absorption): A state where the meditator and the object of meditation become one, leading to mental clarity and peace.

Together, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi constitute Samyama, a deep meditative absorption.

By following these practices, one can overcome mental obstacles, stabilize the mind, and maintain mental wellness effectively, especially under the guidance of a qualified Guru.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dilipkumar Gomanbhai Patel , Dr. Kamal Sharma. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.