ÅšraddhÄ: Construct Definition from the Bhagavad-GÄ«tÄ *

Dharm P. S. Bhawuk

Psychology and Developing Societies, 2020, vol. 32, issue 1, 122-137

Abstract: In this article, the construct of Å›raddhÄ which is derived from a sacred Hindu text, the Bhagavad-GÄ«tÄ is explicated. The analysis of text resulted in nine themes, and many behavioural outcomes of Å›raddhÄ such as not finding faults in others. JÃ±Ä na or knowledge is seen as mediating between Å›raddhÄ and moká¹£a or liberation. This relationship is moderated by tatparaḥ (or eager engagement in the spiritual practice one has chosen) and saṃyatendriyaḥ (or practicing self-restraint). ÅšraddhÄ is considered as one of the highest virtues. It is a gift of God. It always bears fruits which carry over to the next life. The highest quality of Å›raddhÄ is that of a devotee. From interpersonal perspective, Å›raddhÄ is an emotion one has for another person, a deity, God or Å›Ä stra (scriptural text or instructions in such texts that guide human behaviour). ÅšraddhÄ reflects the basic nature of people. Absence of Å›raddhÄ causes all efforts to go in vain. The nine themes that are discussed present a thick description of this indigenous construct and open avenues for future research.

Keywords: ÅšraddhÄ; Bhagavad-GÄ«tÄ; Indian psychology; indigenous psychology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:psydev:v:32:y:2020:i:1:p:122-137

DOI: 10.1177/0971333620906758

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