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Research Paper

Psychology

E-ISSN No : 2454-9916 | Volume : 3 | Issue : 7 | July 2017

BHAGAVAD GĪTĀ - A STOREHOUSE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL 1

Duygu Akartuna | Dr. Preetha Menon

Research Scholar, Amrita Darshanam - International Centre for Spiritual Studies, Amritapuri, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita University, India. 2 Assistant Professor (Sr. Gr.), Amrita Darshanam - International Center for Spiritual Studies, Amritapuri, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita University, India. ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to identify the Bhagavad Gītā verses depicting Psychological Capital (PsyCap) components: hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism. The Psychological Capital components in Bhagavad Gītā were identified with the help of translations, commentaries and interpretations. A review of literature was performed on Positive Psychology, Psychological Capital components and Bhagavad Gītā. Bhagavad Gītā can be seen as applying the PsyCap components in adversity, solving problems and directing the individual towards a goal-oriented life. Recommendations have been made on the importance of incorporating Sanātana Dharma texts, such as, epics and Veda, into education and research, to highlight their practical implications. This report suggests possible directions for focused research in developing psychological interventions to enhance psychological capital, using insights from Bhagavad Gītā. KEYWORDS: Psychological Capital, PsyCap, hope, efficacy, resilience, optimism, spirituality, Bhagavad Gītā. INTRODUCTION: In the last few decades, there has been a worldwide impact of the teachings of Bhagavad Gītā in the field of work. The verses of Bhagavad Gītā have their own reflections on management affairs and hence they infuse immense interest in modern business management and leadership. The Gītā and similar Sanātana Dharma literature are relevant for today's management and day-to-day life. The Gītā offers valuable case studies in psychology, philosophy, leadership, personal and corporate management. In the field of business education, Indian Management Schools, include in their curriculum, variety of topics from the discourses of Lord Krishna. The Gītā can be seen as one of vintage management tool in personal and operational management, from the ancient times. The trend towards a positive research basis in psychology was initiated by Seligman (2002), who popularized Positive Psychology. The shift of emphasis, from psycho-pathology to positive facets of life, gave evidence of general wellbeing, and betterment in organizations. Luthans (2002) took advantage of the foundation laid by Seligman and put forth the need for an examination of Positive Organizational Behavior (POB). Eventually, Positive Psychological Capital (PPC) was developed as an extension of Positive Organizational Behaviour (POB), to facilitate a comparable and complimentary assessment of human, social and traditional capital. Psychological Capital identifies components such as Hope, Efficacy, Resiliency and Optimism (Luthans, 2002). Initially, these four psychological resources met the criteria to produce exceptional capabilities and outcomes in individuals. Later, the acronym 'HERO within' was initiated to represent these four resources and their importance. He expressed Psychological Capital as PsyCap (Luthans, 2002). The scientific criteria for the psychological resources for inclusion in PsyCap were (1) being based on theory and research; (2) having valid measurement; (3) being state-like (as opposed to dispositional, trait-like) and thus open to change and development; and (4) having a positive impact on desired attitudes, behaviours and, especially, performance. The well-known psychological resources hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism best met these criteria (Luthans, 2012). Later on, psychological resources such as creativity, flow, courage, gratitude, forgiveness, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, authenticity, and spirituality were added to the PsyCap construct (Luthans, Avolio and Morgan, 2015).

omy, and spontaneous actions. Hope has been shown to relate conceptually and empirically to performance in various domains, including the workplace (Snyder, Irving, and Anderson, 1991). Efficacy Efficacy is founded on the work of Bandura (1994) and his Social Cognitive Theory and is defined as people's beliefs about their capabilities to produce designated levels of performance that exercise influence over events that affect their lives. Self-efficacy beliefs determine how people feel, think, motivate themselves and behave. Such beliefs produce these diverse effects through four major processes. They include cognitive, motivational, affective and selection processes. Efficacy is a motivational engine to make the individual choose and welcome challenges, and to use the skills and strengths to meet and excel those challenges. It is a self-inspiration to pursue higher goals and put efforts, together with time investment. When faced with obstacles, it gives an individual endurance to not quit the task (Bandura, 1994). Self-efficacy refers to “one's confidence in his or her ability to mobilize the motivation, cognitive resources, and courses of action necessary to execute a specific course of action within a given context” (Luthans and Youssef, 2004). Resiliency Resiliency is defined as "the developable capacity to rebound or bounce back from adversity, conflict, and failure or even positive events, progress, and increased responsibility” (Luthans, 2002). Resiliency is a composite of four components supporting a positive psychological character: a) the capacity to make realistic plans and take steps to carry them out; b) a positive view of yourself and confidence in your strengths and abilities; c) skills in communication and problem solving; and d) the capacity to manage strong feelings and impulses.

Definition of PsyCap PsyCap is an individual's positive psychological state of development and is characterized by: (1) having confidence (self-efficacy) to take on and put in the necessary effort to succeed at challenging tasks; (2) making a positive attribution (optimism) about succeeding now and in the future; (3) persevering toward goals and, when necessary, redirecting paths to goals (hope) in order to succeed; and (4) when beset by problems and adversity, sustaining and bouncing back and even beyond (resiliency) to attain success (Luthans, Avolio and Avey, 2007)

Resiliency is understood under the conceptualization as a developmental process, rather than static outcome or trait. Hence, when individuals are faced with challenges, taking them on as an opportunity and to see the difficulty as something that has happened 'for' the person rather than 'to' the person, will welcome the chance to psychological growth (Luthans, Youssef and Avolio, 2007).

Psychological Capital Components Hope Hope is defined as "a positive motivational state that is based on an interactively derived sense of successful, (a) agency (goal-directed energy) and (b) pathways (planning to meet goals)". The agency (or will power) and pathways (or way power) components of hope make it mostly relevant on self-motivation, auton-

Optimism According to Seligman (1998), optimism is an attributional style that explains positive events in terms of personal, permanent and pervasive causes, and negative events as external, temporary and situation-specific. Particularly relevant to the workplace is realistic flexible optimism, which equips organizational leaders and employees, with the ability to discern when to use optimistic versus pessi-

All of these are factors that you can develop in yourself (Fredrickson, 2003).

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E-ISSN No : 2454-9916 | Volume : 3 | Issue : 7 | July 2017

mistic explanatory styles, as well as the capacity to adapt those styles realistically to the situations at hand. In PsyCap model, optimism is defined as a generalized positive outlook or expectancy (Carver, Scheier, Miller and Fulford, 2009), as well as an attributional style that explains positive events in terms of personal, permanent and pervasive causes, and negative events as external, temporary and situationspecific (Seligman, 1998). The Bhagavad Gītā Bhagavad Gītā is considered by many as the summarized scripture of the essence of ancient eastern teachings and wisdom. Dating back to about 4000-5000 B.C., it is a part of the great Indian epic 'Mahābhārata' presenting a dialogue between Lord Kṛṣṇa (an incarnation of Lord Viṣṇu) and Arjuna, a warrior in the midst of the battlefield, before commencement of the Kurukṣetra war (Roka, 2006). Bhagavad Gītā has been described as the longest epic poem ever written, consisting of eighteen chapters and 701 verses, all in ancient language, Sanskrit (Lochtefeld, 2002). The process and content of the entire dialogue may be used as a counselling model, presenting transcendental knowledge of the most profound spiritual nature, as revealed in the Bhagavad Gītā. It is considered by eastern and western scholars alike, to be among the greatest spiritual books the world has ever known. Many great thinkers from our times such as Albert Einstein, Mahatma Gandhi and Albert Schweizer as well as Madhvacharya, Adi Shankaracharya and Ramanuja from bygone ages have all contemplated and deliberated upon its timeless message (Bhagavad-Gītā .org, 1998). REVIEW OF LITERATURE: Bhagavad Gītā For a student of psychology, Bhagavad Gītā offers a valuable case study of lessons in Psychotherapy – resolution of conflict and successful resumption of action from a state of acute anxiety and guilt-laden depression that precipitated inaction (Reddy, 2012). Another noteworthy article, discussed pragmatic application of the Gītā to enhance the efficacy of psychotherapeutic interventions for patients, from Indian subcontinent, and augment the art of Western psychotherapies. In this research, Lord Kṛṣṇa's dialectical approach of eliminating Arjuna's depressive sorrows, is viewed as different branches of consulting psychology, such as psychodynamic psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, grief emancipation, interpersonal and other therapies (Bhatia, Madabushi, Kolli, Bhatia, and Madaan, 2013). The World Psychiatric Association has included “religion and spirituality” as a part of the “Core Training Curriculum for Psychiatry”1 and World Health Organization has now included religion and spirituality as a dimension of quality of life (Koenig, King and Carson, 2012). Although there is evidence to show that religion and spirituality are usually associated with better health outcomes, they may also cause harm (e.g., treatment refusal, intolerance, negative religious coping, etc.) (Moreira-Almeida, Sharma, Janse van Rensburg, Verhagen, P. J., & Cook, 2015). The Bhagavad Gītā teachings are spiritual but can be harnessed to benefit patients, primarily to relieve their anxiety, guilt, fear, grief and depression (Sharma, 2014). To appraise the difference in the emotional maturity and values, a study was conducted between two groups of college students: those who read the Bhagavad Gītā and those who had not read. The results revealed that the first group that read Bhagavad Gītā fared better in emotional maturity and values as compared to the other reading group (Raina and Balodi, 2014). Positive Psychological Capital The initial seeds of PsyCap can be seen in POB, where the emphasis is on statelike traits that can be developed and are measurable, unlike the prior theories of trait-like approaches. The psychological capacities include, efficacy, resiliency, and hope, collectively referred to as PPC. Each of the four components in Positive Psychological Capital are measured by six items adapted from existing published measures. Efficacy based on Parker's (1998), hope on Snyder et al's, (1996), optimism on Scheier and Carver's (1985) and resilience on Wagnild and Young's (1993) measurements. PPC is a domain, which can be objectively observed, measured, developed and managed. Along with the contributions to the individual on the psychological level, PPC might also create an impact on other forms of capital (Luthans et al., 2004), such as economic, human, and social capitals. Other relevant psychological resources such as creativity, flow, courage, gratitude, forgiveness, mindfulness, emotional intelligence, authenticity and spirituality have also been investigated and found to differ in their degree of fit with the criteria of being observable, measurable and developmental (Luthans, Youssef and Avolio, 2015). PsyCap has been identified as an important factor for work-related behavioural and attitudinal outcomes. Results of previous researches are consistent of indicating of increased job performance, job satisfaction, commitment, organizational citizenship behaviours (Avey, Reichard, Luthans and Mhatre, 2011). It has been demonstrated to be related to employee's psychological well-being (Avey, Luthans, Smith and Palmer, 2010). In a study by Culbertson, Fullagar and Mills (2010), it was found that PsyCap is capable of predicting an individual's alteration in eudemonic work well-being. Thus, close relationship with positive out-

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comes in work environment can be observed and are indicative of a good instrument for enhancement in performance outcomes in workplace. On the contrary, PsyCap has been found to be negatively correlated to undesirable situations, like stress, anxiety and cynicism (Avey et al., 2011). PsyCap has also been found to be negatively correlated to burnout, depersonalization, and personal accomplishment (Cheung, So-kum Tang and Tang, 2011). Germinating from organizational needs, recent studies have shown that PsyCap is extendable into new domains such as personal relationships and health. PsyCap may have significant effects in broader fields outside the work context, while contributing to individual's wellbeing and life satisfaction (Luthans and Youssef, 2013). METHOD: The objective of this study was to identify Bhagavad Gītā verses depicting PsyCap components, namely, hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism. The resources used to collect data were as follows: Ÿ

Translations of Bhagavad Gītā

Commentaries on Bhagavad Gītā

Review of Literature on PsyCap components

YouTube videos of discourses on Bhagavad Gītā

Talks on Bhagavad Gītā

For identification of the PsyCap components, a careful investigation was conducted, with word-by-word and literal translations of each chapter, along with various interpretations of the verses in Bhagavad Gītā. Each PsyCap component was viewed according to its definition and developmental criteria. Review of literature on the PsyCap components, positive psychology and Bhagavad Gītā was also done. A total number of 180 studies published between 2007 and 2017 were screened and 40 most relevant ones were reviewed. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Table 1 shows that a total of 108 verses, depicting PsyCap components, were identified in the 6th chapter. The 2nd chapter ranked next with 97 verses, 18th chapter with 54 verses and so on. Chapter 2 may be the most significant of all 18 chapters of the Gita, as it contains the essence of the complete philosophy advice imparted by Lord Krishna to Arjuna. Lord Kṛṣṇa began his teachings by explaining the fundamental distinction between the temporary material body and the imperishable Ātman (Eternal Soul). He continues his discourse with explanation of performing actions without focusing on the outcomes of the results, the nature of selfless service, and the characteristic of a self-realised person. The 6th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita is Dhyāna Yoga – The Yoga of Meditation, where Lord Kṛṣṇa presents how a person becomes free of sorrow and reaches the goal of liberation. All four elements of PsyCap were clearly identified, in regards of their definition and as developing criteria. Along with the four components, there is also a precise description of 'flow - the experience of complete absorption in the present moment', while giving a refined explanation about a meditative state of mind (Csíkszentmihályi, 1990). Since Chapter 1 of the Gita serves as an introduction presenting the commencement of the war that caused Arjuna's sorrow and confusion, it can be considered as setting the stage for Gītā Upadeśa. The 17th chapter, Lord Kṛṣṇa deliveres the knowledge about Śraddhā (faith), depending on Triguṇa - the three modes of material nature (sattva, rajas, tamas). Hence the PsyCap component 'hope' may be favoured for the entire chapter, since it is showing a pathway to reach the goal. The PsyCap component, which has been illustrated most in Bhagavad Gītā, seems to be hope (222 verses); optimism stands next (188 verses) followed by resilience (121 verses), and efficacy (117 verses) (see Figure 1). The reason for hope being the highest is due the description of pathways, and a motivational attitude towards the goal. Optimism has been observed as complimentary to the element of hope, for not expecting the outcomes of action, but rather enjoy the journey of life? Identification of the element of efficacy included criteria such as watching others succeed, seeing oneself in the task, encouraging oneself toward success and, Lord Kṛṣṇa's recommendations of a good physical health and fitness. When Lord Kṛṣṇa delivered to distressed Arjuna, the various pathways to success, he did not hesitate to mention life's challenges and its devious terrains, where it is necessary that development of relevant skills and resources would be required to safely arrive at the goal. Under those representations, resilience may be recognized.

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E-ISSN No : 2454-9916 | Volume : 3 | Issue : 7 | July 2017

Bhagavad Gītā seems like an abundant storehouse of PsyCaps HERO, where, in some verses, all four components can be recognized. In essence, Bhagavad Gītā can be seen as applying the PsyCap components hope, efficacy, resiliency and optimism in adversity, solving problems and directing the individual towards a goal-oriented life. Gita may also be seen as an encyclopedia of the art of rising above life's problems, for a permanent state of well-being and self-competence. In conclusion, we establish that Bhagavad Gītā is a repository of PsyCap and, one of the Sanātana Dharma texts, depicting the PsyCap components - Hope, Efficacy, Resilience and Optimism. One could also infer that Bhagavad Gītā is a valuable resource for evolving psycho-spiritual interventions, employable in dealing with issues of individuals in all walks of life. This study could be considered as one of its kind, since a review of published literature did not reveal a similar research to have been conducted between 2007 and 2017. Suggestions and Recommendations for Future Studies This report suggests possible directions for focused research in developing psychological interventions to enhance psychological capital, using insights from Bhagavad Gītā. The research also suggests evolving psycho spiritual interventional modules (to be used in conjunction with psychiatric treatment) using other Sanātana Dharma texts in dealing with anxiety, depression, obsessions etc. REFERENCES: 1.

Avey, J. B., Luthans, F., Smith, R. M. & Palmer, N. F. (2010). Impact of positive psychological capital on employee well-being over time. Journal of occupational health psychology, 15(1), 17.

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Koenig H, King D, Carson VB.(2012) Handbook of religion and health. 2nd edition. New York: Oxford University Press.

10. Lochtefeld, J. G. (2002). The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hinduism: AM (Vol. 1). The Rosen Publishing Group. 11. Luthans, F. (2002). The need for and meaning of positive organizational behavior. Journal of organizational behavior, 23(6), 695-706. 12. Luthans F. & Youssef, C.M. (2004). Human, social, and now positive psychological capital management: Investing in people for competitive advantage, Organizational Dynamics, 33(2), 143-160. 13. Luthans, F., Avolio, B. J., Avey, J. B., & Norman, S. M. (2007). Positive psychological capital: Measurement and relationship with performance and satisfaction. Personnel psychology, 60(3), 541-572. 14. Luthans, F., Youssef, C. M. & Avolio, B. J. (2007). Psychological capital: Developing the human competitive edge (p. 3). Oxford: Oxford University Press. 15. Luthans, F., Avolio, B. J. & Youssef-Morgan, C. M. (2015). Psychological capital and beyond. Oxford university press. 16. Moreira-Almeida, A., Sharma, A., Janse van Rensburg, B., Verhagen, P. J., & Cook, C. C. (2015). WPA position statement on spirituality and religion in psychiatry. World Psychiatric Association. 17. Radhakrishnan, S. (1949). The Bhagavad Gītā.Raina, D., & Balodi, G. (2014). A Comparative Study of Emotional Maturity and Values in Bhagavad Gītā Readers and NonReaders. Asian Journal of Research in Social Sciences and Humanities, 4(10), 129 18. Ranganathananda, S. (2000). Universal message of the Bhagavad Gita. 19. Reddy, M. S. (2012). Psychotherapy-insights from Bhagavad Gītā . Indian journal of psychological medicine, 34(1), 100.

Avey, J. B., Reichard, R. J., Luthans, F. & Mhatre, K. H. (2011). Meta‐analysis of the impact of positive psychological capital on employee attitudes, behaviors, and performance. Human resource development quarterly, 22(2), 127-152.

20. Roka, P. (2006). Bhagavad Gītā on effective leadership: Timeless wisdom for leaders. iUniverse.

Bhatia, S. C., Madabushi, J., Kolli, V., Bhatia, S. K. & Madaan, V. (2013). The Bhagavad Gītā and contemporary psychotherapies. Indian journal of psychiatry, 55(2), S315.

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Cheung, F., Tang, C. S. K., & Tang, S. (2011). Psychological capital as a moderator between emotional labor, burnout, and job satisfaction among school teachers in China. International Journal of Stress Management, 18(4), 348.

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Culbertson, S. S., Fullagar, C. J., & Mills, M. J. (2010). Feeling good and doing great: the relationship between psychological capital and well-being. Journal of occupational health psychology, 15(4), 421.

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Notes:

Fredrickson, B. L., Tugade, M. M., Waugh, C. E., & Larkin, G. R. (2003). What good are positive emotions in crisis? A prospective study of resilience and emotions follow-

21. Seligman, Martin EP. (1998). "What is the good life?" APA monitor 29.10.2.

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27. Srimad Bhagavad Gita (1998) retrieved on 2017 from http://bhagavad-gita.org 1.

World Psychiatric Association. Institutional program on the core training curriculum for psychiatry. Yokohama, Japan, August 2002.

Tables and Figures Table 1: Showing the Number of PsyCap Components in 18 Chapters of Bhagavad Gītā CHAPTER

HOPE (a)

EFFICACY (b)

RESILIENCE (c)

OPTIMISM (d)

Total In Chapter (a+b+c+d)

108

TOTAL

222

117

121

188

648

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Figure 1: Graphical Representation of the PsyCap Components in 18 Chapters of Bhagavad Gītā.

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