Integrating Vedanta and Positive Psychology

Students of Apeejay Stya University in Gurugram recently attended the Youth Convention, organised by the Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Institute of Values. It brought together more than 50 students from ASU who were accompanied by Dr. Vijay Kumar, Associate Professor in the School of Education and Programme Coordinator, National Service Scheme.  

Each participant delved into the teachings of Swami Vivekananda and explored the intersection of Vedanta and Positive Psychology. Led by Swami Sarvapriyananda ji, the session aimed to awaken the potential within young minds and equip them with tools for personal growth and self-discovery. The convention saw enthusiastic participation from students of different disciplines, each sharing their unique insights and takeaways from the event. 

Priyanka Patel, a fourth-year student from the School of Education, praised the comprehensive structure of the program and expressed her intention to engage further through the institute’s Youth Connect program. Similarly Komal Kasana, also from the School of Education, highlighted the focus on self-esteem and concentration pillars, emphasising the practical guidance provided through Vivekananda’s philosophy and the provision of additional learning resources.

The convention emphasised the importance of confidence and self-belief, echoing Vivekananda’s teachings on self-esteem and purposeful living. Preety Bhamla, a second-year student from School of Engineering & Technology, outlined the six pillars of self-esteem and stressed the significance of faith in oneself. Kanika Tanwar, another participant, lauded the convention’s impact on personal growth and found inspiration in the teachings shared.

By combining Vedantic principles with insights from Positive Psychology, the convention provided attendees with practical strategies for navigating life’s challenges and achieving personal fulfillment. Laxmi, a student from the School of Engineering & Technology, highlighted the profound impact of integrating psychology into Vivekananda’s teachings, underscoring the importance of self-awareness and confidence in pursuing one’s goals. “The convention highlighted how understanding our own minds can lead to greater self-awareness and fulfillment. By applying concepts such as the six pillars of self-esteem – self-acceptance, self-responsibility, self-assertiveness, purposeful living, personal integrity, and living consciously – we learned practical strategies for building and maintaining healthy self-esteem. Moreover, integrating psychology into Vivekananda’s teachings provided a deeper understanding of human behavior and motivation. It helped us recognize the power of our thoughts and beliefs in shaping our reality, and how we can cultivate a positive mindset to create a life of purpose and fulfillment,” she further added.

All in all, the Youth Convention on Swami Vivekananda served as a transformative experience for students, offering a holistic approach to personal and spiritual growth. Through the integration of Vedanta and Positive Psychology, attendees gained valuable insights into self-esteem, confidence, and purposeful living, setting the stage for continued self-discovery and lifelong learning.