The teachings of the breakaway bestselling author of "The Power of Now" and an eminent modern Hindu mystic are insightfully examined for their similarities and contrasts in a very readable and transformative study by an Aurobindo scholar and psychologist. Exclusive interview with Eckhart Tolle in India included.
Mental health is generally understood as an absence of marked psychological disturbances such as fear, anxiety, depression, insecurity, restlessness, anger, jealousy, suspicion, etc. However it is increasingly felt that it is not the mere absence of these elements, but the presence of certain positive characteristics imparting a sense of psychological well-being such as peace, inner security, confidence, a sense of mastery, that should denote mental health. Moreover, the constant chatter and distractibility of the mind, the perpetual hankering for different objects of desire, and the recurrent pull of inertia are also states of psychological disturbance which mar inner well-being. Yoga is a psychological approach which aims at a radical change of consciousness so as to lead to a state of peace, freedom and joy. This book presents some of the principles and methods of Sri Aurobindo's integral yoga for overcoming psychological disturbances and for attaining positive mental health.