BHAGAVAD GITA – A STOREHOUSE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL CAPITAL

Key Word: Psychological Capital, PsyCap, hope, efficacy, resilience, optimism, spirituality, Bhagavad Gita.

The objective of this study was to identify the Bhagavad Gita verses depicting Psychological Capital (PsyCap) components: hope, efficacy, resilience, and optimism. The Psychological Capital components in Bhagavad Gita were identified with the help of translations, commentaries and interpretations. A review of literature was performed on Positive Psychology, Psychological Capital components and Bhagavad Gita. Bhagavad Gita 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 Sanatana 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 Gita.

Duygu Akartuna Dr. Preetha Menon The author is from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Uni- versity, India.