The Notion of Self in Different Traditions
📘 11.7 The Notion of Self in Different Traditions
The “self” is a central construct in psychology and philosophy, yet it is understood and interpreted differently across cultural, religious, and philosophical traditions. These differences influence personality development, interpersonal relationships, and even mental health frameworks.
🌍 Major Traditions Compared
🔹 1. Western Perspective
📌 Key Features:
- Individual-centric: Emphasis on autonomy, independence, and personal identity.
- The self is often seen as independent, consistent, and internal.
- Dominant theories: Freud’s ego, Rogers’ self-concept, Erikson’s identity.
🔬 Examples:
- Carl Rogers: Self = real self vs ideal self; congruence leads to psychological health.
- Erikson: Identity crises are normal during adolescence and must be resolved for self-development.
- William James: “I” (subjective self) vs “Me” (objective self).
🧠 Application:
- Self-esteem and self-efficacy are critical for success and well-being.
- Used extensively in therapy, personal development, leadership.
🔹 2. Indian Perspective
📌 Key Features:
- Holistic and spiritual: Emphasis on interconnectedness and transcendence.
- Self is not just psychological but also spiritual (Atman).
- Self is not separate from others or nature.
🕉️ Philosophical Roots:
- Vedanta: Atman (individual soul) = Brahman (universal soul).
- Bhagavad Gita: True self is eternal, unaffected by physical or emotional states.
- Yoga Psychology (Patanjali): Self-realization involves separating Purusha (pure consciousness) from Prakriti (material nature).
🔬 Indian Psychologists:
- Girindrasekhar Bose: Integrated Freudian theory with Indian concepts of self.
- Dalal & Misra: Emphasized non-dual consciousness and the fluid boundary of self.
🧠 Application:
- Practices like meditation, mindfulness, yoga aim to realize or purify the self.
- Self is defined in terms of duty (dharma), not just rights or individual desires.
🔹 3. Buddhist Perspective
📌 Key Features:
- Rejects the idea of a permanent self (Anatta or non-self doctrine).
- Self is seen as a changing stream of experiences (skandhas).
- Suffering arises from clinging to a false idea of a permanent self.
🧘 Practices:
- Meditation to reduce ego, increase awareness, and accept impermanence.
🧠 Application:
- Used in therapies like Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
🔹 4. African & Tribal Traditions
📌 Key Features:
- Community-centric self: “I am because we are” (Ubuntu philosophy).
- Identity is shaped by the tribe, clan, and social rituals.
- No isolated sense of self — the community defines and sustains it.
🧩 Key Differences in Tabular Format
| Feature | Western Tradition | Indian Tradition | Buddhist Tradition | Tribal/African Tradition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Core concept | Independent self | Spiritual self (Atman) | Non-self (Anatta) | Collective self (community-based) |
| Aim of life | Self-actualization | Self-realization/liberation | Liberation from self (Nirvana) | Harmony with group |
| Methods | Therapy, self-reflection | Yoga, dhyana, karma | Vipassana, detachment | Rituals, oral tradition |
| Role of society | Peripheral | Integrated | Source of attachment | Central |
🎯 UPSC Answer Writing Tips (10 Marker)
- Define “self” with reference to psychology.
- Discuss Western view with examples (Freud, Rogers).
- Contrast with Indian (Atman, Purusha) and Buddhist (Anatta) views.
- Add community-centered tribal/African views.
- Conclude: different cultures shape the self, influencing mental health, identity, and therapy.
💼 Relevance to Indian Administration
| Application Area | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Civil service training | Promoting values of selfless service (Karma Yoga) |
| Conflict resolution | Understanding community identities |
| Personality assessment | Adapting tools to match collectivist mindsets |
| Public policy | Designing culturally congruent awareness campaigns |
🧪 Real-Life Examples
- ISRO scientists often remain anonymous despite great contributions → reflects low-ego, collective self.
- Tribal self-concept in India emphasizes land, ancestry, and ritual roles more than academic achievements.
- Indian meditation practices target ego dissolution, unlike Western practices that may emphasize ego strengthening.
