Abstract

‘Emotional intelligence’ is a term introduced by western psychology and is widely acclaimed and considered as a new dimension to the concept of ability mapping. It is scientifically accepted that cultural traditions and the philosophy of life that constructs its foundation play a dominant role in shaping and nurturing one’s emotional world. Oriental cultures, especially Indian philosophical scriptures hold a huge repertoire of such knowledge and practice which tries to alter the emotional world of a person towards the larger social good. The current study aims to probe into the major constructs referring to emotions and their correlates as perceived through Indian philosophical writings and explore their concurrence with the modern day model of emotional intelligence. The method used for it has been primarily review of scriptures (ex. Bhagwat Geeta, Taittiriya Upanishad, write ups from Saint Literature, etc), research articles by Indian scholars, and connecting it with examples of some actual present day practices. The study brings up interesting concepts in Indian philosophy and spiritual literature like Panchkosa (five sheaths of personality), Nava Rasa (Nine shades of emotions), Sukha- Dukkha vivek (discerning pleasure and pain), Daivee Sampatee (positive virtues as wealth), Sthitapradnya Darshan (the seeker with steady wisdom), Atmasamvaad (Self Dialogue), Indriya Nigraha, (controlling sensual desires) which illuminate us on the broader concept of lifelong emotional development. Thus the Indian view towards emotional intelligence covers not only the sensory and impulse level controls but it also beholds that every person is potentially divine and complete. Unfolding of the emotional capacities in a systematic and well directed manner can lead to the state of YOG (integration of body and mind).