Dept of Psychology starts National Conference on ‘Spiritual Psychology in Practice’

Aligarh, November 19: The Department of Psychology, Aligarh Muslim University today started the National Conference on ‘Spiritual Psychology in Practice’ under UGC-SAP (DRS Phase-I). The Inaugural Function of the Conference took place at the Faculty of Arts Lounge.

While delivering the key-note address, Professor Sagar Sharma, Former Dean, Faculty of Arts and Social Science, H P University and Professor emeritus with the Punjab University said that even in the era of globalisation, we can come across people, who consistently hold to their spiritual and religious orientation for the mental well-being and turning to their faith as a source of solace and support in their most stressful moments.

He added that empirical studies of many groups dealing with major life stressors such as natural disaster, illness, loss of loved ones, divorce and serious mental illness show that religion and spirituality are generally helpful to people in coping, especially people with the fewest resources facing the most uncontrollable of problems.

“These positive religious coping methods include spiritual support from God or a higher power, rituals to facilitate life transitions, spiritual forgiveness, support from a religious institution or clergy and reframing a stressful situation into a larger, more benevolent system of meaning,” said Prof Sharma.

Talking on the mental health benefits of meditation, Prof Sharma said that it will alter your brain’s grey matter and improve memory and sense of self. He added that meditation, in a way, is like exercise for our brains as it is been shown to assist in mental health maintenance, improving memory, empathy, and sense of self.

Guest of Honour, Prof Nilanjana Sanyal, Department of Psychology, University of Kolkata said that Spiritual Psychology uses elements of both traditional psychology and spirituality in order to help individuals feel better and to be more content with their lives.

She added that in today’s world, it has become imperative to work on self-development, peak experiences, altered states of consciousness, spiritual practices, and other experiences of living.

Prof Sanyal further said that in today’s world it is a big task to relate with yourself in compassionate and healing ways that free you from mental anguish and emotional suffering. She added that it is very important to clarify your life’s purpose and translate it into meaningful and achievable goals.

She pointed out that spirituality helps people to live with meaning and fulfillment as well as joy and happiness.

Delivering the presidential address, the Aligarh Muslim University Pro Vice Chancellor, Brigadier S Ahmad Ali (Veteran) said that Spiritual Psychology is a healthy mix of spirituality and science.

Brigadier Ali further said that to take care of day-to-day problems, people need to be in their right mental health. He added that to have mental health people need to understand that for every victory, there is a defeat and it is important to keep trying with the right state of mind. He also said that it is important to overcome weaknesses and learn to live with peace.

He pointed out that religion is a like a coin with two sides. “While one said brings peace to a person and makes him/her a better human; the flip side might bring superiority to people. He pointed out that people should be wise enough to follow religion and spirituality in the right way. Brigadier Ali also urged people to drain out unnecessary thoughts while doing meditation.

During the welcome address, Prof Mohd Ilyas Khan, Organizing Secretary of the Conference thanked the Pro Vice Chancellor for providing Under-graduate labs and IT Labs to the Department of Psychology. He also announced that the Pro Vice Chancellor has also promised to provide 20 new computers to the Department.  

Prof Khan further said that the topic of ‘Spiritual Psychology in Practice’ is very relevant as there is a lot of stress on spirituality for bringing peace of mind to wipe out mental agony and psychological distress.

Prof Akbar Husain, Coordinator, UGC-SAP (DRS Phase-I) threw light on how spiritual practices are multiplying all over the world. He said that it has become very important, not only that we must bring about a change in the world, but also a total revolution psychologically and inwardly.

He added that spiritual practices are necessary to bring changes in our behaviour, in our relationships and in all aspects of life and well-being.

Prof Shamim A Ansari, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences proposed the vote of thanks, while Mr Suhail Rafiq Mir conducted the programme.

     

On the occasion, the Pro Vice Chancellor and the guests also released Souvenirs and Abstracts of the Conference and a book titled, ‘Annotated Bibliography: Spiritual Psychology in India’.

News Desk

Public Relations Office

Aligarh Muslim University