An Analytical Interpretation of Depression Within the Framework of Indian Literature

This article aims to interpret a comparative study of two main ancient Indian texts namely Shrimad Bhagavat Geeta and Sri Durga Sapashati.Although both of these texts belong to different sects and are treated with reverence, both of these can indicate and enumerate the points that may lead to depression in a common man's life.On the one hand, Arjuna's psychophysical state of mind is dealt with in Shri MadBhagavad Geeta on the other hand, symptoms of depression and dejection of King Surath and a Businessman named Samadhi are also demonstrated in the thirteenth canto of Shri Durga Saptshati.In short, the story may differ somehow, but, the Trio's mind functions in the same pattern which forms the common grounds for comparative studies.It is noted that these subjects became more despondent and pathetic as a consequence of the authoritative approach-avoidance conflict.It has also been attempted to explain how these subjects feel during a psychological state of depression and how they logically defend themselves under immense psychological pressure and conditioned minds thereby setting out their mind to a sickened state of mind and how they had returned to a healthy state of mind.Briefly in Indian devotional literature, such a psycho-physical condition is termed as Vishad Yoga, which is curable through counseling only.Finally, the paper addresses depression, its antecedents, conflict, and the psychological state of our subjects.Thus, the article deals with a new perspective on the cognitive interpretation of the state of mind as presented in the above-stated holy texts.