Advaita Vedanta The Ultimate Form Of CBT
Advaita Vedanta is a philosophical and spiritual tradition that originated in ancient India. At its core, it is a non-dualistic approach to understanding the true nature of reality and answering the question of who (or what) we really are. While it may seem unrelated to modern forms of therapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), there are compelling reasons why Advaita Vedanta may actually be the ultimate form of CBT.
CBT was developed in the 1960s by Aaron Beck and has since become one of the most widely used forms of psychotherapy. It focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to mental health problems. It is a highly effective form of therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, from depression and anxiety to post-traumatic stress disorder.
Advaita Vedanta, on the other hand, (also known as Nonduality) is a spiritual system from ancient India that emphasizes the importance of self-knowledge and the direct realization of one’s true nature as Universal Consciousness which is not separate from objective reality, but its source. It teaches that the cause of all suffering is a mistaken identification with the ego, or the false belief that we are separate individuals with our own separate consciousness.
At first glance, these two approaches may seem quite different. However, when we delve deeper, we can see that they share a number of key similarities, and that where CBT ends – Advaita Vedant takes over!
Firstly, both CBT and Advaita Vedanta emphasize the importance of self-awareness. In CBT, patients are taught to become aware of their negative thought patterns and behaviors. In Advaita Vedanta, the emphasis is on becoming aware of the false identification with the ego and realizing we are not any of the objects of our awareness, but that pure awareness itself (which is on the subjective side of experience).
Secondly, both CBT and Advaita Vedanta recognize the role that our thoughts play in shaping our experience of reality. In CBT, the focus is on changing negative thought patterns that contribute to mental health problems. In Advaita Vedanta, the focus is on recognizing that all thoughts and experiences arise from the same source, pure consciousness, and that the ultimate reality is beyond the limitations of the thinking mind.
Thirdly, both CBT and Advaita Vedanta emphasize the importance of being proactive towards taking responsibility for one’s experience of reality. In CBT, patients are encouraged to take concrete steps to change their behavior and thought patterns. However in Advaita Vedanta, the emphasis is on realizing that all suffering is illusory and only the result of spiritual ignorance. When one realizes their true nature as existence (Sat), consciousness (Chit) and bliss (Ananda), then they discover a self-born joy and freedom not dependent on the gross and subtle objects of perception.
Finally, both CBT and Advaita Vedanta are highly practical approaches to self-improvement. They both provide patients with tools and techniques that they can use to improve their mental health and overall well-being. In Advaita Vedanta by practicing Sakshibhava (witness consciousness) one creates psychological distance between the subjective formless inner self and the objects of perception, thus instantly relieving any stress and tension that results from falsely identifying with them.
So why is Advaita Vedanta the best form of CBT? The answer lies in the fact that Advaita Vedanta goes beyond the limitations of the thinking mind. While CBT can be highly effective in helping patients to change negative thought patterns and behaviors, it ultimately operates within the limits of the mind and ego.
Advaita Vedanta, on the other hand, teaches that the ultimate reality is beyond the limitations of the thinking mind. Because you can know your thoughts, and exert influence over your thoughts – there must be an intelligence beyond the mind! By realizing one’s true nature as formless consciousness, which can not be impacted upon by the world, one can transcend even mortal fear and the limitations of the ego. The knowledge of the truth of what you are gives rise to a profound sense of peace and freedom that is not dependent on external circumstances. This is permanent relief from suffering.
Imagine that Mogli has been taken into a large movie cinema complex and he is taken into a theatre with a movie already playing. Perhaps it is frightening movie with monsters and wild animals. Mogli’s fight or flight responses cause him to immediately jumps behind a chair and he gets ready to attack! Being a good friend, and a bit concerned, you explain to Mogli that this is all just a movie! You show him the light coming from the projector and tell him, these characters are not real – only the light is true! Immediately Mogli’s fear subsides and he can sit and watch the epic with not only peace, but enjoyment.
In conclusion, while CBT is a highly effective form of therapy, Advaita Vedanta may actually be the best form of CBT. By emphasizing self-awareness, the role of thoughts in shaping our experience of reality, the importance of self knowledge (the oldest of mandates), and providing a path by which we can experience the ultimate reality of who we are beyond the thinking mind, Advaita Vedanta provides a powerful framework for personal transformation and spiritual growth that can allow us to enjoy total liberation from suffering as well as the attainment of permanent joy.
