Gurmat psychotherapy is a latest offering of the highly evolved human development and evidence rich systems from India and the Far East particularly Buddhism, Aryveda, Yoga, Daoism and Zen.
Gurmat psychotherapy is a mind-body science which differs from the century old school of Western psychology in several ways: Gurmat Psychotherapy is primarily based on the teachings of the Sikh Gurus, Bhagats and Mystics as contained in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. The Sri Guru Granth Sahib views Existence as sacred non-dual , self-aware Reality (tat). It further provides a deep insight into the highly evolved and sophisticated understanding of the human function, the role of “Haumai”, (ego-complex), its cultivation and actualisation to the point of ego-transcendence, Jivan Mukti or self-realisation and self-sovereignty.
Gurmat psychotherapy recognises fundamental distinction between mind and consciousness, as well as distinction between “brain” and “mind”. Consciousness as the ground condition of all awareness is a composite of being and knowing.
While Western psychology is primarily focused on “ego-fixing” Gurmat psychotherapy recognises the ego-complex (self-identity system – an active dynamic psychological sense of self), as the source of our suffering as well as its universal projection upon its surroundings, moulding its relationships, destroying its environment and conditioned into a superficial self-gratifying sense of self with a dualistic worldview in which it is easily maintained, manipulated, managed and ultimately controlled.
Gurmat psychotherapy is grounded in both Symran (mindfulness) and its transpersonal dimension Naam Symran, Presence. Gurmat psychotherapy is a safe and practical approach to self-development & ego-transcendence.
Gurmat psychotherapy as a mind-body approach helps cultivate ones identity and intellect (Vivek Buddh) towards a healthy wholesome sense of self and human function in its interaction with the world around one self.
Gurmat psychotherapy has a clear and concise understanding of the nature of the mind, consciousness, awareness, ego-complex (conditioned sense of self) and the non-dual nature of existence.
Gurmat psychotherapy practices that help cultivate an authentic sense of self by recognising and transcending the our identity fused with the content of one’s mind, emotions, desires and body (Manmukh) and reveal a self-aware state of consciousness (Gurmukh), our authentic self.
Practices such as Symran (mindfulness) and its transpersonal dimension through Naam Symran are the foundation of Gurmat psychotherapy , which together with additional processes and practices help discover and experience a non-dual, interconnected whole sense of Self, realigning and harmonising the individual dualistic and fragmented self of self towards a unified sacred wholeness.
Gurmat addresses the development of healthy psychological states which begin with the cultivation of contentment through present moment awareness, giving rise to compassion. Contentment and compassion can be considered as the parents of Dharma, personal ethical & responsible lifestyle.
This process of self-transformation and development ultimately leads to a continued sense of gratitude and a unified sense of self and its selfless expression in everyday life.
Gurmat offers a safe and practical approach towards the next stage of human development, that of ego-transcendence and the transpersonal transformational process.
Gurmat recognise the monism of mind and body, in contrast to the dualism in Western psychology and world view.