Construct description of Samatva from the Bhagavad Gita: Implications for HolisticWell-being

Abstract

Western models and constructs have dominated research on well-being in India. There is a lacuna of indigenous constructs of well-being developed from our rich archival data and texts. Indigenous constructs are significant as being deeply embedded in the Indian ethos, they can be easily accepted and integrated into therapeutic practice. To fill this lacuna, the construct of Samatva (equanimity) as described in the Bhagavad Gita is examined. The analysis of the text resulted in the identification of 41 core verses referring to Samatva. The major themes extrapolated are i) Samatva as a state of even-mindedness and rising above the dualities ii) The inter-personal dimension of Samatva iii) Samatva and the understanding of the temporality of experience iv) Associated cognitive-affective cultivation practices of Samatva v) Suggested health and
spiritual implications of Samatva vi) Samatva and transcendence of Triguna. With the increasing rates of Anxiety and Depression, the cultivation of Samatva has been discussed with implications for holistic wellbeing,leadership and management.

Keywords: Samatva; equanimity; Indian model of well-being; indigenous construct