Dr Raj Nehru
Shri Vishwakarma Skill University
Human limitations are intricately woven into the fabric of our thinking process. Thinking, the crucible emerges from our thoughts, is shaped by the interplay of knowledge, experience, and memory. Consider the everyday scenario of learning to cook a new recipe: our initial knowledge of ingredients and cooking techniques may come from external sources such as father, mother or grandmother taught us or cookbooks or online tutorials. As we gain experience through trial and error in the kitchen, this knowledge becomes ingrained in our memory, shaping our future culinary endeavours. However, it’s important to recognize that our knowledge acquisition is heavily influenced by external stimuli, primarily from our sensory interactions with the outside world. Our senses, naturally attuned to external stimuli, are predisposed to gather information from our surroundings, shaping our perceptions and preferences from a young age. Over time, these preferences become entrenched, dictating our choice of knowledge sources, information processing methods, and decision-making processes. For example, a person who has grown up in a technology-centric environment may rely heavily on digital platforms for information gathering and communication, while someone with a liking for nature may gravitate towards outdoor activities and literature. These deep-rooted preferences create a cognitive bias that limits the breadth and depth of our knowledge, resulting in thoughts that are inherently imperfect and experiences that feel inadequate. It’s similar to tilling the same soil with the same tools and expecting a varied harvest. Perhaps, it is bound to yield similar results. This perpetual cycle of dissatisfaction stems from the inherent limitations of our thinking patterns, which fail to encompass the richness and diversity of the human experience. As we strive to break free from these cognitive constraints, we are challenged to broaden our perspectives, embrace new knowledge sources, and cultivate a mindset of curiosity and openness. Only then can we transcend the confines of our limited thinking and embark on a journey towards greater fulfilment and growth.
In recent years, I have personally experienced a profound shift in my thinking, thanks to certain transformative thoughts that have entered my consciousness. These thoughts have sparked a process of inner growth and evolution, leading me to perceive the world through a fresh and differentiated lens. It has become increasingly evident to me that the cultivation of thoughts is a skill that warrants deliberate attention and practice. However, I have also come to recognize the challenges inherent in this endeavour, particularly as we grow, our neural pathways become more entrenched. The brain’s plasticity diminishes over time, making it increasingly difficult to break free from established patterns of thinking and behaviour. For instance, ingrained habits such as outbursts of anger or negative reactions can seem insurmountable, as the brain’s natural inclination is to follow familiar pathways. From a contemporary psychological perspective, this concept aligns with the notion of cognitive biases in cognitive psychology. Cognitive biases are systematic patterns of deviation from rationality in judgment and decision-making, often stemming from mental shortcuts or simplified ways of processing information. These biases can lead to distorted perceptions of reality and limit our ability to make accurate judgments and decisions.
For example, in confirmation bias, the tendency to search for, interpret, and favour information that confirms our preexisting beliefs or hypotheses matches the idea of conditioned preferences and selective information processing. Similarly, the concept of anchoring bias, where individuals rely too heavily on initial information when making decisions, reflects the tendency to rely on entrenched preferences and past experiences in shaping our thoughts and perceptions.
Moreover, contemporary psychological theories such as constructivism emphasize the role of past experiences, cultural influences, and social conditioning in shaping individual cognition and perception. These theories highlight how our subjective interpretations of reality are constructed based on our unique cognitive frameworks and representations, which may limit our ability to perceive reality in its entirety.
In Kashmir Shaivism, Pratibignya also emphasizes the limitations imposed by the conditioned mind on our perception of reality. Pratibignya refers to the veiling or obscuration of our true nature by the limitations of the conditioned mind, preventing us from realizing our full potential and experiencing the depth of existence. Pratibignya refers to the limitations imposed by the conditioned mind on our perception of reality. It encompasses the various ways in which our conditioned beliefs, biases, and perceptions distort our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. According to Kashmir Shaivism, our true nature is concealed by the veils of ignorance (avidya) and limited perception (maya), which prevent us from realizing our full potential and experiencing the depth of existence. In Pratibignya, the process by which these veils operate, creating a fragmented and distorted perception of reality is beautifully explained. It explains how the limitations imposed by the conditioned mind have a profound impact on our experiences and interactions with the world. Our conditioned beliefs and perceptions shape how we interpret events, relate to others, and navigate life’s challenges. For example, if we have deeply ingrained beliefs about ourselves as unworthy or inadequate, these beliefs may colour our perceptions of our abilities, relationships, and opportunities. Similarly, if we hold biases or prejudices against certain groups of people, these biases may influence how we perceive and interact with others.
Many decades back Daniel Goleman gave the concept of Emotional Intelligence (EI) that also shares some parallels with the exploration of conditioned thinking and perception in Pratibighnya and contemporary psychology. Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage one’s own emotions, as well as to perceive, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others effectively. While thoughts and emotions are intricately interconnected aspects of human experience with each influencing and shaping the other in a dynamic way.
Perhaps, in emotional intelligence, self-awareness involves recognizing and understanding one’s own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, and values is similar to Pratibighnya and contemporary psychology where self-awareness is essential for recognizing the influence of conditioned thinking on perception and behaviour.
There is a very important difference between both the schools of thought. In Kashmir Shaivism, the goal of spiritual practice is to transcend the limitations of the conditioned mind and realize our true nature as pure consciousness. The philosophy suggests that the self is not just the ego or personality but a deeper, universal consciousness that transcends individual experiences and personal identities. This process of liberation (moksha) involves piercing through the veils of Pratibighnya and directly experiencing the divine essence within which is real and ultimate. This core idea holds significant relevance in our quest for new knowledge and personal growth as compared to our contemporary models that emphasise on self-awareness, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring as means of overcoming cognitive biases and expanding our understanding of ourselves but from a material and external world perspective. Contemporary psychology, while valuable, often centres around empirical data, clinical diagnoses, and behavioural patterns. Though these approaches can help address various psychological issues, they might not always explore the deeper aspects of consciousness or guide individuals toward a broader understanding of their true self resulting into rich and fresh thoughts that can transform one’s personal, professional, social and spiritual journey through inner awakening. This inner awakening involves a shift in perception from the egoic mind to the deeper layers of consciousness. This transformation alters the way thoughts are perceived and experienced. Instead of being solely identified with the contents of the mind, individuals begin to observe thoughts from a place of witnessing awareness. This witnessing consciousness brings clarity and insight into the nature of thoughts, allowing for greater discernment and understanding. Through inner awakening practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and mindfulness, individuals gain insight into their conditioned thought patterns and belief systems. By becoming aware of these patterns, they can begin to release them, allowing for greater freedom of thought. Inner awakening facilitates the dissolution of limiting beliefs and conditioning, opening up new possibilities for thought and perception. As individuals connect with their deeper essence or higher self, they tap into a vast reservoir of wisdom, creativity, and intuition. This expanded consciousness allows for the emergence of new insights, perspectives, and ideas that transcend the confines of ordinary thought. As individuals integrate this inner wisdom into their lives, their thoughts become infused with greater clarity, purpose, and authenticity. Inner awakening fosters the harmonization of the mind and heart, leading to a deeper alignment with one’s true essence. As individuals cultivate qualities such as love, compassion, and gratitude, their thoughts naturally reflect these qualities. Inner awakening brings about a profound shift in the quality of thoughts, imbuing them with greater depth, coherence, and resonance.
Therefore, if one has to break free from the cognitive constraints and broaden their perspectives, one needs to embrace new knowledge sources, and cultivate a mindset of curiosity and openness. These new knowledge sources can be explored through by pursuing an inward outlook. The importance of looking inward for inspiration, creativity, and personal growth is especially pertinent in today’s fast-paced world. Over-reliance on external sources and established knowledge can often result in stagnation, limiting our ability to innovate and grow. By embracing introspection and exploring our inner selves, we can uncover new insights, spark creativity, and find deeper fulfilment.
By nurturing our inner selves, we create a foundation for endless possibilities. Educational systems and personal development approaches that prioritize inward exploration can lead to a more fulfilled and innovative society. We need to cultivate these inner landscapes, plant new seeds of thought, and watch a brighter future unfold. The teachings of Pratibignya derived from the ancient Indian philosophy of Kashmir Shaivism are indeed insightful in guiding individuals toward self-discovery and inner knowledge. Compared to contemporary psychology, which often focuses on observable behaviour and external influences, Pratibignya places greater emphasis on recognizing the inherent consciousness and its unlimited potential.
By integrating the principles of Pratibigñya with contemporary approaches to self-awareness and emotional intelligence, we gain the tools to navigate the complexities of modern life with clarity and purpose. The journey of growth and transformation begins with the awareness that our thoughts are not fixed but can be reshaped through deliberate practice and mindful introspection. This journey requires us to cultivate curiosity, openness, and a willingness to challenge our preconceived notions. Ultimately, as we align our thoughts with the deeper consciousness, we unlock the potential for creativity, empathy, and a more profound connection with the world around us. In doing so, we not only drive personal growth but also contribute to a more harmonious and compassionate society.
Leaders like, Gandhi, Dalai Lama, Sri Arbindo, Vivekananda, Abdul Kalam, CV Raman, JC Bose, Acharya Abhinavgupta, Kalhan, Bilhan, Tulsidas, Kalidas, Panini and many more demonstrate that transformation and growth often begin with a shift in thought, stemming from introspection, mindfulness, and a deeper connection to consciousness. Each of them offers insights and practices that align with the principles of Pratibignya, guiding others toward a path of inner growth and meaningful change
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