INTEGRATING BHAGAVAD GITA WISDOM WITH COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY FOR DEPRESSION: A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

Author

Bhavana Patel, Dr. C Nagraj, Dr. Krushagra Trivedi


Abstract

 Depression is a prevalent and disabling psychiatric disorder in which persistent negative cognitions, behavioural withdrawal, impaired emotional regulation, and loss of meaning may contribute to psychological distress and functional impairment. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for depression, primarily targeting maladaptive thoughts and behaviours through cognitive restructuring, behavioural activation, problem-solving, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention. The Bhagavad Gita provides a culturally relevant philosophical framework encompassing equanimity, non-attached action, dharma, self-observation, disciplined practice, meaning, and resilience. This review explores the conceptual and potential clinical integration of Bhagavad Gita-informed principles with standard CBT for depression. A structured literature search was conducted using PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and PsycINFO, focusing on depression, CBT, psychotherapy, Bhagavad Gita, spirituality, resilience, psychological well-being, and culturally adapted interventions. Existing evidence demonstrates conceptual parallels between Gita-derived principles and several CBT processes, particularly cognitive restructuring, behavioural activation, values clarification, decentering, coping, and relapse prevention. However, the empirical evidence remains limited, heterogeneous, and predominantly conceptual or preliminary. Available studies do not establish that Gita-based interventions or integrated CBT–Gita approaches are superior to conventional CBT for reducing depressive symptoms. Therefore, the proposed model should retain evidence-based CBT as the primary therapeutic framework, while incorporating Gita-informed concepts as optional, patient-preferred, non-coercive cultural resources for meaning-making and values-guided action. Future adequately powered, randomized, manualized trials with long-term follow-up are required to determine incremental clinical benefit.



Keywords

Bhagavad Gita; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy; Depression; Psychological Well-being; Culturally Adapted Psychotherapy



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