Author: Sudhir Kakar
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Year: 2012
Language: English
Pages: 272
ISBN/UPC (if available): 9780198077157
Description
Feelings, impulses, wishes and fantasies-the dynamic content of the inner world-occupy the deepest recesses of the psyche. It is through introspection and empathy, essential to psychotherapy, that the outside observer can grasp the meaning of he inner world of an individual.
This thought-provoking book examines the network of social roles, traditional values, customs and kinship rules with which the threads of Indian psychological development are interwoven. In doing so, it reveals important aspects of Indian society, myth, rituals, fables, and arts. It looks at Hindu infancy and childhood in order to show how these are shaped within a specific cultural context.
The Inner World has enjoyed a steady readership and has remained in print since its first publication, becoming a classic in the field. Critics from all over the world have hailed it as the best application of psychoanalysis to Indian culture.
Contents
INTRODUCTION
Aims and Approach
Culture and Personality
Personal World
THE HINDU WORLD IMAGE
The Theme of Fusion-Moksha
Life Task and Life Cycle-Dharma
Ideas of time and Destiny
MOTEHRS AND INFANTS
Psycho-social Matrix of Infancy: Feminine
Identity in India
The Good Mother
The Bad Mother
Infancy and Ego: Origins of Identity in a Patriarchal Culture
FAMILIES AND CHILDREN
Psycho-social Matrix of Childhood: The Extended Family
The Second Birth
Ontogeny of Homo Hierarchicus
TRACINGS: THE INNER WORLD IN CULURE AND HISTORY
Cult and Myths of Krishna
Shiva and Narcissus
The Revolutionary Yogi: Childhood of Swami Vivekananda
CONCLUSION: CHILDHOOD AND SOCIAL CHANGE
APPENDIX
The Child in Indian Tradition
Notes and References
Bibliography
Index