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Understanding Depression in Guru Granth Sahib Ji: Therapeutic Insights

Explore modern concepts of depression in Sikhism's sacred text, offering therapeutic strategies through a cultural lens. Enhance mental health treatment, tackle stigma, and promote well-being. Discuss Sikh beliefs and concepts like Guru-chela relationship. Understand the importance of the Lord's name in managing suffering and seek peace through the Guru's guidance.

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Understanding Depression in Guru Granth Sahib Ji: Therapeutic Insights

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  1. Ground Rules • 1. Punctual attendance • 2. The whole book/article of the month must be read • 3. Come with an open mind • 4. Share your learning and listen to others • 5. Keep the discussion relevant • 6. Respect each others’ confidentiality

  2. Introduction • Guru Granth Sahib is the guide for leading a pious and good life. • Comprises the teachings of all 10 Gurus, along with those of other poets and religious leaders from Hindu, Sufi, and Islamic traditions. • The religion, like other religions, has its own rituals and taboos, myths, and fundamental values. • Any interpretations of the religion must take into account these cultural, social, and political contexts in which the religion emerged and subsequently developed. • Paper attempts to explore the concepts of modern depression in the Guru Granth Sahib and try and develop some therapeutic strategies that followers of Sikhism may find helpful. • Improve assessment and treatment, as well as promote public health through education and tackling stigma.

  3. Sikh Beliefs • Primary importance given to the Lord at all points • Man considered a being of lesser importance? • Countless names and qualities • Pain and suffering are at the core of reincarnation • Human life considered highest life form • Thoughts at death influencing the next life • Karma • Manmukh vs Gurmukh • Illness should be seen in a systematic manner where diet, environment, and other factors also affect the individual, the illness, and response to illness.

  4. Depression in Guru Granth Sahib Ji • Authors studied both Gurmukhi and English translation • Assumption that Dukh = depression • Mind cannot feel physical pain • Dukh comes from the Lord (a curse) - contributes to lack of professional help • Aetiology • Forgetting the Lord (and forgetting oneself) • Karma • Bereavement • Taunts, hypocrisy, loss of wealth • Alcohol • 5 chor • Love of Maya

  5. Symptoms & Therapeutic context • Myriad of symptoms described • Therapeutic effects of meditation • Different methods of praying e.g. Ardas, Bhagti, listening to Saakhis • Importance of simran and seva for happiness • Importance of the Lord's name? • Gurbani places emphasis on Godas being an external locus of control • As opposed to the individual • Offers a way to manage the dilemmas in society • Why is there so much suffering? • Is suffering to be endured?

  6. Guru Chela Relationship • The Guru as a therapist • The positive effects of the Guru's sermons (e.g. reduction of sorrow and prevention of melancholy) • Guru's advice to renounce desire and seek Nirvana • Avoidance of blame • Guru reveals the path to peace • Pain and ego do not go away without the Guru

  7. Conclusion • Guru Granth Sahib Ji as a spiritual guide for Sikhs • References to modern depression (causes and symptoms) • Relevant therapeutic issues related to depression • May be useful in modern context and clinical scenarios • Need for an understanding of these descriptions when dealing with Sikh patients in distress

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