The contributions
ancient Tamil culture which has its roots in the Dravidian culture has also
made a significant contribution to Indian psychological thoughts by their
descriptions related to individual and social behavior, Emotionality, thought
process, etc. The methods to be adopted for the betterment through changes in
lifestyle, Thought process, behavioral changes, and adapting to social norms
have been described in detail in various ancient Tamil literature. The
indigenous Siddha system of medicine also talks about the role of mental
wellbeing, Disciplined living in health, Mental illnesses, treatments through
medicines and other lifestyle based therapeutic approaches
One of the vital
literature which has contributed to various sub-fields of psychology is
Thirukural. Titukkural more than 2000 years old scripture in the Classical
language' Tamil. Thirukural consists of three major sections: Arathuppal
(Dharma), Porutpal (Wealth) and Inbathupal (Love/desire) which has contributed
a lot to the development of life skills, learning, social psychology, and
effective interpersonal relationship
Another important
contributor to Indian psychology is early classical Tamil literature (c. 1 00
B.C.-250 A.D.) called Sanga Ilakkiyam
which consists of Ettu-t-togai (Eight Anthologies) and Pattu-p-pattu
(Ten Songs). This literature which is believed to be Composed by more than 473
poets and comprises of 2381 lyrics varying in length from 3 to over 800 lines.
These poems vividly sketch the love-stricken emotions and feelings of
gentlewomen as well as the adventurous, dynamic, and compassionate conducts of
heroic men. The literature aesthetically portrays the ever-existing emotions
and excitements of human beings under two-fold divisions known as akam
(interior feelings) and puram (exterior actions).
The Saiva
Siddhanta system, which had been an essence of ancient Tamil culture, is
another important contributor to Indian psychology. It excels all other systems
in two respects; (a) there is complete harmony effected between the Innovent
and the Transcendental theories of God (b) great prominence is attached to the
impurities inherent in the mind and various methods are provided either to
eradicate the impurities or to keep it strictly within bounds.
The distinctive
merit of the Saiva Siddhanta school of thought in this respect is its approach
which provides scientific diagnosis of Nature.
There are five guiding principles in Saiva Siddhanta. of the five three
are the fundamentals related to the capabilities of knowing, doing and feeling
based on which the roots of nature (Mulaprakirthi) develops. The other two
focusses on limiting the enjoyment, experience of finite intelligence and
directing the reaction of thoughts and doings on their agents in due time.
These two are in simple terms are called Time and Fate.
The siddha system
of medicine is an integral part of Tamil culture. It explains describes in
detail the psychophysiological aspects of human emotions. Tholkappiam- one of
the oldest literature that deals with customs, habits, polity, and grammar of
the olden days. Sage Agathiyar the chief of the Siddha School, who was also a
celebrated philosopher, grammarian, and physician has given a detailed
description of psychotic, emotional, and behavioral disturbances in his book
the 'Kirigainool" (diseases of mind-types and treatment). He has
classified the clinical variety of mental illness based on the status of being
disturbed, excited, deteriorated, or severely mentally ill. Stress-related
disorders (Neurotic disorders) have been described in detail by Yugi Siddhar in
his book the Yugi Chitamani 800. This book deals elaborately with both physical
and mental illnesses and describes functional psychoses, neurosis, somatoform
disorders, toxic psychosis etc.
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