A Theoretical Framework for Triguna-Based Psychospiritual Rehabilitation: The Srimad Bhagavad Gita-Inspired Intervention Module for Offenders
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61841/ssmsa330Keywords:
Triguna, Srimad Bhagavad Gita, psychospiritual rehabilitation, correctional intervention, offender transformationAbstract
This theoretical review proposes a Bhagavad Gita-inspired psychospiritual rehabilitation framework for correctional settings, rooted in the Triguna model of Indian psychology. Drawing from verses of the Srimad Bhagavad Gita, the inte correctional intervention
rvention aims to reduce Rajas (restlessness, impulsivity) and Tamas (inertia, apathy) while enhancing Sattva (clarity, compassion, and self-awareness) among offenders. The eight-week module integrates chanting, guided contemplation, Gitabased affirmations, journaling, and group reflection to foster inner transformation. Weekly themes address self-concept healing, emotional regulation, trauma reframing, and moral agency. Though inspired by a Hindu scripture, the intervention is presented through a nonsectarian psychospiritual lens, emphasizing universal principles of inner change and ethical growth. This paper outlines the theoretical rationale, psychospiritual mechanisms, and thematic structure of the module. The review further discusses how this culturally grounded framework contributes to rehabilitation science by integrating indigenous knowledge systems with contemporary psychological constructs.
Downloads
References
Aurobindo. (1922). Essays on the Gita. Arya Publishing.
Bhagavad Gita. (1950). Srimad Bhagavad Gita (with Hindi commentary). Gita Press.
Dalal, A. K. (2011). Indian psychology: Concepts and applications. Psychology Press.
Dasgupta, S. (1922). A history of Indian philosophy (Vol. 1). Cambridge University Press.
Day, A., Casey, S., & Ward, T. (2006). Practice-based risk assessment with sex offenders: Issues and challenges. Psychology, Crime & Law, 12(3), 261–273.
Frankl, V. E. (1959). Man’s search for meaning. Beacon Press.
Gilligan, J. (2001). Preventing violence. Thames & Hudson.
Kozhevnikov, M., Louchakova, O., Josipovic, Z., & Motes, M. A. (2009). The enhancement of visuospatial processing efficiency through Buddhist deity meditation. Psychological Science, 20(5), 645–653. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2009.02345.x
LeBel, T. P. (2012). Invisible stripes? Formerly incarcerated persons’ perceptions of stigma. Deviant Behavior, 33(2), 89–107.
Maruna, S. (2001). Making good: How ex-convicts reform and rebuild their lives. American Psychological Association.
Mehrotra, S. (2001). Triguna and personality: A theoretical and empirical analysis. Indian Journal of Psychology, 76(1), 33–39.
Misra, G. (1994). Psychology in India: Retrospect and prospect (Vol. 1). In Indian Council of Social Science Research.
Narang, A. (2015). Crime and caste: A sociological perspective. Indian Journal of Criminology, 43(2), 1–15.
Pandey, J. (1996). Psychology in India revisited: Developments in the discipline (Vol. 2). Indian Council of Social Science Research.
Pandey, J., & Naidu, R. K. (1992). Indian perspectives on personality. In J. Pandey (Ed.), Perspectives on indigenous psychology (pp. 71–89). Concept Publishing Company.
Radhakrishnan, S. (1948). The Bhagavadgītā. HarperCollins.
Rao, K. R. (2005). Consciousness studies: Indian perspectives. Journal of Consciousness Studies, 12(2), 3–16.
Rao, K. R., & Paranjpe, A. C. (2016). Psychology in the Indian tradition. Springer.
Richards, P. S., Hardman, R. K., & Berrett, M. E. (2005). Spiritual renewal: A journey of faith and recovery. Counseling and Values, 49(3), 164–182.
Scharff, D. E. (2015). The interpersonal unconscious. Karnac Books.
Sengupta, N. (1960). The ethics of the Hindus. University of Calcutta.
Sharma, R. N. (1999). Criminal behavior and Indian cultural values. Indian Journal of Criminology, 27(1), 45–52.
Van Dierendonck, D., & Mohan, K. (2006). Some thoughts on spirituality and eudaimonic well-being. Mental Health, Religion & Culture, 9(3), 227–238. https://doi.org/10.1080/13694670600615383
Vieten, C., Wahbeh, H., Cahn, B. R., MacLean, K., Estrada, M., Radin, D., & Josipovic, Z. (2013). Future directions in meditation research: Recommendations for expanding the field of contemplative science. PLOS ONE, 8(12), e82442. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0082442
Wolf, D. B., & Abell, S. C. (2003). Examining the effects of meditation techniques on psychometric indices of college-age students. Imagination, Cognition and Personality, 23(2), 167–178. https://doi.org/10.2190/WU8K-B3K6-MTPH-B3DJ
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2019 AUTHOR

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format for any purpose, even commercially.
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
- The licensor cannot revoke these freedoms as long as you follow the license terms.
Under the following terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit , provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made . You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.
Notices:
You do not have to comply with the license for elements of the material in the public domain or where your use is permitted by an applicable exception or limitation .
No warranties are given. The license may not give you all of the permissions necessary for your intended use. For example, other rights such as publicity, privacy, or moral rights may limit how you use the material.