RESEARCH

In India, psychology as a formal science is relatively young. Instead, practices like yoga - blending psychological and spiritual elements - have long shaped our understanding of the mind and behaviour.

The sage Patanjali, author of the 196 Yoga Sutras - a foundational text of classical yoga - devoted only two sutras to physical postures. The remaining verses outline an intricate system for regulating mental and physical life through direct, first-person observation of the mind. Over centuries, dedicated practitioners have cultivated a deep, experiential understanding of the mind–body connection.

At the Yoga Scientist, we see yoga as a science of mind and body - and are committed to putting its claims to the test, both through personal practice and through objective, third-person scientific validation.

In the West, cognitive science explores similar questions about the mind, but through empirical methods, advanced technologies like brain imaging, and theoretical models. Interestingly, many yogic ideas - such as predictive coding, embodied cognition, and attentional biases - anticipate findings now emerging in cognitive science.

Our aim is to build a cognitive science of yoga, showing that yoga is not just esoteric or spiritual, but a source of valid, testable knowledge with real-world relevance - especially for mental health. We also seek to bring a critical, empirical perspective to yoga, helping separate helpful practices from unfounded beliefs.

To learn more or get involved, contact info@bhanotgroup.com.