Chapter 1 A Structured Exploration

Bhagavan Das’s “The Science of the Emotions” seeks to establish a foundational understanding and methodology for the study and cultivation of emotions, aiming to enhance the art and science of emotional education significantly. The ultimate goal is to harness this understanding for the betterment of humanity, envisioning a future where the deliberate cultivation of higher emotions and the sublimation of lower, harmful ones could lead to profound societal transformation. Although such aspirations might currently seem more within the realm of poetry and spirituality than empirical science, Das posits that the immediate implications for educational theory and practice are substantial.

1.1 Methodology

Das adopts an introspective and analytical approach, beginning with simpler emotional states and concepts, then progressively moving to more complex ones. His method relies heavily on deep, independent thought and introspection, continuously validating findings through rigorous mental examination. This process underscores the belief in the possibility of an empirical study of emotions, despite its primarily subjective nature.

1.2 Fundamental Concepts

• Self and Not-Self: Central to Das’s analysis is the distinction between the Self and the Not-Self, representing the most basic dichotomy of existence. Consciousness, or the Self, inherently recognizes its ongoing presence and cannot conceive of its own cessation. In contrast, the Not-Self encompasses everything external to the Self, forming the basis of our interaction with the world. This distinction lays the groundwork for understanding how emotions arise from the interplay between the individual’s internal sense of being and the external world.

• Pleasure and Pain: Pleasure and pain are identified as fundamental sensations that accompany all conscious experience, representing the basic responses of the Self to stimuli from the Not-Self. These sensations drive attraction towards (pleasure) or repulsion away from (pain) objects, events, or states, leading to the primary emotional responses of love and hate.

1.3 Love and Hate

In this framework, emotions are extensions of the fundamental experiences of pleasure and pain, manifested through the desire for union with or separation from objects or concepts perceived by the Self. Love and hate, therefore, are not merely feelings but are reflective of the deeper, inherent inclinations towards or away from aspects of the Not-Self based on the pursuit of pleasure or avoidance of pain.

Therefore, “The Science of the Emotions” presents a structured exploration into the nature of emotions, grounded in the interaction between the Self and the Not-Self. By framing emotions within this dualistic context, Das offers a pathway towards understanding and eventually mastering one’s emotional responses. The work envisages a science of emotions that could revolutionize not only personal development and spiritual growth but also the broader fields of education and societal wellbeing. Through introspection and analysis, Das lays the foundation for a disciplined approach to cultivating beneficial emotions and mitigating harmful ones, aiming for a future where emotional intelligence is at the forefront of human evolution and social harmony.