| Titel: | An analysis of the change process in the guru-disciple relationship: I & II |
|---|---|
| Autor: | Glick, S |
| Mediengruppe: | dissertation |
| Herausgeber: | --- |
| Zeitschrift: | Dissertation Abstracts International |
| Jahr: | 1983 |
| Band: | 44 |
| Heft: | 1 B |
| Seiten: | 288 - 289; 582 |
| Sprache: | English; englisch |
| Abstract: | This dissertation investigates the change process as it occurs in a guru-disciple relationship, using as its focus one guru, Yogi Amrit Desai, and a set of his disciples. The major research questions investigated were: (1) How does a disciple change as a result of his relationship with a guru? and (2) How does the guru help to influence this change process? To provide a foundation for this investigation, the literature in several relevant areas was reviewed: an overview of yogic philosophy, the goals of yoga, and the role of the guru within that framework; the empirical Western research relating to hatha yoga and mediation; the historical integration of Eastern concepts into Western psychology; the goals of the therapist-patient relationship; and the qualities of an effective therapist. Additional background information for this study was supplied by presenting a biographic sketch of Yogi Desai, by describing the various facets of ashram life, and by looking at the various ways the guru and his disciples interact. To answer the research question, twelve disciples residing at the ashram of Yogi Desai were interviewed. Supplementary data was obtained through personal observations, informal conversations with other disciples, transcripts of recorded sessions involving Yogi Desai and his disciples, and published material of Yogi Desai. An analysis of the data found that disciples change internally in nine different ways: (1) increased self-acceptance; (2) greater internal and external awareness; (3) assuming greater responsibility for the self; (4) emotional divestment and disidentification with the internal and external situation; (5) greater emotional independence; (6) increased fearlessness; (7) greater openness; (8) a more reality-based view of self and the world; (9) perceptual/conceptual changes in how the world works. The guru is found to influence the disciple's change process through: unconditional love and acceptance; modeling desired behaviours; his teachings; playing many different roles; his energy; and by providing the ashram structure and environment. Implications of this study are presented, the major one being the necessity for Western change agents to continually work on personal growth and development as a means of increasing their ability to effect change in others. |