Gitamrtam

The nineteenth-century Bengali mystic and Hindu saint Sri Ramakrishna is the centrepiece of The Analyst and The Mystic. Sudhir Kakar discusses in depth three factors that he feels may be essential for the making of an Ecstatic Mystic. These are Ramakrishna’s life as a case study, specific life experiences, and the presence of a particular artistic or creative gift. Kakar goes beyond the traditional psychoanalytic interpretation of Ramakrishna’s Mystical Visions and Practices. Kakar goes beyond the traditional psychoanalytic interpretation of Ramakrishna’s Mystical Visions and Practices. He clarifies their contribution to the Psychic Transformation of a Mystic. Kakar reveals the positive psychological aspects of religious experience by comparing the healing techniques of The Mystical Guru and The Analyst.

While this does not deny the importance of faith, it reveals how all religions have been seized by the vested interests professional priests who claim to be God’s sole selling agents. This has led to distortions and superstitions that the founding sages would hate. These five people are the creators of religion: The founder prophets, the apostels and priests, as well as the rulers and wealthy patrons. Finally, there is the common man whose offerings and sacrifices make places of worship so prosperous. It is also discussed how the environment, food sources, technology, social change, and political forces have influenced people around the globe.