A Journey Through Plutchik’s Wheel and the Hindu Subtle Body
Introduction
The exploration of human emotion transcends disciplines, cultures, and time. From psychological models such as Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions to the spiritual teachings within Hinduism concerning the subtle body, the pursuit to understand our emotional selves is as complex as it is enriching. This blog post takes a deep dive into these seemingly disparate concepts, examining the intersection of emotion, spirituality, and subtle awakening.
Plutchik’s Wheel of Emotions
Plutchik’s model identifies eight basic emotions:
1. **Joy** – A sense of happiness and fulfillment.
2. **Trust** – Confidence in something or someone.
3. **Fear** – A response to perceived danger or threat.
4. **Surprise** – A reaction to the unexpected.
5. **Sadness** – A feeling of loss or despair.
6. **Disgust** – A strong aversion or repulsion.
7. **Anger** – A reaction to perceived wrong or injustice.
8. **Anticipation** – Expectation or excitement for what’s to come.
These primary emotions combine to form complex emotions and are mapped in a way that each emotion has an opposite.
The Emotional Subtle Body in Hinduism
Hindu philosophy introduces the concept of the subtle body, an intricate and vital part of our spiritual being, separate from the physical body. Comprised of the mind (Manas), intellect (Buddhi), ego (Ahamkara), and conditioned consciousness (Chitta), the subtle body is responsible for our thoughts, emotions, and consciousness.
Connecting the Dots: Emotions and the Subtle Body
The profound connection between Plutchik’s emotional spectrum and the emotional subtle body within Hinduism lies in the universality of emotions and the depth of human experience. Here’s a breakdown:
– **Joy & Trust**: These positive emotions align with spiritual awakening and the cultivation of inner peace and compassion, reflecting a higher level of consciousness.
– **Fear & Anger**: These emotions can be linked to spiritual blocks or ignorance (Avidya) within Hinduism, which hampers spiritual growth.
– **Surprise & Anticipation**: These emotions speak to our deep connection with the universe and the ever-changing nature of life, echoing the Hindu belief in the transient nature of our physical existence.
– **Sadness & Disgust**: Often seen as negative emotions, they can be channels for growth and understanding of the self, mirroring the Hindu concept of Dharma or righteous living.
Conclusion: Emotions as Pathways to Spiritual Awakening
The emotional spectrum is not merely a psychological construct but a spiritual pathway. By understanding emotions through the lens of both Plutchik’s model and Hindu philosophy, we can embark on a journey toward subtle spiritual awakening.
The nuances of emotions, their combinations, and their reflections within the emotional subtle body offer us tools to navigate our spiritual paths. The profound connection between these concepts suggests that our emotions are not transient or superficial but deeply entwined with our very essence.
This exploration encourages us to recognize emotions as more than reactions to the world around us. They are signposts guiding us toward self-realization and a deeper connection with the divine within.
Morgan O. Smith
Yinnergy Meditation & My Book, Bodhi in the Brain…Available Now!
Morgan O. Smith 