The other day, one of my students, who happens to be a doctor, asked me a question that got me thinking: “What do you think is the difference between Eastern and Western approaches to healing and spirituality?” It’s a question that’s been asked many times.
I told them, “I don’t believe there’s really an Eastern or Western approach anymore—not in the way we typically think.” You see, the way we approach healing and spirituality isn’t confined to geography. You might live in the East but think in a Western way, or live in the West and embrace Eastern philosophies. It’s not about where you’re from; it’s about the mindset and approach you choose to adopt.
What I felt my student was really asking about was the difference between what the ancient seekers of the East, like yogis, practiced compared to modern psychiatrists, doctors, and counselors. And here’s what I shared with them: the biggest difference lies in the approach.
Let’s take a step back and look at who typically goes to a doctor, psychiatrist, or counselor. It’s usually someone who is experiencing pain, trauma, or sickness—someone who is struggling in some way. The role of the doctor, then, is to diagnose and prescribe a solution based on that need, often in the form of medication or therapy. But if you look deeper, you’ll see that the person seeking help is often operating at a negative level of consciousness.
Now, when I say “negative,” I don’t mean good or bad in a moral sense. I’m talking about energy levels. They’re feeling low, depleted, or out of balance, and the medication or therapy helps lift them from a negative state back to what we’d consider a normal, functional level.
Now, compare this to the approach of the yogis and ancient seekers from the East. They didn’t wait for something to go wrong before they started working on their energy and consciousness. Instead, they began from a base level of normalcy and aimed to elevate their energy to higher dimensions.
Their practices—whether it was mantras, pranayama (breath control), or yoga asanas—were all designed to uplift their level of consciousness, taking them from normal to a state of heightened awareness, peace, and connection with the divine.
In essence, while the modern Western approach often focuses on bringing someone up to a baseline of normalcy, the ancient Eastern practices are about transcending that baseline and reaching for something higher, something beyond the ordinary experience.
This conversation reminded me of a time in my own life when I was struggling with stress and burnout. I had been running my yoga studio for years, pouring all my energy into building it into a thriving community. But somewhere along the way, I started to lose touch with the very practices that had inspired me to start the studio in the first place. I was constantly tired, feeling overwhelmed, and even though I was physically healthy, I knew something was off.
In the midst of all this, I decided to see a doctor. They suggested I take some time off, try to manage my stress, and even prescribed some medication to help with anxiety. The doctor’s approach was sound and practical, aimed at bringing me back to a baseline where I could function normally. But something in me knew this wasn’t the complete answer. I didn’t just want to be okay—I wanted to thrive, to reconnect with the deeper sense of purpose and joy that yoga had always given me.
So, I returned to my own practice, but this time with a renewed focus on the more subtle, energetic aspects of yoga. I began to incorporate daily pranayama, meditation, and mantras, not just as exercises but as sacred rituals. Slowly but surely, I felt my energy shift. I wasn’t just managing my stress—I was transforming it. My consciousness began to expand, and I started to feel that deep connection to something greater than myself. It was a profound reminder that healing isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about elevating ourselves to a higher state of being.
Turning on the Light: The Integration of Approaches
Imagine walking into a dark room, searching frantically for something. What’s the first thing you would do? You’d switch on the light, of course. Without light, you’re stumbling around, unsure of what you’re doing or where to go. The light illuminates everything, making it easier to find what you’re looking for.
In a similar way, Western approaches to healing often focus on addressing the trauma and pain—turning on that light in the darkness so you can navigate your challenges. This is essential because without dealing with the immediate issues, it’s hard to move forward. But what happens after the light is on? How do you go beyond just finding your way out of the darkness?
This is where the ancient Eastern practices come in. They don’t just stop at turning on the light; they focus on making that light brighter, elevating your energy and consciousness to higher levels. Through consistent spiritual practices, you’re not just surviving; you’re thriving. You’re turning up the brightness so that every part of your life is illuminated, vibrant, and filled with purpose.
So, if you ask me which approach is better, I’d say both are necessary. Each has a unique role and a place in helping us shine our brightest light. Western methods help us address and heal the immediate pain, while Eastern practices help us grow and elevate our consciousness, allowing us to shine even brighter.
As I reflect on these experiences, I’m reminded of a beautiful quote by Ram Dass:
"We’re all just walking each other home."
This quote resonates deeply because it reminds us that the journey of healing and spirituality isn’t one we take alone. Whether we follow a path rooted in Eastern or Western traditions, the ultimate goal is to help each other return to a state of wholeness, peace, and connection.
So, let me ask you this:
In your own life, are you focusing on just getting by, or are you aiming to elevate your consciousness, to reach beyond the ordinary and touch something extraordinary?
What practices can you integrate into your life to help you rise higher?
And how can you walk others home, helping them on their own journey toward healing and spiritual growth?
Namaste
Sumit Banerjee
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