PURSE 2000

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Udas: an inquiry into the South Asian state of mind
(University of Peradeniya, 2000-12-16) Goonasekera, S.
A state of the mind known as udas is widespread in Rajasthan, India. Although accurate statistical infonnation regarding its distribution is hard to obtain. linguistic data indicate its prevalence throughout the South Asian cultural area from ancient times. In Rajasthan, in tile central regions around Jaipur, Bikaner and Jodhpur, in tile region known as Marwar where I conducted my field research. This is a well-known phenomenon. Adults of every age seem to experience this condition of being. Field data show and lexicographic research confirms that there is a common definition for this state of mind. According to the common definition, udas refers to a heart heavy with sadness. dissatisfaction one feels about one' s lot in life and disquiet about tile nature of the world and how people live in it. What are the characteristics of individuals who experience udas? How do the Jains identify, classify, and evaluate them? What methods are available in tile local culture to deal with this condition? What methodological and philosophical issues render the Jain cultural constructions about this mental state incommensurable with the psychiatric constructions about it? I address these issues in my essay.