ABSTRACT
To help place Yoga psychology in the context of contemporary (Western) psychology, it makes sense to distinguish the concept of Self-realization from the currently popular concept of self-actualization. While proceeding with the discussion of this topic, an overview of closely related concepts of person, personality, and identity is presented. In regard to the concept of identity, the different meanings of the term are explained along with a discussion of Erik Erikson’s view of the psycho-social identity and its relationship to the concepts of self-actualization and Self-realization. The existential implications of the never-ending revision of self-definitions in the process of self-actualization are pointed out, and Self-realization is indicated as a possible way out. The relevance of the Yogic Sāsmitā Samāpatti is pointed out in relation to Erikson’s views of ego-identity and of the “transcendental center of awareness.”
