Dr. Chopra’s primary interest is in exploring the underpinnings of ‘human psyche’ anchored on the logical super structures of Yoga and Vedanta. Her focus on 'Integrative Mind and Consciousness Studies' lies in synthesizing an ecosystem, permeating multiple traditions to infiltrate and gradually weave psychological mindedness into theories of the esoteric combining ‘Orient – Occident’ wisdom. These being aimed towards bringing in a new vision of ‘Behavioural sciences’ with ‘Consciousness’ as the centre-piece of study - balancing traditional ‘third-person’ with the ‘critical first-person’ perspectives [Vedanta Vichara (Existential Phenomenology)].
Conscious to the call for future research on developing better understandings of the nature of ‘subjective experiences’ and that ‘sophisticated measures are needed’, Dr. Chopra is also currently engaged in building three theoretical frameworks: 1. Consciousness 2. Cognition and 3. nishkaama karma. These being undertaken as an exploration into the psychic processes (mental, emotional & spiritual)] in the evolution of individuals through micro-oriented spiritual enculturation (as meditation, mantra chanting, kirtana and other practices) and its macro-oriented altruistic demonstrations – based on the first person accounts of sadhaks from various Indic schools of thought. The outcomes may serve as critical contributions to the fields of Positive psychology, Neurophenomenology and spiritually inclined social work interventions. Outlining scientific research directions for a ‘Yoga-Vedanta First Person Research Methodology framework’ is one of her research aims. Thus, the recently concluded ICSSR supported National Seminar on nishkam seva in Different Schools of Indic thought: Alternate Models for Mainstream Social Work” ( 2 - 3 March, 2024) was aimed towards fortifying the more recently social work conceptualizations that included ‘spirituality’ – which reflects in the social work literature with a broadened focus to embrace it. The seminar deep dived into the centrality of ‘individual self-making and ‘Self-actualization’’ to acts of '‘altruism’ that cuts across the rich spiritual legacy of Bharata.
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Well-being and Quality of Life through Yoga: Rethinking Our Notions of Happiness by Chopra R. Yoga and Meditation: Past and Present Evidence - (2024)
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Impact of the Art of living Programs on the Marital Adjustments of Indian Women by Chopra R., Nebhrajani V. A. Annals of Multi-Disciplinary Research 10 - (2020)
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yoga for Happiness and Well-being by Chopra R. Positive Psychology - (2024)
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The Principles and Practice of Contemplation for Holistic well-being by Chopra R., Nebhrajani V. A., Tripathi S. S., Rao G. N. International Journal of Yoga - Philosophy, Psychology and Parapsychology 9 16-22 (2019)
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Investigating the impact of Maha Mantra chanting on anxiety and depression: An EEG Rhythm Analysis Approach by Mohanty S. N., Satpathy S. , Chopra R. Advances in Integrative Medicine - (2024)
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Universal Ideas from Patañjali Yogasutras on Mind & Mental Health: Philosophy and Practice by Chopra R., Gajjam J. A., Katira D. V., Kumar S. , Sen J. Yog Path 142-154 (2022)
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Mind and its Transcendence to Superconsciousness: Role of Prana by Vidyapradananda S., Chopra R. Mind, Behaviour and Consciousness Conference 2025 Proceedings - (Accepted/In-Press)
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Can the Upanishadic Rishis Be Navigators in Achieving NEP 2020 s Vision on Realization and Liberation of the Self?" by Chopra R., Khurana D. , Krishna R. , Sinha I. Bridging IKS and Community Engagement in NEP 2020 Era - Prospects, Challenges and Pathways - (Accepted/In-Press)
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Dept. of Contemplative and Behavioural Sciences - Programme Brochure "Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Psychology and Contemplative Studies" & "Master of Science in Psychology and Contemplative Studies" by Chopra R. 1-253 (2020)
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Literary/Dramatic Work "Certificate Course in Human development and Counselling: Vedic And Modern Perspectives" by Chopra R. - (2019)
Principal Investigator
- A Yoga-Vedanta Theoretical Framework of Consciousness and Cognition Phenomenological Accounts of Sadhaks from Different Indic Schools of Thought Indian Knowledge Systems Division, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India
- Emerging inter-disciplinary models based on the study of nishkama seva
(selfless social service) in different Indic schools of thought SRIC, IIT KHARAGPUR
- Nishkama Seva in Sanatana Dharma Chinmaya Mission, Yogoda Satsanga Society, Nirmala Panth, Swaminarayan Sanstha An Indic Model of Mainstream Social Work Indian Council of Social Science Research
Ph. D. Students
Ananya Balial
Area of Research: yoga
Deepak Khurana
Area of Research: yoga
Divya Shah
Area of Research: Yoga
Karan Panwar
Area of Research: Yoga and Cognition
Mrinmay Deb
Area of Research: Yoga, Indian Psychology, Neural Corelates
Rahul Mishra
Area of Research: Yoga, Psychology, Wellbeing Studies
