Talk:What shapes our Personality
Personality is referred to by words like ‘svabhāva’, ‘prakṛti’, and ‘pravṛtti’ in Hindu sacred literature. As in modern times, these ancient texts mention several alternative and complementary views regarding what determines one’s personality. One’s intrinsic nature determines character traits like aptitude, inner values, preferences, and so on. The Gita declares that it is indeed very difficult to overcome one’s nature –
Even the man of knowledge acts according to his nature (Prakriti). All creatures follow their nature. What can repression accomplish? Gita 3.33
This verse is treated as a hyperbole traditionally because it is possible to improve upon one’s natural flaws and defects although it takes considerable determination, effort, faith, and wisdom. Moreover, the verse emphasizes the futility of attempts to be in a state of total inaction (unless in deep meditation) because the Guṇas of Prakriti impel one to act at every moment, in some way or the other. The following four factors are enumerated in Hindu texts as determinants of one’s nature or personality. Most of these factors are also recognized in modern behavioral sciences.