Dr. Ramesh Pattni is a psychologist and a Hindu theologian whose research is at the intersection of these traditions. He has a deep interest in presenting the psychological concepts, tools and techniques of the ancient traditions in today’s world for psychological well-being. He obtained a doctorate from the University of Oxford, Faculty of Theology and Religion, based on his research into Patanjali’s text on Classical Yoga – the Yogasūtra, and Western Positive Psychology, comparing the phenomenology of Flow and altered states of consciousness experienced in the meditation of samadhi. He is considered an authority in Yoga Psychology based on the ancient text of Patanjali.
He also has three master’s degrees in psychology, psychology of religion, and study of religion. After successfully running a family business in Kenya for 23 years, he decided to go back to his passion for learning and teaching. He completed his Oxford doctorate in 2016. He is currently at the New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling/Middlesex University studying for a doctorate and works as a counsellor and psychotherapist and assists many people with mental health issues.
He tutors at the University of Oxford at both the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies and is registered as a tutor with the Faculty of Theology and Religion. He gives public talks on Hinduism and holds regular weekly classes through the Chinmaya Mission UK.
In his spare time, he writes poetry and is a keen listener of all genres of music and plays the guitar as well. He greatly enjoys walking in the woods and parks in the company of family and friends.
For his voluntary work in interfaith relations and community services in the UK, he was bestowed an OBE in the New Year’s Honours 2020 by Her Majesty the Queen.
Education
- DCPsych Middlesex University/New School of Psychotherapy and Counselling
- DPhil Yoga Psychology University of Oxford
- MSc Psychology University of Derby
- MSt (Study of Religion) University of Oxford
- MA (Psychology of Religion) University of London
- MBA International Management Centre UK (Distinction)
- BSc (Joint Hons Biochemistry and Physiology, (First Class) University of London
Music CDs
- Shri Rama Sharan – Collection of bhajans on Lord Rama by different composers
- Hymn to Him – Chanting of Om Namah Shivaya in different ragas
- Samarpita – Collection of bhajans on Lord Krishna by Smt. Susheela Acharya
- Nivedita, Ranjita, Sampreeta – Compositions on various deities by Smt. Susheela Acharya
- Archita – Collection of Kannada devotional songs by Smt. Susheela Acharya
- Shravana Mangalam – Compositions by saint-poets of India
- Nama Ramayana – 108 names of Lord Rama in different ragas
- Ananda Ganam – Musical chants on Lord Krishna
- Bhakti Surabhi – Live-concert recording of devotional songs presented during Nrtya-Sura-Bharati Festival
- Ganesha Vaibhava – Kannada songs mainly written by Smt. Susheela Acharya
- Life-Beat – Targeted at Primary school children, this is a collection of lively compositions by Smt. Pramodini, sung by Chinmaya Swaranjali members.
YouTube Channel
- Tutorials on ‘Singing with Love’ and bhajans
Research
Indian Psychology; Yoga psychology; religiosity and wellbeing; meditation in therapeutic work.
Teaching
Undergraduate students in various areas of Hinduism and psychology especially Yoga psychology.
- Member of the British Psychological Society UK
- Member of the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Member of the Universities Psychotherapy and Counselling Association
- Associate Fellow of Advance Higher Education (Universities)
- Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute UK
- Member of the Institute of Consultants UK
OBE from Her Majesty the Queen UK
- Trustee and Vice President of Chinmaya Mission UK
- Vice President of Hindu Forum of Britain
- Trustee of DAWN Counselling Service
- Trustee of Hindu Education Board UK
- Founder and former Co-Chair of the Hindu Christian Forum
- Former Trustee of Interfaith Network