Document Type : Research Paper
Authors
1 PhD Student, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran.
2 Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran
3 Assistant Professor, Department of Persian Language and Literature, Faculty of Literature and Humanities, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, Iran.
Abstract
Psychology, based on the perspectives and methods developed over time, has primarily focused on treating the human psyche, concentrating on the diagnosis and remediation of mental disorders, abnormalities, and psychological dysfunctions. Among these approaches, some have addressed the pre-pathological stage, adopting a preventive perspective that seeks to forestall the emergence of psychological maladjustments. One of the most notable contemporary approaches in this regard is Positive Psychology, which emphasizes the study and cultivation of positive emotions, character strengths, and virtues. While it is difficult to attribute the origin of this approach to a single founder due to its development among various psychologists, today it is largely associated with Martin Seligman (b. 1942). This approach, one of the most recent in the field of psychology, specifically targets elements that foster a positive and flourishing mindset. In his well-being theory, Seligman identifies six core virtues—transcendence, humanity, justice, courage, temperance, and wisdom—each accompanied by corresponding subcomponents.
This study examines and maps the six virtues of Seligman’s well-being theory onto the ghazals of Āli Shirāzi (1048–1121 AH), a talented yet relatively understudied poet of the Indian Style (Sabk-e Hendi). Through this comparative analysis, the research identifies manifestations of each of the six positive-psychological virtues in Shirāzi’s ghazals, which include: appreciation of beauty and aspiration for virtue, gratitude, optimistic foresight, faith and purposeful living, generosity, humor, enthusiasm, altruism, love, tolerance, diligence and effort, patience, honesty, self-control, humility, cautious future-orientation, critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. Āli Shirāzi, with a positive and attentive perception of his surroundings, successfully integrates dual dimensions of the abstract and intuitive worlds within a shared spiritual context. This study further explores the concrete elements through which he artistically expresses these positive-psychological components and examines the mechanisms by which these elements are interwoven in his poetic creation.
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