Many of us are probably aware that the Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) is the study of how we think and communicate, with ourselves and with others, and of how we can use this to get the results we want. The heart of NLP is modelling a few successful behaviours or techniques that ultimately help people to be successful and reach the desired level. Often NLP is described as a manual of our mind.
These models and techniques are manmade, especially in the Western world. Hence, they are based on some assumptions. Here is the glitch. This is because assumptions are the termites of relationships and the mark of an educated mind is to entertain a thought without understanding it fully. According to me, the first step toward real change is acceptance with logical understanding. When I started learning NLP, I realized that these models have limitations. Also, there are controversies about the phenomenon of the mind thinking of itself or the brain assessing its performance in every way. As a result, I must say, that NLP has some limited periphery even though it is said NLP is a very vast and complex subject with more unknowns than known.
Behaviour is the culmination of the values, convictions, virtues and attitudes put together in a complex manner, the neural response of every person to a kind of situation will be different. Hence it is conceded that the best possible combination of all internal processes and finally the resultant through all kinds of modes of communication is a very fluid and dynamic process with continuous iterative and learning loops.
The ancient Indian philosophy has already thought on this line. Our ancient knowledge talks about coordinated programming mechanism between Kshetra( स्थूल शरीर), Kshetragya (सूक्ष्म शरीर) and Soul (आत्मन्). Sookshma sharir (micro-body) and sthool sharir) Physical bodies are distinct. The brain and sensory organs are part of the physical body while the mind belongs to the micro-body.
The physical body is like a farm and the micro body is part of the farmer. Humans and computers are distinct. The computer is a farm and no farmer. Computer decisions are based on the pattern of logic while human decisions consider an infinite number of possibilities and their weightage.
In Chandogya (छंदोज्ञ) upanishada it is shown that a neural network is only a tool and for efficient functioning it requires food and water. Aiteraya Upanishada has touched upon the science of Metacognition. The Western world is now recognising and accepting it.
The functioning of mind viz chitta buddhi ahankara can be replicated only in a simple robotic manner and NLP can perhaps be an inferior level tool with its finite limitations that cannot be solely depended upon for behavioural or result-oriented decision making. The centre of logic is बुध्दी. Maybe an अल्पमती guy will love NLP-suggested decisions while an intelligent guy will throw them away.
Decisions tending to be right viz NLP aided decisions are far different from right decisions viz the required decisions. Therefore NLP as of today can be looked upon only as a tool and not as a decision maker.