The word 'dhairya' means steadiness or courage. [SAT-D.4137] It is a transitional quality of senses that enables an individual to stay calm in case of adversities or not give into addictions or attachments. [Dalhan on Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 34/11] Dhairya strengthens the moral foundations of the mind, thereby upgrading an individual's conscience towards the better judgement of wholesome and unwholesome (hita-ahita). [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 28/37]. Dhairya is also considered as an outcome of the normal functions of shukra dhatu. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5] This article describes the physiological and psychological aspects of dhairya and its importance in healthcare.
| Section/Chapter/topic | Concepts/Dhairya |
|---|---|
| Authors |
Bhojani M. K. 1, Verma Swati1 |
| Reviewer | Basisht G.2, |
| Editor | Deole Y.S.3 |
| Affiliations |
1 Department of Sharir Kriya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India 2 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. 3 Department of Kayachikitsa, G. J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India |
| Correspondence emails |
meera.samhita@aiia.gov.in, carakasamhita@gmail.com |
| Publisher | Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India |
| Date of publication: | April 11, 2023 |
| DOI | 10.47468/CSNE.2023.e01.s09.135 |
Etymology and derivation
The word dhairya is derived from Sanskrit root 'dheera' and suffix 'vyayn'. It means stable and progressive mind. [Shabdakalpadruma] Dhairya is defined as the trait of courage. This courage could be understood in terms of a grounded mind, which constantly excels even in times of hardship. Acharya Sushruta describes this phenomenon as 'Shaurya' [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]
Definition and interpretation
The word dhairya has been defined from various perspectives across samhitas and dictionaries as follows:
- Dhirta [Shabdakalpadruma & Su. Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 24/77]
- Steadiness/ firmness [Yates]
- Calmness/ patience/ courage [Monnier Williams]
- State of calm mind ('anunnatishchetasaha') [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/58].
- State of mind wherein it doesn't fall into any inferior thinking pattern about self (dainyabhava) when faced with adverse circumstances in life. [Chakrapani on Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 4/8].
- Shaurya (bravery) [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]
- Dukhsahatvam (tolerance to adverse conditions) [A. H. Sutra Sthana. 1/26]
- A natural bent of mind which is free from rashness and boasting [Natya Shastra]
- Supreme courage [Shivapuraṇa 2.3.13] : The dialogue between Lord Shiva and Devi Parvati signifies Lord Shiva to be the divine manifestation of dhairya i.e., supreme courage
- As per Hathayoga, dhairya refers to constancy. It is one of the achievements of Hathayoga.
A person carrying this trait of dhairya is unbothered about the outcome, whether winning or losing.[1] It provides the clear-headedness needed to make the most effective decision, one of the most desirable qualities of successful leadership. The various dimensions of dhairya can thus be applied in a variety of different contexts and practices.
References
- ↑ V.Aswathy et al: A Descriptive study to develop a tool for assessment of Satva Saara; IJAAR Vol III, Issue VII, Mar-April 2018, Pg. 1117-1128