Changes

In Vedic philosophies, the atman transmigrates from one body to the other in the process of birth and death. The happiness are sorrow are cumulative result of self deeds in lifetime.  

In Vedic philosophies, the atman transmigrates from one body to the other in the process of birth and death. The happiness are sorrow are cumulative result of self deeds in lifetime.  

Lokapurusha Samya: Applied aspects of the concept of commonness of the purusha and the universe in the study of health and diseases

 

 

 

==== Lokapurusha Samya ====

 

===== Applied aspects of the concept of commonness of the purusha and the universe in the study of health and diseases =====

 

The whole premise of Ayurveda is the maintaining a state of health that would help an individual attain salvation. To achieve such a state of health requires harmony (samya) between the person (purusha) and the environment around him, or rather, the entire universe (loka). Per Ayurveda, health cannot be defined only as the absence of disease within the human body, but rather, a state of consciousness where the person identifies himself with the universe, and gets detached from worldly emotions of bliss and grief (while still being able to discern the good and the bad, and avoiding the company of those who cling onto worldly feelings of attachment, ego, vanity, greed, etc.).

The whole premise of Ayurveda is the maintaining a state of health that would help an individual attain salvation. To achieve such a state of health requires harmony (samya) between the person (purusha) and the environment around him, or rather, the entire universe (loka). Per Ayurveda, health cannot be defined only as the absence of disease within the human body, but rather, a state of consciousness where the person identifies himself with the universe, and gets detached from worldly emotions of bliss and grief (while still being able to discern the good and the bad, and avoiding the company of those who cling onto worldly feelings of attachment, ego, vanity, greed, etc.).

Connection of consciousness between man and the universe:

 

The neurologist Dr.Wiebers in his book “Theory of reality” coined the terms ‘C’ unit is the unit of consciousness in human body and ‘C’ field is the cosmic consciousness. The C unit is always connected with C field to carry out certain functions. The person is a unit of cosmos. Ayurveda narrates Human beings are a microcosm of the planet  and exhibit holographic phenomenon.  The Self conscious i.e. ‘C’ unit is a unitary part of ‘C’ field [consciousness] in the cosmos. This C unit is controlling and regulating intellect, that controls mind; and this mind controls sense organs  which lead the body as the horses lead a chariot.  The interaction C field with C unit for fetching positive energy from cosmos is utmost important. Empowerment of the self conscious for communication with intellect in brain and mind seated at Heart is important mechanism for mental health in holistic view. Therefore promotion of positive mental health shall be focused with a holistic view of all these factors thinking beyond reductionist’s approaches of neurotransmitter, endocrinal and genetic biological theories. Hologram for mental health, the constituents of Human being that make the Humans real “Humans” are considered vital for complete health.

===== Connection of consciousness between man and the universe =====

 

The neurologist Dr.Wiebers in his book “Theory of reality” coined the terms ‘C’ unit is the unit of consciousness in human body and ‘C’ field is the cosmic consciousness. The C unit is always connected with C field to carry out certain functions. The person is a unit of cosmos. Ayurveda narrates Human beings are a microcosm of the planet  and exhibit holographic phenomenon.  The Self conscious i.e. ‘C’ unit is a unitary part of ‘C’ field [consciousness] in the cosmos. This C unit is controlling and regulating intellect, that controls mind; and this mind controls sense organs  which lead the body as the horses lead a chariot.  The interaction C field with C unit for fetching positive energy from cosmos is utmost important. Empowerment of the self conscious for communication with intellect in brain and mind seated at Heart is important mechanism for mental health in holistic view. Therefore promotion of positive mental health shall be focused with a holistic view of all these factors thinking beyond reductionist’s approaches of neurotransmitter, endocrinal and genetic biological theories. Hologram for mental health, the constituents of Human being that make the Humans real “Humans” are considered vital for complete health.  

   

   

Panchamahabhuta: the building blocks of the purusha and the loka

==== Panchamahabhuta: the building blocks of the purusha and the loka ====

 

That the purusha is a microcosm, made up of the same dhatus that constitute the universe: the panchamahabhuta and consciousness (atman, or the Self, within the purusha, and Brahman, or the superconsciousness, within the universe) is central to Vedic philosophy in general and Ayurveda in particular. Bodily components – doshas, dhatus, and mala – are also made up of mahabhutas, and so are ahara (food), and aushadha (medicine). A disequilibrium between the environment and the person could therefore vitiate the constitution of the person, the food he eats, and the efficacy of the medication he takes, making him physically or mentally diseased. A society made up of diseased individuals would only make the environment more diseased. Thus, Ayurveda is not just about the health of an individual, but also the health of the planet.

That the purusha is a microcosm, made up of the same dhatus that constitute the universe: the panchamahabhuta and consciousness (atman, or the Self, within the purusha, and Brahman, or the superconsciousness, within the universe) is central to Vedic philosophy in general and Ayurveda in particular. Bodily components – doshas, dhatus, and mala – are also made up of mahabhutas, and so are ahara (food), and aushadha (medicine). A disequilibrium between the environment and the person could therefore vitiate the constitution of the person, the food he eats, and the efficacy of the medication he takes, making him physically or mentally diseased. A society made up of diseased individuals would only make the environment more diseased. Thus, Ayurveda is not just about the health of an individual, but also the health of the planet.

Panchabhautika chikitsa:

===== Panchabhautika chikitsa =====

 

The specific actions and effects of mahabhuta in development of various body constituents, organs, systems are described in previous chapter ( sharira sthana chapter 4/12). The knowledge of similarity between man and universe can be applied for diagnosis of ailments and their treatments. The panchabhautika chikitsa system focuses on this principle. E.g. if certain body constituents originated from prithvi mahabhuta ( viz. bones) are disordered, then it can be treated with parthiva medicines available in the external world ( viz. shells, minerals).   

The specific actions and effects of mahabhuta in development of various body constituents, organs, systems are described in previous chapter ( sharira sthana chapter 4/12). The knowledge of similarity between man and universe can be applied for diagnosis of ailments and their treatments. The panchabhautika chikitsa system focuses on this principle. E.g. if certain body constituents originated from prithvi mahabhuta ( viz. bones) are disordered, then it can be treated with parthiva medicines available in the external world ( viz. shells, minerals).   

Health and Disease: Causes

==== Health and Disease: Causes ====

 

The principle causes of disease, per Ayurveda, are a) Kala parinama, b) Prajnaparadha, and c) Asatmyaindriyartha Samayoga. (Sutra Sthana, 1/54 and Sharira Sthana, 1/98). In this context, it is important to note that kala (time), buddhi (intellect), and indriyartha are the three basic factors that govern an individual’s state of health and disease. Samayoga, or favorable conditions, are conducive to health while visamayoga (ayoga, atiyoga, and mithyayoga) of kala, buddhi, and indriyartha leads to disease. In the state of health, the basic components of the body – doshas, dhatus, and mala – are in a state of equilibrium, implied by the term samayoga.

The principle causes of disease, per Ayurveda, are a) Kala parinama, b) Prajnaparadha, and c) Asatmyaindriyartha Samayoga. (Sutra Sthana, 1/54 and Sharira Sthana, 1/98). In this context, it is important to note that kala (time), buddhi (intellect), and indriyartha are the three basic factors that govern an individual’s state of health and disease. Samayoga, or favorable conditions, are conducive to health while visamayoga (ayoga, atiyoga, and mithyayoga) of kala, buddhi, and indriyartha leads to disease. In the state of health, the basic components of the body – doshas, dhatus, and mala – are in a state of equilibrium, implied by the term samayoga.

Desha (habitat or local environment), and its role in health and disease

 

===== Desha (habitat or local environment), and its role in health and disease =====

 

The role of desha is significant in matters of health and disease. It denotes the habitat of an individual and is also considered among the Karana dravyas in Sutra Sthana Chapter 1. Desha influences the individual’s diet, etiological factors responsible for various diseases, availability of medicinal plants. In fact, extending the man-environment relationship, Ayurveda considers examination of one’s locale to be an important factor in the diagnosis of a disease. Ayurvedic texts classify desha into three types: anupa desha (marshy land), jangala desha (forested or wooded land), and sadharana desha (mix of marshy and forested land). (Kalpa Sthana, 1/6). The concept of oka satmya (adjustment or adapting to a particular diet or behavior due to habitual use or practice) is also closely related to desha and season. A diet or medication suitable to a particular region or time may be counterindicative in another.

The role of desha is significant in matters of health and disease. It denotes the habitat of an individual and is also considered among the Karana dravyas in Sutra Sthana Chapter 1. Desha influences the individual’s diet, etiological factors responsible for various diseases, availability of medicinal plants. In fact, extending the man-environment relationship, Ayurveda considers examination of one’s locale to be an important factor in the diagnosis of a disease. Ayurvedic texts classify desha into three types: anupa desha (marshy land), jangala desha (forested or wooded land), and sadharana desha (mix of marshy and forested land). (Kalpa Sthana, 1/6). The concept of oka satmya (adjustment or adapting to a particular diet or behavior due to habitual use or practice) is also closely related to desha and season. A diet or medication suitable to a particular region or time may be counterindicative in another.

Kala (temporal factors), and its role in Health and Disease

===== Kala (temporal factors), and its role in Health and Disease =====

 

Kala plays a very important role in Ayurveda, and is a universal factor that affects the purusha and the loka. Vedic texts talk of various time spans, quite similar to those in modern sciences – describing the life-spans of the universe and various celestial objects, as well as that of the purusha. It is also a Karana dravya, per Ayurveda (Sutra Sthana, 1/48). In Ayurveda, Kala does not only mean time, but also seasons (ritu), and from that standpoint, plays an important role in determining causative factors of diseases or prescribing therapies for maintaining health.  (Sutra Sthana , 11/23, Vimana Sthana, 1/21/6, Sutra Sthana 6/4).  

Kala plays a very important role in Ayurveda, and is a universal factor that affects the purusha and the loka. Vedic texts talk of various time spans, quite similar to those in modern sciences – describing the life-spans of the universe and various celestial objects, as well as that of the purusha. It is also a Karana dravya, per Ayurveda (Sutra Sthana, 1/48). In Ayurveda, Kala does not only mean time, but also seasons (ritu), and from that standpoint, plays an important role in determining causative factors of diseases or prescribing therapies for maintaining health.  (Sutra Sthana , 11/23, Vimana Sthana, 1/21/6, Sutra Sthana 6/4).  

Kala also influences doshika rhythm. External environmental changes brought about by changes in the season influence the pattern of doshic changes in the body. These have been described to be of three stages: Chaya (or Sanchaya, accumulation), Prakopa (vitiation, aggravation), and Prashamana (remission to normalcy) (Sutra Sthana, 17/114). These stages generally occur in a natural manner through normal seasonal variations, and therefore Ayurvedic practitioners would typically advise care and adjustment in diet and lifestyle to account for these changes.  

Kala also influences doshika rhythm. External environmental changes brought about by changes in the season influence the pattern of doshic changes in the body. These have been described to be of three stages: Chaya (or Sanchaya, accumulation), Prakopa (vitiation, aggravation), and Prashamana (remission to normalcy) (Sutra Sthana, 17/114). These stages generally occur in a natural manner through normal seasonal variations, and therefore Ayurvedic practitioners would typically advise care and adjustment in diet and lifestyle to account for these changes.  

Influence of purusha on loka: janapadodhwamsha

==== Influence of purusha on loka: janapadodhwamsha ====

 

While the purusha is influenced by his environment, the loka is also influenced by purusha by his virtuous as well as destructive activities. The concept of janpadodhwamsha talks of natural as well as man-made calamities and epidemics (Sutra Sthana, 1/41, Vimana Sthana, 3/9/11).  Charaka Samhita states that in their natural elements, air, water, land, and seasons are indispensable in this order. This indicates that desha and kala/ritu are the most important factors from the standpoint of maintenance of health or for the occurrence of diseases. Vitiation of these four factors, besides the actions of one’s past life, per Ayurveda, has a direct bearing on the state of physical and mental health of individuals in particular and societies in general.  

While the purusha is influenced by his environment, the loka is also influenced by purusha by his virtuous as well as destructive activities. The concept of janpadodhwamsha talks of natural as well as man-made calamities and epidemics (Sutra Sthana, 1/41, Vimana Sthana, 3/9/11).  Charaka Samhita states that in their natural elements, air, water, land, and seasons are indispensable in this order. This indicates that desha and kala/ritu are the most important factors from the standpoint of maintenance of health or for the occurrence of diseases. Vitiation of these four factors, besides the actions of one’s past life, per Ayurveda, has a direct bearing on the state of physical and mental health of individuals in particular and societies in general.  

The path to achieve a status of complete human being and salvation is described in this chapter.  

The path to achieve a status of complete human being and salvation is described in this chapter.  

In conclusion, various verses and sections of Ayurvedic texts keep reiterating the causes of somatic and mental health conditions – and invariably all point to imbalances in the equilibrium between man and his environment.  

 

In conclusion, various verses and sections of Ayurvedic texts keep reiterating the causes of somatic and mental health conditions – and invariably all point to imbalances in the equilibrium between man and his environment.

=== References ===

=== References ===