A Classless Society
Introduction to Vedic Conception of Health by Gaura Nataraja dasa
MODERN CONCEPT OF HEALTH
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as “complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely absence of disease and infirmity”. This definition underlines the need to consider multiple factors in the evaluation of health outcomes.
The word “disease” means not to be at ease i.e. dis-eased. The mention of body and mind means that both are equally important. Physical means all bodily organs functioning normally according to one’s age. Mental health refers to a calm, peaceful and tranquil mind which is creative and at ease. Also social well-being refers to a proper social position and occupation according to one’s psychophysical abilities. A proper social health also depends on good family relationships and interpersonal relationships among the members of society. It is thus a balance of both our internal and external environment.
VEDIC CONCEPT OF HEALTH
In the Susruta Samhita, Susruta defines health as follows:-
Samadośa samāgniśca samadhātu malakriyāh|
Prasanna ātmendriya manaso svastha ityabhidhīyate||109
“One is called healthy if his tridosas, agnis, dhātūs and malās are in a proper balance and the mind and senses are in a tranquil state of peace and happiness.”
The tridosas (vāta, pitta, kapha or air, fire and mucus) need to be in a state of balance in order to be disease free. The digestion in the body and the body temperature are supported by the different agnis (fires) which are present in the body. These need to be activated properly for proper digestion and assimilation. The dhatus are tissues which support the body, and they need to be in the right quantity. “Mala kriyāh” refers to the proper elimination of waste. Indriyas (senses) and manas (mind) need to be in a blissful state that is in a sattva guna (mode of goodness) .
When all these criteria are satisfied, one is supposed to be healthy or ‘svastha’
We can understand the self, from the subtle level to the gross level, by looking at the following chart:
Consciousness stems from the soul. If the mind is clear it can reflect in it the pure nature of the soul, which is pure bliss or ‘Ānanda’ which leads to spiritual and mental health. Yogic texts consider body to be an extension the mind. If any disturbance enters the mind, that same disturbance enters the body as well. Hence, if the mind is kept healthy or free from disturbing thoughts and unwanted desires, then one can avoid all psychosomatic diseases.
Yoga practice is aimed at controlling the mind and keeping it free from unwanted thoughts as stated in the Patanjali Yoga sutras “Yoga is the elimination of all thoughts” “Citta vritti nirodha”110
In the Bhagavad-Gita it is clearly stated that the mind is the cause of ones freedom or bondage. Ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhūr ātmaiva ripur ātmanah||111 Good health results from right diet as well as a regulated and balanced lifestyle. Adequate exercise is also important in addition to a mind that is stress free.
REFERENCES
109. Susruta Samhita Sûtra Sthana 48th Verse
110. Patanjali Yoga Sûtras 1.2
111. Bhagavad-Gîta 6.5
Prepared by Gaura Nataraja dasa
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health is defined as “complete physical, mental, and social well-being, and not merely absence of disease and infirmity”. This definition underlines the need to consider multiple factors in the evaluation of health outcomes.
The word “disease” means not to be at ease i.e. dis-eased. The mention of body and mind means that both are equally important. Physical means all bodily organs functioning normally according to one’s age. Mental health refers to a calm, peaceful and tranquil mind which is creative and at ease. Also social well-being refers to a proper social position and occupation according to one’s psychophysical abilities. A proper social health also depends on good family relationships and interpersonal relationships among the members of society. It is thus a balance of both our internal and external environment.
VEDIC CONCEPT OF HEALTH
In the Susruta Samhita, Susruta defines health as follows:-
Samadośa samāgniśca samadhātu malakriyāh|
Prasanna ātmendriya manaso svastha ityabhidhīyate||109
“One is called healthy if his tridosas, agnis, dhātūs and malās are in a proper balance and the mind and senses are in a tranquil state of peace and happiness.”
The tridosas (vāta, pitta, kapha or air, fire and mucus) need to be in a state of balance in order to be disease free. The digestion in the body and the body temperature are supported by the different agnis (fires) which are present in the body. These need to be activated properly for proper digestion and assimilation. The dhatus are tissues which support the body, and they need to be in the right quantity. “Mala kriyāh” refers to the proper elimination of waste. Indriyas (senses) and manas (mind) need to be in a blissful state that is in a sattva guna (mode of goodness) .
When all these criteria are satisfied, one is supposed to be healthy or ‘svastha’
We can understand the self, from the subtle level to the gross level, by looking at the following chart:
Consciousness stems from the soul. If the mind is clear it can reflect in it the pure nature of the soul, which is pure bliss or ‘Ānanda’ which leads to spiritual and mental health. Yogic texts consider body to be an extension the mind. If any disturbance enters the mind, that same disturbance enters the body as well. Hence, if the mind is kept healthy or free from disturbing thoughts and unwanted desires, then one can avoid all psychosomatic diseases.
Yoga practice is aimed at controlling the mind and keeping it free from unwanted thoughts as stated in the Patanjali Yoga sutras “Yoga is the elimination of all thoughts” “Citta vritti nirodha”110
In the Bhagavad-Gita it is clearly stated that the mind is the cause of ones freedom or bondage. Ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhūr ātmaiva ripur ātmanah||111 Good health results from right diet as well as a regulated and balanced lifestyle. Adequate exercise is also important in addition to a mind that is stress free.
REFERENCES
109. Susruta Samhita Sûtra Sthana 48th Verse
110. Patanjali Yoga Sûtras 1.2
111. Bhagavad-Gîta 6.5
Prepared by Gaura Nataraja dasa
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the 4th wave of HDG Srila Prabhupada Movement : Establishment of a classless varnasrama society
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