16 February 2009
Scientific Temper and Vedic Science
Before you can go indepth,I would like to introduce the Tantri's and Gurus.Please visit the links given below:
http://www.tharananellur.org
http://www.namboothiri.com
In the Vedas the focal point is the human being and the knowledge contained there in is for the welfare of the entire mankind. This knowledge also helps the human beings to develop scientific out look. The Vedic science is only in the context of his/her material and spiritual welfare. Unlike the present day, physical sciences are part of Vedic metaphysics, which unequivocally explain that physical sciences pertain mostly to the external world that is objectively real and not absolutely real.
To get a feel of Vedic physical sciences: reference to a few hymns are given in the very beginning. The Sun never sets or rises and it is the earth, which rotates (Sama Veda121). The gravitational effect of solar system makes the earth stable (R.V.1-103-2, 1-115-4 and 5-81-2). The axle of the earth does not get rusted and the earth continues to revolve on its axle (R.V. 1-164-29). The science of Time and its subtle nature is described in (R.V.1-92-12 and 1-95-8). The need to study the properties of water, air and fire for discovering and manufacturing aircrafts, ships and other vehicles capable of moving in the firmament, land and water are mentioned in Rig Veda 1-3-1,2, 1-34-1, 1-140-1 and many other hymns. Reference to infinite number of both gross and subtle atoms and the energy principle as spirit of God in each atom is given in R.V. 5-47-2 and Sama Veda 222. Atoms and sub atomic particles are not inert and have unsuspected vitality owing to this energy principle. Physical sciences relating to agriculture, medicine, astronomy mathematics particularly algebra, toxicology etc. are described in R.V.1-71-9, 4-57-5, Sama Veda 121 and many other hymns.
However, the greater emphasis is on the development of scientific temper amongst the members of Society with a view to curb spread of blind faith, hypocrisy, miracle and ostentatious worship of God. Thus the knowledge of Vedic sciences is meant to save the human beings from falling in utter darkness as Isa Upanishad and the last chapter of Yajur Veda caution us. The unity in diversity is the message of Vedic physical and metaphysical sciences. While matter is the cause of diversity owing to three primordial subtle particles of purity, activity and passivity present in it, the spirit (jiva) provides the necessary unity.
The physical sciences have traversed a long journey of over two thousands years independent of Vedic metaphysics. During this long journey they came to certain contradictory conclusions. Many scientists held that the Sun is moving and the earth is static and vice versa. The gross matter and its atoms are inert as observed by the scientist of classical mechanics and now in the 20th century particle physics have found that atom is no longer inert and matter also experiences “fatigue” and many more contradictions. The Vedic science remained consistent during all this period. However, science is now itself proving in the laboratory some of the Vedic scientific truths.
In the 20th century with the bursting of atom into pieces through particle physics, faith in the Vedic science has grown stronger.
The atom is no longer inert and has unsuspected vitality. Vedas had already mentioned about 4 to 5 thousands years ago the existence of “spirit” (Jiva) as energy principle in all gross and subtle atoms. Chhandogya Upanishad says, “From this engenderment beams of light shot up and down, gross matter was formed and Prakrti - the divine Nature too expanded in all ten directions, as the Sentient One spread Itself every where - high, low, here and beyond.” Rig-Veda (5-47-2) refers to infinite number of both gross and subtle atoms born from the Eternal Cause. The subtle primordial matter is the cause of origin of gross matter and spread itself every where like the light of the Sun and go round the earth and sky. Vedas thus in a metaphysical language tell us the existence of rays, waves, wavicles and even subtle particles in gross atoms and all consisting of subtle primordial matter of three gunas. It is the Creative Force - the spirit, which hides behind animate and inanimate things/ life, moves us, move the planets and moves the Universe.
Sama Veda 222 describes the same scientific truth as; “HE keeps His wonderful form in every atom and pervades earth, middle region and the sky.” Rig Veda 1-81-5 and 1-83-2 mention about the subtle cause of this vast Universe in the form of various kinds of atoms and particles. The atoms follow the eternal laws described as Rta in the Vedas. Rig Veda 1-22-18 says, “ HE ordains these laws”. Vedas even refer to subtle particles (tan matras), which are more powerful and fast moving than gross atoms, and particles. Such subtle atoms and particles are found in ether, light, Time and Space in the outer phenomenal world and also exist in the inner world of divine instruments. Thus such subtle particles are found in manas - the inward looking mind, buddhi - intellect etc. These finer atoms and particles are not seen through sense organs, or any material instruments.
It has taken over 4000 years for the scientists to find out in the laboratory that gross atoms are not inert, which Vedic sages and seers had already found through their transcendental research. It may perhaps take another a few thousands of years more to find subtle atoms and particles but certainly the scientists will not find these in laboratory with the help of gross instruments. The “Ashvinaus” - the epithet for scientists in the Vedas, have to utilize their inner divine instruments for the welfare of mankind on the principle of Idd Nan Mmam - nothing for self all for society. The ignorance of scientists, economists and even religious leaders about the subtle atoms has now become the major cause of over exploitation of the earth as a quarry, leading to all kinds of pollution, environmental hazards and other moral and social degradation. Finding no divinity in matter, man’s ego exploitation continues and he finds even a sense of pride in this negativity, duly supported by modern physical sciences bereft of any spiritualism.
There is life in the gross atoms of maha bhuta though an ordinary person bereft of spiritual knowledge cannot visualise. Lucritus explains this phenomenon beautifully. When you see fighting men at a distance or from a height, you will perceive them at rest owing to limitations of our sense perception. Same way we find block of steel at rest. The inner life of steel, human beings cannot perceive. What philosophers in the West and Vedic rsis and munnies in the East, found a few thousands years ago was found in the laboratory only in the 20th century. An eminent Indian scientist Sir Jagdish Chander Bose proved this metaphysical finding. He found with the help of gross instruments in the laboratory some kind of “fatigue” in metal just like human beings. Gross atoms even in an inanimate thing are born, develop and lose vitality and die. They have mind of their own.
In the early 20th century scientists went on experimenting and finally made the gross atom burst into pieces under the impact of particle Physics and Chemistry. Since then science is changing very fast and too frequently. Biology is changing rather fast from one certainty to another. One day it is all environments and another day is hereditary and next day both combined. Psychology which refuted consciousness which in the Vedas is due to the presence of divine soul in the gross body, has started feeling its existence but without linking it with the manifested soul (Jivatma). The eminent scientist Eddingnton’s proposition says, “recognizing that all the physical world is entirely abstract and without actuality, apart from its linkage to consciousness - even time and space are spun out of consciousness.” In atom a large number of sub-atomic particles have been found, including some waves and wavicles and no material nuclei at the bottom.
Unlike Vedas where science is part of metaphysics, the modern scientists are largely resisting its merger with the science of soul, beauty and virtue, which Bhagavad Gita describes as the sovereign science.
http://www.tharananellur.org
http://www.namboothiri.com
In the Vedas the focal point is the human being and the knowledge contained there in is for the welfare of the entire mankind. This knowledge also helps the human beings to develop scientific out look. The Vedic science is only in the context of his/her material and spiritual welfare. Unlike the present day, physical sciences are part of Vedic metaphysics, which unequivocally explain that physical sciences pertain mostly to the external world that is objectively real and not absolutely real.
To get a feel of Vedic physical sciences: reference to a few hymns are given in the very beginning. The Sun never sets or rises and it is the earth, which rotates (Sama Veda121). The gravitational effect of solar system makes the earth stable (R.V.1-103-2, 1-115-4 and 5-81-2). The axle of the earth does not get rusted and the earth continues to revolve on its axle (R.V. 1-164-29). The science of Time and its subtle nature is described in (R.V.1-92-12 and 1-95-8). The need to study the properties of water, air and fire for discovering and manufacturing aircrafts, ships and other vehicles capable of moving in the firmament, land and water are mentioned in Rig Veda 1-3-1,2, 1-34-1, 1-140-1 and many other hymns. Reference to infinite number of both gross and subtle atoms and the energy principle as spirit of God in each atom is given in R.V. 5-47-2 and Sama Veda 222. Atoms and sub atomic particles are not inert and have unsuspected vitality owing to this energy principle. Physical sciences relating to agriculture, medicine, astronomy mathematics particularly algebra, toxicology etc. are described in R.V.1-71-9, 4-57-5, Sama Veda 121 and many other hymns.
However, the greater emphasis is on the development of scientific temper amongst the members of Society with a view to curb spread of blind faith, hypocrisy, miracle and ostentatious worship of God. Thus the knowledge of Vedic sciences is meant to save the human beings from falling in utter darkness as Isa Upanishad and the last chapter of Yajur Veda caution us. The unity in diversity is the message of Vedic physical and metaphysical sciences. While matter is the cause of diversity owing to three primordial subtle particles of purity, activity and passivity present in it, the spirit (jiva) provides the necessary unity.
The physical sciences have traversed a long journey of over two thousands years independent of Vedic metaphysics. During this long journey they came to certain contradictory conclusions. Many scientists held that the Sun is moving and the earth is static and vice versa. The gross matter and its atoms are inert as observed by the scientist of classical mechanics and now in the 20th century particle physics have found that atom is no longer inert and matter also experiences “fatigue” and many more contradictions. The Vedic science remained consistent during all this period. However, science is now itself proving in the laboratory some of the Vedic scientific truths.
In the 20th century with the bursting of atom into pieces through particle physics, faith in the Vedic science has grown stronger.
The atom is no longer inert and has unsuspected vitality. Vedas had already mentioned about 4 to 5 thousands years ago the existence of “spirit” (Jiva) as energy principle in all gross and subtle atoms. Chhandogya Upanishad says, “From this engenderment beams of light shot up and down, gross matter was formed and Prakrti - the divine Nature too expanded in all ten directions, as the Sentient One spread Itself every where - high, low, here and beyond.” Rig-Veda (5-47-2) refers to infinite number of both gross and subtle atoms born from the Eternal Cause. The subtle primordial matter is the cause of origin of gross matter and spread itself every where like the light of the Sun and go round the earth and sky. Vedas thus in a metaphysical language tell us the existence of rays, waves, wavicles and even subtle particles in gross atoms and all consisting of subtle primordial matter of three gunas. It is the Creative Force - the spirit, which hides behind animate and inanimate things/ life, moves us, move the planets and moves the Universe.
Sama Veda 222 describes the same scientific truth as; “HE keeps His wonderful form in every atom and pervades earth, middle region and the sky.” Rig Veda 1-81-5 and 1-83-2 mention about the subtle cause of this vast Universe in the form of various kinds of atoms and particles. The atoms follow the eternal laws described as Rta in the Vedas. Rig Veda 1-22-18 says, “ HE ordains these laws”. Vedas even refer to subtle particles (tan matras), which are more powerful and fast moving than gross atoms, and particles. Such subtle atoms and particles are found in ether, light, Time and Space in the outer phenomenal world and also exist in the inner world of divine instruments. Thus such subtle particles are found in manas - the inward looking mind, buddhi - intellect etc. These finer atoms and particles are not seen through sense organs, or any material instruments.
It has taken over 4000 years for the scientists to find out in the laboratory that gross atoms are not inert, which Vedic sages and seers had already found through their transcendental research. It may perhaps take another a few thousands of years more to find subtle atoms and particles but certainly the scientists will not find these in laboratory with the help of gross instruments. The “Ashvinaus” - the epithet for scientists in the Vedas, have to utilize their inner divine instruments for the welfare of mankind on the principle of Idd Nan Mmam - nothing for self all for society. The ignorance of scientists, economists and even religious leaders about the subtle atoms has now become the major cause of over exploitation of the earth as a quarry, leading to all kinds of pollution, environmental hazards and other moral and social degradation. Finding no divinity in matter, man’s ego exploitation continues and he finds even a sense of pride in this negativity, duly supported by modern physical sciences bereft of any spiritualism.
While some of the Greek philosophers observed four main elements, Vedic metaphysicists had found five maha bhuta i.e., earth, air, fire, water and ether.
There is life in the gross atoms of maha bhuta though an ordinary person bereft of spiritual knowledge cannot visualise. Lucritus explains this phenomenon beautifully. When you see fighting men at a distance or from a height, you will perceive them at rest owing to limitations of our sense perception. Same way we find block of steel at rest. The inner life of steel, human beings cannot perceive. What philosophers in the West and Vedic rsis and munnies in the East, found a few thousands years ago was found in the laboratory only in the 20th century. An eminent Indian scientist Sir Jagdish Chander Bose proved this metaphysical finding. He found with the help of gross instruments in the laboratory some kind of “fatigue” in metal just like human beings. Gross atoms even in an inanimate thing are born, develop and lose vitality and die. They have mind of their own.
In the early 20th century scientists went on experimenting and finally made the gross atom burst into pieces under the impact of particle Physics and Chemistry. Since then science is changing very fast and too frequently. Biology is changing rather fast from one certainty to another. One day it is all environments and another day is hereditary and next day both combined. Psychology which refuted consciousness which in the Vedas is due to the presence of divine soul in the gross body, has started feeling its existence but without linking it with the manifested soul (Jivatma). The eminent scientist Eddingnton’s proposition says, “recognizing that all the physical world is entirely abstract and without actuality, apart from its linkage to consciousness - even time and space are spun out of consciousness.” In atom a large number of sub-atomic particles have been found, including some waves and wavicles and no material nuclei at the bottom.
Unlike Vedas where science is part of metaphysics, the modern scientists are largely resisting its merger with the science of soul, beauty and virtue, which Bhagavad Gita describes as the sovereign science.
Ancient and Vedic Architecture and town planning
Architecture and town planning: The unique quality of the Indian architecture is its spiritual content.
The glory of Indian architecture lies in its ability, to reflect the lifestyle and history of the era. The range extends from the city and town planning, temple complexes, observatories, monuments and memorials in various materials from rock to metal. Examples of Indian works are Ajanta Ellora caves of 6th century AD, Sanchi and saranath Stupas 2nd century BCE , Mahabaliswer, brihadiswara Madurai Menaxi temples, Konark sun temple, Konark temple sculptures of erotics
The Great Bath of Mohen jo Daro ( 3000 BC)
The great bath, built at Mohenjodaro is unique. The Tank has rectangular structure. It is situated in the center of the courtyard and measures 11.89 mts. From north to south and 7.01 mts from east to west, the depth being 2.44 mts. A double ringed well in one of the rooms for supply for water to the bath, the floor of which is approached by a flight of steps on the north and south. An interesting feature if the construction was the care bestowed in water tightening of the structure. A two cms, thick damp-proof course of bitumen was used between the facing baked bricks of the basin and the intermediate wall, which inturn was retained by mud-brick packing and the outermost baked-brick wall. Across the lane to the north of the Great Bath there is a block with eight bathrooms arranged in two rows, one on either side of a drain. Each bathroom in Mohenjodaro had a stair case that was leading to the upper storey and privacy was secured by ensuring that the doors were not disposed opposite to one another.
Silparatna – an architecture text from Veda.
The glory of Indian architecture lies in its ability, to reflect the lifestyle and history of the era. The range extends from the city and town planning, temple complexes, observatories, monuments and memorials in various materials from rock to metal. Examples of Indian works are Ajanta Ellora caves of 6th century AD, Sanchi and saranath Stupas 2nd century BCE , Mahabaliswer, brihadiswara Madurai Menaxi temples, Konark sun temple, Konark temple sculptures of erotics
The Great Bath of Mohen jo Daro ( 3000 BC)
The great bath, built at Mohenjodaro is unique. The Tank has rectangular structure. It is situated in the center of the courtyard and measures 11.89 mts. From north to south and 7.01 mts from east to west, the depth being 2.44 mts. A double ringed well in one of the rooms for supply for water to the bath, the floor of which is approached by a flight of steps on the north and south. An interesting feature if the construction was the care bestowed in water tightening of the structure. A two cms, thick damp-proof course of bitumen was used between the facing baked bricks of the basin and the intermediate wall, which inturn was retained by mud-brick packing and the outermost baked-brick wall. Across the lane to the north of the Great Bath there is a block with eight bathrooms arranged in two rows, one on either side of a drain. Each bathroom in Mohenjodaro had a stair case that was leading to the upper storey and privacy was secured by ensuring that the doors were not disposed opposite to one another.
Silparatna – an architecture text from Veda.
Veda and Health Science
Ayur Veda : - The Knowledge of Life . Ayurveda is the oldest traditional healing system practiced in India and the most comprehensive holistic healing system in the world. This ancient knowledge was given to mankind, more than 5000 years ago by sages and seers for the well being of humans. It is also known as the
mother of all healing system:
It is original source of many modern natural healing therapies. The aim of Ayurveda is not only healing the sick, but also the prevention of illness and the preservation of life, and in that way it comprises a noble system of living that makes Ayurveda the most complete system of medicine and healthcare we know today.
There are several aspects to Ayurveda that are quite unique:
i) Its recommendations will often be different for each person regarding which foods and which lifestyle they should follow in order to be completely healthy. This is due to its use of a constitutional model.
ii) Everything in Ayurveda is validated by observation, inquiry, direct examination and knowledge derived from the ancient texts.
iii) It understands that there are energetic forces that influence nature and human beings. These forces are called the Tridoshas.
iv) Because Ayurveda sees a strong connection between the mind and the body, a huge amount of information is available regarding this relationship.
Origin of Ayurveda:
Ayurveda is an intricate system of healing that originated in India thousands of years ago. We can find historical evidence of Ayurveda in the ancient books of wisdom known as the Vedas. In the Rig Veda, over 60 preparations were mentioned that could be used to assist an individual in overcoming various ailments. The Rig Veda was written over 6,000 years ago, but really Ayurveda has been around even longer than that. What we see is that Ayurveda is more than just a medical system. It is a Science of Life. We are all part and parcel of nature. Just as the animals and plants live in harmony with nature and utilize the Laws of Nature to create health and balance within their beings, we, too, adhere to these very same principles. Therefore, it is fair to say that Ayurveda is a system that helps maintain health in a person by using the inherent principles of nature to bring the individual back into equilibrium with their true self. In essence Ayurveda has been in existence since the beginning of time because we have always been governed by nature's laws.
Meanings of Ayurveda:
Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words: “Ayu” which means life and “Veda” which means the knowledge of. To know about life is Ayurveda. However, to fully comprehend the vast s cope of Ayurveda let us first define "Ayu" or life. According to the ancient Ayurvedic scholar Charaka, "ayu" is comprised of four essential parts. The combination of mind, body, senses and the soul.
Mind, Body, and Senses :
We tend to identify most with our physical bodies; yet, in actuality, there is more to us then what meets the eye. We can see that underlying our physical structure is the mind, which not only controls our thought processes but also helps assist us in carrying out day-to-day activities such as respiration, circulation, digestion and elimination. The mind and the body work in conjunction with one another to regulate our physiology. In order for the mind to act appropriately to assist the physical body, we must use our senses as information gatherers.
We can think of the mind as a computer and the senses as the data, which gets entered into the computer. Smell and taste are two important senses that aid in the digestive process. When the mind registers that a particular food is entering the gastrointestinal tract, it directs the body to act accordingly by releasing various digestive enzymes. However, if we overindulge the taste buds with too much of a certain taste, such as sweet, we may find that the ability of the mind to perceive the sweet taste is impaired; and thereby the body becomes challenged in its ability to process sweet foods. Maintaining the clarity of our senses is an essential part in allowing the mind and body to integrate their functions and help in keeping us healthy and happy individuals.
Tridosha: Ayurveda's concept of the Tridoshas is unique to medical science. Ayurveda says the body is made up of tissues (dhatus), waste products (malas), and doshas (loosely translated to Energetic Forces). It is the Tridoshas' job to assist with the creation of all of the various tissues of the body and to remove any unnecessary waste products from the body. It is also the Tridoshas that influence all movements, all transformations, all sensory functions, and many of the other activities in the human body and mind.
i) Vata Dosha: The Vata dosha is the most important of the three doshas. This is for two reasons. First, if Vata becomes imbalanced for long enough and sufficiently enough, it can also cause the other two doshas (Pitta or Kapha) to become imbalanced. It can even cause both Pitta and Kapha to become imbalanced; this is called a Tridoshic imbalance and is the most difficult to overcome. Secondly, Vata is the main driver or mover of the body, Including the other two doshas, all the tissues (dhatus) and all of the waste products (malas).
Vata provides the following functions:
1. All eliminations: fetus, semen, feces, urine, sweat, and a few others
2. Assists with all the various metabolisms in the body (called Agni in Ayurveda)
3. Controls all of the various movement of body (both physical & mental), including such things as respiration, heart beat, motivation and contraction of muscles.
4. Relays all sensory input from the various sense organs to the brain
ii) Pitta Dosha: The Pitta dosha is associated with fire or heat. Wherever there is transformation, there is Pitta (doing its job). Whether it is in the GI tract, liver, skin, eyes or brain doesn't matter, for these are all locations where Pitta works.
Pitta provides the following functions:
1. Metabolism - at all the various levels
2. from digestion of food to transformation of all other material
3. Thermo-genesis - maintains the proper body temperature
4. Vision - converts external images into optic nerve impulses
5. Appetite - the feeling of hunger and thirst
6. Comprehension - of information into knowledge, also reasoning and judgment
7. Courage & Braveness - to face the situation
8. Complexion - gives color and softness to skin
ii) Kapha Dosha: Kapha is the heaviest of the three doshas. It provides the structures and the lubrication that the body needs. These qualities help to counterbalance Vata's movement and Pitta's metabolism. A big, heavyset football play or wrestler is a person with a predominance of Kapha.
Kapha provides the following functions:
1. Strength - to perform physical tasks
2. Moistness & Lubrication - to prevent excessive friction from occurring between the various parts of the body
3. Stability - to add the necessary grounding aspect to both mind and body
4. Mass & Structure - to provide fullness to bodily tissues
5. Fertility & Virility - to produce healthy offspring
Principles of Ayurveda :
Now that we have a better understanding of what comprises life, let's look at some of the principles of Ayurveda and how they might affect us. In Ayurveda we view a person as a unique individual made up of five primary elements. The elements are ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth. Just as in nature, we too have these five elements in us. When any of these elements are present in the environment, they will in turn have an influence on us. The foods we eat and the weather are just two examples of the presence of these elements. While we are a composite of these five primary y elements, certain elements are seen to have an ability to combine to create various physiological functions. Ether and air combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as the Vata dosha. Vata governs the principle of movement and therefore can be seen as the force, which directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and elimination. Fire and water are the elements that combine to form the Pitta dosha. The Pitta dosha is the process of transformation or metabolism.
The transformation of foods into nutrients that our bodies can assimilate is an example of a Pitta function.
Pitta is also responsible for metabolism in the organ and tissue systems as well as cellular metabolism. Finally, it is predominantly the water and earth elements, which combine to form the Kapha dosha. Kapha is what is responsible for growth, adding structure unit by unit. Another function of the Kapha dosha is to offer protection. Cerebral-spinal fluid protects the brain and spinal column and is a type of Kapha found in the body. Also, the mucousal lining of the stomach is another example of the Kapha dosha protecting the tissues. We are all made up of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These ratios of the doshas vary in each individual; and because of this, Ayurveda sees each person as a special mixture that accounts for our diversity. Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of the three doshas and to thereby design treatment protocols that specifically address a person’s health challenges. When any of the doshas (Vata, Pitta or Kapha) become accumulated, Ayurveda will suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing the dosha that has become excessive. We may also suggest certain herbal supplements to hasten the healing process. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing process known as Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted toxins.
Tulsi – the time tested remedy for several ailments.
Many families in India maintain a tulsi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an alcove for earthen oil lamp. Some of the larger households even have up to a dozen tulsi plants on the verandah or in the garden. Tulsi is of great medicinal significance, and is a prime herb in ayurvedic treatment. Marked by its strong aroma and a stringent taste, tulsi promotes longevity. The plant’s extracts can be used to prevent and cure many illnesses and common ailments like common cold, headaches. Heart disease various forms of poisoning and malaria. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes through of late it is used in the manufacture of herbal toiletries.
The tulsi plant is even known to purify or de-pollute the atmosphere and also works as a repellent to mosquitoes, flies and other harmful insects. Tulsi used to be a universal remedy in cased of malarial fever.
Scholars of Ancient Indian Health Science
Sushruta – 4th century B.C.: He was the first surgeon of the world. Sushruta was the father of plastics surgery and an expert in anesthesia. An expert in removing cataract, urinary stones and treating fractures. He was the first to perform a caesarean. He was authored ‘Sushruta Samhita – a medical treatise where he lists 101 types of surgical instruments. He named surgical tools after animals or birds they resemble. Even today, the medical community uses the name – Crocodile forceps and Hawk-bill forceps
Sushruta has described surgery under the following:
Chedya (excision), Lekhya (sacrification), Vedhya (puncturing), Esya (exploration), Ahrya (extraction), Vsraya (evaculation) and Sivya (suturing)
Charaka - Charaka was the 1st physician to present the concept of digestion, metabolism and immunity. He authored ‘Charaka Samhita’, which was a revised treatise of the original by agnivesha.He was the court physician of Kushana King of kanishka. He is regarded as the principal exponent of the medical system known as ‘Kaya Chikitsa’
Patanjali – 147B.C.- Patanjali was the founder of Yoga system and the author of Yoga sutras, which is the first document of its kind to expound techniques of control over body and mind by practice of Yoga
mother of all healing system:
It is original source of many modern natural healing therapies. The aim of Ayurveda is not only healing the sick, but also the prevention of illness and the preservation of life, and in that way it comprises a noble system of living that makes Ayurveda the most complete system of medicine and healthcare we know today.
There are several aspects to Ayurveda that are quite unique:
i) Its recommendations will often be different for each person regarding which foods and which lifestyle they should follow in order to be completely healthy. This is due to its use of a constitutional model.
ii) Everything in Ayurveda is validated by observation, inquiry, direct examination and knowledge derived from the ancient texts.
iii) It understands that there are energetic forces that influence nature and human beings. These forces are called the Tridoshas.
iv) Because Ayurveda sees a strong connection between the mind and the body, a huge amount of information is available regarding this relationship.
Origin of Ayurveda:
Ayurveda is an intricate system of healing that originated in India thousands of years ago. We can find historical evidence of Ayurveda in the ancient books of wisdom known as the Vedas. In the Rig Veda, over 60 preparations were mentioned that could be used to assist an individual in overcoming various ailments. The Rig Veda was written over 6,000 years ago, but really Ayurveda has been around even longer than that. What we see is that Ayurveda is more than just a medical system. It is a Science of Life. We are all part and parcel of nature. Just as the animals and plants live in harmony with nature and utilize the Laws of Nature to create health and balance within their beings, we, too, adhere to these very same principles. Therefore, it is fair to say that Ayurveda is a system that helps maintain health in a person by using the inherent principles of nature to bring the individual back into equilibrium with their true self. In essence Ayurveda has been in existence since the beginning of time because we have always been governed by nature's laws.
Meanings of Ayurveda:
Ayurveda is made up of two Sanskrit words: “Ayu” which means life and “Veda” which means the knowledge of. To know about life is Ayurveda. However, to fully comprehend the vast s cope of Ayurveda let us first define "Ayu" or life. According to the ancient Ayurvedic scholar Charaka, "ayu" is comprised of four essential parts. The combination of mind, body, senses and the soul.
Mind, Body, and Senses :
We tend to identify most with our physical bodies; yet, in actuality, there is more to us then what meets the eye. We can see that underlying our physical structure is the mind, which not only controls our thought processes but also helps assist us in carrying out day-to-day activities such as respiration, circulation, digestion and elimination. The mind and the body work in conjunction with one another to regulate our physiology. In order for the mind to act appropriately to assist the physical body, we must use our senses as information gatherers.
We can think of the mind as a computer and the senses as the data, which gets entered into the computer. Smell and taste are two important senses that aid in the digestive process. When the mind registers that a particular food is entering the gastrointestinal tract, it directs the body to act accordingly by releasing various digestive enzymes. However, if we overindulge the taste buds with too much of a certain taste, such as sweet, we may find that the ability of the mind to perceive the sweet taste is impaired; and thereby the body becomes challenged in its ability to process sweet foods. Maintaining the clarity of our senses is an essential part in allowing the mind and body to integrate their functions and help in keeping us healthy and happy individuals.
Tridosha: Ayurveda's concept of the Tridoshas is unique to medical science. Ayurveda says the body is made up of tissues (dhatus), waste products (malas), and doshas (loosely translated to Energetic Forces). It is the Tridoshas' job to assist with the creation of all of the various tissues of the body and to remove any unnecessary waste products from the body. It is also the Tridoshas that influence all movements, all transformations, all sensory functions, and many of the other activities in the human body and mind.
i) Vata Dosha: The Vata dosha is the most important of the three doshas. This is for two reasons. First, if Vata becomes imbalanced for long enough and sufficiently enough, it can also cause the other two doshas (Pitta or Kapha) to become imbalanced. It can even cause both Pitta and Kapha to become imbalanced; this is called a Tridoshic imbalance and is the most difficult to overcome. Secondly, Vata is the main driver or mover of the body, Including the other two doshas, all the tissues (dhatus) and all of the waste products (malas).
Vata provides the following functions:
1. All eliminations: fetus, semen, feces, urine, sweat, and a few others
2. Assists with all the various metabolisms in the body (called Agni in Ayurveda)
3. Controls all of the various movement of body (both physical & mental), including such things as respiration, heart beat, motivation and contraction of muscles.
4. Relays all sensory input from the various sense organs to the brain
ii) Pitta Dosha: The Pitta dosha is associated with fire or heat. Wherever there is transformation, there is Pitta (doing its job). Whether it is in the GI tract, liver, skin, eyes or brain doesn't matter, for these are all locations where Pitta works.
Pitta provides the following functions:
1. Metabolism - at all the various levels
2. from digestion of food to transformation of all other material
3. Thermo-genesis - maintains the proper body temperature
4. Vision - converts external images into optic nerve impulses
5. Appetite - the feeling of hunger and thirst
6. Comprehension - of information into knowledge, also reasoning and judgment
7. Courage & Braveness - to face the situation
8. Complexion - gives color and softness to skin
ii) Kapha Dosha: Kapha is the heaviest of the three doshas. It provides the structures and the lubrication that the body needs. These qualities help to counterbalance Vata's movement and Pitta's metabolism. A big, heavyset football play or wrestler is a person with a predominance of Kapha.
Kapha provides the following functions:
1. Strength - to perform physical tasks
2. Moistness & Lubrication - to prevent excessive friction from occurring between the various parts of the body
3. Stability - to add the necessary grounding aspect to both mind and body
4. Mass & Structure - to provide fullness to bodily tissues
5. Fertility & Virility - to produce healthy offspring
Principles of Ayurveda :
Now that we have a better understanding of what comprises life, let's look at some of the principles of Ayurveda and how they might affect us. In Ayurveda we view a person as a unique individual made up of five primary elements. The elements are ether (space), air, fire, water, and earth. Just as in nature, we too have these five elements in us. When any of these elements are present in the environment, they will in turn have an influence on us. The foods we eat and the weather are just two examples of the presence of these elements. While we are a composite of these five primary y elements, certain elements are seen to have an ability to combine to create various physiological functions. Ether and air combine to form what is known in Ayurveda as the Vata dosha. Vata governs the principle of movement and therefore can be seen as the force, which directs nerve impulses, circulation, respiration, and elimination. Fire and water are the elements that combine to form the Pitta dosha. The Pitta dosha is the process of transformation or metabolism.
The transformation of foods into nutrients that our bodies can assimilate is an example of a Pitta function.
Pitta is also responsible for metabolism in the organ and tissue systems as well as cellular metabolism. Finally, it is predominantly the water and earth elements, which combine to form the Kapha dosha. Kapha is what is responsible for growth, adding structure unit by unit. Another function of the Kapha dosha is to offer protection. Cerebral-spinal fluid protects the brain and spinal column and is a type of Kapha found in the body. Also, the mucousal lining of the stomach is another example of the Kapha dosha protecting the tissues. We are all made up of unique proportions of Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These ratios of the doshas vary in each individual; and because of this, Ayurveda sees each person as a special mixture that accounts for our diversity. Ayurveda gives us a model to look at each individual as a unique makeup of the three doshas and to thereby design treatment protocols that specifically address a person’s health challenges. When any of the doshas (Vata, Pitta or Kapha) become accumulated, Ayurveda will suggest specific lifestyle and nutritional guidelines to assist the individual in reducing the dosha that has become excessive. We may also suggest certain herbal supplements to hasten the healing process. If toxins in the body are abundant, then a cleansing process known as Pancha Karma is recommended to eliminate these unwanted toxins.
Tulsi – the time tested remedy for several ailments.
Many families in India maintain a tulsi planted in a specially built structure, which has images of deities installed on all four sides, and an alcove for earthen oil lamp. Some of the larger households even have up to a dozen tulsi plants on the verandah or in the garden. Tulsi is of great medicinal significance, and is a prime herb in ayurvedic treatment. Marked by its strong aroma and a stringent taste, tulsi promotes longevity. The plant’s extracts can be used to prevent and cure many illnesses and common ailments like common cold, headaches. Heart disease various forms of poisoning and malaria. Essential oil extracted from Karpoora tulsi is mostly used for medicinal purposes through of late it is used in the manufacture of herbal toiletries.
The tulsi plant is even known to purify or de-pollute the atmosphere and also works as a repellent to mosquitoes, flies and other harmful insects. Tulsi used to be a universal remedy in cased of malarial fever.
Scholars of Ancient Indian Health Science
Sushruta – 4th century B.C.: He was the first surgeon of the world. Sushruta was the father of plastics surgery and an expert in anesthesia. An expert in removing cataract, urinary stones and treating fractures. He was the first to perform a caesarean. He was authored ‘Sushruta Samhita – a medical treatise where he lists 101 types of surgical instruments. He named surgical tools after animals or birds they resemble. Even today, the medical community uses the name – Crocodile forceps and Hawk-bill forceps
Sushruta has described surgery under the following:
Chedya (excision), Lekhya (sacrification), Vedhya (puncturing), Esya (exploration), Ahrya (extraction), Vsraya (evaculation) and Sivya (suturing)
Charaka - Charaka was the 1st physician to present the concept of digestion, metabolism and immunity. He authored ‘Charaka Samhita’, which was a revised treatise of the original by agnivesha.He was the court physician of Kushana King of kanishka. He is regarded as the principal exponent of the medical system known as ‘Kaya Chikitsa’
Patanjali – 147B.C.- Patanjali was the founder of Yoga system and the author of Yoga sutras, which is the first document of its kind to expound techniques of control over body and mind by practice of Yoga
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