The social values : Pujya Gurudev

Pujya Gurudev Pt. ShriRam Sharma’s Kripa

The social values indwelling our Cellular Self -2

(Akhand Jyoti,Nov.-Dec.2003)

The prompt vigil and valor of the Lymphocytes and the antibodies in fighting against toxins, germs and infections (micro-organisms and foreign antigens) enable the healthy survival of the body. Any deficiency or fault in this immune mechanism results in vicious cycle of diseases, some of which could even be lethal. The role of consciousness-force pervading in the bio-molecular and cellular units is vital though invisible in the duty-bound intelligence and efficacy of the uncountable, complex biochemical interactions and physiological processes taking place in an adaptive manner from millisecond to millisecond and even in tinier fractions of time. In a volume on �Principles of Immunology�, Drs. Rose, Milgram, and Vanoze observe that in spite of a physical contact, there is no material transfer or communicative interaction between the immuno-competent and the invader cells even if they happen to be chemically compatible with each other. This indicates that the functioning of the immune cells is also governed by some inherent intelligent and crucial process, which is regulating the known (and also yet unknown) laws of (biochemical) reactions in a living system. Similar kinds of views are further supported by the recent findings of some biomedical research laboratories, which demonstrate rise in the defensive strength, and efficiency of the immune system with the vital energy and willpower of the patients. Complete cure of severe stages of dreaded diseases like cancer by patient�s self-will have been reported in some cases, despite the failure of advanced medical treatment.

 Experiments on modern therapies along with psychological training by auto-suggestive and biofeedback control have paved the way for systematic investigations for wider applications in this direction. The complementary or supportive organs in case of emergency further evince the remarkable endurance, sense of responsibility and unity in the cellular and organ level components driven by the infinite capacity of the consciousness force.

Functioning of a single kidney or lung in case of damage or removal of its partner, regulation of the RBC/WBC concentration in the blood through bone marrow within a short span of blood-loss in an accident or after blood donation, etc are well known examples in this regard. Existence of germs like flora, which are allowed by the skin tissues to eat the rubbish of dead cells, the presence of �friendly� germs in the intestines for production of vitamin B_12, etc mark the tolerance, compromise and prudent adjustment of the associated molecular and cellular units for the good of our overall health. At organ levels, the flexibility of the respiratory tubes, expansion and contraction of the pleural cavity and lungs to effectuate periodic purification of the blood through inspiration and expiration, flexibility of the muscles and joints as per the requirements of the body�s actions, etc are familiar experiences of the marvelous dynamic adjustments in every unit of our physical existence. The ability to embrace the coexistence of other creatures and adaptability to positive changes and compromise for maintaining its healthy growth in a randomly changing environment illustrate the farsighted vision of the biological (macro and micro) systems. May the human society learn something from the tiny world of its biological counterpart to adopt the social values naturally embedded there for peaceful co-existence and harmonious progress?

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

The social values : Pujya Gurudev

Pujya Gurudev Pt. ShriRam Sharma’s Kripa

The social values indwelling our Cellular Self 

(Akhand Jyoti,Nov.-Dec.2003)

The automatic and intelligent regulation of enormous amount of complex interactive biochemical and physiological processes in the living system involves, even at the cellular and molecular levels, some basic principles which, through their manifestations, reflect the subtle role of consciousness-force existing in the smallest unit of life. Look at the process of our bodys growth. Why a unicellular embryo grows into a specific multi-cellular organism? While the living foetus is cozily protected inside its mothers womb, why should it come out? The answers to "how" of the above questions are well deciphered by the biomedical sciences. But, the "why" (i.e., "for what purpose") of these and related events in the process of the birth and development of the living system still remains a mystery. 
These cannot be explained by the existing theories and experimental findings of the modern sciences. 

However, we may fathom the nature and purpose of each facet of the molecular, cellular and grosser manifestations of the psyche in the light of the Vedic Philosophy, which affirms the eternal existence and continuous evolution  towards the ultimate, boundless perfection  of the consciousness-force in every expression of life. Every living cell is a conscious system that contains a subtle world in itself. The individual and collective behaviors of the cellular systems are reflected in various biochemical and physiological processes. It appears to be most intelligent and refined in the human organism that enjoys the status of being the most evolved and privileged of all the species ever born on Earth. In terms of social values, the principles involved in the perfect behavior of the molecular and cellular systems demonstrate cooperation, service, struggle, endurance, adjustment, valor, discipline and unity. 

Human body is made up of trillions of cells and has almost equal number of neurons (nerve cells) in the information-processing network of the brain. 
 It is the mutual cooperation of the individual cells that leads to the formation and efficient functioning of the different tissues, organs, and the body-system as a whole. In-vitro experiments on cell culturing show that a single cell is itself capable of surviving independently in a proper medium. Sacrificing their �freedom�, the cells in our living system choose to share their earnings (inputs) and belongings with the other cells via inter-cellular interactions and live in healthy cooperation and organized unity; thereby setting a shining example for the human society. All the constituents at molecular level, including the enzymes and proteins also follow this ideal principle of mutual association and make the large number of complex in-vivo reactions possible.

At the macro multi-cellular levels, the internal organs obey this social discipline of mutual adjustment and collective efforts and consistently teach us the values of amity and cooperation. Altruistic service is superbly adopted at every stage of organization and functioning of a living system. The non-stop intracellular and intercellular activities, continuous pumping of the heart, the distributive flow of blood, the burden-bearing arrangements of the bones, etc stand as best illustrations of this vital principle of social harmony and progress. Defense against the harmful invasions or disorders of any kind is another fundamental property of a living system and its components. At the cellular level, the cell membrane regulates the inflow and outflow of desired molecules and prevents the invalid entries. Lysozomes also aid in the protection of the cells. Excess of water in the blood is instantly thrown out (via the kidneys) by the activation of diuretic hormones. Vomiting, shivering, allergy, etc are outcomes of the acts of struggle of specific subsystems against any imbalance or untoward reactions.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru

Shiv Sharma

Science and Spirituality : Pujya Gurudev

Pujya Gurudev Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya’s Kripa

Healthcare and Spirituality

(Akhand Jyoti,Nov.-Dec.2008)

  Before attempting to answer these vital questions and addressing related issues of what one is supposed to do at personal level to benefit from it, we should first understand that Psychiatry and Psychology, as renowned experts of modern medicine also affirm ^[1] , deal mainly with mental well-being, that too in the sense of not having any abnormality or disorder. The diagnostic and therapeutic modules under these disciplines mainly focus at weakness or malfunctioning at the level of brain. The entity of mind itself is recognized and studied here with respect to behavioral aspects and manifestation of brain functions. But mind is a faculty of consciousness force. It exists at a much higher and sublime plane than the brain. It derives sustenance and evolutionary thrust from spirituality. Spirituality pertains to enlightenment and vigor at the levels of subconscious and unconscious mind and hence at the deeper roots of emotions ^[3 .

The role of spirituality in healthcare has several dimensions:

(i) spiritual healing; 

(ii) preventive impact of spiritual practices; 

(iii) overall well-being, and improvement and enhancement of vitality, immunity and physical and mental potentials by augmenting spiritual strength.

(i) Healing: Spiritual Healing (or faith healing, as it was popularly called in the western countries until modern scientists began to recognize the vast domain and sound foundation of spirituality) had been used by mankind in varieties of ways since prehistoric times. In fact, this perhaps was the earliest mode practiced in different forms in different parts of the world to cure the physical and mental suffering of the masses.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of life and healthcare known to be the earliest science of medicine is derived from the Vedic knowledge of spirituality. Mantra therapy, Yoga therapy, healing by the vital spiritual energy of the yogis, saints and spiritual masters, prayers have been integral part of treatments recommended and practiced in ancient India ^[4] . Ayurveda’s pharmacology too, in its original form, relied on awakening the vital power of herbal/plant medicines by spiritual practices. Ancient Chinese science of medicine also incorporates similar approaches. Prayers, touch-healing by the masters has also been common to the ancient healing practices in almost all parts of the world. Pranik Healing, Hypnosis, Reiki, etc are revived forms of these modes of treatment, which are being popular among the health conscious people these days. Also, across the globe, most people pray for fast recovery and vigor when they themselves or their near and dear ones fall sick.

Some modern medical centers and research groups have also taken up to thoroughly investigate the effects and scientific basis of spiritual healing practices. We shall report their findings in some future articles.

(ii) Preventive Care: We all must have experienced it in our day-to-day transactions that a relaxed and balanced mind is more productive than one that is agitated and tensed. Tension and stress may lead to wrong decisions and further aggravate the negativity and consequent risk of disturbing mental and physical health. So we must prevent the causes of stress. Conditioning and training ^[5] of body and mind is the foremost requirement to achieve this. Spiritual disciplines and practices are universal modes for preventive care and healthy development (growth) of mind-body system .

Spirituality is the essence of all religious teachings. It should not be confused with observance of rituals, communal customs, ceremonial sacraments and doctrines. Self-study and improvement of thinking and actions in the light of illumined teaching of elevated souls is an integral component of spiritual practices . Reading of religious scriptures and attending discourses/discussions on these are also often prescribed for self-study. But it should be remembered that what is referred in this context is only the text which deals with pure knowledge, which inspires human mind and heart towards divinity. Every religion has this light at its core. It is the soul of religion. Indeed the ultimate purpose of true religion is to motivate people to righteous actions. Unfortunately people only regard the ‘body’ – the external, sacramental, dogmatic form – of their religions as per the popular norms of majority belonging to their ‘commune’ and thus confine their faith and religiousness only to these superficial horizons.

The time-tested teachings, lives and works of saints, irrespective of when, where and in which society they were born, what was the so-called religion of their parents, show us the light of religion. Their words of wisdom, like the eternally consistent teachings of a true religion, though expressed in different languages and ways, give us instant support, strength, hope and positive directions in moments of adversity, hardship and tensions and thus annul all possibility of stress.

Reading and contemplating over such sagacious thoughts is therefore a simple but effective mode of remaining free from all stresses and depression. Chanting of devotional hymns and prayers with a feeling of surrendering our ego, our self identity at feet of God, also calms the mind, relieves its pains and sorrows and fills it with new energy and joy.

Self-restraint, which is an essential discipline and foundational component of spiritual practices, prevents downward flow of the currents of praña (life force) and gradually enhances vital energy, inner strength and willpower. A spiritually fit person is therefore not only free from stresses, depressions and all emotional and mental complications and protected from dissipation of his vital energy and hence from all infirmities, but he/she also becomes physically and mentally stronger, alert and dynamic.

Yoga exercises ( asanas and prañayamas ) are also parts of spiritual practices for sustenance of healthy and hearty life. Meditation is a higher-level yoga that not only calms and rejuvenates the mind, but also gradually awakens and prepares it for spiritual progress.

We must give ourselves a chance to experiment with the above stated spiritual practices. It will also help cultivating a positive temperament to see the good indwelling within and pervading around us.

(iii) Progress: Spirituality, because of its reach into the deeper depths of emotions, has intense impact on one’s aspirations and thought process. Spiritual attitude trains us to live harmoniously with our environment and to meet the challenges of life, at personal, familial, professional and social levels ^[3] . It thus elevates clarity and focus of mind and sharpens its incisive intellectual potentials.

Yoga, in its totality, is a practical science of spiritual progress. It makes you realize yourself and know and use your total potentials and powers. Once your mind is trained to recognize all this with the help of meditation and other higher-level yogic endeavors, all your selfish desires, ambitions, attachments, greed, envy, anger, negative instincts, etc loosen their grip and are gradually uprooted completely. This unfolds the beginning of absolute well-being.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma