Healthcare-III

Healthcare and Spirituality

=Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya

(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.

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma