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

Yoga Therapy : Pujya Gurudev

Pujya Gurudev Pt.ShriRam Sharma Acharya’s Kripa
                                     Yoga can cure Asthma 

                                                 (Akhand Jyoti, july-Aug.2010)

Yogic treatment of asthma 

Yogic therapy frees the weakened and blocked pranic energy and gives a new lease of life to energy channels (nadis). The blocked flow of pranic energy is released using yogic therapy. The main cause of all the diseases is the discrepancy in the flow of prana in a specific body system. Asans and Pranayams reestablish the flow. When a particular pranic flow is blocked which disease would occur and what must be the proper yogic treatment in that process are the topics of intense, deep and great research. Students interested in carrying out this research may contact the Department of Yoga in Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya. Here we are only presenting the directions to yogic treatment of asthma. The process is the following. 

Asan-  Persons whose joints are stiff can start practicing pavan muktasan series of asans in the beginning. Then they must practice the following asans under the expert guidance of a yoga teacher up to their capacity – Hastottanasan, Dwi-konasan, Marjari asan, Makarasan. Gomukhasan, Sarvangasan, Matsyasan, Simhasan, Baddha Padmasan, Lolasan, Tolangulasan, Parivrutta Janushirshasan. These asans bring into order the arrangement of lungs, breathing tracks and other related organs. They strengthen the spinal cord and muscles. Their practice opens the blocked flow of electric current through the nerves of the nervous system and the entire body becomes vibrant. These are extremely helpful in successful treatment of asthma. 

Surya Namaskar= Practice these slowly and with conscious attention to breathing. Increase the practice to seven rounds at sunrise. Pragya Yog can also be performed along with. 

Pranayam- 
    Nadi-shodhan Pranayam helps in increasing awareness of and control on acts of inhalation and exhalation. Performing Bhastrika Pranayam with Kumbhak and Jalandhar Bandh enhances the strength of lungs and increases the breathing capacity. 

Shat-Kriya – 
    Practice Kunjal and Neti using salted and warm water early in the morning. It is possible to cure asthma with these Kriyas because they help in liquefying and egesting the viscous and thick phlegm stuck on the mucous membranes. Vastra Dhauti is another good practice for this, but do that only under expert supervision. Shankh Prakshalan helps in re-vitalizing the power of digestion of the asthma patient and relieves constipation. 

Shithalikaran– 
    Yog nidra provides immense benefit to asthma patient. Practice it daily. If sufficient time is not available for its practice then lie down in Shavasan and try to practice awareness of breathing right down to the stomach. 

Dhyan – 
    Ajapa Jap Practice revolving the movement of breath up and down from throat to navel along the outer extra-sensory path of breath while chanting Soham mantra. This practice helps in removing the root causes of disease hidden in the unconscious mind. 

Upvas – 
    Fast for at least one whole day in a week. If that is not possible, skip at least one evening meal. Drink a lot of water. In one glass of warm water, mix the juice of half a piece of lemon and two spoons of honey, and drink. Along with that, boiled and cooled solution (kadha) of lemon juice, agya-ghas, tulsi, ginger and black pepper can be taken. 

Food – 
    Take simple and Sattwic food, mostly consisting of sufficient quantity of fresh fruits, lightly boiled and green leafy vegetables. Substances that enhance phlegm like rice, sweets, milk products, maida, dry fruits, heavy and oily foods, packaged fast-foods etc. should be strictly avoided. Heavy food can be taken at lunch but dinners should be very light. Take fruits and fruit juices at breakfast. 

Other Useful Suggestions 

1.    When asthma attacks stop taking all food. Take recourse to Kunjal and Neti Kriyas and lie down in Shavasan. 

2.    Practice swimming. It is the most beneficial exercise for asthma patients. Limited amount of running and jogging are also helpful. 

3.    Take daily morning bath with cold water. Pour cold water especially on neck and shoulders. 

Thus a continuous practice of these yogic activities, along with a balanced lifestyle and eating habits, can help in completely curing asthma. All patients of asthma must start practicing these activities with a firm resolve. They would definitely benefit immensely from them. In the next article we shall explain in detail the yogic treatment of sinusitis. 

 Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma

Health Tips - Pujya Gurudev

Pujya Gurudev Pt. ShriRam Sharma Acharya’s Kripa :

Health Tips - Your Health: Guidelines from Ayurveda - IX 

(Akhand Jyoti, Nov.Dec.2004)

In case of Obesity: Overweight of the body is the root cause of many other diseases and disorders. Strict diet restraints should be followed in general. In particular, use of sweet, fried and fatty substances should be stopped. Light, but nutritious food (as described under generally good category) devoid of sweets and fats should be taken with large proportions of green leafy vegetables, fibers, etc; balanced amounts of cream-free cow-milk may also be taken. Drinking lukewarm water in the morning, physical exercises (especially morning and evening walk) and taking medicines as per the doctors advice help in getting rid of obesity in general. 

What should be always avoided by everyone desirous of a naturally healthy life?Tea, coffee, cold-drinks, ice-creams, tobacco, gutaka, paanmasala, wine (liquor/alcohol), synthetic food and confectionery, fruits that are ripened artificially (e.g. using carbide). Ayurveda also warns against eating food-items preserved under cold storage and eggs, meat, breads prepared from maida (fine white wheat flour), etc. 

Common Modes of Medication in Ayurveda: Ayurvedic medicines are usually available in the forms of vati (tablets), curna (powder of herbs), ras-bhasma (specially grinded, prepared fine powders of processed herbs), syrups and decoctions of different types asava, arishta, kwatha or kadha etc. Apart from these, some herbal oils and ointments are also prescribed for external use. The following are general guidelines for using the different classes of Ayurvedic medicines. 

For vati and churna: These types are usually recommended to be taken around 10-20 minutes after meal. Should be taken with warm water in case of diseases due to vataj-kapha dosha, and with normal water in case of pitta doshas. Unless they taste bitter or pungent, the tablets (vatis) should preferably be chewed rather than gulped down with water. The special tablets like muktadi, madhunashini and kayakalpa vatis are recommended to be taken with fresh water about one hour before meals. Often people use some curnas just because of their taste and soothing effects on digestion. This is not correct, such curnas are also medicinal e.g. for controlling acidity and might cause imbalance in the dosha levels; these should also be taken only as per the doctors advice. 
For rasa and bhasmas: These are usually eaten with honey, fresh cream of milk or with warm water (depending upon the dosha and ailment type) at least half-an-hour before meals. 
For asava and arishta: These are drunk with fresh water (mixed in equal proportion) about 10 to 15 minutes after meals. 

For kwatha (kadha): Kwatha should be best drunk freshly prepared at timings as prescribed by the doctor. It is recommended that nothing should be mixed in it. However, if it is bitter in taste and one just can't bear that bitterness then minimal quantity of honey or sugar-crystals (mishri) could be mixed. 
For kwatha-bathing: At times, depending upon the type and state of disease, bathing or fomenting in the steam of boiling kwatha of specific types are advised. In such cases, the prescribed herbal medicines are to be cooked in a pressure cooker with about 1-1.5 kg water. A tube of appropriate size (and of material that could bear the high temperature) is to be connected at the outlet for steam (where usually a weight-whistle is kept on the cooker). A small piece of cloth is tied on the other end of the cloth; the desired body-part is exposed to this end at a safe distance so that direct spray of steam does not burn the skin. If available, an appropriate steaming device should be used instead of pressure-cooker. After steaming for prescribed duration of time, the desired body part should be fomented by gently bathing it in the medicinal solution (left in the cooker) while the latter is cooled up to a bearable temperature. 

For Massaging (by Ayurvedic oils): Massaging of the particular body-part should always be done gently and at a slow pace. Its direction should always be towards the heart. If the guidelines and disciplines of Ayurvedic medication and preventive care are followed strictly, the patients enjoy fast recovery and natural vigor thereafter. In the succeeding issues we shall look at the therapeutic and other important aspects of Ayurveda. 

Thanks GOD, Thanks Sadguru,

Shiv Sharma