Ayurveda and Culture

March 24th, 2007 | admin

IndiaÂ’s culture is greatly influenced by the lifestyle as prescribed by Ayurveda. For a long time, people of India (Kerala) used to wake up early in the morning, do Surya Namaskar (sun worship), temple visits, take healthy meals, slept well, and lived healthy. Each of these activities have health effects to mind, body and soul. For example Surya Namaskar and meditation that are performed before the sunrise prepare one to face the challenges of the day.

The dinacharya (daily routine) prescribed by Ayurveda (and Yoga) put emphasis on health of mind, body and soul.

“Samadosha samagnischa samadhatu malakriya Prasanna atma manah swastha itih abhidhiyate” is a Sanskrit slogan which describes that health is “having a balances state of tridoshas (three humors), agni (fire – the digestive power), dhatus (tissues), mala (biological waste products), cheerful state of atma (soul) and peaceful functioning of sensory organs and mind.”

To maintain this state –healthy body, healthy mind and healthy soul – one needs to observe dinacharyas (daily routines), which changes with ritus (seasons), ritucharyas (routines for the season).

For the healthy mental being, one needs to take a job that is appropriate for his/her talents and skills. Maintaining good human relationships within family and society is also another aspect of healthy well being.

According to Ayurveda, nothing in this universe is without a cause. The sunlight, breeze, the sound from rivers, clouds, smell of flowers – all have medicinal value or curing capacity. If not treating body aberrations, it will address mental conditions and fulfilling the need of soul. Thus the culture of India can be said to be evolved around Ayurvedic principles. If the general habits and behavior of a person and the society in general determines the culture of the land, dinacharyas and ritucharyas determine the culture of India, which is to find value in every seemingly insignificant element.

Thus, Ayurveda is not just a method of treatment. It is also about philosophy, psychology and theology.