Dharma is for Humanity

–Adiguru Prakriti

Dharma is a ‘set of values’ or ‘universal principles’ that sustains all life in this Universe. These values are not imposed on Conscious Beings or humans by some higher power or authority but are woven into the fabric of microcosmic and macrocosmic existence. Dharma encompasses the fundamental order and harmony, guiding all life towards its inherent purpose and fulfilment. Dharma is the ethical foundation upon which individuals, societies, and the entire cosmos operate. Furthermore, Dharma is not limited to human beings but extends to all forms of life and existence, including plants, animals, and even inanimate objects. Each being has its own Dharma, its unique role and purpose in the grand tapestry of existence. Fulfilling one’s Dharma and allowing other beings to fulfil their Dharma is essential for the Universe’s overall harmony and well-being.

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Dharma (Set of Values, 7 Universal Principles for sustaining all life)

1. Compassion (Karuṇā)
2. Non-Violence, Non-Cruelty (Ahiṃsā)
3. Truthfulness (Satya)
4. Non-Stealing, Non-Exploitation (Asteya)
5. Moderation, Contentment, No Greed for resources and power (Aparigraha)
6. Consciously Dutiful towards Oneself, Others, Society, and nature (Kartavya).
   • One’s duties towards oneself – are to adhere to Dharma, pursue a spiritual journey (Kriyā, Jñāna, Bhakti, Karma), and realise the Eternal nature of the ‘Being/Ātmā/Ātman’ that you are and the Eternal aspect of Nature and the Creator. The eternal aspect of Prakṛti (Nature), Ātmā (Being), and Paramātma (Supreme Being) is called Sanātana or Eternal, and when one lives as per these Realisations, it is termed Sanātana Dharma. Spiritual realisations of Mokṣa/Mukti/Enlightenment, Karma & Rebirth are Sanātana Dharma. 
   • Duties towards others and society—As a parent, child, spouse, kids, relative, colleague, businessperson, government official, soldier, politician, or citizen, one must consciously fulfil one’s duties towards others, society, and country by adhering to the Dharma. To achieve this in a systematic way, the Varṇa System (Brāhman, Kśatriya, Vaiśya, Śudra) & Āshram System (Brahmacharya, Gṛhastha, Vānaprastha, Sanyāsa) were devised based upon the consciousness & natural learning inclinations of people. Know that the caste system was the sick and twisted propaganda devised by Thomas Babington Macaulay and forcefully imposed on Indians during British Terrorisation/Colonisation. 
   • Duties towards Nature – No pollution, cleanliness, respect and care for the earth, mountains, forests, rivers, air and all beings. 
7. Conscious Charity (Dāna)

Countries, Governments, Societies, Organisations, Families, and People may identify with various religions and faiths worldwide or be atheists and non-believers. However, if they want to survive in peace and harmony, they must live the life of Dharma. Those living by Dharma (a set of values sustaining all life) are called ‘Dhārmic’ countries, governments, societies, organisations, families, and persons. Not living the Dhārmic way gives rise to terrorism, colonization, slavery, exploitation of natural resources, wars, poverty, hunger, illiteracy, inequality, natural disasters and ill-functioning societies, organizations and mentally ill people, in the long term, are not self-sustaining for the country or group of people and are termed as Adhārmic (opposite of Dhārmic/Dharma). 

Hence, Adharma (violation of Dharma) is as follows:

1. Selfishness, Self-Centeredness (I, Me, Mine)
2. Violence, Cruelty
3. Lies (including Half-Truths & White Lies)
4. Exploitation of resources, people, societies, countries, civilisations
5. Greed (for resources or power of any kind)
6. Undutiful (Absence of responsibility & accountability, Entitlement)
7. No Charity

Only when any entity, be it a person, organization, community, state, or country, adheres to the Dhārmic Principles in its conduct does the actual welfare of humanity happen.

Dharma Combined with Artha (Micro & Macro Economics) & Kama (Micro & Macro Desires & Ambitions)

Western Economics was and is based upon Adharma primarily and has resulted in the devastation of ancient civilizations, cultures, languages, wisdom, colonization/terrorization, exploitation of resources, looting, mass genocides, ethnic cleansing, stolen generations of indigenous cultures and human suffering beyond healing. Still today, we see ‘Adhārmic Nation States’ as countries like USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil and so on where indigenous cultures and people are still fighting for their human rights, and Bretton Woods Institutions (IMF, World Bank, UN) and other International Human welfare organizations pays no heed to their cries. If it continues, then there will be sick, broken, suffering human beings all around, and there will not be any humanity left in humans. Hence, any Adhārmic entity and their Adhārmic acts must be brought to the public for Dhārmic justice and settlement, and open dialogues must start with colonizers (British Colonized 45+ countries, French, Portuguese, Spaniards colonized many others) offering public apologies first and then returning the loot.

In comparison, ancient Indus/Sindhu/Hindu Valley Civilizational countries before invasions, looting, terrorization, and colonization had Dhārmic Micro and Macro Economics. They, hence, were able to reach the pinnacle of human and social welfare. Everyone was able to live a fulfilling and purposeful life. The wisdom of Dharma from the Hindu Civilization must be brought back and adhered to while writing the policies for the foundation and operations of organizations, governments, and communities in any State or Country.

Adhārmic micro and macroeconomic agendas and policies have created social issues like poverty, hunger, inequality, poor health, and education for which grass-root level social welfare organizations work tirelessly. Micro Desires and ambitions are individual, while Macro Desires and ambitions belong to a community, organization, government, state, or Country. Adhārmic micro and macro desires and ambitions of Westerners have led to conquests of terrorization, killing, gold/resources looting, colonization, and great human suffering. Such heinous Adhārmic desires and ambitions of the Western communities, Abrahamic religions, and Western governments of states and countries have created the social issues of Stolen Generations, Loss of Culture, Art, Language, Wisdom, orphanages, human trafficking, and so many more.

(Source of Image: https://saicenterofstamford.wordpress.com/about-2/sse-program/sarva-dharma-values/)

In a Dhārmic community, society, state or Country, the number of grassroots social welfare organizations is meagre because there are fewer social issues to fix in the first place. A higher number of such organizations is directly proportional to the Adhārmic people, organizations, and governments of any given state or Country.

Humanity includes each human, the smallest entity that must adhere to Dharma. Only a Dhārmic Human Being can create and sustain a Dhārmic family, community, society, government, and Country. It is evident from the history of humanity that Western educational institutions and Abrahamic religious education schools lack the education of Dharma for children, hence failing to cultivate humanity and not raising the beings who are human enough to sustain all life on this planet. Instead, such schools and institutions created think tanks and ideologies that committed crimes against humanity and are continuing to do that in myriad manipulative ways.

Schools, Colleges, and universities worldwide must teach each student a mandatory course on Dharma (Saṁhitā). They must provide a supportive environment for individuals and groups to live and practice Dharma to implement these Dhārmic Principles (Brāhmana). Students must be encouraged to introspect and meditate (Āraṇyaka) upon their Dhārmic & Adhārmic actions. Dhārmic Dialogues with Gurus and Ācharyas (Upaniṣad) must be held to discuss and address complex issues and knowledge roadblocks. That way, ‘Vedic Culture’ can be introduced to strengthen humanity worldwide.

Dharma is for Humanity and must be adhered to by all.

– Adiguru Prakriti, Founder and Chairperson, Being Shiva Foundation, Melbourne, Australia

Thriving Through Midlife: Wisdom from Ayurveda, Yoga, and Spirituality for Women

Ms. Aparna Sharma

In Vedic texts, women are depicted in multifaceted roles, each reflecting their profound significance in ancient Indian society. Revered as divine creators embodying the energies of goddesses such as Śakti and Sarasvatī, women are seen as the nurturing forces behind life’s creation and sustenance. Within the household, they serve as the cornerstone of stability, managing domestic affairs with grace and efficiency while nurturing familial bonds and social cohesion. Moreover, women are celebrated as educators, transmitting cultural traditions, values, and wisdom to future generations, thereby shaping the very fabric of society. In partnership with their husbands, they share mutual respect, companionship, and support, contributing to each other’s growth and well-being. Beyond the realm of the household, women are active participants in spiritual pursuits, engaging in religious rituals, prayers, and meditative practices, reflecting their spiritual autonomy and quest for higher consciousness. Throughout Vedic texts, women are accorded profound reverence and importance, embodying the foundational principles of respect, honor, and equality that continue to resonate within Indian culture and tradition.

Women are portrayed as spiritual seekers and practitioners, actively engaged in religious rituals, prayers, and meditative practices. They have access to spiritual knowledge and participate in sacred ceremonies, demonstrating their spiritual autonomy and connection to the divine. Women in Vedic texts are revered with significant respect, honor, and importance for their pivotal contributions to family life, community welfare, and spiritual evolution. Although social norms and roles have evolved over time, the foundational principles of reverence for women and their integral role in society remain deeply ingrained in Indian culture and tradition.

Women transitioning into midlife were supported through practices such as Dinacharyā, which emphasized the importance of daily routines to maintain balance and well-being. During this pivotal stage, women were encouraged to prioritize self-care and holistic health practices to thrive in midlife. Dinacharyā, which translates to “daily regimen,” encompassed various rituals and activities aimed at nurturing physical, mental, and spiritual health. Women would adhere to specific routines involving waking up early, cleansing practices such as oil pulling or tongue scraping, and engaging in activities like yoga, meditation, and nourishing meals. These practices were believed to promote hormonal balance, reduce stress, and enhance vitality during the transition into midlife. Additionally, women received support from their communities and families, who valued their wisdom and experience, further bolstering their resilience and well-being during this phase of life.

In traditional contexts, particularly within the realms of Ayurveda, Yoga, and spirituality, the midlife transition for women holds profound significance. It is viewed as a pivotal phase marked by both physical and psychological changes, and is often referred to as the “Pitta” stage of life, characterized by the dominance of the fire element. Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of medicine, recognizes midlife as a period of hormonal shifts and physiological transformations. According to Ayurvedic principles, women experience a decline in the “Pitta” dośa during this time, which can manifest as symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, and digestive disturbances. These changes are seen as a natural part of the aging process and are attributed to imbalances in the body’s dośic constitution.

Yoga, as a complementary practice to Ayurveda, offers tools for managing the physical and emotional challenges of midlife. Through the practice of āsanas (postures), prāṇāyāma (breath control), and meditation, women can cultivate balance and harmony within the body and mind. Certain yoga poses, such as twists and backbends, are believed to stimulate the endocrine system and alleviate symptoms associated with menopause. Prāṇāyāma techniques, such as cooling breaths like Shītali and Shītkari, can help pacify the fiery nature of Pitta and promote a sense of calmness and equilibrium.

Spirituality plays a crucial role in navigating the midlife transition, offering women a deeper understanding of their life’s purpose and inner fulfillment. Practices such as meditation, prayer, and introspection provide avenues for self-reflection and spiritual growth. In many spiritual traditions, midlife is regarded as a time of wisdom and self-realization, where women are encouraged to embrace their inherent strengths and cultivate a sense of acceptance and gratitude for the journey of life.

In Vedic literature, hymns and verses touch upon various stages of a woman’s life, though specific focus on midlife may be limited. The Ṛgveda, an ancient Hindu text, portrays women in diverse roles, addressing their transitions. While hymns dedicated solely to women’s midlife may be absent, the text acknowledges their importance and significance throughout different life stages. For example, Ṛgveda 10.85, attributed to sage Vasiṣṭha, celebrates women’s power and vitality, depicting them as embodiments of strength, wisdom, and nurturing qualities. While not specifically about midlife, the hymn highlights women’s importance across life stages, emphasizing their maturity and wisdom gained through experience. Similarly, Ṛgveda 10.159, known as the “Vāgambhranī Sūkta,” praises the creative power of speech, symbolized as the divine goddess Vāk or Sarasvatī. Although not directly about midlife, the hymn underscores the importance of women’s voices and their capacity to inspire positive change in society, applicable across various life stages.

However, the midlife crisis in traditional contexts goes beyond the physical and psychological realms, touching upon the existential and spiritual dimensions of human existence. It is seen as an opportunity for women to reassess their priorities, redefine their identities, and reconnect with their innermost selves. Through self-inquiry and self-discovery, women can transcend the limitations of ego and embrace the fullness of their being, finding fulfillment and purpose in every stage of life.

In contemporary times, women’s experiences during midlife crisis are influenced by a complex interplay of social, economic, and psychological factors. Shifting societal norms may fuel identity crises in midlife for women. Changes in family dynamics, caregiving roles, and aging parents can disrupt self-perception. Social media amplifies pressures to meet unrealistic beauty standards, worsening feelings of inadequacy. Career challenges like stagnation and glass ceilings can unsettle women’s midlife. Financial worries about retirement savings and pensions heighten stress. Socio-economic disparities affect women’s coping abilities during midlife transitions. Midlife prompts women to reevaluate identity and values, sparking existential questions. Societal beauty standards amplify body image concerns, causing psychological distress. Women utilize coping strategies like social support and therapy for midlife challenges.

In conclusion, the midlife crisis for women in traditional contexts is a multifaceted phenomenon that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Drawing from the wisdom of Ayurveda, Yoga, and spirituality, women can navigate this transformative phase with grace and resilience, embracing the inherent beauty and richness of the journey. As they embrace the fire of midlife with courage and compassion, women have the opportunity to emerge stronger, wiser, and more radiant than ever before. Overall, women in the Vedic period and traditional times took care of aging individuals with compassion, dedication, and reverence, recognizing the wisdom and experience that elders brought to the family and society. Their caregiving roles were deeply ingrained in cultural norms and values, emphasizing the importance of familial bonds and mutual support across generations.

By incorporating traditional wisdom into contemporary frameworks, we acknowledge the timeless relevance of age-old insights. This integration allows us to address modern challenges with a holistic perspective, drawing from the wisdom of the past while adapting to the complexities of the present. Through this approach, we create a more balanced and sustainable approach to navigating midlife transitions in today’s rapidly changing world.

Ms. Aparna Sharma, Integrative Intervention Therapist, Psychotherapist, ANANTHAM MIND STUDIO

The Emerging Trends of Philosophy about Life

-Ms. Manju Acharya

“The only true wisdom is in knowing that you know nothing”

-Socrates, Greek Philosopher

According to this statement by Socrates, the father of all philosophies, it is said that “knowledge is incomplete, knowledge is infinite, ever changing and endless therefore we are constantly exploring this world to learn and thus to arrive at a conclusion”. Hence, Philosophy is the study of Life, it begins with life and ends to learn its purpose. This study is the work of wisdom, meaning an understanding of people with critical mind, who were inquisitive to explore the world around them, who were busy in knowing the unknown. Interestingly, this ever-changing world is found very mysterious and all their work remains incomplete as the quest to know is constant. All the great scholars, religious teachers, saints and spiritual guides failed to arrive at a single theory or doctrine about the Life and how it should be lived, to be happy. The Ultimate goal of human beings is to be happy and successful in life.

The Greatness of Sṛīmadbhagvat Gīta

Great western philosophers established different theories, which were later followed as ways of Life, we may say these led to different cultures the world over. Among all great Indian philosophies, the holy book, Sṛīmadbhagvat Gīta prescribes solutions to all our problems and the purpose of this life through the dialogues between Sṛī Kriśnā and his friend Arjuna, which are considered the best source of knowledge, examined and experienced by not just great religious leaders but also scientifically proven as well. It is therefore the teachings and ideologies prescribed in Sṛīmadbhagvat Gīta that are being treated as the guide to lead a life that is full of happiness and contentment, and which is one of the purposes of our life.

(Source of Image : https://iskcondesiretree.com/photo/virat-roop-of-shri-krishna)

Accordingly, lack of right knowledge is the cause of all evil. Indian philosophical systems acquired Ignorance as a cause of all pain and worldly pleasure. This notion is followed by our society for many years.  Therefore, the more you are informed the better your life shall be.

Information Technology as a source of Knowledge

Our life’s success basically depends on how well we are informed about the world. Gone are the days when men were dependent upon social gathering or religious textbooks which were the guide to lead a successful life. Now, is the age where information is the need of people, we are continuously struggling to get informed, receive knowledge as fast as possible to lead in the constant human race. Fortunately, with the availability of science and technology, the information is available to all human beings through different sources, by spending minimum resources and efforts.

We are presently living in a world of information technology. We wake up with our smart phones or other digital devices loaded with enormous number of news, information and knowledge on all issues, including spiritual, health, financial, political, entertainment, education, and career. The availability of information and knowledge is easier than anything else that a man needs to survive. It is because the area of knowledge has evolved so much that it appears to be impossible for the consumption of the human mind’s capabilities. This technical upgradation is also the result of human mind to enhance the scale of knowledge.

Many philosophers hold certain convictions with confidence, that human wisdom begins with the recognition of one’s own ignorance. It is not the unexamined life that one should value. Knowledge should be based on logic or reasoning about themselves rather than rely on the judgment of others. Hence, reliability of information and knowledge is again raising many questions in the minds of today’s generation. There are chances of receiving misleading information by unknown sources. With the emergence of social media, it has become all the more challenging to depend on the reliability of information from many search engines, such as Google and others. Thus, the increasing dependency on these tools could be a major threat to human societies. It is more destructive and harmful for this generation. On one hand where we need to advance in science and technology to make our lives convenient and successful, on the other hand, it may lead to destructive ideas to destroy human societies. 

Purpose of Philosophies and Present Time

The classical Indian philosophical schools aim to attain the ultimate goal of life which is said to be the achievement of pure happiness, it is more for constructing a good environment and lives of human beings worthy of their sole purpose.

According to the assumptions of today’s generation in the modern society, everyone is free to form their own ideologies based upon different sources of knowledge, received by them in different situations and circumstances they are facing. It is more often seen that the ideology of others does not help to deal with current lifestyles, we are poised for challenges in every field of life.  Life cannot be guided by other’s ideologies. Good action is the result of a right knowledge and is a matter of habit to be logical and ethical, it is said that “contentment comes when we put our best effort in doing any action and action with gratitude”. At the same time according to some “No one desires evil, no one does wrong voluntarily. Evil is the result of Ignorance”. Therefore, knowledge is the source of all happiness, knowledge based on logical thinking and without failing in your prescribed duties.

Unfortunately, dependence on ancient philosophical theories is at the verge of extinction. This is primarily due to the emergence of different trends in acquiring knowledge and its sources. A natural phenomenal fact remains that life’s complexities are on rise in today’s world. Hence the decisions in every circumstance can’t be examined and judged on a specific doctrine. As human mind is seeking happiness, in all its endeavors, love, romance, beauty, comfort, name and fame. They need to follow the path on which they may lead to reach the desired goals. It is therefore the right path which we need, either from our own sources or guided by the teachers and ancient philosophers.  

Our society’s growth by and large depends upon the knowledge acquired by today’s generation. Therefore, source of information needs to be checked before it is made available for circulation in the social media. The practical problem our generation is facing is the scale or standards to examine credibility of right knowledge. Verification through any researched sources is impossible, because of non-availability of reference books and texts and lack of time, in a fast-moving world where the information travels faster than any other thing from one corner of the world to another, the tools used are easily available.

Artificial Intelligence is a new scientific tool. They are becoming a major threat for misleading young minds, as these are the impediments to arrive at an ethical, logical decisions. Situation is grim to think beyond all these scientific advancements and go back to our roots and knowledge prescribed in our ancient text books which are authentic, tested and logical. We used to rely on the knowledge resulted from researches of thousands of years of work by scholars, found solutions to deal with problems arising in living a life full of contentment and peace. Science and technologies have created many other platforms for our societies to disagree and create conflicts. Resulted in, human societies are waging war against different communities the world over.  

(Source of Image : https://ictasaplatformforchange.wordpress.com/2017/02/09/first-blog-post/)

We may say that we are loaded with so much of news, information and knowledge of all kinds, without any relevance. Human mind in this situation is likely to get confused about the authenticity and reliability of the knowledge. This is alarming and do not see an end in present scenario, the race is on. Think before you follow, delete what is not necessary. Create what is good for others after analyzing on all standards if possible use references of qualified and trusted people. Make minimum use of digital devices for spreading unwanted information, be selective.  

The ultimate aim of philosophy was to minimize problems in dealing with different aspects of life and provide a convenient method to human beings to follow and use them in their lives, there is an overall evolution in growing schools of philosophies, the world over for many known reasons for human minds. The unmeasured capabilities of human minds are the problems and also exploring solutions to deal with them. The endless debate between ‘Right’ and ‘Wrong’ is still a cause of destruction of human societies. Many unanswered questions are constantly giving opportunities to destructive mentality to ruin the World. There are many areas where rethinking and researches are required to have more philosophies about Life. 

Ms. Manju Acharya, Retired Public Relations Officer, Govt. of India       

Celebrating the Year of ‘Millets’ through its Knowledge from Vedas to Present

Dr. Raghava S. Boddupalli and Dr. Aparna Dhir Khandelwal

Pandemic era has turned everyone to think about or to be more conscious towards one’s own health. Presently, around the globe people are running for organic food items that enable them to lose weight, controls cholesterol & blood sugar levels, fight against heart diseases, etc. With the present year, India has taken up the presidency of G20 Summit and while we are at G20’s 2023 edition, it is worth noting that the year 2023 is also declared as the International Year of Millets (IYoM) by the United Nations General Assembly. The proposal for declaring the same was put forth by India and was subsequently supported by 72 countries of the General Assembly. While speaking at the pre-launch celebration of the International Year of Millets in November, 2022 in Delhi, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar did highlight three big “Cs”- challenges facing the global economy, including covid, conflict, and the climate. He included that all three have had grave impacts on food security in very many ways. For instance, during the height of the pandemic, food security was challenged globally. Also, in the face of alarming climate change, Millets, or Nutri-cereals as they are alternatively known hold immense potential, he added. 

With these thoughts, Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi has called for a mass movement in the country to promote Millets in view of the International year of Millets 2023. So, that the Indian millets, recipes, value added products are accepted globally.

(Source of Image: https://www.mygov.in/campaigns/millets/)

Since pre-historic times, grasses have originated and evolved even before origin of human beings. During the Vedic age, grasses are used in various sacraments, and also are used as medicinal herbs that are detailed in the Vedic texts, Epics, Purāṇas and also in later Sanskrit literature texts. Grasses belong to Gramineae or Poaceae family containing 11,000 species including important cereal crops such as paddy (vrīhi), wheat (yava), wild rice (nīvāra) and Millets. The Vedic grasses can be classified into wild grasses, cereal crops, and Millets. Human beings’ staple food derives from the grass family. The cereal and Millet crops revealed in the Vedic texts are still being cultivated by our farmers for the utilization by mankind and cattle on day-to-day basis as food, fodder, and for traditional medicines including Ayurvedā. These Millets are also known as ‘coarse cereals’ or ‘cereals of the poor’ and since they are not fussy about soil and water, they are a major source of energy for more than a billion people in arid and semi-arid regions.

Indian Millets

Millets Revealed in the Vedic and Sanskrit Texts

Aṇu (Panicum miliaceum L.): The utility of Aṇu is seen in ‘Annahōmas of Vājapeya yajña’ ritual Bṛhadaraṇyaka Upaniṣad (6-2-13). By performing this Annahōma, the sacrificer obtains plenty of food. Aṇu is an oṣadhi yielding small grains. Sāyaṇācharya (TS 4-7-4) says that Aṇu is the small rice (aṇavaḥ sukṣmavrīhayaḥ). Mahidhara (VS 18-12) gives the synonym as cīnaka (aṇavaḥ cīnakāḥ).

Priyaṅgu (Setaria italica L.): During the Vasōrdhārā Hōma, the sacrificer prays Agni and Viṣṇu to grant him heaps of Priyaṅgu grains (priyaṅgavaśca mē – TS 4-7-4), VS (18-12). In the Nakṣatra Iṣṭi, Priyaṅgu is offered as Caru (food oblation) to deity Rudra to obtain plenty of cattle (TB 1-3-4). The Aitereya Brahmaṇa (bhōjyaṃ vā ētadōṣadhīnāṃ yatpriyaṅgavaḥ) praises Priyaṅgu as the best kind of food.

Balbaja (Eleusine indica (L.) Gaertner: Balbaja is mentioned in the Ṛgveda (RV 8-99, Valakhilya – 7), Atharvaveda (AV 14-2-23) and Yajurveda (YV) Saṃhitas (balbajānapīdhmē sannahyēt – TS 2-2-8) and is produced from the excrements of cattle. In the KS (10-10) it is stated to be used for the sacrificial litter (Barhis) and for fuel. The baskets and other products made of balbaja are recommended as worthy gifts, śatam mē balbajastukā aruṣīṇām catuḥ śatam in the RV (8-55-3).

Śyāmākā (Echinochloa frumentacea): In several Iṣṭis, Caru or Purōḍāśā prepared of Śyāmāka grains are offered to Soma and other deities. The lightness of the seed is alluded to in the AV (19-50-4), where it is spoken of as blown away by the wind. There it is also mentioned as the food of pigeons in the AV (20-135-12). The Śyāmāka seeds (Taṇḍula) are referred to as very small in the Chandogya Upaniṣad (CU 8-14-3). In the TS it is revealed that this offering cure impotency and causes commendable virility (sōmāya vājinē śyāmākaṃ caruṃ nirvapēdyaḥ klaibyādbibhīyāt Taittirīya Saṃhita (TS) 2-3-3(18). The Materia Medica of Ayurvedā (p.245) records that the Śyāmāka is used medicinally for drying and un-unctuous. It also indicated that the grains are good aphrodisiac.

The great sage Veda Vyasa composed the Navagraha Stotra consists of nine mantras for nine planets. The following verse in the Navagraha Stotra is recited to please the Mercury (Budha) graha. Mercury is the planet of communication, organization, and mental dexterity. The first word in this liturgy is the name of one of the Millets, the Priyaṅgu.

Priyangu Kalika Shyamam Roopena Pratimam Budham

           Sowmyam Sowmya Guno Petam Tam Budham Prana Maamyaham

I bow down and pray to Mercury (Budha) graha, god of the planet Mercury, whose face is like a fragrant inflorescence of the Priyaṅgu (Millet) herb and whose beauty matches that of a lotus flower. He is most gentle, possessing all attractive qualities.

Suśruta (Suśruta Samhitā, 600-500 BC) classified cereals as dhanya varga, khudhanya varga and samidhanya varga. Khudhayna varga includes, among other Millets viz., kodo Millet (kodrusaha), barnyard Millet (śyāmākā), and Coix lacryma-jobi (gavedhuka). Archaeo-botanical remains have also been found from upper and middle Gangetic Plains. It was also grown at Manjhi (Saran, Bihar) during the red ware levels (250 BC-250 AD).

Kālidāsa Māhākavi (4-5^th AD), in his legendary literary masterpiece the ‘Abhijñāna Śākuntalam’ mentioned that sage Kāṇva who pours foxtail Millet while bidding farewell to Śakuntala in Dushyanta’s court, which indicates the auspicious nature attributed to this Millet. According to Dakar Bachan, composed sometime in early medieval Bengal (8^th to 13^th Century AD), cultivation of proso-Millet (china kaon) was advised if it rained during Phālgun month (February-March).

Thus, this indicates that small-seeded grasses, i.e., Millet crops were in consumption during Vedic and post Vedic period. Now, let’s know about their present-day status.

Nutritional Value of Millets and Present-Day

Millets are nutritiously rich, drought tolerant and mostly grown in the arid and semi-arid regions of Indian subcontinent and African countries. Indian Millets are nutritionally superior to wheat and rice as they are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals. It is scientifically proven that the Millets are high in fiber, rich in essential amino acids, polyphenols, and proteins, naturally gluten-free, alkaline, non-allergenic, and they are thus easily digestible. They have a low glycemic index, making them ideal for people with celiac disease, diabetes, obesity or other lifestyle diseases. A low glycemic index makes them an ideal rice substitute, good for cholesterol, diabetes and weight loss.

Grains of Indian Millets

Millets which are rich in calcium play an important role in the growth of children, pregnant women, and in malnutrition. It contains high amount of potassium for the proper functioning of the kidneys and brains and allows the brain and muscles to work smoothly. Millets confer good health and protection against non-communicative diseases. Epidemiological studies have shown that diets rich in Millets, including whole grains are protective against the non-communicable diseases like diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases, due to protective effects of health promoting phytonutrients. Sprouting Millets make more minerals bioavailable. Malting of finger millet increases the bio-accessibility of iron and manganese. In India, Millets are generally consumed with legumes, which create mutual supplementation of protein, increase the amino acid content, and enhance the overall digestibility of protein.

(Source of Image: https://epaper.timesgroup.com/timesspecial/sci-tech-environment/helping-millets-get-their-mojo-back/1677352018644)

Millets in Modern Foods

Investigations have proved that use of 100% Millet in ready-to-eat breakfast cereals would be feasible. To increase the functional aspects of Millets, processing such as parboiling, malting, flaking, popping, boiling, extrusion (hot and cold) is done. This results in the diversification and shift towards more convenient/ processed products of fine cereals like rice and wheat from the Millets. Some of the food preparations made out of Indian Millet grains and floor is depicted in the Figure.

Food Preparations from Indian Millets

Times of India recently mentioned Millets, as ‘replicas of junk food, but they are tasty and healthy’ as claimed by Millet entrepreneurs in a report on the exhibition organized by Indian Agricultural Research Institute by the ‘Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)’ , under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

So, time has come when we all can adopt our own indigenous traditional roots of Millets, having both Vedic insights and modern approach together!

Dr. Raghava S. Boddupalli, Institute of Sanskrit and Vedic Studies (ISVS) &

Dr. Aparna Dhir Khandelwal, Assistant Professor, School of Indic Studies, INADS, Dartmouth, USA

Fruits of Feminine Fasting

-Prof. Bal Ram Singh

Fasting has been a part of culture throughout the world, as has been the feasting. Most of the fasting has had some ritualistic flavor and are done as part of some religious practices. Jewish people fast on Yom Kippur and Tisha B’Av day among others, Christians fast on Ash Wednesday, Good Friday, the day of holy communion, Lent fasting days, nativity fasting days, and many others depending on the denomination, Islamic people observe fast during Ramadan, and other days like Ashura and Arafah, and although Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains do not have very prescribed fasting days, they have restrictions on food and behavior on certain days and times, many of them self-imposed.

The king of the fasting in variety and numbers, however, has been the Hindu tradition, with fasting during Navarātras, Ekādaśīs, Saturdays (for Hanuman ji), Sundays (for Surya devatā), Fridays (Santoshi mātāt), Mondays (for Shiva), Tuesdays (Hanuman ji), etc., in addition to Ram Navami, Krishn Janmāshtami, the entire adhimās every three years, Purinmās, Anant Chaturdasi, Ganesh Chaturthi, etc. The most unique feature of Hindu tradition has the fasting by women for men in their lives, particularly husband and sons. Even before marriage, many fast on Mondays, the day assigned to Shiva to get good life partner, after marriage they observe Teej and Karwā Chauth, for the long life and health of their husbands, and also observe Chhat vrat, and perhaps a few other days for the welfare of their son, while there is no fasting or vrat by men for their wife or mother.

In modern times of equality, women empowerment, and movement for equal rights, it is normal and rational to question such gender differential observance of fasting, especially when many times these observances are enforced by traditional families and the society. With more and more women getting educated in modern world that has men and women working side by side, getting financial freedom, and enjoy equal privileges and say in developing social norms, these gender-differentiated practices seem archaic and out of date. Exposure to and influence of the Westernized lifestyle, which while had many discriminatory practices historically against women, does not have such male welfare female fasting practices, makes them more questionable.

Fasting itself is being celebrated from the point of view of spiritual enlightenment (which has its own value for the health of self and harmony with nature), and from the scientific perspective. Modern medicine dubs some of these fasting practices as intermittent fasting, and points out to several benefits as listed on, for example, the website of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. “Many things happen during intermittent fasting that can protect organs against chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, age-related neurodegenerative disorders, even inflammatory bowel disease and many cancers,” is quoted from an article of Mark Mattson in the New England Journal of Medicine. Other intermittent fasting benefits research has revealed so far the following:

Thinking and memory. Studies discovered that intermittent fasting boosts working memory in animals and verbal memory in adult humans.

Heart health. Intermittent fasting improved blood pressure and resting heart rates as well as other heart-related measurements.

Physical performance. Young men who fasted for 16 hours showed fat loss while maintaining muscle mass. Mice who were fed on alternate days showed better endurance in running.

Diabetes and obesity. In animal studies, intermittent fasting prevented obesity. And in six brief studies, obese adult humans lost weight through intermittent fasting.

Tissue health. In animals, intermittent fasting reduced tissue damage in surgery and improved results.

In the world of scientific advancement in human biology, the intermittent fasting has been investigated with standard protocols, which in many cases is similar to general practices observed in most cultures. According to Healthline, an online health magazine, there are several different ways of doing intermittent fasting — all of which involve splitting the day or week into eating and fasting periods. During the fasting periods, one eats either very little or nothing at all. These are the most popular methods:

The 16/8 method: Also called the Leangains protocol, it involves skipping breakfast and restricting one’s daily eating period to 8 hours, such as 1–9 p.m. Then you fast for 16 hours in between.

Eat-Stop-Eat: This involves fasting for 24 hours, once or twice a week, for example by not eating from dinner one day until dinner the next day.

The 5:2 diet: With this method, one consumes only 500–600 calories on two nonconsecutive days of the week, but eat normally the other 5 days.

The Healthline magazine further points out that several things happen in your body on the cellular and molecular level. For example, the body adjusts hormone levels to make stored body fat more accessible. The cells also initiate important repair processes and change the expression of genes. Here are some changes that occur in the body when you fast:

Human Growth Hormone (HGH): The levels of growth hormone skyrocket, increasing as much as 5-fold. This has benefits for fat loss and muscle gain, to name a few.

Insulin: Insulin sensitivity improves and levels of insulin drop dramatically. Lower insulin levels make stored body fat more accessible.

Cellular repair: When fasted, your cells initiate cellular repair processes. This includes autophagy, where cells digest and remove old and dysfunctional proteins that build up inside cells.

Gene expression: There are changes in the function of genes related to longevity and protection against disease.

Among other things, it has been experimentally established that the autophagy is heavily involved in mediating the benefits of the fasting.

The word ‘autophagy’ originates from the Greek words auto-, meaning “self”, and phagein, meaning “to eat”. Thus, autophagy denotes “self eating”. This concept emerged during the 1960’s, when researchers first observed that the cell could destroy its own contents by enclosing it in membranes, forming sack-like vesicles that were transported to a recycling compartment, called the lysosome, for degradation. Difficulties in studying the phenomenon meant that little was known until, in a series of brilliant experiments in the early 1990’s, Yoshinori Ohsumi used baker’s yeast to identify genes essential for autophagy. He then went on to elucidate the underlying mechanisms for autophagy in yeast and showed that similar sophisticated machinery is used in our cells.

https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2016/press-release/

This year’s [2016] Nobel Laureate [Yoshinori Ohsumi] discovered and elucidated mechanisms underlying autophagy, a fundamental process for degrading and recycling cellular components.

Ohsumi’s discoveries led to a new paradigm in our understanding of how the cell recycles its content. His discoveries opened the path to understanding the fundamental importance of autophagy in many physiological processes, such as in the adaptation to starvation [aka fasting] or response to infection. Mutations in autophagy genes can cause disease, and the autophagic process is involved in several conditions including cancer and neurological disease.

How does this autophagy explain fasting by women for men? That was a question recently asked by one of my female graduate students, now Dr. Ghuncha Ambrin. Her question was why are women expected to observe occasions like Teej and Karwa Chauth, and not the men? My standard line of argument that women live on average 5-7 years longer than men, and thus they keep the fasting vrata for men’s long life may make psychological sense of some sorts, not the scientific one.

I therefore asked for time to conduct research on this topic, as an assignment from a student. I like to do this regularly to provide a sense of equality if nothing else for the students. Generally, I ask them to do research on certain topics to answer questions, but I was happy to reverse the role, as I believe when it comes to learning, we all are students. What I found is what I present below by directly outlining the findings of researchers on this topic.

Sex Differences in Constitutive Autophagy by Oliván, S., Calvo, A. C., Manzano, R.,  Zaragoza, P. and Osta, R. (2014). BioMed Research International Volume 2014, Article ID 652817, 5 pages http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2014/652817

Autophagy is a dynamic system for degrading misfolded and/or damaged proteins and, therefore, for maintaining the cellular homeostasis. During this process, small portions of cytoplasm are sequestered by a double membrane bound vesicles called autophagosomes and consequently degraded when they fuse with lysosomes to form an autolysosome. Cellular autophagic activity is usually low under normal physiological conditions (constitutive autophagy) but can be markedly upregulated by numerous stimuli (starvation, hypoxia, or infections) or suppressed as documented in the case of neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Specifically in neural cells, the role of constitutive autophagy has been studied and the results indicate that it is essential to prevent certain neurodegenerative diseases [

Sex-dependent differences in the activation of the autophagic cytoprotection pathway have long been reported in vitro. During starvation, cultured male neurons readily undergo autophagy and die, whereas neurons from females mobilize fatty acids, accumulate triglycerides, form lipid droplets, and survive longer.

The sex differences in autophagy under normal physiological conditions in spinal cord and muscle tissue from wild type mice have been clearly observed at the RNA and protein level expression of the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) and p62/sequestosome 1 (p62). These proteins are the most commonly used markers to monitor autophagy. LC3 is associated with completed autophagosome, while p62 becomes incorporated into the completed autophagosome through its direct binding to LC3 and is subsequently degraded in the autolysosomes.

Figure 1: LC3 and p62 mRNA expression in the spinal cord and the skeletal muscle. (a) The transcript levels in the spinal cord of males (black bars) and females (grey bars) from mice at P60 (postnatal day 60), P90, and P120 are shown. Relative expression values are females compared with males (set at 1) at each age. (b)The transcript levels in skeletal muscles of male (black bars) and female (grey bars) mice at P40, P60, P90, and P120 are shown as in (a). Each data point represents the mean ± SEM of twelve mice. Asterisks denote a student 𝑡-test 𝑝 value <0.05 (∗), <0.01 (∗∗),
and <0.001 (∗∗∗).

Nearly two- or more fold differences between male and female mice were monitored in proteins that facilitate autophagy, suggesting the basal autophagy less than half of in females than in males.

Many diseases have been associated with alterations in autophagy and consequently some gender-associated differences have already been demonstrated. For instance, in neurodegenerative disorders, estrogen was neuroprotective and enhanced neurotrophic/synaptic plasticity. In vascular biology, compelling data indicated that sex differences were not only determined by sex steroid levels but may also be modified by innate cellular differences between males and females.

Regarding autophagy, only few studies allow for the possible influence of sex-dependence in this molecular process. One of the studies proposed the autophagy as a survival mechanism in males, whereas in female’s autophagy resulted. in detachment-derived cell death. In accordance with these studies, it has been reported recently that sex differences in constitutive autophagy was found in rats and, moreover, this sexual dimorphism was organ specific. Furthermore, in vitro studies also showed a sexual dimorphism in autophagic processes in cancer and in neurons under starvation.

As it is experimentally established now that autophagy which is helpful for the health is only about half as active in females as in males, and fasting enhances the autophagy, it makes sense for women to observe the fasting for health, if not for their husband or sons.

To be continued…

Prof. Bal Ram Singh, School of Indic Studies and Botulinum Research Center, Institute of Advanced Sciences, Dartmouth, USA

The Concept of Karma and Contemporary Reflections (Part-I)

–Brig JS Rajpurohit, Ph.D.

Introduction

Ancient Indian philosophy expresses life in a varied form that includes life before human beings came into existence on earth. Nāsdiya Sukta explained the universe’s origin –

नासदासीन्नोसदासीत्तदानीं नासीद्रजो नो व्योमापरो यत् ।

किमावरीवः कुहकस्यशर्मन्नम्भः किमासीद्गहनं गभीरं ॥

(RigVeda 10/129/1)  

There was no existence or non-existence. There was no space or sky. Even ‘nothingness’ did not exist, and there was no air. The questions of what moved or stirred the universe then and under whose protection remained unanswered? Was there an immeasurable amount of water? No one knows. Since those days, the origin of human beings and the concept of Karma has been a long journey. Whys and hows are challenging to understand. The formulation of the universe paves the way to think of bondage and liberation through understanding Puruṣa and Prakṛti. Triguṇa theory started impacting life ever since and played a crucial role all along. The first identity of any life was Puruṣa and Prakṛti; Puruṣa was the creative consciousness and Prakṛti was the unaltered nature form of pure energy. Every aspect of life on earth has the inherent qualities of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas as part of Prakṛti. These qualities exist in all living and non-living beings and impact all the humans and others around them.

Karma in Ancient Indian Knowledge System

Hinduism defines Karma as the actions of a person of his past and present life that impact his future life. It is the causality and its effects on one’s personal life. The intentions of all humans also lead to the impact on individual lives. Every good thought, word and action may lead to virtuous or harmful effects. Shiva Purāṇa 1.18 explains Karma as the body’s set of activities that continue in a series of birth and rebirth. The human body has been defined as gross (sthūla), subtle (sukṣma) and causal (kāraṇa). The gross body carries out the activities, the subtle body gives the pleasures and the pains through sensory organs and the causal body experiences the results of the actions through the soul or Jiva. Karma forms the core of the human life cycle that includes pre-birth and post-death eras. Karma or actions are directly related to happiness or otherwise with human beings. The oriental philosophy is adaptive and mindful and cruises with the cycle of life until the soul is enlightened and is free from the bondage of life and death. Achievement of mokṣa becomes humanity’s focal goal, which paves the way to salvation.

Rig Veda deliberates on Rta that gives rise to the concept of Dharma and Karma. Rta exhibits an order in the universe and is identified with Dharma. Rta comes from the root verb ‘Ru’, which means ‘to move’ and ‘through movement’. It refers to what is right and wrong and is synchronous to Dharma. An Rta or Non-Rta is an antonym to Rta or Dharma and may be called ‘Adharma’. While Dharma defines the righteous way of life in responsibilities and privileges, Karma focuses on actions and their impact on an individual. An individual’s life has a complex set of activities that include both good and bad experiences, and it is for the individual to decide which ones to follow. All these actions depend on what (S)he thinks and how one reacts. 

Karma has been reflected by Lord Krishna to Arjuna in the battlefield of Mahābhārat and said-

न हि कश्चित्क्षणमपि जातु तिष्ठत्यकर्मकृत् |

 कार्यते ह्यवश: कर्म सर्व: प्रकृतिजैर्गुणै: ||

(Bhagvadgita 3/5)

Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that no one can remain without working, even momentarily. All living beings are duty-bound to work or act as per their traits or nature. Work does not include only the professional jobs; it has daily routine jobs like sleeping, waking up, brushing teeth, combing hair, eating, walking etc. Lord Krishna reflects that even the thoughts, words and actions are part of Karma. The decision not to do anything is also a thoughtful act. Every individual has to pay for their good and evil thoughts and consequent actions. No one can remain inactive at any point in time. One of the most inactive states considered is typically sleeping and in that physically inactive state; his mind is dreaming and body organs like the heart and respiratory system are functional. 

Contemporary Reflections

Georgetown University Berkely Centre for Religion defines Karma as a concept of Hinduism based on causality and its effect. Newton’s Third Law of Motion states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction and ‘As you sow, so you reap’ are known to us from the western concept that affirms the Theory of Karma. They argue the same thought that one receives whatever one does and hence there is no action or behaviour of an individual that goes unnoticed. Nature responds in a direct or an indirect form. The human species have the cognition and consciousness to differentiate between good and evil.

Those are the actions easier said than done. Does one continue to worry about the outcome of every effort, or is there a way to free oneself and enjoy the present life? Human life is the only one with higher intellect and better brain. So, the choice is for each individual in Kaliyuga to take a recourse to purify the soul or continue enjoying every possible worldly pleasure. The deeper one goes in introspecting the meaning of life and death and the role of an individual in this life, the realisation that one can care more, share and love in abundance to draw happiness. Selfish and thinking about personal goals does not lead one to succeed every time. In contemporary businesses, interpersonal relations and success are directly connected with team building, teamwork, and leadership. A combined effort by the team brings satisfaction and abundant happiness.

Conclusion

Individual thoughts on life, death, duties and responsibility of human beings must realise that one has to live life in the given environment and interact with people, situations and resources. Life becomes worth living if there is harmony around and this is feasible when one can balance out professional work and personal life. Ensuring good actions and deeds in favour of self and others around makes Triguṇa impactful and enables a Win-Win situation. So, whether one believes in Karma or not, all of us are doing Karma, i.e., all thoughts and actions, to ensure a peaceful life. This thought itself is an assurance that one is on the right path to salvation. Ill-thoughts, if any, will only disbalance self-growth, which is detrimental to happiness and seeking blissful life.

–Brig JS Rajpurohit, Ph.D. Ex Indian Army Officer

आत्म–शोधन और आत्म-नियन्त्रण ही है जीने की कला

–Dr. Poonam Ghai

आज विज्ञान और टेक्नोलॉजी की तरक्की के कारण इतने संसाधन विकसित हो गये हैं कि मनुष्य के आराम, मनोरंजन और रहन-सहन के ढंग में बहुत परिवर्तन आ गया है। बिजली का उत्पादन कई गुना बढ़ गया है, लेकिन ह्रदय में अंधकार भी उतना ही बढ़ गया है। कभी चिन्तन करिए कि ऐसा क्यों हो रहा है? इसके पीछे हमारी विचारधारा, कुंठित और स्वार्थी सोच, धर्म-संस्कृति के लिए अत्यधिक संकुचित विचार और भी न जाने क्या-क्या कारण हैं। एक स्वस्थ, शालीन और सद्भावपूर्ण जीवन के लिये मानवता को क्या करना चाहिए ? इस पर विचार करने की ज़रूरत है। भौतिकवाद और सुविधावाद के युग में व्यक्ति-व्यक्ति से अलग हो गया है। यही सब विचार मनोविज्ञान की ओर हमें ले जाते हैं। हम जैसा सोचते हैं वैसे ही दृष्टि हमारी बनती है, वैसा ही जीवन हम जीने लगते हैं।

इस सत्य से कोई इन्कार नहीं कर सकता कि हमारे उत्कर्ष के प्रथम एवं महत्त्वपूर्ण साधन हैं – हमारी स्वस्थ और सक्षम ज्ञानेन्द्रियाँ। परन्तु इन्द्रियों का प्रवर्तक है- ‘मन’। मन शरीर का नयन और नियमन दोनों करता है। यदि मन शुद्ध और पवित्र बन जाये तो हमारे जीवन की धारा बदल जायेगी। वैदिक मन्त्रदृष्टा ऋषि इसी बात को यजुर्वेद के शिवसंकल्प सूक्त के माध्यम से कहते हैं –

सुषारथिरश्वानिव यन्मनुष्यान्नेनीयतेऽभीशुभिर्वाजिन इव ।

हृत्प्रतिष्ठं यदजिरं जविष्ठं तन्मे मनः शिवसङ्कल्पमस्तु  ॥34.6॥

जो मन हर मनुष्य को इन्द्रियों के लगाम द्वारा उसी प्रकार घुमाता है, जिस प्रकार एक कुशल सारथी लगाम द्वारा रथ के वेगवान अश्वों को नियन्त्रित करता एवं उन्हें दौड़ाता है, आयु रहित (अजर) तथा अति वेगवान व प्राणियों के हृदय में स्थित मेरा वह मन शुभ संकल्प युक्त अर्थात सुंदर एवं पवित्र विचारों से युक्त हो।

Just as a good charioteer makes the horses run according to his commands so they go where he wants them too, so too the mind can guide a man towards his desire and by restraining animal instincts lead to that dweller in the heart who is immortal and free of turmoil, my mind may you have good intentions.

इसीलिए भारतीय सभ्यता एवं संस्कृति में कथित जीवन-दर्शन शाश्वत है, त्रैकालिक, सार्वजनीक, सार्वदेशिक माना जाता है। लेकिन वर्तमान में सब कुछ जानते समझते हुए भी एक होड़ मची हुई है, सब कुछ पा लेने की। इसी होड़ ने आज के हालात पैदा कर दिए हैं। हर समय असंतोष का जो भाव है उसी ने कुदरत के साथ छेड़छाड़ करने की हमारी प्रवृत्ति बना दी।

‘जब आवे सन्तोष धन सब धन धूरि समान‘

(तुलसीदास)

हर कोई आज कोरोना के डर के साये तले जीने को मजबूर है। हमारे देश भारत में 30 जनवरी को पहला मरीज कोरोना संक्रमित मिला था और 7 मई को यह आंकड़ा 50 हज़ार पर पहुंच गया और आज इन आंकड़ों के बारे में सोचकर भी भय लगता है और लगता है, कि जैसे हम कोई बहुत ही बुरा स्वप्न देख रहे हैं जो जल्दी टूटे और हम अपनी उसी दुनिया मे फिर से आ जाएं। इतने लोगों की बीमारी और मौत एक बार हर व्यक्ति को डरा अवश्य रही है, लेकिन डरने के बावजूद अभी भी हम अपनी कमियों को स्वीकारने के स्थान पर इन सारी परिस्थितियों के लिए अन्य चीज़ों पर दोषारोपण करने से चूक नहीं रहे। मानव जीवन भौतिक, आर्थिक, मानसिक और आध्यात्मिक स्तरों पर बार-बार चोट खाकर भी सबक नहीं ले रहा।  कोरोना वायरस के सामने हम निरुपाय हैं, हमारा विज्ञान और तकनीक भी असहाय हैं।

कोरोना महामारी ने मनोवैज्ञानिक रूप से हमें तोड़ा है और छोटी-छोटी सी घटनाओं का भी हम पर बहुत प्रभाव पड़ा है। मई महीने की घटना है, लॉकडाउन के कारण सभी में किसी तरह भी अपने घर पहुंचने की होड़ थी और कुछ मजदूर इसी आपाधापी में रेलवे की पटरियों पर पैदल ही चले जा रहे थे लेकिन होनी देखिए कि ट्रेन से कुचलकर मारे गए। इस हादसे के बारे में समाचार में बताया गया कि पटरियों पर मजदूर कट गए और चारों तरफ उनकी रोटियां जो रास्ते मे खाने के लिए वे ले जा रहे थे, बिखर गयीं यह घटना मन को व्यथित करती है कि सारी कहानी सिर्फ रोटी की ही होती है क्या? रोटी कमाने ही बेचारे यह लोग परदेस गए और इस आपदा के काल में रोटी के लिए ही चार पैसे कमाकर घर लौटना चाहते थे। लेकिन होनी इतनी प्रबल रही की रेलवे पटरियों पर उनके शरीर का तो अंत हुआ ही रोटी की कहानी भी खत्म हो गई।

यह सब देखकर भी हम लोग कुछ समझ नहीं पाते।  आज हमें कोरोना से बचने के लिए कुछ नियमों का पालन करने को कहा जाता है जो आज के हालातों में बचे रहने का एकमात्र उपाय है और यह हम सभी जान समझ रहे हैं लेकिन फिर भी इन हालातों से समझौता करने की जगह बहुत से लोग सरकार, व्यवस्था, समाज, अपने परिवार और यहां तक कि ईश्वर को भी कोसना नहीं छोड़ पा रहे। भगवान ने ऐसा क्यों किया? यही उनका प्रश्न होता है और यह कभी मनन किया किसी ने कि कुदरत, प्रकृति या ईश्वर भी शायद कुछ सन्तुलन करने के मूड में है अब। इतनी बेईमानी, भ्रष्टाचार, लूट-खसोट, बलात्कार और न जाने किन-किन बुराइयों से भरे हुए इस विश्व को जैसे एक सज़ा मिली है। अपनी लाइफ एन्जॉय करने का जो फंडा लोगों पर हावी हो गया था उसे आज के हालातों ने तोड़कर रख दिया है। रोज कहीं होटल में खाना या बाहर से मंगाकर खाना, घूमना फिरना सैर सपाटे, जश्न क्लब किटी-पार्टी सब पर काफी दिन रोक रही और अब भी अंकुश तो है ही। लम्बी सूची है उन चीजों की जिन पर आज नियंत्रण है लेकिन कोविड-19 से पहले यही चीजें ज़िन्दगी का हिस्सा हो गयी थीं। घर के खाने से दूर एक फोन पर खाना ऑर्डर होता था और होम डिलीवरी होती थी। उस खाने से शरीर को क्या नुकसान थे यह सोचने की फुर्सत ही किसको थी। दलील यह दी जाती थी कि ‘मैं तो बिना बाहर का खाए जी ही नहीं सकता / सकती’। ऐसे लोगों से पूछना चाहिए कि अब कैसे जी रहे हैं? कहने का मतलब वह हर काम जिसे हम सालों से करते आ रहे थे और उसे करने के पक्ष में अपनी बेसिर पैर की दलीलें देते थे, उन्हीं चीजों को आज जब हमसे छीन लिया गया है तो भी हम जी रहे हैं। कुदरत ने हमें अपनी राह पर चलने के लिए बहुत आगाह किया लेकिन हम आगाह होना तो दूर बल्कि और भी इन चीज़ों में संलिप्त होते गए तो कुदरत ने भी अपना करिश्मा दिखाया कि लो जिन चीजों के बिना तुम जी नहीं सकते थे अब देखो कैसे जिया जाता है?

अभी भी लोगों में बहुत सन्ताप और असंतोष की भावना है। सोचिये आज के समय में वे ही लोग ज़्यादा दुखी और परेशान हैं जो सिर्फ अपना देख रहे हैं। ‘स्व’ में रहने की आदत या मजबूरी ने ही हमें दुखी और व्यथित किया हुआ है। प्राचीन काल में हमारी संस्कृति ‘वसुधैवकुटुम्बकम्’ एवं ‘सर्वेभवन्तुसुखिनःसर्वे सन्तुनिरामयाः’ का उद्घोष करती थी। आज भारत की उसी जीवन-शैली को जन-जन की जीवन-शैली बनाना होगा।

वस्तुतः चुनौती से संघर्ष करने का अनुभव कराने वाले कोरोना महासंकट ने हमें सिखाया है कि केवल उपभोक्तावादी संस्कृति से अब जीवन नहीं चलेगा। उसमें आध्यात्मिक दृष्टि लानी ही होगी। अनुशासन से परिपूर्ण आत्म-शोधन और आत्म-नियन्त्रण ही इसकी नींव है। क्यों न हम ऐसा माने कि मानो कोरोना कोई शिव जी का गण है जो दुनिया की सारी बुराई का नाश कर हमें पुनः जीने की कला सिखाने के लिए भेजा गया है ताकि इस धरती पर मानव और प्रकृति के बीच सन्तुलन बना रहे। इससे न केवल हमारा मानसिक तनाव कम होगा और स्वस्थ रहकर हम कोरोना जैसी महामारियों से सदैव बचे रहेंगे। इस समय बहुत ज़्यादा भविष्य का सोचकर अपने को परेशान नहीं करना चाहिए। हम जियेंगे तो भविष्य भी रहेगा और हम तभी जी पाएंगे जब तन और मन से स्वस्थ होंगे।कबीरदास जी की बानी आज के माहौल में बहुत ही सटीक बैठती है-

‘कबिरा सोच न साचिये जो आगे कू होय।

सीस चढ़ाए पोटली ले जात न देख्या कोय।।‘

सच में सोचना किस बात का? सिर पर रखकर तो कुछ ले नहीं जाना है सब यहीं रह जाएगा।

Dr. Poonam Ghai, Associate Professor, Sanskrit, R.S.M (P.G.) College, Dhampur, Bijnor

Countering COVID-19 with Agnihotra and Yajñopathy

(Editorial note: The information presented in this article from literature and personal practice provides food for thought, but perhaps more as a provocative theory of using ancient practices for modern environmental and medical problems. Scientific research to examine these ideas will be essential to apply such information for public good.)

-Sh. Anand Gaikwad

(….continued from previous article)

Vedic sciences have a proven tool/methodology for dealing with pollution problems, plagues and epidemics of all types particularly as a Preventive Care and that is Agnihotra and Yajñopathy (Homa Therapy) as a part of day to day life. Astrality of a field or area as also of the individuals can be improved with purification of Atmosphere. ‘Heal the Atmosphere and healed Atmosphere will heal you’ is the fundamental principle of healing by Vedic Sciences. Param Sadguru Shri Gajanan Maharaj narrated the essence of Satya Sanatana Dharma, i.e., panch sādhan mārg or fivefold path.  Take ‘Yajña, Dān, Tapa, Karma and Swādhyāya’, as your way of life and that is the eternal religion given by Vedas to the humanity.

The Bheshajya Yajña is a part of Vedic Yajña System and is to be performed during the transition period (Sandhi-kāl) of two seasons. Therefore three Bheshajya Yajñas are to be performed as, ’Nitya’ (Regular order) in a year. This is known as ‘Chaturmāsya Esti or Yajña”. Change in seasons has impact on plant life, animal life and human life. We generally have cough, cold and fever (Flu-like symptoms) during this time. Therefore our great Sages made Bheshajya Yajña as a part of life. Shri Vasant V. Paranjpe has described ‘Bheshyajya Yajña’ as ‘Medicinal Yajñas’ in his book ‘Homa Therapy our Last Chance’.

Research on Agnihotra  and Yajñopathy

I would like to mention on Agnihotra and Yajñopathy to deal with COVID-19 at least as a Preventive Care (of course in addition to Govt. Guidelines about washing hands, keeping personal hygiene, social distancing, wearing mask in public etc.) and also at least one very relevant and important research study here, which probably may or may not be there  in the aforesaid compilation:

An interesting study of Shri Rahul Ravindran Nair, ‘Agnihotra : A Prototype of South Asian Traditional Medical Knowledge’ indicates as follows:

This study conceptualizes the principles of Agnihotra Yajña. The perusal of ancient and modern literature reveals that the functioning of the human body is impossible without maintaining an energetic continuum driven by sunlight. The seven major chakras existing over the spinal cord help to maintain this energetic continuum. Agnihotra Yajña is proposed to balance the chakra system as a whole by minimizing entropy. Offerings of natural elements to fire lit in a copper pyramid during Agnihotra liberate various volatile compounds having potent pharmacological actions. Attempts were made to enhance the efficacy of fumes by incorporating two to three pieces of coconut endosperm and ‘navadhānya’ (nine grains) to the conventional oblations. This investigation clearly demonstrates that the purpose behind the practice of Agnihotra Yajña is ‘letting incessant flow of energy (life) through our meridian lines and acupuncture points. The volatile organic compounds in smoke were analysed using gas chromatography and masspectrometry method …

… In addition to the ingredients tested, cow ghee is another important traditional ingredient that is poured into the fire. The fumes that are liberated during the combustion of ghee help to protect the respiratory system and facilitate the removal of blood clots and the bacterial infections in nasal passage lungs and veins. Hence daily exposure to this medicinal smoke should certainly have a favourable influence on the health of the mind and body of the person inhaling the fume. In addition, the potent antimicrobial action of the above identified compounds, purifies the air in the place where Agnihotra is performed……

…These electromagnetic waves, together with the chanting of Vedic hymns (unique sonic signals) have potential health benefits. The combustion of offerings in the Agnihotra pyramid is thought to increase PCE/Chi/Prana in the surrounding atmosphere and the intake of this increased quantum of PCE/Chi/Prana by breathing is thought to optimize the alignment of chakras and would certainly establish energy connections between the physical body and the electromagnetic body via the chakra system…..

..In the light of all the above facts, Agnihotra Yajña can be considered as a complementary medicine that removes the energy blocks in the meridians/nādis. In conclusion the ultimate purpose of practicing Agnihotra Yajña is to realize “Life” which means ‘letting incessant flow of energy’ through our body–mind system as any blockage in this flow would cause disharmony and chaos in the system, thus leading to poor health.”

Although the ingredients used and studied in Shri Nair’s experiment are different from the standardized ingredients used in daily Agnihotra as recommended by Param Sadguru; the results, observations and conclusions are important from the point of Yajñopathy for building immunity.

Practical recommendations

Agnihotra

‘Agnihotra’ as ‘Kāmdhenu’ not only give protective shield against COVID-19 as a preventive measure but also bring health, peace and prosperity to people performing Agnihotra by purifying the atmosphere.

The performance of Agnihotra at sunrise and sunset is a must as this Primary and Supreme Yajña through its Resonance Effect captures many ethers, electricities and subtle energies at sunrise and broadcasts them in the atmosphere for its purification.

While interpreting Rigvedic Surya Sūkta (Mandala 1 Hymn 115 and Mandala 10 Hymn 170) Shri Shyam Ghosh says, ‘The invisible electromagnetic waves of cosmic energy carry the properties of heat, light and sound which manifest when those come in contact with matter’. (Rigveda for Layman-Shatsukta Paridarshanam by Shyam Ghosh).

Article, ‘Corona Pandemic- Aspects and Perspectives’ refer to our active self-movement and our relation with the sun, i.e., our rhythmical system is connected with the sun and its course throughout the day. Agnihotra establishes connectivity between our biorhythm and the biorhythm of circadian cycle of sunrise and sunset and the subtle energies emanating from the sun are attracted even if you are confined to your house.

Yajñayopathy (Homa Therapy)

In addition to performing Agnihotra daily, I would recommend performing daily or from time to time ‘Tryambakam Homa’ for about fifteen minutes in which one is able to offer oblations with Tryambakam Mantra for about 108 times.

ॐत्र्यंबकं यजामहे, सुगंधिंपुष्टिवर्धनम्।

उर्वारुकमिव बंधनान्मृत्योर्मुक्षीयमाSमृतात  स्वाहा।।

The oblations to be offered in the sacred fire will be that of pure Cow-ghee fortified and enriched with certain essential oils which have antiseptic, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial, antispasmodic properties to deal with pathogenic bacteria and viruses of any type, therefore it is called as ‘Amrut Havi’, this is recommended by Dr. Kamal Narayan Arya, a Research Scientist of Ayurveda and Yajnyopathy. In ‘Panch Mahā Yajña Vidhi’, Swami Dayanand Sarswati said ‘this śloka not only gives beautiful description of Agnihotra but also prescribes guidelines for preparation of Havirdravya (Medicinal, Aromatic, Strength and Energy giving herbs/medicinal substances for giving offerings to the fire). He says:

अग्नये परमेश्वराय जलवायुशुद्धिकरणायच, होत्रं हवनं दानं यस्मिनकर्मणिक्रियते ‘तद्-अग्निहोत्रम्’ सुगन्धिपुष्टिमिष्टबुद्धिवृद्धिशौर्यबलकरैऱ्गुणर्युक्तानाम्द्रव्यांणांहोमकरणेन वायु-वृष्टिजलयो:शुद्धख्यापृथिवीस्थपदार्थानांसर्वेषांशुद्धवायुजलयोगादत्यन्तोत्तमतयासर्वेषांजीवानांपरमसुखंभवत्येव।अतस्तत्कर्मकर्तृणांजनानांतदुपकारतयाSत्यंतसुखलाभोभवतीश्वरप्रसन्नताचेत्येतददाद्यर्थम्अग्निहोत्रकरणम्।

Therefore in preparation of Havirdravya aromatic substances like Kesar, Kasturi, Ghee and Milk-like nutritious and strength–giving products, sweet things like jaggery, sugar, honey and medicinal herbs/plants like somalata, disease curing medicinal herbs/plants /substances be used. The following are the ingredients of this Havi:

Amrut Dhara (Divya Dhara)

This is a preparation of three ingredients i.e. Crystaline essence of Ajwain (Omum-Trychyspermum ammi), Pepper Mint (Mentha spicata), and Bhimseni Camphor (Cinemomum camphora).When all these three ingredients in crystal form are mixed together in a bottle automatically they get melted into a liquid form. It is anti-septic, anti-bacterial and head-ache and pain remover.

Cardamom Oil (Elettaria cardamomum)

Anti-spasmodic-muscular and respiratory spasms, muscle pulls and cramps, anti-bacterial, anti-mycotic, anti-viral, carminative activities. Used in  asthama, whooping cough  and as overall health-booster.

Clove Oil (Syzygium aromaticum)

Chemical constituents are iron, calcium ,potassium, phosphorous, vitamin A and C, minerals, compounds like eugenol, eugenol acetate etc. anaesthetic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, carminative and anti-inflammatory.

Cinnamom Oil / Dalchini oil (Cinnamomum zeylanicum)

Number of compounds including cinnamaldehyde  which reduces inflammation, anti-bacterial, carminative, anti-microbial, antifungal; suppresses the growth of microorganisms including bacteria and fungi-good for cough, cold, constipation etc.

Malkangani Oil / Jyotishmati Oil (Celastrus paniculatus)

Helpful for concentration and memory-used in Divya MedhaVati. Steam inhalation for treating upper respiratory infections, cardiac tonic, diuretic in nature, low-BP, vigor and vitality.

Almond Oil  (Prunus dulcis  amygdalus )

High in anti-oxidants, vitamin E, protects cells from harmful substances/free radicals, maintains blood-sugar control and heart-health, acitic, formic, linolenic and palmatic acids

Ten ml. of each of the above six oils is to be added to half a kilo of pure Cow-ghee and this fortified cow-ghee is to be offered as oblations to the fire while chanting Tryambakam Mantra. Even if you light a lamp of this Goghrita (Cow-ghee) in your house it will give results; but performing Tryambakam Homa for fifteen to twenty minutes will be better, because the vibrations of Tryambakam Mantra will have the resonance effect for  creating a protective shield.

Ayurvedic Home Remedy

One more home remedy is preparation of a decoction (Kaḍā) as a preventive measure for COVID-19. This Kaḍā is made up of 7-10 fresh leaves of each of Adulsa (Adhatoda vassica), Parijat (Nyctanthes arbortristis), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bael (Aegle marmelos) and Lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) with addition of approx. two grams of each of Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Peepali (Piper longum), Star spice, Sunthi (dry ginger powder),  Cinnamom  powder. Boil all these ingredients into 1.5 to 2 litres of water to make it as a one litre of Kaḍā and keep it bottled. You can prepare a hot drink of this Kaḍā by adding a table spoon of the preparation to one cup of tolerably hot water and take it with lemon and honey. You can sip this hot drink two-three times in a day. You can also add a table-spoon of this preparation to the vapourizer and inhale the vapours, whenever you have cough and cold or you are sneezing. Parijat has been found to be very useful in case of fever and joint pain in cases of Chickungunya. This Kaḍā will be helpful as a preventive measure as well as an immunity booster when combined with Agnihotra and Trambakam Homa.

–Sh. Anand Gaikwad, Krishi Bhushan Sendriya  Sheti  M. S. & Retd. Executive Director/Company Secretary

Vedic Shield against Visible and Invisible Organisms

–Dr. Raghava S. Boddupalli

Introduction

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses, including some that cause the common cold to some that cause major diseases such as the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS). In December 2019, the pandemic outbreak of a novel ‘Coronavirus disease’ (COVID-2019), later termed as SARS-CoV-2, is potentially fatal and a highly contagious disease. Given that in absence of a definitive COVID-19 treatment and the presence of asymptomatic carriers, the conventional intervention measures to curb the rate of infection and deaths are highly challenging. This novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. Respiratory involvement, presenting as mild flu like illness to potentially lethal acute respiratory distress syndrome or fulminant pneumonia resembling that of SARS-CoV is the dominant clinical manifestation of COVID-19. Like other respiratory tract infections, pre-existing comorbidities are reported to enhance vulnerability to COVID-19 patients. Although the pathophysiology of SARS-CoV-2  is not  well  studied  yet,  existing  evidences  suggest likely  resemblances  to  other  SARS-CoVs’ infection; the  acute  lung  injury  resulting  from  aggressive  inflammation  triggered  by  viral replication. People with compromised immune systems, the very old and young and those with diagnosed heart and lung conditions are most at risk of developing complications if they contract an infection like this. While currently there is no cure for this, we can work with our mind and body through natural remedies to greatly strengthen our immune system. If our immune system is strong, then we can fight and prevent any infection.

Homa oblations to control bacterial and fungal pathogens 

According to Vedic scholars, the combination of the powerful energy of the fire and the Vedic mantras/liturgy creates extremely auspicious and purifying vibrations that are beneficial to the people attending yajña or hōma. The homa-ājya that is used in the yajñas is made only from the cow’s milk. Research reports indicate that the cow-ghee contains many essential nutrients, anti-oxidants and saturated fatty acids. These reports provided experimental evidence that the cow-ghee is having anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The practice of Agnihotra and placing havan (fire offerings) purifies the house and the outside environment. A scientific report states that homa is an effective method to reduce the fungal spores load in small office or room. As per the experiments conducted, the homa fire smoke has the potency to kill fungal spores. In another study, it is experimentally shown that the medicinal smoke emanated by burning wood (samidha) and a mixture of odoriferous and medicinal herbs has the ability to effectively reduce pathogenic bacteria in the air. Another report conceptualizes the principle of Agnihotra yajña as having potent pharmacological action. The anti-viral property of the homa needs to be experimented and tested.

Microorganisms in Vedas

The word krimi occurs in the Vedas for different macroscopic and microscopic creatures. Right from germs like bacteria, viruses and others, various insects like kīṭa, pataṃga are referred as krimi. There are two types of krimis viz., dṛṣta (visible / macroscopic) and adṛṣta (invisible / microscopic) were described in Atharvaveda (AV) as an entire hymn [5-5-23].

yō akṣyau parisarpati yō nāsē parisarpati।

datāṃ yō madhyaṃ gacchati taṃ krimiṃ jaṃbhayāmasmi ॥

AV 5-5-23(3)

नेत्रों में घूमने वाले, नाक के नथुने में घूमने वाले तथा दाँत में रहने वाले कृमियों को हम नष्ट करते हैं।

utpurastātsūrya ēti viśvadṛṣṭō adṛṣṭahā।

dṛṣṭāṃśca dnannadṛṣṭāṃśca sarvāśca pramṛṇākrimīn ॥

AV 5-5-23(6)

सब प्राणियों के लिए दर्शनीय सूर्य अदृश्य कीटों को नष्ट करते हैं। वे दृश्य, अदृश्य सब प्रकाश के कृमियों को मारते हुए पूर्व से उदय हो रहे हैं।

We pray that both the worms (krimi) that we can see, and that we see not, be destroyed. These two categories encompass nearly all krimi (microbes / pathogens). According to their origin and habitat they are categorized as praṇyaśrayī and anyasthānaśrayī. Different śārīrika, mānasika and ādhyātmika vyādhis were thought to be originated from these krimis. These harmful and debilitating (puṣtināṣaka) organisms are recognized by various names based on troubles/sufferings they produce. Sun and fire (agni) were described as internal source of treatment (krimi cikitsa). Today, science also confirms these facts that early morning ultraviolet light rays emanating from sun can be used for various krimijanya-vyādhis. Apart from this, various treatment modalities by using various natural resources, herbal drugs, mineral drugs, fumigation, cleansing (mārjan-prōkṣaṇa) and hymns are described for krimi and diseases caused by them in Yajurveda and Atharvaveda.

Prayer to Soma (god of medicinal herbs), Rudra (primordial doctor) and other deities

sōmārudrā vi vṛhataṃ viṣūcīmamīvā yā nō gayamāvivēśa।

ārē bādhēthāṃ nirṛtiṃ parācaiḥ kṛtaṃ cidēnaḥ pra mumuktamasmat॥

Yajurveda [TS 1-8-22(22)] 

Oh Soma (god of medicinal herbs) and Rudra! Enter our homes and eradicate morbidity. Drive away and trouble the unfavorable disease from afar. You will remove from us the sin (which is in the form of disease) that is stuck to our bodies.

adhyavōcadadhivaktā prathamō daivyō bhiṣak।

ahīgśca sarvāṅjaṃbhayaṃthsarvāśca  yātudhānyaḥ॥

Yajurveda [TS 4-5-1(2), MS 16-5]

The first anuvaka of Namakaṁ in Śrī Rudram is not only chanted for all-round development of the community as well as the well-being of the chanter, but will also provide protective shield (kavaca) against the visible and invisible enemies like virulent fevers, fatal disorders, absolution from evil stars and bad karma.

udgrābhaṃ ca nigrābhaṃ ca brahma dēvā avīvṛdhann।

athā saptnāniṃdrāgnī mē viṣūcīnānvyasyatām॥

Yajurveda [TS 1-6-4]

Brahma and other devatas improved the two-fold nature (udgrābha and nigrābha) of the ladle, increasing its prosperity. Using this, Indra and Agni drove away and destroyed cholera.

Remedy for germs

atriṇā tvā krimē hanmi । kaṇvēna jamadaggninā। viśvāvasōrbhrahmaṇā hataḥ। kriṃīṇāguṃ rājā। apyēṣāgsthapatir hataḥ।  athō mātāthō pitā। athō sthūrā athō kṣudrāḥ। athō kṛṣṇā athō śvētāḥ। athō āśātikā hataḥ। śvētābhi ssaha sarvē hataḥ॥

Taittirīya Āraṇyaka [TA] 4-36

O Germ! I kill you with the mantra revealed by the ṛṣis Atri, Kaṇva and Jamadagni. The leader of the germs was killed by the mantra revealed by Visvavasu, a Gandharva. The other germ leaders were also killed. The mother and father of the germs were destroyed. All types of germs – big and small, black and white were killed. Moreover, the germs in the bodies of animals like cows and horses were also killed. We offer the havis in the hōma, in the yajñaśāla. Similarly, through this mantra, we keep the enemies, in the tooth of Yama. We can listen to the crushing sound of the enemies, while they are killed.

yā vyāghraṃ viṣūcikā। ubhauvṛkaṃcarakṣati। śyēnaṃ patatriṇaguṃ siguṃham। sēmaṃ pātvagumhasaḥ॥

Taittirīya Brāhmaṇa [TB] 2-6-1(5)

व्याधियों को दूर करने वाली विषूचिका यजमान की उसी प्रकार रक्षा करें जिस प्रकार व्याघ्र, वृक, सिंह और पक्षी को जरण दोष नहीं होता।

This mantra implores the deity of cholera, viṣūcikā, to protect the sacrificer from distress in the same way that the tiger, wolf, winged hawk and the lion are protected or spared.

Prayer to Vayu and Prajapati

vātaṃ prāṇaṃ manasānvārabhāmahē। prajāpatiṃ yō bhuvanasya gōpāḥ। sanōmṛtyōstrāyatāṃ pātvaguṃhasaḥ। jyōgjīvā jarāmaśīmahi॥

TB 3-7-7(2)

प्राण रूपी वायु और प्रजापति जो इस भुवन के स्वामी है। वे हमारे मन से मृत्यु के भय को हटाये। हम चिरकाल तक जीवन जीये अर्थात् वृद्धावस्था तक ।

It is a prayer for vāyu (custodian of vital air – prāṇaṃ) and Prajāpati, who is the creator and protector of the universe (bhuvanās) – heaven, earth, and hell – (bhuvanasya gōpāḥ) and the people living in them. They relieve us from the attack of mṛtyu (dangers and untimely unhappy occurences) as well as from the sins (aguṃhasaḥ). These may be carried on by the jīva even to the next birth. We have to mark the definite hope expressed in the expression: ‘jyogjīvā jarāmaśīmahi’. This desire is also mentioned as prayer to Sun God in Śaura sūkta. As there are many uncertainties in one’s life, there no guarantee in reaching old age. From birth to death, many mayantarayas (mṛtyu) occur. Hence, they need to be curbed periodically. When this mantra is performed as japa, surely the deities under prayer shall focus this care on the devotees. They promote health and save us from death and distress (Prabhakar, C.L., Veda Nada Sarit, 27(228), April 2020).  

Cure for respiratory diseases

jarāyujaḥ prathama usriyā vṛṣā vātābhrajā stanayannēti vṛṣṭyā।

    sanō mṛḍāti tanvaṛujugō rujan ya ēkamōjastrēdhā vicakramē॥

AV 1-3-12(1)

जरायु से उत्पन्न जगत् से पूर्व सृष्टि में सबसे प्रथम उत्पन्न वायु के समान शीघ्रगामी और अनंत बल संपन्न सूर्य मेघों  को गर्जाते हुए वर्षा के साथ आते हैं। वे सूर्य हमें त्रिदोष जनित रोगों से मुक्त कर। वे सीधे चलने वाले सूर्य जो एक होकर भी तीन प्रकार से प्रकाशित होते हैं, हमारे शरीर को सुख दें।

We pray the Sun, who shines strong even through the heavy clouds and rain, and provide comfort to our body by curing many diseases.

añgē añgē śōciṣā śriśriyāṇaṃ namasyaṃta stvā haviṣā vidhēmal

      añkāṃtsamañkān haviṣā vidhēma yō agrabhīt parvāsyā grabhītā॥

AV 1-3-12(2)

प्रत्येक अवयवों में अपनी दीप्ति रूप से व्याप्त हे सूर्य! हम स्तुति, हवि आदि से आपको पूजते हैं। आपके समीपवर्ती देवताओं को भी हवि द्वारा सेवा करते हैं। रोगों से ग्रसित इस पुरुष की रोग निवृत्ति के लिए हम आपको पूजते हैं।

In this mantra, salutations are offered to the Sun, who pervades in full brilliance in all creatures. Oblations are offered to the Sun, His followers and other deities to cure us all from the virulent diseases and viral fevers which affect our body.

Remedy through Cow-Urine

idamidvā u bhēṣajamidaṃ rudrasya bhēṣajam|

      yēnēṣumēkatējanāṃ śataślyāmapabravat॥

AV 6-12-57(1)

इस रोग को दूर करने वाली औषधि को मैं करूंगा यह रुद्र की औषधि अंत काल में सबको रुलाती है। इसका शिव ने प्रयोग किया था।

To cure wrana i.e., all diseases the medicines made available by Rudra are indeed the only cures. According to Monier Williams, wrana stands for wound, sore, ulcer, abscess, tumors, cancer, boil, scar, cicatrix, cracks etc.

jālāṣēṇābhi ṣiñcata jālāṣēṇōpa siñcatal

      jālāṣamugraṃ bhēṣajaṃ tēna nō mṛḍa gīvasē॥

AV 6-12-57(2)

हे परिचारको! तुम गोमूत्र के फेन जल से घाव को धोओ, यह रोग को दूर करने में श्रेष्ठ है। हे रुद्र! इस औषधि से हमको सुख दो।

The body parts affected by disease and nearest to the disease parts should be thoroughly washed with the mixture of cow urine (gō-mutra) and activated water. This is the most potent remedy blessed by Rudra for giving healthy life to us for the treatment of these diseases.

saṃ ca nō mayaśca nō mā ca naḥ kiṃ canāmamatl                    

        kṣmā rapō viśvaṃ nō astu bhēṣajaṃ sarvaṃ nō astu bhēṣajam॥

AV 6-12-57(3)

हे देव! हमको सुख मिले हमारे पशु-मनुष्य रोग-ग्रस्त न हों और पाप का नाश हो। संपूर्ण विश्व और उनके श्रेष्ठ कर्म हमारे लिए औषधि के समान हों।

Let there be health for us, peace for us, pleasure for us, let nothing cause injury and harm to us, let all diseases be banished, let all the objects in this world be promoters of our health.

The above mentioned three Atharvaveda mantras [11-13] describe how the urine of cow can be used in treating against unicellular amoeba-like organisms (Vedas call them creatures without mouths). Use of the cow urine is suggested as a mixture with vigorously stirred – foaming water – activated water, similar to the making of homeopathic and bio-dynamic preparations. Research reports indicate that the cow urine has antimicrobial activities and particularly on fugal pathogens. As of now, there is no published report with regard to the measures to fight the virus by using cow urine. It is time to investigate the effectiveness of cow urine against even the coronavirus.

Conclusions

It is unfortunate that now-a-days, humans are facing many diseases. The outbreak of coronavirus has been detected a few months ago. Ishvara being our real inspiration has given us the knowledge of four Vedas to destroy illusion and solve all kinds of problems, including those of medical science. Many fatal infections can be destroyed by performance of yajñas and yāgyās. When we obey the Vedic principles, diseases are either destroyed from its roots or do not even generate. Vedic mantras state that agnihotra purifies food grains, water, and bestows mental and physical strength so that people can enjoy prosperous life. Veda mantras have the ability to drive away the health hazards and sādhana is important for siddhi. 

Dr. Raghava S. Boddupalli, Institute of Sanskrit and Vedic Studies (ISVS)

‘कोरोना-अभिशाप’ : प्रकृति के लिए वरदान!

डा. अपर्णा (धीर) खण्डेलवाल

हमारे जीवन को सरल बनाने वाले औद्योगिकरणों एवं वैज्ञानिक सफलताओं ने कहीं न कहीं हमें प्रकृति से कोसों दूर कर दिया। आज हम हरे-भरे उद्यानों की छाया एवं मनोरम छवि, नदियों की तरंगपूर्ण शीतल लहरों की  कल्कलाहट, शुद्ध वायु, सूर्य की निर्मल पहली किरण से जगमगाते हुए आसमान की लालिमा, पक्षियों की चहचहाहट, भ्रमरों का गुंजन, तित्लियों के रंग-बिरंगे पंखों का फैलाव, फूलों की सुगन्ध, चांदनी रातें, टिमटिमाते हुए तारे आदि प्राकृतिक अनुभूतियों को छोड़ अत्यन्त व्यस्त जीवन जी रहे थे। इस जीवन में न तो प्रकृति के लिए समय था, न ही परिवार के लिए। समय था तो केवल चुनौतियों से भरे हुए अहंकार-पूर्ण जीवन के लिए। इन चुनौतियों को पूरा करने और लौकिक सुखों के उद्देश्य में मानव यह भूल गया कि वह अपनी लापरवाही से प्रकृति का अनजाने में कितना दोहन प्रतिदिन प्रतिक्षण किए ही जा रहा है। जिसके परिणाम स्वरूप आज हरियाली खत्म होती जा रही है, वायु में सांस नहीं लिया जा रहा, नदियों का जल पय नहीं रहा, अत्याधिक वर्षा भूस्खलन का कारण बन गई इत्यादि। इन्हीं सब चिन्ताओं से आज हमारे शरीर रोगग्रस्त हो रहे हैं।

2020 के दस्तक देने से पूर्व ही ‘कोरोना’ विश्वपटल पर धीरे-धीरे चुपके-चुपके पैर पसार रहा था। पहले चीन फिर यूरोपीय देश फिर समस्त विश्व का सिकंदर बना अमेरिका इसकी चपेट में आते जा रहे थे….. और फिर बारी आई अपने भारत की। अत्यन्त घातक यह ’कोरोना’ समस्त विश्व में कोहराम मचाकर लाखों की संख्या में मानव जाति को पीड़ित कर रहा है। यह स्थिति कहलाई जा रही है ’कोरोना-महामारी’। इस स्थिति पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए अथवा उसके संक्रमण से सम्पूर्ण मानव-जाति को बचाने के लिए…….सभी देशों में धीरे-धीरे सम्पूर्ण बंद (lockdown) की स्थिति आ गई। देखते ही देखते देश-विदेश के समस्त बड़े-बड़े उद्योग, यातायात के साधन, लोक-व्यवहार, बाज़ार, उत्पादन, खरीद-बिक्री एक के बाद एक बंद होते चले गए। कोई इसे प्राकृतिक-आपदा कहने लगा तो कोई मानवीय त्रुटि। किसी का भी ध्यान प्रकृति के कायाकल्प की ओर नहीं जा रहा। सब ओर हाहाकार ही सुनाई पड़ता रहा। अगर हम ऐसा मान लें कि शायद प्रकृति हमारी व्यावहारिक ज़िन्दगी से थकने के कारण थोड़ा विराम लेना चाहती थी……तो शायद ’कोरोना-महामारी’ सहज लगने लगे।

वास्तव में प्रकृति केवल वही नहीं जो सम्पूर्ण ब्रह्माण्ड के चारों ओर आच्छादित है, जिसे हम ‘पर्यावरण’ के नाम से जानते हैं अपितु प्रकृति के दोनों रूप हमें जानने चाहिए – बाह्य प्रकृति और आन्तरिक प्रकृति। बाह्य प्रकृति में समुद्र-नदियाँ, पर्वत, वृक्ष-पौधे, वायु आते हैं। आन्तरिक प्रकृति में हमारे विचार आते हैं। दोनों प्रकृतियों को सहेज के रखना ही हमारा कर्तव्य है, तभी प्रकृति और हमारा आपसी संतुलन बना रहता है।

बाह्य प्रकृति –

प्रकृति के साथ सम्बन्ध की अनुभूति ही सिद्ध करती है, हमारा प्रकृति के प्रति स्वभाव। प्रकृति और मानव जीवन का सामञ्जस्य एवं संतुलन ही पर्यावरण का संरक्षण कहलाता है। इसका सबसे बड़ा उदाहरण अथर्ववेद (12.1.12) का मंत्र है-

माता भूमिः पुत्रोऽहं पृथिव्याः।

भूमि मेरी माता है और मैं भूमि का पुत्र (संतान) हूँ।

जब हम सम्पूर्ण पृथ्वी की ही कल्पना अपनी माँ के रूप में कर लेते हैं तो कभी भी पृथ्वी के अंगभूत उसके वृक्ष, नदियाँ, वायु, पर्वत आदि को प्रदूषित नहीं करते और उनके प्रति स्नेहमयी दृष्टि रखते हैं।

(Source of Image : https://www.pinterest.com/pin/563794447101937319/)

‘कोरोना-महामारी’ से पूर्व खानों की खुदाई; तेल, कोयले, लकड़ी जैसे ईंधनों की खपत, समुद्री जीव-जन्तुओं का जीवन, जंगलों की कटाई, दूषित नदियाँ, मांसाहार आदि प्रदूषण पर्यावरणविदों की गम्भीर चिन्ता के विषय थे। विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन जैसी संस्थाएँ प्रतिदिन प्रदूषण से होने वाली अनेक प्रकार की व्याधियों के रोकथाम एवं जागरूकता के लिए नए-नए चिकित्सीय दिशा-निर्देशों को निर्दिष्ट करता रहता था। 

(Source of Image : https://www.who.int/airpollution/infographics/Air-pollution-INFOGRAPHICS-English-1.1200px.jpg)

अभिशाप बनकर आये इस ’कोरोना-काल’ में अर्थशास्त्री बाज़ार के उतार-चढ़ाव देखते रहे परन्तु चिरकाल से चोट खाई इस प्रकृति ने समस्त हानिकारक प्रदूषको में भारी गिरावट कर खुद को ही नया सा कर लिया।

‘नमामि गंगे’, ‘स्वच्छ वायु परियोजना’  एवं ‘स्वच्छ भारत अभियान’  जैसी योजनाओं के चलने से भी जहाँ असर नहीं आ रहा था, वहीं इस ‘कोरोना-अभिशाप’ की गोद में छिपा था साफ आसमान, साफ नदियाँ, स्वच्छ वायु का वरदान (https://www.ndtv.com/news/view/ndtv/2216600/site=classic/?device=androidv2&showads=no)। कहने में अतिशयोक्ति न होगी कि ’कोरोना’ ने मानव को प्रकृति की नूतन छवि के दर्शन करा उनके परस्पर सम्बन्ध को और अधिक क़रीबी बनाया।

आन्तरिक प्रकृति –

व्यक्ति के सोच-विचार ही उसकी आन्तरिक प्रकृति की नींव है। मनुष्य के विचारों से ही उसका स्वभाव बनता है इसीलिए ‘कोरोना-काल’ में स्वयं को तनाव मुक्त करने के लिए तथा सद्विचार हेतु ‘ताली’ और ‘थाली’ की गूँज के साथ दियों की जगमगाहट दिखाई दी। वैदिक मंत्र – ‘तन्मे मनः शिवसंकल्पमस्तु’ (वाजसनेयी संहिता 34) का सकारात्मक दृष्टिकोण भारत के प्रधानमंत्री जी ने कुछ इस प्रकार प्रकट किया-

शुभं करोति कल्याणमारोग्यं धनसंपदा।

शत्रुबुद्धिविनाशाय दीपज्योतिर्नमोऽस्तुते॥

यही दर्शाता है कि ‘कोरोना’ को संकट नहीं अपितु उस अंधकार के रूप में माना गया है जिसके बाद सवेरा निश्चित है- ‘तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय। मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय’ (बृहदारण्यक उपनिषद् 1.3.28)। वैदिक विचारधारा से ओत-प्रोत भारत आपद-काल में यही सकारात्मक संदेश समस्त विश्व तक पहुंचा रहा है।

संगठित समाज और संयुक्त-परिवार-व्यवस्था ही ‘वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम्’ की नींव है। भारतीय सामाजिक व्यवस्था प्रारम्भ से ही इसकी सराहना करती है। वर्तमान ‘कोरोना-संक्रमण-काल’ के कारण सम्पूर्ण विश्व में चल रहे बंद (lockdown) ने समस्त विश्व को सामाजिक एकता एवं पारिवारिक सम्बन्धों में परस्पर सामंजस्य का पाठ पढ़ाया है। तनावपूर्ण वातावरण में परस्पर सौहार्द ही मानसिक बल प्रदान करता है, जिससे आत्मघाती अवसादों को नियंत्रित किया जा सकता है।

स्वयं को पहचानना अर्थात् अपनी क्षमताओं और कमज़ोरियों का ज्ञान परमावश्यक है। आज हम कहीं न कहीं आत्म-मूल्यांकन भूल चुके हैं। इस ‘कोरोना-संकट’ ने हम सभी को भागदौड़ से हटाकर ’स्वाध्याय’ के लिए प्रेरित किया है-

‘स्वाध्यायान्मा प्रमदः’ (तैत्तिरीय उपनिषद् 1.11.1)

सांसारिक क्रियाकलापों से परे आत्म-निहित साधना ही हमें योग और ध्यान की ओर ले जाती है- ‘असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं……वैराग्येण च गॄह्यते’ (गीता 6.35) | इस आपत्ति-काल ने ‘आत्मानुशासन’ भी सिखा दिया।

इस प्रकार ‘कोरोना’ ने बाह्य और आन्तरिक दोनों ही प्रकृतियों में नूतनता के दर्शन कराये हैं। ऐसा लगता है कि ‘कोरोना-काल’ के बाद विश्व में कई बदलाव दिखेंगे, यथा- पारिवारिक-सम्बन्धों में, पर्यावरण-संरक्षण के प्रति, आत्म-विश्लेषण में, तथा सकारात्मक ऊर्जा के रूप में।

हम जीवन के प्रति उदासीन हो रहे हैं पर

प्रकृति स्वयं को हमारे लिए पुनर्जीवित कर रही है……….

Dr. Aparna (Dhir) Khandelwal, Assistant Professor, School of Indic Studies, INADS, Dartmouth