Human Body - From the viewpoint of Ayurveda (Part I)

Human Body - From the viewpoint of Ayurveda (Part I)

 

We have introduced ourselves to the human body by viewing it under various modern equipments, analyzing and examining various elements of it through different chemicals and examining the entire system, and its parts. A question naturally arises as to why the same human body is to be considered through the ayurvedic perspective. Because even if the body is viewed from the angle of ayurveda, the nature of the body or its functioning does not change. It is not possible that the structure and the function of the body are different in ayurveda and modern sciences. But the method of study of the organs of the body is different though their structure and functions remain the same.

 

Though we have resorted to the modern science to study the structure and the functions of the human body, yet for a comprehensive study of the reasons and the results of the never ending complicated and numerous processes of the internal organs of the body, one must resort to the ayurveda which thinks about the power which is behind these processes. The yoga sadhakas assume inseparable relation of the body and the mind and try to go beyond it; it is useful for them to understand the view. Hence, a student of yoga, should resort to modern sciences wherever necessary, and yet study the body from the ayurvedic point of view.

 

Ayurveda has evolved the origin of the body by following "Je Pindi te Brahmandi" (principle found in a jiva is the same as that found in the universe) and "Je Brahmandi te Pindi " (principle found in the universe is the same as that found in a jiva), the two dictums as the basis. Since the nature is based on panchmahabhootas, the body should also be based on them. It is said that Prithvi (Earth), Aap (Water), Tej ( Fire ), Vayu ( Air ) and Aakash ( Space ) the panchmahabhootas and the soul together form the body. It is stated as " Shatdhatvatmaka Purushaha" while clarifying this Charaka has defined the body as under :

 

Tatra shariram naam chetanadhishtanabhutam |

Panchmahabhootvikar samudayatmakam samyogavahi ||

 

To be continued…