• In :
• July 2020 LP

Period of oppression
Due to its antiquity and progressive attitude, our Indian civilisation has witnessed the pinnacle of prosperity. By the medieval period, along with its eight specialities, ayurvedic pharmacology had also fairly progressed. The branch of surgery was especially developing. But upon conversion of king Ashoka to Buddhism, a blanket ban on surgery was imposed on account of its principle of non-violence. As surgery is a hands-on skill vocation, it gradually receded due to lack of practical experience. Excommunicated from the scientific fraternity, surgery was now confined to only a folklore practice. Thereafter, Mughal invasions demolished the roots of ayurveda. By setting fire to the Nalanda University library, invaders turned most of the ayurvedic literature into a heap of ash. Original manuscripts of the science were now reduced to a memory. Following this incident, the university of ayurveda was never reconstructed. Familial traditions were trying to save this heritage, but their practices were more benevolent in nature rather than professional. Too much charity without a scientific base annihilated its credibility. Thereafter, the period of British oppression made matters worse. The seed of cultural inferiority which was sowed in the Indian mindset by them is prospering unabated till date. Post-independence efforts to rekindle indigenous medicines were initiated, though it is required to speed up the pace according to current times.

Pandemic and ayurveda
The world is perplexed by the current pandemic. The mortality rate of countries having a robust healthcare system is worrisome. According to the WHO, the cure for this pandemic is not available yet, albeit research is going on. On the Indian Prime Minister’s instructions, the department of AYUSH is also working relentlessly. But, whether ayurveda can dispense a possible cure for this disease or not will only be answered after applied analysis of its treatments. Ayurveda has an independent mechanism of patient examination and diagnosis of a disease. As per its fundamental principles, everything in this world constitutes space, mobility, heat, liquidity, and solidity. Diagnosisis are based on the analysis of doshas (biological humours) and dhatus (metabolic factors) and their effect on physiological functioning. The selection of an appropriate medicine will be dependent on it. Various modalities of treatment depending upon the six stages of a disease are also mentioned. Suitable climatic conditions of India facilitate the production of medicinal plants in plenty. Detailed qualitative analysis and functions of these medicines are well documented in the Indian Materia Medica. Ayurvedic physicians have been using these medicines for ages on the basis of scriptural principles to ameliorate human sufferings. With the sincere efforts of dedicated ayurvedic physicians, ayurveda has gained a fresh lease of confidence.

Research in ayurveda
Recently, there is a necessity for comprehensive research in ayurvedic modalities. It is true that there  is  a  dearth  of concrete evidence of a possible cure for the ongoing pandemic in ayurveda. Due to the novelty of this disease, efforts are being made by contemporary sciences as well to find a possible cure. The recommendation by the Government of India and AYUSH ministry to allow treatments through these modalities to find out the best possibilities is a welcome step. In ayurveda, a considerable number of treatments depend upon herbal formulations. Due to the homogeneity of elements, the human body accepts herbal medicines with much ease.Therefore, the side effects of herbal medicines are lesser. Yoga as well as ayurveda contribute to health maintenance simultaneously. Now, the onus is on ayurvedic physicians, scientists, and researchers to live upto the expectations of the time. Due to its extensive research, ayurveda is a well-supported experiential science, which shall remain relevant forever.

Ashutosh Guleri,
Administrator,
HRIYN, Kayakalp, Holta,
Palampur, Himachal Pradesh
Contact: 9418049070
E-mail: guleri.ashutosh@gmail.com

A better world and a better future
It’s about time we think ‘sustainability’ in every aspect of life, both individual and collective, if we want a better future.

The present state of the world 

• Physical and mental health has suffered greatly despite an increase in the longevity of life. 

• The environment, including its natural ecosystems, has seriously degraded, with the pollution levels of air, water, and food at their peak.

• Economic disparity is at its highest.

• Socio-political conflicts and violence have escalated.

This sorry state of the world has been unparalleled in its recorded history.

Major factors contributing to the present situation
• Insatiable desire for consumerism and materialism.
• ‘Greed is good and more is better’ economic models.
• Global education systems are solely designed to create workers. Education does not include the holistic development of human beings or the wisdom required for it.
• Believing technology is the only solution for all problems and ignoring the root causes of problems entirely.
• Total lack of wisdom and spirituality in the collective consciousness.

The way forward to a better future

• Sustainable and holistic models of progress and development in every aspect of human affairs.

• Fundamental reforms in education to restore the spirit of learning and consciousness.

• Seeking harmony and peace as the highest priority, rather than materialism or gratification.

• Understanding the truth that we are mortals here on Earth for a very limited time and that the creative intelligence is all-pervading and eternal. Conducting all human affairs in accordance with dharma: the highest moral and ethical values.

 ~ Dr Acharya; Contact: +91 9000533590, drachrya@pvecovillage.life