Health is our birth right- Jinan
The enthusiasm in life shows how healthy we are! One who is stable and established in the self is healthy. Health is not just physical fitness. It includes metal and spiritual fitness also. If one aspect is not functioning properly, our life will not be balanced and that will lead to ill health. Health is not the mere absence of disease. Health is the dynamic expression of life. Through out all the ages, undoubtedly Natural Living has always been the best kept fact in the realm of health. It is the right holistic approach to health and happiness. In today's materialistic world people spend their whole time & energy in earning wealth with no regard to the rules of being and then spend their major wealth and time in regaining their lost health. In this rat race they are looking to get health for nothing, not knowing that the highest price they ever pay is to have it given to them. Instead of expecting salvation, it is better to deserve it. Instead of buying or begging for cure, it is better to stop building disease.
Every machine needs fuel & rest to remain in proper working condition and if it works continuously wear and tear of its parts become frequent leading to breakdown, similarly our “body” also needs fuel & rest. For us to function well there needs to be a balance between activity and rest, eating and fasting, waking and sleeping. It is surprising that we do not know how we are, what we are and how our functions are. That is why we live in an unnatural erratic manner and damage ourselves. Then we go to a doctor to set us right. We are unaware or have totally neglected the fact that ‘Good Health’ ought to be everybody’s concern, not the Doctor’s business. First thing to emphasize in the mind is that, health is the general natural condition of a person, and it is only we humans who can comprehend that "health itself is life". It is okay to consult a doctor at emergencies as a measure of survival but not as a routine. Health is a higher state of functional metabolic efficiency conflated with the power of making free choices unconstrained by external agencies with the power to know, desire, plan and act.
When we know how man is made, we shall understand the laws of his being and it will not be necessary for him to die of apoplexy. To perceive health in the real perspective it is very important to know how we are, what we are, how is our creation, mode of operation, fuel or energy behind our body function etc. Nothing is conducive to poise as a thorough understanding of one's own body and live accordingly. The “body” I mean here is not just the physical body, the wholesome individual multidimensional human being with all the layers of his existence, with the attributes of being able to survive, grow, think, discriminate, plan, visualize, communicate, articulate speech. Contrary to the common belief that there is only one gross physical body is present basically our existence entire structure is built up on three main consistencies, can again be functionally grouped into another 5 sheaths or layers.
Instead of beginning at the gross level of any subject we should begin at the base subtle level and work up. Behind the gross body which we see there is subtle body which we do not see but with out which the gross body cannot exist. The gross elements are made out of the subtle elements. Our body, which is created through these stages, where the presence of life is manifested, is the GROSSEST form of love. The origin is love. The essence of life is love. Life springs from love. Life seeks love. Life sustains in love. All that we do in our life is for love & happiness. Either extremity as well as the inner core of life is love. Life ends in love. Everyone admits that love is wonderful and must but no one or a very few agrees on just what it is.
In actuality what is love? Love is God! Love is that consciousness a strong positive energy a strong positive knowledge a strong positive mind with the feeling of regard affection and enthusiasm a lively interest the feeling of wonderment aroused by energy, not just an emotion as we normally perceive, it is the essence our very existence. It is the very basis of our life. We all are made up of that substance love. It is through procreation the proper loving act between spouses which prepares for a possible creation by God of a new offspring. It should be a collaboration of parents with God as the ultimate source of this new life. Life seeks love, The goal of life is love, Life is sustained by love, Love is the essence of life. The entire creation is the manifestation of God from the subtlest form to the grossest form. So let us begin from the subtle seed love.
The First consistency is the real seed of love! 1st layer of our existence called as seed body or causal body which is the potent un-manifest form of love-energy, the subtlest and immediate manifestation of consciousness. Just as a seed contains within itself an exact blueprint, a guide for making the plant it will produce; the causal body knows everything about the individual it will construct how to become hands, legs, eyes, brain, mind and so on. It is the core sublime, energy, inspiring awe of bliss! This Sheath is where we experience happiness and joy. It is the core of our being. It is peace, joy, and love, the undivided consciousness which is manifested as this body, mind, intellect and ego. Thus Love & Joy is a whole different order of reality from that of the body mind and emotions. This sheath is referred to as Anandamayakosha.
2nd consistency is composed of three layers a collection of impressions called as Astral Body or the subtle body. It is the medium of interaction with this universe (Mind and knowledge) which has the power (Energy) behind our function, not visible extremely, but can be experienced by self. This is connected with the physical body by a subtle thread along which vital current pass. This body is composed of 5 sense organs of knowledge Jnanendriyas, 5 sense organs of action Karmendriyas, 5 physiological systems Pancha pranas and four inner organs mind, memory, intellect and ego totally to 19 inner organs. This consistency can be functionally classified into three following layers.
VijnanamayaKosha- Intellectual Sheath is the 1st layer of the Astral Body which posess all the knowledge about us. This sheath is composed of inner knowledge or intuition act as knowledge and is experienced as feelings and emotions that drives the ego and ego drives the individual. This sheath is made up of 5 organs of Knowledge (Jnanendriyas) the mind and intellect & Ego. The function of this sheath is to power “the power of knowledge“. Intellect alone cannot be used for gaining knowledge unless the five sense organs of knowledge connect with the external world.
Manomayakosha- Mental Sheath is the 2nd layer of the Astral Body. This sheath is composed of 5 organs of Knowledge (Jnanendriyas) the mind & Memory. This is where we experience thought doubt exhilaration depression and delusion is experienced. The function of this sheath is to power “the power to Desire”. To desire we need mind & Memory. But unless we know about a thing we cannot desire for it. For us to know the things in question we need five organs of knowledge (Jnanendriyas) and hence the combination of mind, memory and 5 organs of knowledge make up this sheath.
Pranamayakosha- Pranic Sheath is the 3rd layer of the Astral Body through which the vital current passes. This sheath is composed of Pancha Pranas and Karmendrias. This sheath performs the function of provision of energy by processing the food fed to the gross body. The function of this sheath is to power "the power of action". This is the life force power behind all functions in us. It is through this sheath we experience sensations and makes our life vibrant. The five Pranas and five sense organs of action (Karmendriyas) together form this sheath.
3rd consistency is the physical body or the gross body the grossest manifestation of consciousness which involves in all worldly transactions and by which the presence of life is manifested temporarily and very visible to us and others. This layer gross body is called as Annamayakosha. The food consumed by the parents is converted into semen in men and ovule in women and by the combination of these the physical body is formed. After birth, the body grows by suckling the milk which is only a transformation of food consumed by the mother. The body is further developed by taking food. It gets dissolved in the earth which is another form of food. The body is itself a food for other creatures. Hence it is called the food sheath (Annamayakosha), the material body or the earthly engagement of the soul. The food sheath is an object of perception.
Thus the creation of human the whole body is the most wonderful and each sheath is the manifestation of same love energy consciousness. "Love, normally what we refer to as an emotion, is not just an emotion it is our very existence. We all are made up of that substance "love".
According to all holistic methods of treatments our body is made up of 5 natural elements Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth. All the five elements make our body and they are required for our existence. Ordinarily, when all these elements are at their right proportion anabolism catabolism metabolism are at normal, elimination is at normal toxins are eliminated then and there as fast as evolved through stool, urine, sweat and breath and menses. Thus health in the real perspective is the constant unobstructed flow of life energy harmoniously through all these sheaths in a rhythmic manner i.e. the rhythm of nature.
When energy is dissipated by stress or wrong living flow of life energy obstructs, makes repercussions such as lowered vitality, irregularities of the blood lymph and vital liquids, checks elimination, retain waste matter and toxins. This accumulation of toxin when once established will continue until life energy is restored. When we are normal, when we are at nature’s choice health is normal and immune to disease. Disease begins to manifest only when environment and personal habits use up energy faster than it is renewed.
“Cure” means a medication that treats or prevents or alleviates the symptoms of disease brings about a full recovery from illness or injury restoration or return to health. It is a complete revolution in the art and science of living. Nature cure is the process of improving vitality through the proper usage of five natural elements and thereby help the elimination process of the nature. Anything which interferes with these essential process cause disease and anything which promotes them establish health. In reality nature cure is the right way of living. It is the art of attaining a long healthy and blissful life.
As we all know the World Health Organization’s definition of health, as “a state of complete physical mental and social well being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity”.
Physically to attain the perfect state of health we should have a healthy heart, good digestive and spinal health. The essential prerequisites for vitality and rejuvenation are: Healthy Central Nervous System (Brain & Spine), Healthy Endocrine Glands, Healthy Internal Organs. The perfect equilibrium of all vital fluids on our body, Blood, Phlegm, Yellow bile and Black bile maintains the health. Ayurveda suggests to take nutrients categorically gas promoting and gas destroying, phlegm promoting or phlegm destroying, bile promoting or bile destroying, according to its vata, pita, kapha principles/constitution to bring the equilibrium of body. Our body alignment and balance is affected by the food we consume, the changes in weather conditions, physiological changes in body when we age, worry, feeling, tired, tensed or stressed. Hence, physical balance can be achieved only through natural way of living with a well balanced diet, activity and rest.
Mentally what is being healthy? If you are feeling rough inside, mind is stiff and not calm you are not healthy. Mental health is achieved through physical and emotional harmony. If mind is not well the whole subtle body get affected indeed weakens the gross body. Mentally health means, the sense of balance, belonging, ability to sleep well and have peace of mind.
Socially health means a well maintained self esteem and poise, ability to move through the challenges by accepting people and situations as they are being in harmony and respect with each other which is the biggest challenge now a day.
Infirmity or aging cannot be hindered but can be prolonged slowed down or delayed by the proper use of natural agents the main constituents of the body which are freely available in nature. Fresh air, sun shine, proper diet, exercise, scientific relaxation, constructive thinking and right mental attitude along with prayer and meditation all play their part in rejuvenating a sound mind & body.
The ultimate health care goal should be to eradicate the needs for treatment which is possible only through the know how of our constitution & right way of living. There are five different life style ways “Sopanam” Suggests to establish health 1) Physical Exercise/Proper Breathing (Yoga), 2) Proper Diet (Balanced Nutritional lively Diet), 3) Proper Rest (Scientific Relaxation), 4) Constructive Thinking and Right Mental Attitude (Love and compassion) along with 5) Prayer & Meditation all play their part in keeping us healthy.
1) The Yoga Therapy or ‘yoga-chikitsa’ refers to the treatment of diseases by means of yogic techniques which may be physical or mental or both. It is a specialized form of yogic culture. Yoga is a discipline aimed at nurturing the consciousness to achieve a serene state through action devotion and knowledge. Every action in life is generally performed in three stages: 1) Intention 2) Attention and 3) Action. The practice yoga along with proper diet and scientific rest helps in all the stages. It helps integrate the mind and body and increase ones capability in intention, attention and action which in turn allow the mind to think in a constructive way. It is the best way of doing exercise to increase aerobic endurance and enhance elimination. This mode of treatment has been practiced in India from very ancient times. Physical exercise in Yoga regulates our body by stimulating different organs, glands, nervous system and joints. Breathing techniques are taught to energize and to relax the body and mind as breath is seen as the outward manifestation of life force energy. Proper breathing ensures a mastery over the body mind and emotions. Relaxation techniques in Yoga take us to a deep level rest.
2) The Food therapy is the strongest weapon of nature cure. The primary cause of disease is arising from the adoption of a faulty nutritional pattern. The body cannot perform any of its functions metabolic, hormonal, mental, physical or chemical, without specific nutrients. The food which provides these nutrients is one of the most essential factors in building and maintaining health. Nutrition, which depends on food, is also of utmost importance in the cure of disease. There is an elaborate healing mechanism in the body itself but it can perform its function only if it is abundantly supplied with all the essential nutritional factors through a balanced diet. Food control with enhanced respiratory and circulatory efficiency combined with Relaxation & Meditation ensures a balanced metabolic rate in turn to good health
3) Scientific relaxation rests the body completely and activates the mind. Proper complete relaxation comes only when the body mind and spirit are at ease. Life is a combination of rest and activity. Most of the day we engrossed with our work during the day and we forget how to relax and rest. Heightened state of activity keeps us in dilemma to relax well. Our body is bio-chemical factory. When stressed, adrenalin gets pump in to our system make us in a tense state but when we are relaxed we get a healthy supply of ‘oxytocin’ a hormone makes us feel comfortable, trusting and increases our sense of belonging with everyone. When we relax our heart rate slows down, blood pressure lowers but increases the blood flow to major organs like heart lungs kidney liver spleen and brain. This reduces tension, pain and improves concentration subsiding anger and frustration. Scientific relaxation reaches us to state of meditation.4) Constructive Thinking and Right Mental Attitude: In our day-to-day life, we come across all kinds of situations that can be challenging and demanding a degree of alertness is must to be able to make good choices. By nature we human beings are good and believe in God at the core of our heart. But situations always give rise to different states of mind and neither life nor the states of mind occur with our permission. In fact, they often come to pass in direct defiance to our wishes. We eventually think constructive way to seek peace of mind. However one of the biggest challenges faced by every one of us is the lack of integration between the body and mind. Our intellect recognizes the right actions but the body and mind refuses to follow that path. Also in some cases, in spite of inner heart saying that something is wrong, we tread that path. We keep doing wrong and irrelevant things against the nature in spite of inner heart always trying to guide in the right path. We lack peace of mind and even if we have the right attitude to perform the right activity, we face huge resistance because of lack of capability of conscious choice and decision. Once a little confusion crops up, our emotions get distorted and a host of negativity follow. But if we are able to let go and focus on the ability of consciousness to revel in the glory of every moment, we are shielded from negativity. It helps to control the mind to relax, focus, concentrate, expand to see larger picture or dwell on divine oneness of self. All our actions will start reflecting care for others and not hurt others feelings. We stop thinking on the past and future unless it has relevance for the present and we would be able to use past experience effectively to plan for the future.
Thus constructive thinking can help in channelizing the inner powers and reduces the wastage of precious life force. Right mental attitude fundamentally ensures that healthy relationships are built and it is only with healthy relationships we can establish health.
5) Meditation and Prayer is the best medication in nature Living. The daily practice of maintaining harmony through the prayer and meditation is imperative requiring attention or action. Meditation and Prayer always go together. They are complimentary. Meditation has an important function in prayer. The prayer already happens when we meditate. Prayer is that spiritual weapon which can change the very fate of an individual. Through meditation we come in contact with our Consciousness. Our prayer is more effective if we do so while we are meditating. Outward prayer from mouth is not enough; it should be from the heart. Then no words are spoken outwardly. Prayer from the heart brings about changes in our cells and makes healthy.
Meditation is just relaxing with the awareness of what is going on inside us and at the same time being aware about what is happening around us. We must practice meditation regularly. It only takes few minutes every day. And once imbibed into the daily routine, meditation is no more a burden or a chore. A regular practice of meditation can transform the quality of our life by culturing the nervous system to maintain peace, energy and expanded awareness all the time. Our physiology undergoes a change and every cell in the body is filled with life energy. We become beautiful yet strong, capable of accommodating different challenges in life without any conditions. We become beautiful yet strong a soft, delicate and beautiful person capable of accommodating different values in life without any conditions.
Our approach to physical, Mental and social well being are very perfect safe natural and holistic wellness system in all respects. Observance of rules of nature and live accordingly is the best revealed secret all the time and Yoga is that best kept secret, way of disciplining to achieve desired health and live life to the fullest.
While all animal eats sleeps wakes and performs its daily activities, there is no point we humans in living like that. We have provided power of action, power of knowledge, power of desire and a nervous system & brain capable of thinking discriminating deciding. We must tap the full potential that nature has bestowed on us, the potential to hold infinity in every cell of the body. The confluence of knowledge, understanding and practice makes our life complete. The basis of Nature, the basis of everything is Consciousness, this is knowledge. This Consciousness itself is manifested into body, breath, mind, memory, intellect, ego and heart. This consciousness keeps our self healthy and happy when we are in contact with it. Experiencing this is Life. When we understand this we grow into higher states of Consciousness, we find that we are no longer thrown off balance by different situations and disturbance.
Throughout this site, we tried to put an effort to make people realize the repercussions of violation of natural rules, how they are thrown out of balance and also how they can easily adopt a better lifestyle to poise themselves. More might have been said, and no doubt better said, about how we human-beings destroy our mind and bodies; but enough has been told for open minded people to see that the only nemesis on our healing is our habits. Through out all the ages the finest minds have sensed the truth and stayed well with right living.
Here, in this site we, “Sopanam Nature living” presents an integrated system of education which combines yoga with a constructive, appropriate lifestyle, especially with regard to respiration, nutrition and meditation.
Let’s work together to educate and build up a healthy society.
With Love,
Jinan.