Sattva- an important factor in manifestation and healing of diseases - Part I 2010年10月18日18:42 Partap Chauhanさん作成
In the modern age, it is evident that most diseases even physical in nature, have a root in the mind. It has been proved through many clinical studies that mind plays an important role in both manifestation and treatment of diseases. Some experts even go on to say that all diseases originate in mind or sub conscious mind and body is just a manifesting area for the diseases. All this said, it is important for us to understand the practical application of the above information. That means how do I put this wonderful piece of information into my everyday practice, so that I can stay healthy.
Ayurveda helps us to understand the practical meaning of the above theory. According to Ayurveda, mind has three different characteristics which are also called as the three gunas namely - Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. A mind dominant in Sattva indicates a peaceful, relaxed and strong mind. In this state, the intelligence is active and one can discriminate what is good and what is destructive for us. Rajas is responsible for an active mind but when sattva is low and rajas is dominant the mind is negatively active and will come up with ideas to eat foods and do activities that will be harmful for the body. Tamas indicates inert or dull state of mind and when dominant will generate confusion in the mind.
Our modern foods and lifestyle generally enhance rajas and tamas which leads to an active and confused mind. The intelligence is not working in this state, as a result we are eating foods and following activities which are causing imbalance in our normal functions of body and mind. You might have seen people often jogging with walkman, exercising while watching TV or in loud music (in gyms), or wearing torn and dirty jeans, and so on. These are some examples of confused actions which are caused due to high rajas and tamas in the mind.
Rajas and Tamas are called 'mansik dosha" (mental dosha) and are responsible for causing disturbance or imbalance not only in the mental functions but also in physical systems. Research has proved that some of the most common diseases like diabetes, heart diseases, stroke, high blood pressure, obesity and auto immune disorders have a link with mental stress or unhealthy mind. Needless to mention diseases like Depression, Anxiety, Neurosis, ADD, Bi-polar disease, Schizophrenia, Insomnia, mental stress, and other mind related problems are caused due to high rajas and tamas in the mind.
What can we do? In Ayurveda, the solutions are very simple- just enhance sattva and be happy and healthy. Part II of this article will help you understand how to enhance Sattva.