In the mind-body matrix, it is the mind that warrants continual monitoring … because the body does what the mind commands.
Decent from the era of Faith: In primordial era, more so in the Indic context, the primary purpose of life was spiritual enrichment rather than material prosperity, followed by good [read – healthy] living. Proper care of the body being difficult in day-to-day life, the scriptures linked it with religious duty: ‘Shariramadyam dharm khalu sadhanam’ i.e. human body is the foremost instrumentality for attaining spiritual growth. This expression has been adopted as logo by AIIMS, New Delhi.
Human body is an encasement for several physiological organs that in perfect coordinated manner keep us fit, vibrant, and kicking. It is also the seat of soul & mind so far as we are alive. It is different matter though that the mechanism and working of the duo are not easily distinguishable with some of their functions over lapping. Human body has been termed as a ‘prison for the soul’ and the soul as a ‘passenger in the body’. The soul/mind is inextricably intertwined with body. Considering human being rather than entire universe as amalgamation of Panchtatv i.e. Earth, Fire, Wind, Water, and Space, the first four merged with Earth while the Space or Soul subsumed into the Paramatma, the super power, of which it is but a tiny unit.
Man is but an angel wrapped in body. “You are a little soul carrying around a corpse,” said Epictetus.
Intricate character of mind : Soul & mind duo is a highly intricate entity that defies understanding. What we are sure is the intertwined mind-body matrix with former discharging a presiding role because body does what mind commands it. The mechanism of mind & soul, though with definite effect on human health remains beyond the ambit of modern medicine. In defining health, WHO added the fourth dimension ‘spiritual well-being’ belatedly in 1998.
Wellness is essential for growth and development, even survival. Without proper health we are disabled to enjoy countless comforts and relish the beauties of Nature. Beyond a medication of whatever description, ‘medicine’ can be any modality like friendship, faith, etc. that eliminates or helps you rid of pathology or disorder. The issue is staying focussed on setting the mind in order because then the body takes care of its own. Religious practices like holy bath, prayer and meditation show a relieving effect in diseases particularly in mental illnesses. In an article on health-friendship connection, Mayo Clinic states, ‘adults with strong social connections’ face low risk of many health problems including depression, high blood pressure and an unhealthy weight. Many diseases afflicting mankind can be cured or mitigated by listening to Nature, and discipling oneself. Buddha said, “Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.”
Continuously eliminating the unwanted helps one stay on the course best suited for our well-being.
Glaring ahead are the mental health disorders going to be half the total cases in a decade as WHO and other health purveying authorities tell us. A prominent symptom is the growing loneliness that famed former US Surgeon Vivek Murthy termed as the epidemic of our era. Ages-old precepts like: recognise the impermanence of life; observe gratitude; be kind and simple; set aside ego, greed, grudges; accept what cannot be changed, etc. work in unburdening us.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The shorter version of this article was carried in Economic Times (edit page, Speaking Tree column) on 8 April 2025, the Tuesday. Link of article in online paper: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/opinion/speaking-tree/mind-body-friendship/articleshow/120072410.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst
*****************************************************************************
