In primordial era, more so in the Indic context, the primary purpose of life was spiritual upliftment, followed by healthy living. Proper care of the body being difficult in routine, 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 All India Institute of Medical Sciences New Delhi.
Human body is an encasement for several physiological organs that in near perfect coordinated manner keep us fit, vibrant, and kicking. Till we are alive human body is also the seat of soul & mind not easily distinguishable as functions of the two at times overlap. home to body So , but also the seat of soul and mind., the highly intricate entities that defy understanding. What we are sure is the intertwined mind-body matrix with former discharging a presiding role because body does what mind command 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. 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. 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.” Glaring ahead are the mental health disorders going to be half the total cases in a decade. Religious 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.
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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
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