Overview: Test of cure

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,
Radhekrishna!

Continuing from where we left in the previous article, we had started the explanation of some shloka’s that describe the “Test of cure” for a diseased person. The test of cure at that point in time was very simple. Let us look at two more shloka’s in the same context.

Kaaryaphalam sukhaavaaptih, tasya lakshanam
Manobuddhindriyasharirtushtihi

Meaning: Attainment of good health is the fruit of this effort. Its characteristic is the contentment of the mind, the intellect, the sense organs and the body.

Anubandhastu khalvayuha tasya lakshanam
praanaih saha samyogaha

Meaning: Is not longetivity the long-term result? Its feature is union with life energy (prana *)

Prana: The breathing which is done by living things due to which we are alive. In other words life, vitality or vital air, principle of life. Usually plural in this sense as there are five prana’s in all – prana, apana, samana, vyana and udana.

Source: Caraka-samhita, Vimana-sthanam, Adhyaayah 8, Paragraph 89-91 (1st Century B.C.)

Let us discuss about these five types of prana in brief our next article.

Coming to our second section, the herb that we will be telling you about in this article is Karanjwa also known as the Fever Nut in English and Caesalpinia Bonducella in Latin.

· It is a wild plant growing into a bush has bitter fruit and leaves
· Its leaves are a remedy for malarial fevers
· The kernel of its fruit purifies the blood and kills intestinal parasites
· Its kernel if roasted in shell and then powdered helps cure asthma
· Its also used in case of flatulence and scabies

That concludes the article for this forthnight.

Till the next article, Radhekrishna to all our readers.

It’s a sincere request to all the readers that please provide your valuable feedback and suggestions on the articles posted on this blog.

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Overview: Test of cure

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,
Radhekrishna!

In this article, let us look at some shlokas from hindu scriptures. These describe the symptoms by which one can test whether a person has recovered to normal from a ‘disease’ state.

Karyam dhatusaam yam tasya lakshanam
Vikaaropasamah. Parikshaa tvasya rugupasamanam
Svaravarnayogah shariropacayah balavrddhih
Abhyavaharyabhilaashah ruchirahaarakaale
Abhyahrtasya caahaarasya kale sayagjaranam
Nidralabho yathaakaalam vaikarinaam ca
Svapnaanaamadarshanam sukhena ca
Pratibodhanam vatamutrapurisaretasam muktih
Sarvaakaarairmanobuddhindriyaanaam caavyaapattiriti

Meaning: The task is the equilibrium of the primary fluids (humours). Its characteristic feature is the pacification of aberrations. The test of cure is the abating of the disease, normalcy of the voice and colour (of the skin), non-decay of the body, increase in strength, desire for eating, interest (Ruchi) in eating, timely digestion of the food that is eaten, getting sleep at the proper time, not having nightmare, waking up happily, the release of wind, urine, excrement and semen, non-impairment of the mind, intellect and sense organs in all aspects.

Ruchi means both interest and taste. One test of complete cure mentioned here is both interest in eating and appreciation of the taste while eating.

We will continue this in our next posting with some more shlokas on the same theme.

Coming to our second section, the Indian herb that we will explain about in this posting is Ajwain (in Hindi)
Caraway seeds in English.
Ptychotis Ajowan in Latin.

1. It is used as a spice for vegetables dishes and other foods which tend to produce flautulence
2. It is pungent in taste and has a small seed with a strong smell
3. It is of particular help in disorders of the liver, stomach and the intestines
4. It is an essential ingredient of nostrums for relieving colic.

That concludes our posting for this forthnight. Till the next posting, Radhekrishna to all the readers.

Sarvam Guruvaarpanam.

Western view on Eastern medicinal system

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,
Radhekrishna!
There is a news as regarding our blog on Science and Hinduism. Beginning from this posting, we start a new separate section on this blog at the end of the article. This section shall include the description of Indian herbs, flowers, fruits, roots etc and their medicinal properties.
According to a study, these can cure up to 95% of all diseases! Sounds astounding? But its nevertheless true!
So enjoy reading this section to gain more knowledge about Hinduism and the science hidden in it and make the best use of it by spreading it amongst friends, relatives and family.
We dedicate this beginning of new section to our beloved Poojyashree Shree Amma and Guruji Mahan Brahmashree Gopalavallidasar as a humble samarpanam for the occasion of Guru Purnima. It is because of Them that we are what we are today. Pranams to Gurujiamma and Guruji.

Continuing the thread from the previous posting, we discussed certain points on the
philosophy of Ayurveda and a shloka from the Caraka Samhitaa describing which described the factors responsible for the promotion of strength.

In this posting, take a look at this extract below which throws light on what the western
world feels about our (Eastern) systems of medicine:

Eastern systems of medicine attach more importance to nutrition and prevention of disease than western medicine, and we should be more open minded to indigenous sian systems of medicines like Ayurveda and Tai Chi. Certain CAM (Complimentary and Alternative Medicine) practices such as acupuncture, bio-feedback, yoga, massage-therapy and Tai Chi may be useful in contributing to the achievements of the nation’s health-goals and objectives. The application of CAM practices to cure chronic diseases and disabilities is a largely unexplored area. CAM principles and practices are useful not only in preventing some of these diseases but also in enhancing recovery and preventing further illness. Increased research in this area will help to determine how CAM principles and practices can best be used to meet the goals of the healthcare system.

Dr. James S. Gordon, Final Report of the White House Commission,
Executive order no. 13147, 22 March 2002.

After reading the above report, the word that immediately comes out of the mouth is, wow! That’s the kind of respect our medicinal systems have in the U.S!
So please, please….. be proud of our Hinduism!

Coming to our new section the first substance that we describe about is Ginger.
(Adrak) in Hindi
(Zingiber officinale) in Latin

Some features of ginger
· Ginger is used extensively as a spice.
· The root of the plant is used; it is known for its quality of helping digestion.
· It increases appetite
· Reduces the flatulence caused by certain foods like black gram (Urad Dal).
· It increases natural body hear if taken with jaggery in water
· It is beneficial in disorder connected with the formation of phlegm in the respiratory tract.

That concludes our article for this forthnight. Till the next one, Radhekrishna!
Sarvam Guruvaarpanam

Ayurveda: Philosophy

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,
Radhekrishna!

In the last five months, we have discussed leach therapy, some basics on Ayurveda and about the herb called as Ashwagandha.

Today, let us discuss about the philosophy of Ayurveda:

Ayurveda is a system of medicine that is holistic. It is holistic in more ways than one.

· It looks at the body as a whole.

· It looks at prevention and care in addition to treatment.

· It looks at food as an essential ingredient of good health and treatment in addition to medication.

· It looks at the body and the mind.

· It considers genetic and environmental factors.

Ayurveda has a medico-social and medico-philosophical approach to health and treatment. It concerns itself as much with good health and disease-preventing lifestyle as with the treatment of illness.

Moving ahead, let us take a look at an extract from a Hindu scripture which speaks about ‘The factors responsible for promotion of strength’

Balavrddhikarastvime bhaavaa bhavanti. Tadyathaa

Balavatpurushe kale ca sukhasca kaalayogah

Sattvasampacca svabhavasamsiddhisca yauvanam

ca karma ca samharshasceti.

Meaning: These factors are strength promoters. They are: birth in a place of strong men in times of strong men and in a pleasant climate, healthy seed and uterus, nourishing food, good physique, good maintenance, healthy mind, natural disposition, youth, action and cheerfulness.

Source: Caraka-samhitaa, Sharira-sthaanam, Adhyaayah 6, Paragraph 13 (1^st Century BCE).

Notes:

The causative factors listed here include:

· Genetic and environmental

· Physiological and psychological

Besides, there is no preoccupation with disease and treatment. The science emphasizes the role of factors like food.

…. to be continued

Sarvam Guruvarpanam

Withania Somnifera

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna! The topic of discussion in the last one month has been the herb named Ashwagandha. In Ayurveda, ashwaganda is considered a rasayana herb, a herb that works on a nonspecific basis to increase health and longevity. This herb is also considered an adaptogen which is a nontoxic herb that works on a nonspecific basis to normalize physiological function, working on the HPA axis and the neuroendocrine system. The roots and berries of the plant are used in herbal medicine. In Ayurveda, the fresh roots are sometimes boiled in milk, prior to drying, in order to leach out undesirable constituents. The berries are used as a substitute for rennet, to coagulate milk in cheese making.

Seven American and four Japanese firms have filed for grant of patents on formulations containing extracts of the herb Ashwagandha. Fruits, leaves and seeds of the Indian medicinal plant withania somnifera have been traditionally used for the Ayurvedic system as aphrodisiacs, diuretics and for treating memory loss. The Japanese patent applications are related to the use of the herb as a skin ointment and for promoting reproductive fertility. The U.S based company Natreon has also obtained a patent for an Ashwagandha extract.

Another US establishment, the New England Deaconess Hospital, has taken a patent on an Ashwagandha formulation claimed to alleviate symptoms associated with arthritis.

Its pretty clear from the above evidence that this herb is indeed a great blessing to mankind. But the irony is that such an important herb is known to a paltry few in our country! The foreigners are more interested in doing research on this herb and obtain patents related to it.

Let us look into some more current references on this herb.

Scientists of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) have developed a herbal stress buster. The drug 'Composite Indian Herbal Preparation' or CIHP–I, was prepared with 15 commonly available herbs, including Ashwagandha, Brahmi & Chyawanprash. The defence institute of Physiological & Allied Services (DIPAS), in association with the Army Medical Corps, has completed extensive drug trials involving over 3,000 soldiers. The 'CIHP–I' was found to be beneficial for soldiers serving at high altitudes , cold areas and also in low intensity conflict situations that expose them to intense stress and high altitude sickness. It was found to be effective in improving physical & mental efficiency.

That concludes our information dissemination on the herb Ashwagandha. We will take you through something new in the next one.

Till then do more and more chanting of the Radhekrishna namam and obtain true peace of mind.

Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvarpanam

Withania Somnifera

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna to one & all,
We began the description of the herb called as 'Ashwagandha' in our previous article.

Ashwagandha in Sanskrit means "horse's smell", probably originating from the odor of its root which resembles that of sweaty horse. The species name somnifera means "sleep-bearing" in Latin, indicating it was considered a sedative, but it has been also used for sexual vitality and as an adaptogen. Some herbalists refer to ashwagandha as Indian ginseng, since it is used in ayurvedic medicine in a way similar to that ginseng is used in traditional Chinese medicine.

For your information, below is the scientific classification of this herb:

Withania somnifera Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Plantae
Subkingdom:	Tracheobionta
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Subclass:	Asteridae
Order:	Solanales
Family:	Solanaceae
Genus:	Withania
Species:	W. somnifera

Synonym: Physalis somnifera

Now let us see the usefulness of this herb.

The following shloka describes the same:

Medhamsmrtimkantimanamayatvam Aayuh
Prakarsambalamindriyanam

Strisu praharsamparamagnivrddhim
Varnaprasadampavananulomyam

Meaning: The Rasayana promotes intelligence, memory, luster, immunity and longevity, strengthens sense organs and sexual excitement, stimulates (digestive) fire, gives (good) colour (to skin) and maintains favourable (state of) vata (wind humour).

Rasayanasyasya narah prayogat
labheta jirnoapi kutipravesat

Jarakrtam rupamapasya Sarvam
bibharti rupamnavayauvanasya

Meaning: By taking this medicine, even an old man casts away all senility & bears the form of fresh youth.

Source:Bhavaprakasa–nighantu, Guduchyadiganah Slokah – 179 (Vedic period) Caraka–samhita, Siddhi–sthanam, Adhyayah 1, Slokah 74,75 (1^st Century BCE)

…. to be continued

Radhekrishna
Sarvam Guruvarpanam

Withania Somnifera

JAY SHREE POOJYA SHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,
Radhekrishna once again!

Continuing form where we left, let us learn more about the secrets in Ayurveda in this article.

“A weed is a plant whose value has not been discovered.” This sentence means that in Ayurveda, everything is considered to be useful as medicine. It sounds astounding but it is true. The statement that, ‘Truth is stranger than fiction is apt for Ayurveda or more broadly, to Hinduism!

Let us peek into an example from the glorious past of India which supports this view:

Once a well known student in Takshashila (in present Pakistan) university was Jivaka who as the royal physician of King Bimbisara of Magadha (in present Bihar) acquired great fame. A story from the life of Jivaka merits quoting. After the completion of studies, Jivaka’s master asked him to search for any substance within the radius of several miles, which could not be of medical use. Jivaka returned empty handed and passed the examination proving a central belief in Ayurveda that “nothing exists in the universe which cannot be used as medicine”.

Moving ahead, as we promised in the previous article, let us learn about a herb found in India and its usefulness. The name of that herb is ‘Ashwagandha’.

The botanical name for Ashwagandha is ‘Withania Somnifera’.

The description of this herb is explained by the below shloka:

Asvagandhanilaslemasvitrasothaksayapaha
Balya rasayani tikta kasayosnatisukrala

Meaning: The Ashwagandha is an astringent, bitter and hot (in potency) medicine which removes defects in Vata and Kapha (humours), white leprosy, swelling and general debility. It energises and enhances sperm.

If you watch advertisements on TV by any chance, then you must have heard tea making companies’ advertise, launching their latest type of tea. The ad would mention that unlike other types of tea, this one is different as it contains herbs; one of them being Ashwagandha. After reading the above shloka mentioning the diseases cured by this herb, its very clear why, isn’t it?

We shall continue with the information on this herb in the next posting.

Till then do lots of chanting.

Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvarpanam

Ayurveda, THE SAVIOR

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna to one & all,

In the two most recent articles we have been talking about Ayurveda, its importance and about its growing popularity. Let us continue the same and look into the reasons why it is better than other medicinal branches.

The Ayurveda pharmacology is based mostly on herbs. In Ayurveda thinking, the converse is also true. Ayurveda considers every single herb a potential medicine. In the days of yore these herbs grew naturally in the forest areas and were gathered by Ayurveda students and practitioners. Since our independence in 1947, in the last 60 yrs, the forest cover of the country has come down to 22% of total land area. The districts of the Tamil Nadu and Karnataka border presided over by the forest brigand Veerappan being the only honorable exception where the forest cover in fact has grown. Today Ayurveda should be released from the handicap of inadequate availability if herbs in nature.

In olden days, an Ayurvedic practitioner prepared drugs individually for each of his patients. Since independence, the population of the country has grown from 345 million to 1 billion. Today, the doctors do not have the time and patience to formulate the drugs individually. There is, therefore, a need for mass production of Ayurvedic drugs.

In the last 50 yrs, the western science has developed and fine tuned the technology for converting medical knowledge into prescription drugs. This methodology including clinical trials is intended to ensure a high degree of safety for the user–patient in addition to product efficacy.

Could the knowledge of Charaka, Sushruta and the other Ayurvedic seers be tapped and delivered to the populace using the production methodology currently available? In practice, today we do have a company which aims to deliver the same. Its business model is based on the above description and that company being Himalaya Drug Company of India.

After the initial revolution in medicine, the birth rate did slowly gradually increase and the death rate did go down. So also the life span of the people also increased. However, this was possible due to artificial medicines prepared using chemicals (which are based on disease curative approach), which cannot be a substitute for herbs as medicines which are available naturally (and are based on disease preventive approach). The artificial medicines have several side effects and provide only temporary relief. Hence it is seen that though people live longer nowadays, the quality of life has significantly deteriorated. The old people live only in the literal sense of it i.e. they continue to breathe and their heart continues to beat. But in majority of the cases, people after a certain age become bed ridden and hence a burden to the people whose duty is to take care of them. Neither do they enjoy their life, nor do the care takers enjoy their own life due to the requirement of constantly monitoring them.

And this situation is becoming worse day by day. Its not just old people but nowadays even youngsters have problems of low blood pressure, weak teeth, diabetes, asthma to name a few. Recently when a person visited his dentist for a check up, the dentist out of his own free will mentioned that with due passage of time, the resistance power of human beings to face diseases is decreasing. He said that soon, human beings would stop getting the so called 'wisdom tooth' or the third molar which are 4 in numbers. He said the total number of teeth would shrink from 32 to 28. Further in another case, a person's blood pressure suddenly became low due to the tension of writing an exam and the fear of failing and falling in the eyes of one's parents. Also, student suicides have become so common nowadays as you all are very well aware!

Very true, considering the urban lifestyle which is flooded with issues like pollution, working over time, mental and physical stress, targets at work, seasonal pressures at work, ignorance towards health, hankering for more and more degrees to get better jobs and be successful, hunger for money, hunger for fame and the list is just endless. People today seem to have forgotten the true purpose of human life! What a pity!

Let us see something interesting in our next issue on an Indian herb and its use.

Do more and more chanting of the Radhekrishna namam and realise the true bliss.

… to be continued,

Sarvam Guruvarpanam

Ayurveda: Basics

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna!

We continue our introduction of Ayurveda. As mentioned in the previous article it’s a part of Atharva–veda, youngest of the four Vedas. Nowadays it is observed across India that corporates who are in the FMCG sector (Fast moving consumer goods) are continuously trying to shift their focus to bring in some or the other 'herbal' element in their products. They are using this technique to increase the sales of their products. This is because people nowadays are becoming conscious and aware that herbal products are good for health. The examples include herbal tea, herbal soaps, herbal tooth pastes, products like chavanaprash etc.

This thinking is absolutely correct; there is no doubt about this. India is a treasure house of herbs. Earlier people had good knowledge pf herbs. The doctors of the ancient times better know as 'Vaidyaji' (this term can be heard in old Hindi movies) had profound knowledge of herbs and they had the ability to cure all types if illnesses using proper blend of different herbs. Mother Nature or 'prakriti' has given us enough medicines in the form of herbs to cure any and every disease. This is very true; whether anyone believes it or not. However, the knowledge of these has got lost in generations. Hence we have to depend on western medicinal branches like allopathy for curing diseases which treat prevention and cure differently.

However, Ayurveda is holistic; it does not try to draw a line between food and medicine, prevention and cure. The world is waking up today to the wisdom of 3,000 years. Pharmaceutical companies all over the world are working overtime developing and bringing to the market herb–based products which blur the line between food and medicine. The health care and herbal segments of the traditional pharma manufacturers are merging to bring out health and nutrition oriented products for common aliments like cough, cold, dermatological and digestive problems.

In the absence of adverse side effects, the Food and Drug Administration authorities across the world approve these formulations for use without prescription from a qualified physician, which is called as OTC (over the counter) drugs in industry parlance. According to a World Health Organisation (WHO) report, there are about 400 families of flowering medicinal plants of which 315 families of plants occur in India. Thus India, with both the knowledge system and the material base has the potential to assume leadership in the pharmaceutical industry in the coming years.

The plant properties in the Indian tradition were discovered through a method in the Indian tradition different from that of western science. This is described in the traditional textbooks as Dravya–guna–shastra (science of the property of the materials). The challenge for the Indian scientists is to develop intercultural bridges between Dravya–guna–shastra and modern Pharmaceology. Such bridges can only be built when there is mutual respect and scientists feel that they own the indigenous knowledge as much as they own modern science.

On this note, let us continue our discussion in the next article. Till then Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvarpanam.

Ayurveda: Basics

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna to one and all! We concluded with the topic 'Leech therapy' in our previous article. Let us start with a new topic this time.

History:

Atharva–veda, the youngest of the four Vedas (placed as earlier than 5000 BC), contains hymns on diseases and their treatment. It also talks of the eight branches of Ayurveda. Shilajit (black bitumen), a material used as a drug even today in Ayurveda was found in the Mohenjo Daro excavations (3500 BC). These two are indicative of the scientific handling of diseases in India from a very early date.

In this country, learning and preservation of knowledge has been through an oral tradition which is built on a succession of teacher–mentors and disciple–followers. In the field of medical science, these teacher–disciple lineages are traced to three original teachers:

• Atreya (Internal medicine)
• Dhanvantari (Surgery) and
• Kashyapa (Gynecology and Paediatrics).

Some of these teacher–students had, defying the prevailing practice, chosen to document what they had heard, seen & learnt. The teachers to whom the survival of the ancient knowledge can be owed are:

• Charaka (1^st century BC) of the Atreya school, who codified the precepts and practices in internal medicine.
• Sushruta (6^th century BC) of the Dhanvantari school, who codified surgical practices.
• Vagbhata (6^th century AD) of the Kashyapa school, dealing with Gynecology and Paediatrics.

The names of the authors vouch for their being compilers:

Charaka – the one who had traveled (and learnt);
Sushruta– the one who had heard well (and learnt);
and Vagbhata – the one who is eloquent (in communicating what he has learnt).

The three epochal works (Charaka–samhita, Sushruta–samhita and Ashtanga–hridaya), of these illustrious authors, are referred to as the Brihat–trayi – the Big Three of Ayurvedic literature. Then there is the Laghu Trayi, the Small Three made of Saragadhara–samhita, Madhava–nidana and the Bhava– prakasha.

The periods of the authors only indicate the time of the knowledge being codified and reduced to writing, while the knowledge itself would have endured for several centuries preceeding the compilation.

…to be continued

Radhekrishna

Leech Therapy

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,

Radhekrishna to all! Let us continue with our discussion on leech therapy.

We left you with a few unanswered questions isn't it? But as we have always done in the past, we are back with the answers for you.

When a leech bites a person, it does not actually cause pain. Yes, it's difficult to believe but true. In fact, even if a leech bites a person, it takes some time to pass before the person realises that something is biting him! In addition, the bite instantaneously anesthetizes the bitten spot giving the leech the time to take its fill.

This combination of action is precisely what provides the patient relief from arthritic pain.

Now as regards the second question; relating to a substitute to this leech therapy in science: To combine all the attributes involved in the leech therapy treatment i.e. painlessly effected flow of blood; in a chemical substance or a combination is a challenge enough. The delivery is in fact considered a bigger challenge. There are doctors

who believe that modern chemistry and gadgetry cannot improve upon what the leech can do. The leech, tiny as it is, absorbs blood at an extremely slow pace. The leech would also let go as soon as it has its fill. This combination virtually eliminates the risk of excessive extraction of blood. Achieving a similar result would call for delicate instruments and continuous attention from a nurse with attendants risk of human error.

So as you can see, there is little science can do to substitute something which Hinduism has got to offer! The scientists themselves say this thing! It's not that we are trying to create a false impression in the minds of our readers!

Let us know look at some more examples of modern day where this therapy has been rightly given the respect that it deserves!

Leech treatment is more main stream than what is commonly understood. In 1985, a BostonVietnam used the procedure on a five year old boy whose ear had been bitten off by a dog. There are atleast 2 companies in the United States of America– Leeches U.S.A Ltd., Long Island, New York and Biopharm of Charleston, South Carolina – whose business is supplying leeches for medical purposes, vouches for this practice gaining ground & acceptance in USA.

This is a classic example of how a study of history (of medicine, in this instance) helps. The 'why' behind the solutions of yore can be figured out and alternative more convenient vehicles for delivery of the solutions can be synthesized to suit the modern times.

On a concluding note, leeches are approved as 'medical equipment' by U.S.F.D.A

Do keep on chanting the Namam of Lord Radhekrishna and keep enjoying the bliss!

We will begin with a new article the next time.

Sarvam Guruvarpanam

Leech Therapy

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna,

In the previous article, we saw the use of leech in Hinduism for curing arthritic pain. Doesn’t it sound astounding and marvelous? A creature which sucks blood helping a person in curing his pain?

But nevertheless its true dear readers! Therapeutic use of leech finds mention in Ayurveda.

Let us now look at some research and experiments conducted by the scientists.

To test whether leech therapy is really effective, the below empirical evidence is available:

In 2003, in a paper by Dr. Andreas Michalsen and colleagues from Essen, Germany, titled "Effectiveness of Leech Therapy in Osteoarthritis, of the knee", was published in a recent issue of Annuals of Internal Medicine. 24 patients with osteoarthritis, caused by wear and tear of the ageing knee, were given a one–shot leech therapy. Four to six leeches were allowed to attach themselves to each knee and drink blood for about an hour. 27 others with the same ailment were given twice daily doses of the painkiller Dicofenac for a month.

Conclusion:

Leech therapy was better than drug therapy! 'Prakriti' or nature will always win!
Why is it so? Why does leech therapy work?

While the ancient Hindus knew what to do, today's scientists have identified why the leech therapy works.

Nature has endowed the leech saliva with some purpose–specific chemicals:

· Vasodilator, a histamine that increases the diameter of our blood vessel

· An enzyme called hyalurondase, which breaks down hyaluronic, the material that bonds connective tissues and

· Hirudin (named after the specie of leech that is commonly used for blood letting), which inhibits blood–clotting

The combined result of these chemicals is increased blood flow.

So there lies the secret, dear readers! That’s the reason why the leech proves effective.

But then a question comes to the mind: That wouldn’t it pain if the leech bit a person? Isn't Hinduism suggesting a rather bizarre solution? Further, can't there be an effective medicinal substitute for this? Does science have the answer? Wait till the next issue to find out the answers to these questions!

Till then do more and more chanting. Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvarpanam

Leech Therapy

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna,

We mentioned in the year 2008 kick–off article that even foreigners admire the spiritual wealth of India. But today this wealth seems to have been lost in transit from generation to generation. In this article, we begin with a new series of topics. As promised we will take you through the marvelous science that is hidden in our evergreen Hinduism.

Many of us know what a 'leech' is. It is a small creature whose main food is blood. If it clings to a human body, it starts sucking the blood from that part of the body. From a layman's point of view, this creature is a menace.

However, in Hinduism, this creature is considered to be useful in curing arthritic pain.
Sounds astounding? Well read on to know more about it.

The below mentioned Shloka with its source as one of the scriptures in Hinduism, describes how the procedure should be carried out:

Sloka:

Atha jalaukovasekasadhyavyadhitamupavesya
samvesya va viruksya casya tamavakasam
mrdgomayacurnairyadyarujah syat
Grhitasca tah sarsaparajanikalkodakapradigdhagatrih
salilsarakamadhye muhurttasthita vigataklama
jnatva tabhi rogam grahayet
Slaknasuklardrapicuprotvacchannamkrtva
mukhamapavrnuyat
Argrhrnantyai ksirabindum sonitabndumva
dadyacchastrapadani va kurvita
Yadyecvamapi na grhniyattadanyamgrahayet

Translation:

Then making the patient treatable with leaches sit or lie down; if he does not have a wound, roughen an opening with the powder of mud & cow dung.

• Paste the leeches with the water of mustard, turmeric & incense
• Let them soak in a pot full of water for 48 minutes
• Confirm that they get rid of their tiredness
• then have the wound gripped by them

Covering the leech with smooth, wet, white cotton, leave the mouth alone uncovered. If she does not bite, give her a drop of milk or blood or cut the wound. Even then if she does not bite, then, pick another.

Source: Surusta–samahita, Sutra–sthanam, Adhyayah 13, Paragraph 19 (6^th Century BCE)

There are many questions unanswered at this point of time in your minds such as:

1. What makes the leeches so capable of being used for such treatment?
2. Isn't this treatment painful?
3. Can't there be a simpler & easier procedure for this disease in medical science?

To know the answers, wait till our next posting. Till then Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvarpanam

India - A spiritual treasure house!

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Radhekrishna to one & all! A very happy new year to all the Readers of our blog! We begin this year with something different.

In the image above are the thoughts of an Englishman. As you can all read, the person clearly mentions that 'We need to break the back bone of the country to be able to rule it.' And that backbone happens to be its spiritual & cultural heritage. This is a statement made during the time when the Britishers were conquering nation after nation & they had their sights on India also.

This is an ample proof of the power that spirituality & cultural heritage of our country has! It even has the power to resist an outsider country invasion! Though a foreign recognises it, but unfortunately so many citizens of our own country either dont know anything about it or they dont realise it! They are more inclined towards the western culture!

The foreigners are getting more and more inclined to know about our country. Every year so many foreigners come to India & visit the pilgrimage places & claim that they get peace of mind & solace! They donot have any reason to make false claims. They say only what they truly experience. Further examples include the foreigners researching on our Indian languages like Sanskrit & trees like the neem tree, the latest fashions abroad being the Salwar Kurtas and so on. There are ample proofs to show that westerners are simply amazed by the culture, heritage & spirituality of India. This is something which we should all know and take pride in; that we belong to such a great country.

However, we seem to have lost that sense of pride. We run behind western cultures nowadays!
People like to listen to rock & pop music instead of bhajans & devotional songs. The rock and pop music sounds so meaningless & noisy. It feels like someone banging a set of utensils! Further people like to wear dresses like trousers & skirts instead of Sarees & salwars. They dont mind even if they have to expose their bodies. People like to spend nights in discos & pubs instead of going to bed early & getting up early.

Truly, the backbone of our country seems to be broken! Its no wonder that incidents like the one that happened on new years eve in 2007 & 2008 happen. The victims, attracted by the western cultures, wanted to spend the new years night outside their home & had to face horrible consequences. If they had a little knowledge of our Indian culture & heritage, which forbids females from staying outside the houses very late, then such incidents can be easily avoided. It can be counter argued that it is the fault of the offenders. However it should be noted that after all said & done, the ultimate sufferes are the victims & not the offenders.
The victims should have known that whether a paper is brought near fire or a fire is brought near a paper, its the paper that is reduced to ashes & not the fire. So the best & simple solution is to stay away from the fire!

The purpose of our blog is exactly that! We wish to impart knowledge about the greatness of our Hindu culture & its supremacy over all others.
Do keep reading!
Till the next forthnight,
Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvarpanam

Nammalvar Charitram

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,
Radhekrishna!

We concluded the previous article by mentioning the term 'Affinity' related to electricity. Let us see what this concept is all about. It basically states that oppositely charged ions attract each other with force, if they are equally powerful. This means, the positive ions namely protons of high voltage strongly move towards equally strong negatively charged ions, namely electrons. They wish to mingle to attain equilibrium.

The two important things to be noted are:

1. The ions have opposite charge &

2. The magnitude of the opposite charges is almost the same

If this concept is seen in the context of Nammalvar Charitram, then it can be said that
The SADAM VAYU represents negative field whereas The RISHI – NAMMAZHVAR represents positive field. They are equally powerful.

The affinity – intention to get attracted towards each other will be more. This Vayu approaches each and every one, at the time of birth. Depending on the affinity value, which means, the power of positive and negative ions kept inside the body, they have their impact on the lives of the human beings. For a layman, who had minimum power means, the same will be the power of SADAM Vayu.

This is what mean, the variations and diversions prevailing in the universe in the form of animals, birds, plants, insects, human beings and their respective genies and species. Thus it leads to diversity in the eco system.

The SADAM VAYU approached NAMMAZHVAR. HE is like a rocking volcano, ready to explode like an atom bomb. This is because He had the tremendous energy that can be gained by penance as discussed in the earlier articles using the technique called Bandhanam. Now, out of 9 closed outlets, namely 9 openings in the body, NAMMAZHVAR releases one opening, namely the mouth and released the HUNGARAM sound. This means, the hidden enormous energy is expelled.

A plastic jar filled with water will release the water slowly, if it has many outlets. But, supposing the water is gushing out from a single opening, then it will flow out fast. In the same way, the HUNGARAM coming out from only one opening had a lot of force & it expelled the Sadam Vayu. So, NAMMAZHVAR remained in the state of equilibrium – MUKTHI (JEEVAN MUKTHA – ONE WHO REMAINS IN THE STATE OF MUKTHI, ALL ALONG HIS LIFE.). Thus through the power of chanting, he attained and remained in the MUKTHI BHAVAM all along his life.

That is why NAMMAZHVAR quoted in his THIRUVAIMOZHI, “VAIKUNTAM PUGUVATHU MANNAVAR VIDHIYE” – MEANS, The entry into the VAIKUNTAM – MUKTHI is the fate of the ruler (Mannavar). – Bhaktha’s.

We shall see a new topic on the next issue.

Till then Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvarpanam

Nammalwar Charitram

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,
Radhekrishna!

In this article we take you back to Nammazhvar Charitram which has been discussed on this blog in the past. We link that article with the concept of penance & energy discussed in the last forthnight. Following is a brief recap of that article.

Nammalvar, also known as 'Sadagopar' (meaning one who got angry on the 'Sadam Vayu') was an incarnation of the Lord Himself. The Lord took the form of a new born baby in Nammalwar. At the time of Nammalwar's birth, the Sadam Vayu approached this baby i.e. The Lord. The Lord, when he saw this 'Sadam Vayu' approaching got angry, gave out a loud cry. This cry was called as 'Hungaram'. This sound propelled the Sadam Vayu. And as a result, the Sadam Vayu could not affect Him.

The Sadam Vayu represents the Gravitaional Force 'g'. This Vayu binds the body to the earth. It is a force that attracts all the things towards itself. The Sadam Vayu is the parcel of the virtues and evils committed by us in our previous births. It is imposed upon us in our succeeding births & affects us.

But Nammazhvar being the Lord Himself, how could the Sadam Vayu affect Him?

To repel the Sadam Vayu, NAMMAZHVAR gave out a loud cry called as 'HUNGARAM'. This action is similar to the releasing of energy when the atom bomb is burst. When an atom bomb is burst, the stored atomic energy in it gets released in a second causing a huge explosion. In the same way, the Hungaram is tremendous amount of energy obtained through meditation & Bandhanam released in a second. Here, it is not for destruction. It is for the expelling of SADAM VAYU.

The positive and negative magnetic field created out of the actions of previous and present birth accumulates to the form of SADAM VAYU. The present day psychiatrists accept rebirth. They call it as REGRESSION. Here they talk about magnetic impressions in the form of thought kept inside the brain.

The term 'AFFINITY' has a specific significance to the concept of electricity.
What exactly is this concept?

Let us discuss more on this in the next article. Lets see the link between the above concept of 'Affinity' related to electricity & with the event of NAMMAZHVAR dispelling the SADAM VAYU – magnetic field by HUNGARAM

Till then do lots of chanting.
Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvarpanam.

Penance and Energy

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,
Radhekrishna!

In the previous article, we discussed about the concept of 'penance' & issues related to it. The asuras performed penance to obtain tremendous amount of energy to rule the three worlds whereas the rishis did the same to obtain energy to do good to mankind. The motives were different but the common consequence was obtaining of energy. We also mentioned that the body has 9 openings. In this article, we continue the discussion.

When the rishi's are about to begin the meditation, they close all these 9 openings by a special yogic closure called BANDHANAM. This means, their bodies became similar to the closed atomic reactors.

The human body is very special. It is very advanced as compared to trees, animals & other living things. Hence getting birth as a human being is considered very precious & it is the best chance to get salvation or mukthi. The Vedha’s proclaim that, whatever you see in the entire universe is kept inside a human body, in the form of an egg, paving way for the sprout in to the form of a progeny.

The atomic reactor can accommodate a limited amount of atoms. But the human body can accommodate millions and millions of atoms. Thus these atoms are simultaneously bombarded by the power of the motor nerve impulses sent in the form of RADHEKRISHNA chanting or OHM chanting.

For each and every chanting, an atom especially an electron is forced to travel in one direction, say towards the opening namely ears. But for the other Radhekrishna chanting, one more atom will be directed say towards the mouth. Thus this visualization, will lead to the moving of innumerable electrons, traveling in random directions, looking for an outlet, but of no avail. The electrons were forced and bombarded within the atomic reactor namely the human body by the rishis through meditation & chanting.

After years of such an exercise, the power attained by them was no less than the power possessed in an atom bomb. The body of the rishi became like an atom bomb, ready to explode.

This situation of a person possessing tremendous amount of energy has been discussed earlier in our articles in a different context under a different topic. That topic being of Nammazhvar's extraordinary power display to vanquish the Sadam Vayu.

We shall briefly describe that topic & then move ahead to link the same with the main theme of this article i.e. penance and energy

But that shall be in our next article.
Till then Radhekrishna!

Sarvam Guruvarpanam

Penance and Energy

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,
Radhekrishna!

A very happy deepavali to all the readers of Science and Hinduism blog.

In this article, we begin by explaining some new concepts and then we will link the concepts to something which we have discussed in our earlier articles.

We will disclose the theme of this article as we move on.

The RISHI’s (sages) sit in meditation, for years together. This is termed as 'Tapas' (penance). As per Hinduism, a person gets a huge amount of energy by doing 'Tapas'. In the ancient times, the asuras (demons) used to do tapas for several years to please the demi–gods and obtain the boon sought by them from those demi–gods.

To put it in layman's terms, tapas is an action doing which there is a huge inflow of energy. In doing tapas, a person constantly chants either the name of the demi–god whom he wishes to please or a powerful word like 'OM' etc.

A person after completing the tapas, can be compared to a reservoir. Just as a dam is a reservoir of water, the person who has completed the tapas is a reservoir of energy.

He may even be well described as a transformer of very high voltage current kept in it, ready for use.

When a man receives a shock from a transformer, say a very high voltage shock, he will naturally be charred to death. What does it all mean? The sudden explosion of very huge energy kept dormant over a long period, brings in complete destruction.

The same logic goes with the atom bomb. When an atom is bombarded within a closed atomic reactor, it is kept dormant and suppressed for a long time. It becomes all powerful, over a period of time. It is capable of destruction when it gets transformed into an atom bomb.

There are 9 openings in the human body:
First and Second are the two eyes;
Third and Fourth are the two ears;
Fifth and Sixth are the two nostrils;
Seventh is the mouth
Eighth is the genital
Ninth and the last is the anus.

The nine openings mentioned above are significant to the context described earlier related to 'tapas' and also the working and making of the atom bomb.

How is that? Let us see in the next article.

Till then do lots of chanting of Radhekrishna namam this deepavali and experience the difference in your lives.

Sarvam Guruvarpanam

Linking sounds with Science and Hinduism

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,
Radhekrishna!

We began a discussion on sounds in the previous article. Let us continue from where we left the discussion.

The ultrasonic wave has a destructive tendency. However, it can be modified. When the wave is modified, it can be used to cure diseases. But, then when not modified, the same ultrasonic wave turns out to be fatal to human life. The physical and mental shock produced by such sounds, directly impairs the ears.

There is a term for this science. It's called as Auriculotherapy – it is a new form of science, wherein the patient is given, pressure and puncture in specific points. The ear has acupressure points, which are connected to all the parts of the body. The entire body is symbolically represented as a child which is lying in the womb. The appearance of a baby in a womb represents a form of ear. Accordingly, the acupressure points are present in the ear.

This means, the entire body has specific connection points in the ear. Hence when the ear receives ultrasonic sounds of high frequency, this will impair it. Simultaneously, the acupressure point in the ear transforms this excess energy to other parts of the body which are connected to the ear. As a result, the connected body parts get severe physical and mental shock. The shocks can be fatal enough to cause a person's death immediately.

When a person is the victim of such an ultrasonic sound of high frequency, his ears get impaired and consequently the connected body parts are also adversely affected. The layman does not understand this phenomenon, and feels that the sound must have been made by a ghost and because of that sound the person's blood got frozen and the person died immediately.

The term used for this phenomenon by the layman is AMANUSHYAM – beyond human powers – namely OCCULT Science. Because the layman is ignorant of the scientific reason behind such a phenomenon, he feels that some ghost / occult power is the cause of such phenomenon.

We conclude our discussion on this topic here. We will begin with a new topic in the next article. We sincerely request our readers to post their feedbacks without fail. Your feedback is very important to us. Do send us your views.

Do lots of chanting. Radhekrishna

Sarvam Guruvarpanam

Linking sounds with Science and Hinduism

JAY SHREE POOJYASHREE SHREE AMMA
JAY MAHAN BRAHMASHREE GOPALAVALLIDASAR
JAY SHREE RADHEKRISHNA SATHSANG

Dear Readers,
Radhekrishna!

We discussed the significance of the traditions that form a part and parcel of the function of thread ceremony amongst Hindus in the previous article.

It's commonly observed nowadays that people are more fascinated and curious to learn about the latest and emerging topics. They always want something new to know, something new to read, something new to discuss, something new to eat etc etc.

People speak about the glory of acupressure and acupuncture nowadays!
The same intelligent souls, who criticize the wearing of the KANGHANAM, nose rings, ear rings etc, pierce their body and paint their body with westernized tattoos! It is such a pity!!

Such people please bear in mind. Nothing, in Hinduism is without reasoning. Also, there is nothing good that exists today but is outside the scope of Hinduism.

In this article, let's discuss a bit on sounds. We hear so many sounds in our day to day life. Right from the alarm sound that wakes us up in the morning / door bell that is rung by the 'doodhwallas' in metros, to the honking of the vehicles on the roads, to the chit chatting of the people in trains and buses and one can go on and on and the list is simply endless.

The above mentioned sounds have one thing in common. All of them are audible to the human ear. Further they are not an exhaustive list. There exist sounds which cannot be heard by the human beings. The human ear has a limited capacity to hear sounds which happen within a certain range of measurement. Some sounds are heard by certain animals like elephants, bats etc but not by us. One of the sound which is beyond the hearing capacity of human ears is the ultrasonic wave.

It's said that everything has twin sides. For example: A knife is used by a robber to commit theft and it's also used by a surgeon to perform a surgery.

The knife is a common factor in both the cases but its use is very different. The first is a constructive use and the second a destructive use. The first accrues good and the other, sin.

The above mentioned ultrasonic waves also have two sides.

• What are the two sides?
• What is this concept of ultrasonic waves scientifically called?
  

Till then keep on chanting
Radhekrishna

Sarvam Guruvarpanam.