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One of the fundamental truths of the Ayurvedic philosophy is proclaimed in the classical idea of loka-purusha samya. This very important concept teaches that the universe (loka) and the individual human being (purusha) are under the same laws and in fact exist on a continuum, which reaches from the realm of the universal to that of the smallest form of creation. The individual living being, whether it be a man or an ant, is a miniature replica of the universe. This concept is beautifully and succinctly captured in the famous sutra "as above, so below". It is important to reflect on the full implications of this universal truth and to realize that the microcosm (man) and macrocosm (universe) are in a never-ending interaction with each other. This interaction operates under the law of samanya-vishesa or like-increases-like. The constantly changing conditions both in Nature and in the individual create a dynamic harmony between the two--a state that we recognize as health. When there is more deviation that can be tolerated between the individual and Nature (the universe) that harmony is lost and a disease state can arise.
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| The universe and the individual being interact through the eternally shifting interplay of three factors, which exist in both realm and form a bridge between loka and purusha. These three factors are: |
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Buddhi (intellect) |
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Indriyartha (sense objects) |
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Kala (natural rhythms) |
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The healthy state of all three of these factors is called samayoga (balanced). However buddhi, indriyartha, and kala can also become imbalanced as atiyoga (excessive), ayoga (deficient), or mithyayoga (distorted). These deviations of buddhi, indriyartha, and kala from their normal balanced state are considered in Ayurveda to be the fundamental cause of disease. It is these disharmonies which lead to the vitiation of the doshas, accumulation of ama, weakening of agni, and the entire cascade of the Kriyakala. We give specific names to each of these fundamental causes of disease: |
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Prajnaparadha |
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Asatmyendriyartha samyoga |
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Kalaparinama |
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Prajnaparadha literally means a "blasphemy,or mistake, of the intellect". Improper use of the intellect that results in a wrong understanding of some kind is an example of prajnaparadha. Another form of this disease factor is a volitional transgression against what an individual knows to be correct and true. Whether volitional or non-volitional, prajnaparadha leads to fallacious information, wrong conclusions, and hazzardous actions. When an intelligent and educated person indulges in an unhealthy habit or abuse, it is always a consequence of prajnaparadha. |
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Asatmyendriyartha samyoga literally means an "inappropriate association of the sense organs with certain sense objects". This is a fascinating concept with wide implications for creating health and preventing disease. This concept views the sense organs as having a direct connection with the highest levels of the mind. An unwholesome (excessive, deficient, or distorted) perceived stimulus produces an unwholesome effect in the mind, which in turn causes stress and a vulnerability to disease. The unwholesome perception disturbs the sattvic quality of the mind and creates a rajasic or tamasic state. This mental state, in turn, can promote aggravation of the doshas, transforming an initially mental phenomenon into a somatic manifestation. |
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Kala parinama is defined as "being out of harmony with the rhythms and cycles of Nature". Ayurveda recognizes several important cycles on the macroscopic scale, which has corresponding effects on the human being. If an individual does not become aware of these cycles and modify his life accordingly, that discordance will lead to a disease state. The diurnal rhythms discovered by modern physiologists, the female menstrual cycle, the male and female sexual peaks, the seasonal variations in immune status, the sleep cycle, the daily changes in breathing patterns are all examples of chronobiological rhythms that were intuitively known to the ancient vaidyas. |
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