When we listen the word ‘philosophy’, three civilizations erupts in our mind, Greek, Roman and Indian. these three countries have contributed a huge in philosophy.
As far as Indian philosophy is concerned, it is unique in nature. Indian philosophy travels from outside to within, from Gross to subtle and from Darkness to Illumination. Vedas and Upnishasds are major sources of Indian philosophy. Ayurved, being a part of Veda, has its own philosophy. Its really fortunate that a science which primarily concerns with health, diseases, and medicines is also teaching the lessons of philosophy, the lessons of responsibility and making us all good human beings.
Philosophy of Sadvritta:
Along with physical health, Ayurved has also focused on psychological health, social health, and spiritual health. That’s where comes the ‘Sadvritta’(good conducts) Our ancient Ayurved scholars have taught us the lessons which makes us good human beings. The philosophy of Sadvritta says many things some of them are…
- Be tolerant, honest, and kind to each and every creature of this world
- Always speak the truth.
- Do not get addicted to sensory pleasures.
- Do not harm anyone.
- Try to control your passions.
- Speak pleasant and sweet words.
- Behave according to time and place where you are residing.
- Always try to find the real purpose of life and get devoted to it
- Don’t be a witness to an unknown person. Respect the elders, forefathers, teachers, preachers, scholars etc Have a respectable, courteous and protective attitude towards elderly people, women, children those ailing, weak, physically challenged etc.
- Behave kith and kin to all living beings, pacify the anger, console the frightened, help the poor, be truthful, peaceful, and tolerated of others harsh words.
- Never indulge into ten ‘mahapapas’(Awful curses) viz. Himsa (causing injury, torture etc.), Steya (stealing, robbing), Anyathakama (unlawful sex activity), Paisunya (abusive or harsh speech), Antra Vacana (scolding, speaking untruth), Sambhinna Alapa (speech causing dissent, separation, breaking of company), Vyapada (quarrel, intention of harming), Abhidya (jealousy, not tolerating good of others) and Drgviparyaya (finding fault, misunderstanding, faithlessness etc. with scriptures, elders etc.)
- Never engage in occupations which are devoid of the three pursuits dharma (righteousness), artha, (wealth) and kama (pleasures). One should carry on the occupation without going contrary to dharma and kama.
If we observe, the sadvritta philosophy covers almost every aspect of our life. It makes us healthy in every sense. It makes us a better being. It takes us to the higher level of consciousness where we can achieve our goals.