Date: 04 2013 22:36:13 -0000
From: "Surya Deva"
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Which Pathy Is The Best #2
Baba
"Nijer katha' bolate gele yug ye cale ya'y..." (Prabhata Samgiita #2610)
Purport:
Baba, my whole life is getting wasted in propagating my own "greatness". Since ages I have been involved in this foolish endeavour. O' Parama Purusa, please fill my mind with Your divine tales. By listening to Your stories and talks, my whole heart, nay my whole being, will be satiated.
O' my Lord, in order to listen to Your divine gospel, I have remained awake since many lives – since ages. O' Parama Purusa, my mind is restless to get a glimpse of Your smile. My mind only wants You, O my Dearmost.
O' Parama Purusa, today You have graced me and changed my heart; I will no longer waste my time in self-glorification and bragging about my unit ‘I’, little ego. I will not talk about my own unit hopes and misteries. Now, O' Divine Infinite Parama Purusa, this unit is running constantly towards You.
Baba, I wasted my life in self-propaganda. Now by Your grace only I want to listen to Your glory, Your sweet gospel, O' Parama Purusa, I am surrendering at Your lotus feet...
Namaskar,
"Now the question is, which system of medicine is best. Certainly every individual has their own opinion. The purpose of this letter is to highlight some critical points which Baba has given about the prevailing pathys. To this end, we shall review (a) allopathy (i.e. western medicine), (b) ayurveda, (c) naturopathy, and (d) homeopathy. In addition, we will examine a few of Baba's overarching guidelines about the field of medicine and health, as well as what form it should take in the future."
In the first letter (link appended below) on this topic, the first three of the aforementioned pathys were examined. Here we start with homeopathy.
The final pathy explored here is homeopathy.
Baba says, "In homeopathy whose principle is "Samah samam shamayati" (like cures like), the disease is not treated, but the symptom of the disease is treated. No matter whether the disease is diarrhea or malaria, the symptom is treated and not the disease. Moreover, the medicine is applied in a subtle form. It is theorized that the subtle affects the crude, hence subtle medicine is applied to cure the crude disease. The more subtle the medicine, the more effective the result on the crude disease." (12)
"The value of the principle shama samaḿ shamayati [similia similibus curantue – “like cures like”)] has been understood by human beings since the age of the Mahábhárata, but it was Mahatma Hahnemann who brought it to the scientific level through his system of homeopathy. People realized the value of this principle during the Mahábhárata age from the poison treatment of the poisoned Bhiima. There were considerable advances in Ayurveda in poison research, especially with snake, scorpion, spider and hornet poisons." (11)
The special quality of homeopathic medicines are that they are subtle and work in a very deep way. These medicines work directly on the symptoms of the patient. That is highly beneficial. In contrast, medicines of other systems like allopathy and ayurveda are not based on the symptoms of the patient, but rather the disease.
For instance, suppose a patient is suffering from dyspepsia. In that case, homeopathic meds will be given based on the type of pain and discomfort a person is feeling. Burning pain might be one medicine, and if it is excess gas and bloating, then that is a different medicine. Thus there are various medicines in te field of homeopathy that might be used for that patient, depending upon what they are experiencing. Whereas, allopathy has only one single medicine for dyspepsia. And that medicine will create a very harsh reaction on the body.
Same is the case with dysuria. Homeopathic remedies will be numerous based on the various symptoms a patient might have. Whereas allopathy and ayurveda have a single medicine for such a disease. And those medicines invite harmful side-effects.
That is why Baba warns us that such medicines can create problems. Not only that, if an allopathic medicine is given yet the patient does not actually have that disease, then it is doubly dangerous.
Furthermore, because homeopathy uses very subtle medicines even if the selection is wrong, it does not cause harm. No doubt, the wrong homeopathic medicine may not bring about the cure; yet it will not be harmful, let alone disastrous as is the case with ayurvedic or allopathic medicines.
Baba says, "The principles, application and philosophy of homeopathy are completely different from [other] medical treatments. Homeopathy treats the symptoms of the patient, not the disease. So there is very little possibility of causing harm, even if the diagnosis is not quite correct. A doctor with good powers of observation and a subtle sense of discrimination can easily prescribe remedies according to the patient's symptoms." (13)
All in all there are many benefits of homeopathy:
(a) The medicines are very subtle and hence not harmful.
(b) Homeopathy treats the symptom - not the disease - yet this way the problem is cured.
(c) If the wrong medicine is administered, there are no adverse side effects.
(d) Homeopathy can treat a wide array of illnesses and human conditions.
(e) The medicines are inexpensive.
So there are many plus points of homeopathy. In addition, with the today's modern computer programs, an observant patient can often find out the right homeopathic remedy. In that case, there is no need to visit the doctor.
Here below Baba appreciates how homeopathic practitioners now support the use of needles to administer medicines - as do modern day ayurvedic doctors.
"Nowadays, in those cases where there is difficulty getting the desired effect by swallowing the medicine or ingesting it in some other way, or where the effect is delayed, the system of introducing the medicine into the body through injection is widely prevalent. If anything is injected into the body through a needle it is called súcikábharańa. Súcikábharańa existed in Ayurveda in ancient times to a small extent, but this science could not advance much in those days, chiefly due to the influence of certain superstitions among the people at that time. They did not want to allow anything into their bodies through injection, so this science remained unappreciated. Nowadays it is possible to save the patient’s life with injections in the case of diseases that are difficult to cure or treat, or in the case of life-threatening disease. Thankfully, modern practitioners of Ayurveda and Homeopathy, willingly or unwillingly, have accepted the use of needles and themselves use them." (14)
With the addition of surgery, homeopathy will be an even more successful and effective pathy.
"Homeopathy should embrace surgery, and if this is done it will be good for the all-round welfare of the people." (15)
Here Baba points out that the doctor's decision to prescribe a particular medicine is just their best guess. So no one should accept a doctor's prescription for a particular medicine as an exact science.
"Is it not simply guesswork to prescribe medicines for a particular disease when the medicine is prescribed for the disease but the disease is diagnosed according to the bodily constituents? If you mentioned this to an allopath, ayurvedic doctor or hakim he or she would probably hand over his or her stethoscope or mortar and pestle and reply, “Here you are, sir. You had better treat the disease yourself.” This, of course, is an angry remark. While I recognize that a lay person should not have the audacity to counsel a doctor, I must also point out that everyone has the right to consider the merits and demerits of a particular type of medical treatment." (16)
Doctors can only guess as to which medicine they think is most appropriate. They can only surmise whether, "This is absolutely the correct medicine or whether this is definitively the wrong medicine." All in all, it is a delicate situation. But so long as the medicine is inherently not harmful, then naturally that pathway is more safe.
So, two things are of importance here:
(a) No doctor of any pathy can confidently claim that: "This is the proper medicine", as their selection is only based on their "best guess." On an assumption they administer the medicine.
(b) If some medicines are unrefined - virtually poison - the patient may be harmed and even die.
As sadhakas, we take sentient food, practice asanas and sadhana, and maintain a devotional ideation. By this way both the mind body become more subtle.
By following Ananda Marga teachings, the entire existence becomes more subtle than common non-margii citizens. So we have to be very cautious and alert while taking any type of medicine. The medicines of the ayurvedic and allopathic systems can be more disastrous for us than non-margiis. In some extreme cases, there may be no other option. We may need to take a strong medicine that is potentially very harmful. But for the overall treatment of the body, in our practical approach, one chief option remains: Taking treatment via homeopathy.
Homeopathic remedies are the best types of medicine. That is Baba's general guideline. Ultimately, however, Baba advises that all the pathys should be used to complement one another and the end point should be the welfare of the patient.
According to Ananda Marga philosophy, the most rational approach with respect to medical care is for all the pathys to exist under one roof. Patients should be evaluated on a case by case basis and then directed to the right avenue of treatment. Each medical pathy has its speciality and ethic. The goal is the cure the patient, regardless of the pathy involved. Using multiple pathys is also quite appropriate. For instance allopathic surgery combined with homeopathic medicine might be the ideal way to treat a particular patient. The end point should be the patient's welfare - not which pathy is used.
"The welfare of the patient should be the main aim of the medical profession, regardless of the philosophical or logical ramifications of a particular system of medicine. Doctors may find it somewhat difficult to work with such a principle, because it is unreasonable to expect them to be experts in all the medical systems. In reality, it is highly unlikely. Nevertheless, what is not possible in a doctor's chambers may be possible in a hospital."
"In the hospitals of some countries the welfare of the patient is given top priority and the patient is treated accordingly. Immediately after being admitted, he or she is thoroughly examined by an appropriate board of doctors who determine the most suitable system of medical treatment. In other words, if the patient's disease can be easily cured by allopathy, he or she will be treated by an allopath; if by homoeopathy, by a homoeopath; if by naturopathy, by a naturopath; and so on. If various types of treatment are available, changing from one type to another will not be difficult in the event of the patient not responding to a particular type of treatment." (17)
"The great danger in diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medicines according to the germs and diseases present in the body is that it is nearly impossible to arrive at a firm conclusion about the precise nature of germs. Whether diseases are caused by germs or germs are created from diseases which are caused by other factors is a matter of controversy. The symptoms of one disease may be identical to those of another, and the remedy for one may prove to be completely ineffective or even harmful in the case of the other. Moreover, as poisons are used, they may seriously affect the vitality of the patient. Just imagine, if the doctor is incompetent or is completely motivated by a business mentality, what will the plight of the public be?" (1)
"In both systems [ayurvedic and unani system] crude medicine is applied." (2)
"Ayurveda and hekemii [hakims]...use strong medicines and also poison as a medicine...In this method of treatment the selection of medicines involves great risk, because more emphasis is placed on the indications of the disease than on those of the patient, and because of the possibility of causing death." (3)
"There was a time when diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medicines were not very difficult because diagnoses were based on three constituents of the body – air, bile and phlegm – with blood as a fourth constituent. But increased physical and glandular complexity has led to a corresponding increase in the number and complexity of diseases." (4)
"In the pure ayurvedic system, there is no surgery." (5)
Baba says, "Naturopaths do not believe in using medicine. They think that it is possible to cure patients through the gifts of nature only – through earth, water, light, heat and air, together with a proper diet." (6)
Then Baba describes the various techniques and methods used by naturopaths - like fasting.
"Since ancient times many non-human creatures have considered fasting or deliberate abstinence from food as their natural medicine. You will notice that dogs and certain other animals abstain from eating if they feel a little ill. You also often do not feel like eating when you feel somewhat physically out of sorts. Some contemporary physicians advise their patients, and even pressure them, to eat even when they do not have any appetite. This, however, goes against the laws of nature. It is natural for a sick creature to feel an aversion for food, unless they suffer from the disease of overeating. By not eating, certain organs of the body enjoy a temporary rest. As a result, after the fast the organs are rejuvenated and reenergized and a feeling of wellbeing returns to the physical body. So not only in the case of prehistoric humans, in the case of the prehistoric animals as well, the ancient, pure and chief medicine was fasting or voluntary abstention from food." (7)
Baba also describes how naturopathy uses the elements like light, air, earth and water.
"Sunlight and air: There are many healing elements in sunlight. The rays or pencils of rays of different colours in sunlight are medicines for different kinds of diseases – preventive and antidotal. Sunlight has different benefits during different hours of the day. Sun-warmed water also has different kinds of benefits. Thus sunlight has been regarded since ancient times as medicines for different bodily ailments. It is also said in the Vedas: súryah yathá sarvalokasya cakśuh [as the sun is the eye of the entire universe]. The medicine, that is, sunlight should be taken in through the dorsal spine, not through the chest or the abdomen."
"The pure air of a secluded place is also an excellent medicine for the physical body. This medicine in the form of air should be taken through the back of the head and the upper part of the forehead. The earth from a riverside area near a forest in which there is a small amount of sand and a large amount of soil is also an excellent medicine for the physical body. This medicine should be taken bare-bodied on a bed of earth."
"Water: Odorless, tepid water, especially if it is sun-warmed, is an excellent medicine for the physical body. It has great healing qualities. Since ancient times, knowingly or unknowingly, human beings and different animals have also accepted water as one of their medicines. It is also said in the Vedas: ápashca vishvabheśajii [and water is a universal medicine]." (8)
Ultimately, Baba reveals that limiting the practice of medicine to naturopathy alone is quite limiting and incomplete.
"Naturopaths do not believe in using medicine. They think that it is possible to cure patients through the gifts of nature only – through earth, water, light, heat and air, together with a proper diet. I do not deny that this is possible, but it is also often difficult to gradually and completely attune the body to nature." (9)
Here below Baba unveils the special way that medicine works - it facilitates the healing process in the body.
"People should recognize that medicine does not cure disease, rather nature cures disease with the help of the body's own healing power. Medicine only helps to accelerate the activity and speed of the healing process." (10)
Thus, Baba does not support the naturopathic model where no medicines are ever administered. Baba clearly appreciates the application of medicine when needed.
The best way is to have all the pathys under one roof, utilizing the strengths of each for the welfare of that patient. We should also keep in mind that as a stand-alone practice, the medicines of homeopathy are best suited to the well-being of Ananda Marga sadhakas and all people. As far as possible, we should try and maintain health by strictly following Sixteen Points, and using homeophatic remedies - as the need arises. In the near future, more and more hospitals and medical centers will offer all the pathys under one roof. That will be the ideal system.
Namaskar,
in Him,
Surya Deva
And the Ayurveda system should not be confused with the vaedyak system given by Lord Shiva which does include surgery. Because Lord Shiva Himself approved the vaedyak system of medicine.
But this vaedyak system got a serious blow after the arrival of Buddhism. Since then various dogmas and superstitions were injected and that had a horribly detrimental effect on the progress of medicine. Rather it sent medicine back into the dark ages. Due to the dogma of Buddhism, the dead body was prohibited for use in dissection.
Thus because of Buddha's dogmatic influence and that of the Puranic religion, India went far behind in surgery. At the time of the Mahabharat period, surgery was quite common. And that was not due to ayurveda; rather, it was because of vaedyak shastra.
In the Discourses On the Mahabharat Baba has revealed the above fact. History is there that King Jarasandh, at the time of his birth he was born via cesarean, and the doctor was the lady doctor Jara' who stitched Jarasandh's body parts together. This marked how the people of that period were well acquainted with surgery. But later on this science of surgery faced serious problem, due to the dogmatic beliefs of Buddhism, and research on medical science could not be done. So India lagged behind, in surgery. (18)
Baba says, "Visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) is native to India, and its first reference is found in the Mahabharata period. Later on this visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) was encouraged not by Aryans, but rather by non-Aryans, and South India, especially Malabar, saw it expand a lot. These people attribute the origin of visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) to Lord Krsna, i.e., visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) was originated by Krsna.And vaedyaka shastra was originated by Lord Sadashiva..."
"But the originator of visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) was Lord Krsna. In the Mahabharata period, it was appreciated a lot, and people discussed it and practised it by applying different venoms such as the venom of the snake, the venom of the spider, the venom of the scorpion, etc., to cure snake bite, spider bite, scorpion bite, etc. In course of time, it was neglected. At last it had some place in the royal family of Cochin. This system is neglected nowadays, but if it is encouraged, a new system will be added to medical science." (19)
The first letter in this series addressed the first three aforementioned pathys, as well as various points about medicince and health including two Sanskrit Samskrta proverbs:
(A) "Sariram vya'dhi mandiram".
'Where there is a body, disease comes'.
(B) Here is one traditional, satirical saying about those pathys where harmful and poisonous medicines are used.
"Shat ma'ri bhavet vaedhyah. Sahasra ma'ri cikitsakah" (Human Society - 1)
The meaning is: If a doctor kills 100 patients by prescribing the wrong medicine, he is known as a "vaedyah", i.e. less qualified doctor; if a doctor kills 1000 persons by administering wrong medicines, he becomes "cikitsak", i.e. high-qualified doctor.
REFERENCES
1. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
2. Discourses on the Mahabharata, The Medical Science of the Age
3. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
4. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
5. Discourses on the Mahabharata, p.21
6. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
7. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
8. Shabda Cayanika - 5, Kulya to Kuvela (Discourse 34)
9. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
10. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
11. 8. Shabda Cayanika - 5, Kulya to Kuvela (Discourse 34)
12. Discourses on the Mahabharata, p.21-2
13. Human Society - 1
14. Shabda Caynika - 4, Kárpat́ika to Kála (Discourse 23)
15. 'Guidelines for Commencing Microvita Research'
16. Human Society -1, Various Occupations
17. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
18. Reference: Discourses on the Mahabharat, p.24
19. Discourses on the Mahabharat, p.22-23
"Many people in society do not become criminals because of physiological or hereditary factors. Nor do they become involved in criminal activities due to the influence of base propensities, or due to lack of education or social control. Yet today civilized society looks down on them because they are criminals when they could have been revered as ideal human beings with impeccable characters if they had been given a proper environment."
"They are glaring examples that honest people can become dishonest as a result of environmental pressures. The sensitive, honest son of a villainous father is compelled to participate in antisocial activities out of fear of paternal abuse. This creates a habit which eventually becomes part of his nature." (Human Society - 1, Justice)
"In the modern world there is a wide variety of films which excite the passions and have a degrading influence on boys and girls, adolescents and young men and women. Such films create in cinema-goers the desire to emulate in their individual lives the criminal activities, the vulgar expressions of love, or the adventurous behaviour that they see enacted on the screen. This is another example of how keeping bad company causes depravity. Many cinema-goers imagine that the characters that they see on the screen are their actual acquaintances, but when they try to emulate these characters, they discover that the real world is much tougher than the world portrayed by the cinema." (Human Society - 1, Justice)
Note: Here is a recent news report. This following incident happened after one teenager watched a horror film over and over again. The boy became obsessed with the film's main character and in result he committed the same demonic crime. The main character killed his mother and his sister. After watching the film many times, in a cold-blooded, detached manner, the teenager ruthlessly murdered his mother and his sister. We must not allow children to see such violent movies and play such violent video games. So many dastardly crimes have occurred because of these violent video games and movies. That is Baba's warning.
Here is the headline and introductory sentence of this news article.
"17-year-old murder suspect inspired by ‘Halloween’ slasher flick"
"Jake Evans fatally shot his mother and sister after watching the horror film numerous times. Evans wrote he was ‘amazed at how at ease the boy was during the murders and how little remorse he had afterward’ in a confession to police."
To read more of this news story, click here...
From: "Surya Deva"
To: AM-GLOBAL
Subject: Which Pathy Is The Best #2
Baba
"Nijer katha' bolate gele yug ye cale ya'y..." (Prabhata Samgiita #2610)
Purport:
Baba, my whole life is getting wasted in propagating my own "greatness". Since ages I have been involved in this foolish endeavour. O' Parama Purusa, please fill my mind with Your divine tales. By listening to Your stories and talks, my whole heart, nay my whole being, will be satiated.
O' my Lord, in order to listen to Your divine gospel, I have remained awake since many lives – since ages. O' Parama Purusa, my mind is restless to get a glimpse of Your smile. My mind only wants You, O my Dearmost.
O' Parama Purusa, today You have graced me and changed my heart; I will no longer waste my time in self-glorification and bragging about my unit ‘I’, little ego. I will not talk about my own unit hopes and misteries. Now, O' Divine Infinite Parama Purusa, this unit is running constantly towards You.
Baba, I wasted my life in self-propaganda. Now by Your grace only I want to listen to Your glory, Your sweet gospel, O' Parama Purusa, I am surrendering at Your lotus feet...
== WHICH PATHY IS BEST #2 ==
Namaskar,
"Now the question is, which system of medicine is best. Certainly every individual has their own opinion. The purpose of this letter is to highlight some critical points which Baba has given about the prevailing pathys. To this end, we shall review (a) allopathy (i.e. western medicine), (b) ayurveda, (c) naturopathy, and (d) homeopathy. In addition, we will examine a few of Baba's overarching guidelines about the field of medicine and health, as well as what form it should take in the future."
In the first letter (link appended below) on this topic, the first three of the aforementioned pathys were examined. Here we start with homeopathy.
BENEFITS OF HOMEOPATHY
The final pathy explored here is homeopathy.
Baba says, "In homeopathy whose principle is "Samah samam shamayati" (like cures like), the disease is not treated, but the symptom of the disease is treated. No matter whether the disease is diarrhea or malaria, the symptom is treated and not the disease. Moreover, the medicine is applied in a subtle form. It is theorized that the subtle affects the crude, hence subtle medicine is applied to cure the crude disease. The more subtle the medicine, the more effective the result on the crude disease." (12)
"The value of the principle shama samaḿ shamayati [similia similibus curantue – “like cures like”)] has been understood by human beings since the age of the Mahábhárata, but it was Mahatma Hahnemann who brought it to the scientific level through his system of homeopathy. People realized the value of this principle during the Mahábhárata age from the poison treatment of the poisoned Bhiima. There were considerable advances in Ayurveda in poison research, especially with snake, scorpion, spider and hornet poisons." (11)
The special quality of homeopathic medicines are that they are subtle and work in a very deep way. These medicines work directly on the symptoms of the patient. That is highly beneficial. In contrast, medicines of other systems like allopathy and ayurveda are not based on the symptoms of the patient, but rather the disease.
For instance, suppose a patient is suffering from dyspepsia. In that case, homeopathic meds will be given based on the type of pain and discomfort a person is feeling. Burning pain might be one medicine, and if it is excess gas and bloating, then that is a different medicine. Thus there are various medicines in te field of homeopathy that might be used for that patient, depending upon what they are experiencing. Whereas, allopathy has only one single medicine for dyspepsia. And that medicine will create a very harsh reaction on the body.
Same is the case with dysuria. Homeopathic remedies will be numerous based on the various symptoms a patient might have. Whereas allopathy and ayurveda have a single medicine for such a disease. And those medicines invite harmful side-effects.
That is why Baba warns us that such medicines can create problems. Not only that, if an allopathic medicine is given yet the patient does not actually have that disease, then it is doubly dangerous.
Furthermore, because homeopathy uses very subtle medicines even if the selection is wrong, it does not cause harm. No doubt, the wrong homeopathic medicine may not bring about the cure; yet it will not be harmful, let alone disastrous as is the case with ayurvedic or allopathic medicines.
Baba says, "The principles, application and philosophy of homeopathy are completely different from [other] medical treatments. Homeopathy treats the symptoms of the patient, not the disease. So there is very little possibility of causing harm, even if the diagnosis is not quite correct. A doctor with good powers of observation and a subtle sense of discrimination can easily prescribe remedies according to the patient's symptoms." (13)
All in all there are many benefits of homeopathy:
(a) The medicines are very subtle and hence not harmful.
(b) Homeopathy treats the symptom - not the disease - yet this way the problem is cured.
(c) If the wrong medicine is administered, there are no adverse side effects.
(d) Homeopathy can treat a wide array of illnesses and human conditions.
(e) The medicines are inexpensive.
So there are many plus points of homeopathy. In addition, with the today's modern computer programs, an observant patient can often find out the right homeopathic remedy. In that case, there is no need to visit the doctor.
MODERN ENHANCEMENTS OF HOMEOPATHY
Here below Baba appreciates how homeopathic practitioners now support the use of needles to administer medicines - as do modern day ayurvedic doctors.
"Nowadays, in those cases where there is difficulty getting the desired effect by swallowing the medicine or ingesting it in some other way, or where the effect is delayed, the system of introducing the medicine into the body through injection is widely prevalent. If anything is injected into the body through a needle it is called súcikábharańa. Súcikábharańa existed in Ayurveda in ancient times to a small extent, but this science could not advance much in those days, chiefly due to the influence of certain superstitions among the people at that time. They did not want to allow anything into their bodies through injection, so this science remained unappreciated. Nowadays it is possible to save the patient’s life with injections in the case of diseases that are difficult to cure or treat, or in the case of life-threatening disease. Thankfully, modern practitioners of Ayurveda and Homeopathy, willingly or unwillingly, have accepted the use of needles and themselves use them." (14)
With the addition of surgery, homeopathy will be an even more successful and effective pathy.
"Homeopathy should embrace surgery, and if this is done it will be good for the all-round welfare of the people." (15)
BEWARE:
PRESCRIBING MEDICINES IS JUST GUESSWORK
PRESCRIBING MEDICINES IS JUST GUESSWORK
Here Baba points out that the doctor's decision to prescribe a particular medicine is just their best guess. So no one should accept a doctor's prescription for a particular medicine as an exact science.
"Is it not simply guesswork to prescribe medicines for a particular disease when the medicine is prescribed for the disease but the disease is diagnosed according to the bodily constituents? If you mentioned this to an allopath, ayurvedic doctor or hakim he or she would probably hand over his or her stethoscope or mortar and pestle and reply, “Here you are, sir. You had better treat the disease yourself.” This, of course, is an angry remark. While I recognize that a lay person should not have the audacity to counsel a doctor, I must also point out that everyone has the right to consider the merits and demerits of a particular type of medical treatment." (16)
Doctors can only guess as to which medicine they think is most appropriate. They can only surmise whether, "This is absolutely the correct medicine or whether this is definitively the wrong medicine." All in all, it is a delicate situation. But so long as the medicine is inherently not harmful, then naturally that pathway is more safe.
So, two things are of importance here:
(a) No doctor of any pathy can confidently claim that: "This is the proper medicine", as their selection is only based on their "best guess." On an assumption they administer the medicine.
(b) If some medicines are unrefined - virtually poison - the patient may be harmed and even die.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT IS THE BEST
ESPECIALLY FOR SADHAKAS
ESPECIALLY FOR SADHAKAS
As sadhakas, we take sentient food, practice asanas and sadhana, and maintain a devotional ideation. By this way both the mind body become more subtle.
By following Ananda Marga teachings, the entire existence becomes more subtle than common non-margii citizens. So we have to be very cautious and alert while taking any type of medicine. The medicines of the ayurvedic and allopathic systems can be more disastrous for us than non-margiis. In some extreme cases, there may be no other option. We may need to take a strong medicine that is potentially very harmful. But for the overall treatment of the body, in our practical approach, one chief option remains: Taking treatment via homeopathy.
Homeopathic remedies are the best types of medicine. That is Baba's general guideline. Ultimately, however, Baba advises that all the pathys should be used to complement one another and the end point should be the welfare of the patient.
ALL PATHY'S UNDER ONE ROOF
According to Ananda Marga philosophy, the most rational approach with respect to medical care is for all the pathys to exist under one roof. Patients should be evaluated on a case by case basis and then directed to the right avenue of treatment. Each medical pathy has its speciality and ethic. The goal is the cure the patient, regardless of the pathy involved. Using multiple pathys is also quite appropriate. For instance allopathic surgery combined with homeopathic medicine might be the ideal way to treat a particular patient. The end point should be the patient's welfare - not which pathy is used.
"The welfare of the patient should be the main aim of the medical profession, regardless of the philosophical or logical ramifications of a particular system of medicine. Doctors may find it somewhat difficult to work with such a principle, because it is unreasonable to expect them to be experts in all the medical systems. In reality, it is highly unlikely. Nevertheless, what is not possible in a doctor's chambers may be possible in a hospital."
"In the hospitals of some countries the welfare of the patient is given top priority and the patient is treated accordingly. Immediately after being admitted, he or she is thoroughly examined by an appropriate board of doctors who determine the most suitable system of medical treatment. In other words, if the patient's disease can be easily cured by allopathy, he or she will be treated by an allopath; if by homoeopathy, by a homoeopath; if by naturopathy, by a naturopath; and so on. If various types of treatment are available, changing from one type to another will not be difficult in the event of the patient not responding to a particular type of treatment." (17)
BABA'S RELATED TEACHINGS
"The great danger in diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medicines according to the germs and diseases present in the body is that it is nearly impossible to arrive at a firm conclusion about the precise nature of germs. Whether diseases are caused by germs or germs are created from diseases which are caused by other factors is a matter of controversy. The symptoms of one disease may be identical to those of another, and the remedy for one may prove to be completely ineffective or even harmful in the case of the other. Moreover, as poisons are used, they may seriously affect the vitality of the patient. Just imagine, if the doctor is incompetent or is completely motivated by a business mentality, what will the plight of the public be?" (1)
"In both systems [ayurvedic and unani system] crude medicine is applied." (2)
"Ayurveda and hekemii [hakims]...use strong medicines and also poison as a medicine...In this method of treatment the selection of medicines involves great risk, because more emphasis is placed on the indications of the disease than on those of the patient, and because of the possibility of causing death." (3)
"There was a time when diagnosing illnesses and prescribing medicines were not very difficult because diagnoses were based on three constituents of the body – air, bile and phlegm – with blood as a fourth constituent. But increased physical and glandular complexity has led to a corresponding increase in the number and complexity of diseases." (4)
"In the pure ayurvedic system, there is no surgery." (5)
Baba says, "Naturopaths do not believe in using medicine. They think that it is possible to cure patients through the gifts of nature only – through earth, water, light, heat and air, together with a proper diet." (6)
Then Baba describes the various techniques and methods used by naturopaths - like fasting.
"Since ancient times many non-human creatures have considered fasting or deliberate abstinence from food as their natural medicine. You will notice that dogs and certain other animals abstain from eating if they feel a little ill. You also often do not feel like eating when you feel somewhat physically out of sorts. Some contemporary physicians advise their patients, and even pressure them, to eat even when they do not have any appetite. This, however, goes against the laws of nature. It is natural for a sick creature to feel an aversion for food, unless they suffer from the disease of overeating. By not eating, certain organs of the body enjoy a temporary rest. As a result, after the fast the organs are rejuvenated and reenergized and a feeling of wellbeing returns to the physical body. So not only in the case of prehistoric humans, in the case of the prehistoric animals as well, the ancient, pure and chief medicine was fasting or voluntary abstention from food." (7)
Baba also describes how naturopathy uses the elements like light, air, earth and water.
"Sunlight and air: There are many healing elements in sunlight. The rays or pencils of rays of different colours in sunlight are medicines for different kinds of diseases – preventive and antidotal. Sunlight has different benefits during different hours of the day. Sun-warmed water also has different kinds of benefits. Thus sunlight has been regarded since ancient times as medicines for different bodily ailments. It is also said in the Vedas: súryah yathá sarvalokasya cakśuh [as the sun is the eye of the entire universe]. The medicine, that is, sunlight should be taken in through the dorsal spine, not through the chest or the abdomen."
"The pure air of a secluded place is also an excellent medicine for the physical body. This medicine in the form of air should be taken through the back of the head and the upper part of the forehead. The earth from a riverside area near a forest in which there is a small amount of sand and a large amount of soil is also an excellent medicine for the physical body. This medicine should be taken bare-bodied on a bed of earth."
"Water: Odorless, tepid water, especially if it is sun-warmed, is an excellent medicine for the physical body. It has great healing qualities. Since ancient times, knowingly or unknowingly, human beings and different animals have also accepted water as one of their medicines. It is also said in the Vedas: ápashca vishvabheśajii [and water is a universal medicine]." (8)
Ultimately, Baba reveals that limiting the practice of medicine to naturopathy alone is quite limiting and incomplete.
"Naturopaths do not believe in using medicine. They think that it is possible to cure patients through the gifts of nature only – through earth, water, light, heat and air, together with a proper diet. I do not deny that this is possible, but it is also often difficult to gradually and completely attune the body to nature." (9)
Here below Baba unveils the special way that medicine works - it facilitates the healing process in the body.
"People should recognize that medicine does not cure disease, rather nature cures disease with the help of the body's own healing power. Medicine only helps to accelerate the activity and speed of the healing process." (10)
Thus, Baba does not support the naturopathic model where no medicines are ever administered. Baba clearly appreciates the application of medicine when needed.
SUMMARY
The best way is to have all the pathys under one roof, utilizing the strengths of each for the welfare of that patient. We should also keep in mind that as a stand-alone practice, the medicines of homeopathy are best suited to the well-being of Ananda Marga sadhakas and all people. As far as possible, we should try and maintain health by strictly following Sixteen Points, and using homeophatic remedies - as the need arises. In the near future, more and more hospitals and medical centers will offer all the pathys under one roof. That will be the ideal system.
Namaskar,
in Him,
Surya Deva
Note 1: VAEDYAK SYSTEM APPROVES OF SURGERY
And the Ayurveda system should not be confused with the vaedyak system given by Lord Shiva which does include surgery. Because Lord Shiva Himself approved the vaedyak system of medicine.
But this vaedyak system got a serious blow after the arrival of Buddhism. Since then various dogmas and superstitions were injected and that had a horribly detrimental effect on the progress of medicine. Rather it sent medicine back into the dark ages. Due to the dogma of Buddhism, the dead body was prohibited for use in dissection.
Thus because of Buddha's dogmatic influence and that of the Puranic religion, India went far behind in surgery. At the time of the Mahabharat period, surgery was quite common. And that was not due to ayurveda; rather, it was because of vaedyak shastra.
In the Discourses On the Mahabharat Baba has revealed the above fact. History is there that King Jarasandh, at the time of his birth he was born via cesarean, and the doctor was the lady doctor Jara' who stitched Jarasandh's body parts together. This marked how the people of that period were well acquainted with surgery. But later on this science of surgery faced serious problem, due to the dogmatic beliefs of Buddhism, and research on medical science could not be done. So India lagged behind, in surgery. (18)
Note 2: ORIGIN OF HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT STARTED IN INDIA
Baba says, "Visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) is native to India, and its first reference is found in the Mahabharata period. Later on this visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) was encouraged not by Aryans, but rather by non-Aryans, and South India, especially Malabar, saw it expand a lot. These people attribute the origin of visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) to Lord Krsna, i.e., visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) was originated by Krsna.And vaedyaka shastra was originated by Lord Sadashiva..."
"But the originator of visa cikitsa (treatment thru poison) was Lord Krsna. In the Mahabharata period, it was appreciated a lot, and people discussed it and practised it by applying different venoms such as the venom of the snake, the venom of the spider, the venom of the scorpion, etc., to cure snake bite, spider bite, scorpion bite, etc. In course of time, it was neglected. At last it had some place in the royal family of Cochin. This system is neglected nowadays, but if it is encouraged, a new system will be added to medical science." (19)
Note 3: OTHER KEY POINTS FROM THE FIRST LETTER
The first letter in this series addressed the first three aforementioned pathys, as well as various points about medicince and health including two Sanskrit Samskrta proverbs:
(A) "Sariram vya'dhi mandiram".
'Where there is a body, disease comes'.
(B) Here is one traditional, satirical saying about those pathys where harmful and poisonous medicines are used.
"Shat ma'ri bhavet vaedhyah. Sahasra ma'ri cikitsakah" (Human Society - 1)
The meaning is: If a doctor kills 100 patients by prescribing the wrong medicine, he is known as a "vaedyah", i.e. less qualified doctor; if a doctor kills 1000 persons by administering wrong medicines, he becomes "cikitsak", i.e. high-qualified doctor.
Note 4: LINK TO THE PRIOR LETTER IN THIS SERIES
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/01/which-pathy-is-best-1.html
http://am-global-01.blogspot.com/2013/01/which-pathy-is-best-1.html
REFERENCES
1. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
2. Discourses on the Mahabharata, The Medical Science of the Age
3. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
4. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
5. Discourses on the Mahabharata, p.21
6. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
7. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
8. Shabda Cayanika - 5, Kulya to Kuvela (Discourse 34)
9. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
10. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
11. 8. Shabda Cayanika - 5, Kulya to Kuvela (Discourse 34)
12. Discourses on the Mahabharata, p.21-2
13. Human Society - 1
14. Shabda Caynika - 4, Kárpat́ika to Kála (Discourse 23)
15. 'Guidelines for Commencing Microvita Research'
16. Human Society -1, Various Occupations
17. Human Society - 1, Various Occupations
18. Reference: Discourses on the Mahabharat, p.24
19. Discourses on the Mahabharat, p.22-23
The section below demarcated by asterisks is
an entirely different topic,
completely unrelated to the above letter. It stands on its own as a point of interest.
completely unrelated to the above letter. It stands on its own as a point of interest.
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BEWARE OF THE CINEMA & VIDEO GAMES
BEWARE OF THE CINEMA & VIDEO GAMES
"Many people in society do not become criminals because of physiological or hereditary factors. Nor do they become involved in criminal activities due to the influence of base propensities, or due to lack of education or social control. Yet today civilized society looks down on them because they are criminals when they could have been revered as ideal human beings with impeccable characters if they had been given a proper environment."
"They are glaring examples that honest people can become dishonest as a result of environmental pressures. The sensitive, honest son of a villainous father is compelled to participate in antisocial activities out of fear of paternal abuse. This creates a habit which eventually becomes part of his nature." (Human Society - 1, Justice)
"In the modern world there is a wide variety of films which excite the passions and have a degrading influence on boys and girls, adolescents and young men and women. Such films create in cinema-goers the desire to emulate in their individual lives the criminal activities, the vulgar expressions of love, or the adventurous behaviour that they see enacted on the screen. This is another example of how keeping bad company causes depravity. Many cinema-goers imagine that the characters that they see on the screen are their actual acquaintances, but when they try to emulate these characters, they discover that the real world is much tougher than the world portrayed by the cinema." (Human Society - 1, Justice)
Note: Here is a recent news report. This following incident happened after one teenager watched a horror film over and over again. The boy became obsessed with the film's main character and in result he committed the same demonic crime. The main character killed his mother and his sister. After watching the film many times, in a cold-blooded, detached manner, the teenager ruthlessly murdered his mother and his sister. We must not allow children to see such violent movies and play such violent video games. So many dastardly crimes have occurred because of these violent video games and movies. That is Baba's warning.
Here is the headline and introductory sentence of this news article.
"17-year-old murder suspect inspired by ‘Halloween’ slasher flick"
"Jake Evans fatally shot his mother and sister after watching the horror film numerous times. Evans wrote he was ‘amazed at how at ease the boy was during the murders and how little remorse he had afterward’ in a confession to police."
To read more of this news story, click here...
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