Hinduism - How Are Gemstones Used In Hindu Astrology?

Gemstones are employed in Hindu astrology to increase, neutralize, or oppose the celestial effect of certain planets.

The sun (ruby), moon (pearl), Mars (coral), Mercury (emerald), Jupiter (topaz), Venus (diamond), Saturn (sapphire), Rahu (agate), and Ketu (agate) are the nine planets in Hindu astrology, each of which is associated with a different gemstone: the sun (ruby), moon (pearl), Mars (coral), Mercury (emerald), Jupiter (topaz), Venus (dia (turquoise).

Each of these nine planets is regarded as a minor god with its own personality and qualities.

When choosing which gemstones to wear, certain astrological elements must be taken into account, particularly the position of the planets in one's natal horoscope (janampatrika), which is said to show each planet's influence.

To give the gemstones their effectiveness over their planetary equivalents, they are worn in rings with the base of the stone in touch with the skin.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Parapsychology - Addey, John

 

Who Was John Addey(1920–1982)?

Theosophist and astrologer, born on June 15, 1920, in Barnsley, Yorkshire, England.

Addey received his master's degree from Cambridge's Saint John's College.

He grew interested in astrology while at Cambridge, and after WWII, he joined the Theosophical Society's Astrological Lodge, where he met C. E. O. Carter, with whom he had a long-term connection.

Carter founded the Faculty of Astrological Studies in 1948 to teach astrologers, and Addey was one of its first students, graduating in 1951.

However, after a few years, he began to distrust his art and its scientific foundations.

He shifted his concentration to scientific study, with a particular emphasis on longevity and persons with polio.

His discoveries prompted him to establish an astrological "wave" hypothesis.

He went on to develop harmonics, a method of astrology that emphasizes the integral divisions of the horoscope chart, by combining finished and continuing statistical investigations of astrological effects with Hindu astrology insights.

In harmonics, he saw a way to establish a unified theoretical foundation to the numerous various astrological systems that were sprouting in the postwar world.

Addey was instrumental in the foundation of the Astrological Society, a professional association of astrologers based mostly in the United Kingdom, in 1958.

The advancement of harmonic theory was his overarching goal, which he articulated in a series of books in the 1970s.

Harmonics was first well welcomed by Addey's astrological colleagues; but, when astrologers worked with Addey's ideas, they found them to be too abstract and lacking in understanding to aid in the crucial process of reading an astrological chart.

As a result, Addey's theoretical work was quickly forgotten, yet his empirical findings remain a key component of current astrology's effort to provide a scientific foundation for the practice.

Addey formed the Urania Trust in 1970 with the overly ambitious aim of reintegrating astrology into astrology, an ambition on which he has made practically little headway.

Addey was also the editor of the Astrological Journal for a while.

Addey passed away in 1982.

John Addey's book, Astrology Reborn, is a good place to start.

American Federation of Astrologers, Tempe, Ariz., 1972.

Harmonic Anthology, by ———. American Federation of Astrologers, Tempe, Ariz., 1976.

Harmonics in Astrology, by ———.L.N. Fowler, Romford, 1976.

Selected Writings, by ———. American Federation of Astrologers, Tempe, Ariz., 1976.

The Astrology Encyclopedia, by James L. Lewis. Gale Research, Detroit, 1994.

~Kiran Atma

Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

You may also want to read more about parapsychology and occult sciences here.

Hinduism - What Are The Attributes Of The Sun In Hindu Astrology Or Jyotisha?

 

A planet linked with strength and vigor in Hindu astrology (jyotisha), however it may also be evil, probably representing the unrelenting destructive force of the Indian sun.

The sun's energy makes it a powerful planet, and the sun's location in the zodiac, as in Western astrology, plays an important part in determining a person's natal horoscope (janampatrika).

Sunday is ruled by the sun, a day of the week that isn't particularly auspicious or inauspicious.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

 

Hinduism - What Is The Place And Role Of Jupiter In The Hindu Pantheon?

 

A planet connected with education, power, and excellent character in Hindu astrology.

Jupiter's name in Sanskrit is guru, and its significance in Hindu astrology reflects the guru or religious figure's centrality in Hindu religious life.

Jupiter is the most powerful of the benign planets (the sun, moon, Mercury, and Venus being the others), yet Jupiter's capabilities vary depending on its position in the natal horoscope, or the alignment of the celestial bodies at the moment of birth, and the effect of friendly or hostile planets.

During the week, Jupiter rules Thursday, which is considered an auspicious, or fortunate, day due to the planet's astrological qualities.

 

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Hinduism - How Does The Zodiac In Hindu Astrology Compare With Western Astrology?

 

The signs of the zodiac in Indian astrology (jyotisha) are almost similar to those in Western astrology, and it is widely assumed that the Greek zodiac was carried to India through Greek kingdoms in modern Afghanistan in the first to third centuries.

The Indian zodiac uses Dhanus ("bow") instead of Sagittarius, Makara (a sea monster that is commonly mistaken for a crocodile) instead of Capricorn, and Kumbha ("[water] pot") instead of Aquarius.

Each of the twelve signs, like Western astrology, has its own set of qualities that those born under them are infused with.

Although both begin with the sign of Aries, the two systems vary significantly in how they calculate the yearly beginning point.

The Western astrological zodiac starts on the spring equinox, with the sign of Aries being the first sign.

According to Indian legend, the zodiac begins when the sun touches the midway of a group of stars known as Ashvini.

It is therefore based on the sun's position in relation to the fixed stars, while the Western zodiac is based on the sun's position in relation to the earth—that is, when it meets the equator—and hence is independent of the fixed stars.

These disparities have resulted in a discrepancy between the two systems, which is now more than three weeks apart—Aries begins on March 21 in the Western zodiac, but not until around April 14 in the Indian zodiac.

This inconsistency may also be found in the accounts of Makara Sankranti and Karka Sankranti, which are considered the winter and summer solstices yet fall in the second weeks of January and July, respectively.

Given the three-week time gap, it's not surprising that the astrological calculations between these two systems diverge significantly.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Hinduism - What Are The Indications Of The Moon In Jyotisha Or Hindu Astrology?

 A planet connected with fecundity (fertility) in Hindu astrology (jyotisha), albeit its aspect may be either beneficent or malicious—benevolent with the waxing moon, and malevolent with the declining moon.

The full moon is regarded the most fortunate moment of the lunar month.

The new moon, on the other hand, is seen as a ritually uncertain and hence potentially deadly moment.

During the week, the moon rules over Monday, which is widely seen as a lucky day and one that Shiva honors as Somnath, the Lord of the Moon.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Hinduism - Who Is Rahu In The Hindu Pantheon, Astrology, And Mythology?

 

In Hindu astrology (jyotisha), a wicked "planet" that has no analogue in Western astrology and was formerly the head of a demon.

According to legend, when the gods are drinking the nectar of immortality that they had churned from the ocean of milk, the demon Sainhikeya disguises himself and enters their midst.

The sun and moon alert Vishnu, who uses his discus to chop off the demon's head as the monster starts to drink.

However, after coming into touch with the nectar, Sainhikeya's two parts become eternal.

Rahu is born from the severed head, while Ketu is born from the beheaded body.

Rahu is the ascending node of the moon, rather than an actual planet.

This is the point in the sky when the moon's northward route crosses with the sun's path, resulting in an eclipse.

Rahu has a special dislike for the sun and moon, whom he blames for his death, and wants to devour them anytime he sees them in the sky.

He always succeeds, but they escape unhurt through Rahu's severed neck since he no longer has a body to digest them.

The traditional reason for solar and lunar eclipses is that they are associated with the wicked Rahu, which has led to eclipses being regarded as particularly unfavorable events.

Also see Tortoise avatar.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Hinduism - What Are Benefic And Malefic Effects Of Planet Mercury In Hindu Astrology?

 

Based on its brief orbit around the sun, a planet connected with mental speed, memory, and education in Hindu astrology (jyotisha).

Despite these usually beneficial characteristics, Mercury is seen as a weak planet, readily swayed by other planets or its location in the natal horoscope toward kindness or malevolence (janampatrika).

Mercury's connection to the mind shows that the mind's abilities may be used for good or evil.

Mercury is supposed to dominate Wednesday throughout the week; this day is neither particularly auspicious or inauspicious, reflecting the planet's light abilities.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Hinduism - What Are The Attributes Of Venus Or Shukra Hindu Astrology?

 

Venus Or Shukra is a planet connected with love and pleasure in Hindu astrology (jyotisha).

It is regarded as a powerful planet with obvious beneficent tendencies, yet, like with all other planets, its abilities change depending on the circumstances.

Friday is presided over by Venus, whose good qualities make it a lucky day.

~Kiran Atma

Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Hinduism - What Are The Indications Of Mercury In Hindu Astrology And Alchemy?

 

Mercury is a planet in the zodiac. 

In Indian alchemy, elemental mercury plays a crucial role.

The universe is seen in Hindu alchemy as a succession of bipolar opposites in conflict with one another.

The unification of these competing forces leads to spiritual advancement and the termination of reincarnation (samsara).

Hindu tantra, a hidden, ritual-based religious discipline, shares this paradigm of combining or transcending antagonistic energies.

Hatha yoga, which is centered on a sequence of physical exercises that are also said to alter the subtle body, has a similar idea.

The merger of the sun and the moon is the dominating metaphor for this clash of opposites.

The sun and the moon are linked to other opposing principles through a complex network of relationships.

Mercury is conceived as the semen of the god Shiva, and thus full of healing power, in accordance with this bipolar symbolism.

It's also associated with the moon (possibly due to its bright silvery hue), healing and restorative properties, and the nectar of immortality.

The goddess Shakti's uterine blood is associated with the element sulfur.

The aspirant's body is purified and refined when mercury and sulfur are mixed and consumed, eventually making it immortal.

Modern descriptions of this practice caution that it should only be done under the supervision of one's guru (spiritual teacher); otherwise, these combinations will be harmful, as mercury is a poison in and of itself.

Obscure Religious Cults, by Shashibhushan B. Dasgupta, was published in 1962, and The Alchemical Body, by David Gordon White, was published in 1996.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Hinduism - What Is The Significance Of Thursday In Hinduism?

 

(Brhaspativar) Jupiter is the ruling planet of the fifth day of the week (Brhaspati).

Because the sage Brhaspati is the religious preceptor (guru) of the gods in Hindu mythology, another common name for Thursday is Guruvar.

Jupiter is an extremely powerful planet in Hindu astrology (jyotisha), and because one's spiritual preceptor is often likened to a god in religious life, this makes Thursday a ritually important and powerful day.

On this day, one's religious preceptor is one of the "deities" to be honored and served.

On this day, the goddess Lakshmi, who is mostly venerated by women, is also honored.

Lakshmi is the goddess Vishnu's wife and the personification of riches, happiness, and good fortune, which she carries with her everywhere she goes and takes away when she departs.

Married women worship her as the human equivalent of Lakshmi in order to achieve these things or to keep them if they already have them.

Because it is commonly known that good fortune is fleeting and may change at any time, Lakshmi is also seen as a capricious and fickle celestial presence.

Changing jewelry on that day is one of the taboos for women, at least in areas of northern India, since it is supposed to agitate Lakshmi and heighten the risk of her departing due to her annoyance.

A tiger or lion is the animal vehicle of the Goddess's strong incarnations, such as Durga, in Hindu mythology.

The fact that the Hindi term sher may refer to any animal is reflected in modern iconography, which depicts both lions and tigers with no discernible differences.

In any instance, the Goddess riding such a hazardous animal is definitely a representation of her strength and capability, since these creatures are often represented as her friends in her mythology, fighting on her behalf in answer to her commands.

~Kiran Atma

Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Hinduism - What Is A Hindu Year In The Hindu Lunar Calendar?

 

Both the solar and lunar calendars are used to establish the Hindu ritual year.

There are two indigenous Hindu solar year estimates, both of which feature twelve solar months, in addition to the Gregorian calendar and the common era.

These months correlate to the twelve zodiac signs in northern India, and they vary as the sun goes through them.

The year starts when the sun enters Aries, as it does in the Western zodiac, albeit in Indian astrology, this shift occurs around April 14, rather than March 21, as it does in Euro-American astrology.

A similar solar calendar exists in southern India, with names derived from the names of certain nakshatras or lunar asterisms.

Apart from the solar months, the solar year is split into two parts depending on the sun's movement: the Uttarayana for when the sun is travelling north and the Dakshinayana for when the sun is going south.

On Makara Sankranti, January 14, the sun starts its northward trip, which is considered the more auspicious period; six months later, on Karka Sankranti, July 14, the sun begins its southbound journey, which is considered the less auspicious time.

The lunar calendar, which has twelve lunar months, is far more important for religious purposes:

1. Chaitra (March–April), 
2. Baisakh (April–May), 
3. Jyeshth (May–June), 
4. Ashadh (June–July), 
5. Shravan (July–August), 
6. Bhadrapada (August–September), 
7. Ashvin (September–October), 
8. Kartik (October–November), 
9. Margashirsha (November–December), 
10. Paush (December–January), 
11. Magh (January–February), 

The calendar in northern India normally starts on the first day of the brilliant half of Chaitra, and ends on the first day of the dark half of the same month.

The festivals designated by this lunar calendar happen at various times each year in relation to the solar calendar since these lunar months are based on the phases of the moon (ending with the full moon in northern India and the new moon in southern India).

Because the twelve lunar months take around 354 solar days to complete, each lunar year starts eleven days sooner than the previous one.

This mismatch is remedied every 212 years by the insertion of an additional lunar month, known as the intercalary month, which brings the solar and lunar calendars into broad agreement.

The intercalary month is added to each lunar month during which the sun does not enter a new zodiac sign, allowing it to fall in any month of the year.

Although the solar calendar is less significant in daily life, it aids in maintaining the basic correlation between the lunar calendar and the periodic festivals linked with it.

The three primary seasons (hot, monsoon, and cool) have strong linkages with the festival calendar, at least in northern India.

The chilly season, from October and February, is the most ritually busy period; in many locations, this is also the time after the harvest, when many people have more time and money to devote to religious observances.

Many ceremonies are related with heat in the hot season, but the rainy season, as a period of hazard, is often associated with rites of protection.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Hinduism - Who Is Ketu In The Hindu Pantheon?

In Hindu astrology (jyotisha), a wicked "planet" that was once the body of a demon.

The gods and demons join forces to churn the ocean of milk in order to gain the nectar of immortality, according to legend.

The gods are successful in defrauding the demons of their part.

While the gods sip the nectar, the demon Sainhikeya disguises himself and enters their midst.

The sun and moon alert Vishnu, who uses his discus to chop off the demon's head as the monster starts to drink.

Since coming into touch with the nectar, Sainhikeya's two parts have become eternal.

The dismembered body transforms into Ketu, while the severed head transforms into Rahu, another terrible planet.

Ketu is not an actual planet, but rather the moon's descending node, or the point where it meets the ecliptic as it moves southward.

Ketu is also linked to comets and blazing meteors, both of which are seen to be bad omens.

Avatar of the Tortoise may be found here.

 

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Hinduism - Who Is Brhaspati?

   

Brhaspati is a sage who was selected by the gods (devas) to be their guru, or spiritual teacher, in Hindu mythology. 

Because Jupiter is the most important planet in Hindu astrology, and therefore the metaphorical "guru" among the planets, Brhaspati is one of the titles given to it.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Hinduism - What Is Sunday Called In Sanskrit? How Are Sundays Perceived In Hindu Astrology Or Jyotisha?

 

 (Ravivar) The first day of the Hindu week, with the sun as its ruling planet (and god) (ravi).

Sunday is considered generally auspicious but not exceptionally strong as a day, owing to the fact that although the sun is recognized as a god, it is not usually worshiped as a principal deity.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Hinduism - What Are Marriage Prohibition In Hindu Marriages?

 

Marriage Prohibitions are a set of laws that prohibit people from marrying one other.

Hindus, like other cultures, have well-defined norms and regulations about who one should marry and who one should not marry—marriages should be endogamous, or between members of the same social grouping (in this case, the jati).

Within this broader group, it is widely recognized that the bride and groom should not be from the same gotra or pravara—mythic lineages describing old sage ties.

The marriage of people with whom one had a sapinda relationship—common ancestry—was also prohibited.

The Sapinda connection ends after the seventh generation on the father's side and the fifth generation on the mother's side, according to one well-known code of law, the Mitakshara.

A legitimate marriage may be formed between people who have shared ancestors outside those bounds.

This sapinda formula was often disregarded, especially in portions of southern India, where marrying one's maternal uncle's daughter was not only acceptable, but encouraged.

While some dharma books criticize the practice as an abomination, others point out that it is a tradition unique to the south, where it is only authorized as part of the family's usual practice (kulachara).

Cross cousin marriage has a long history in southern India, and it is still practiced today.

There is also opinion among southern Indian brahmins that their tiny population—roughly 4% of the total—made it hard to locate brahmin wives under the tight criteria.

This ritual was judged less significant due to the conflicting imperatives of marrying other brahmins and adhering to lineage constraints.

Mars is a planet connected with action, conflict, and misfortune in Hindu astrology (jyotisha).

Mars is seen as a powerful but evil planetary force as a result of these links.

The day of the week controlled by Mars, Tuesday, is considered an unlucky day, and people commonly undertake rituals of protection to shield themselves from Mars's negative influence.

From 1901 until 1931, Marshall, Sir John, was Director General of the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).

Marshall obtained his British knighthood for discovering and excavating the towns of the Indus Valley civilization during his stint as director.

He also continued the work of his ASI predecessors, especially Sir Alexander Cunningham, in recording and cataloging India's ancient treasures.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Hinduism - The Hindu Calendar

The Hindu religious concept that various eras have distinct characteristics is one of the most basic Hindu religious beliefs. 

Some periods are believed to be more auspicious and favorable, while others are thought to be more inauspicious and hazardous. 

These judgements may be used to define the overall characteristics of certain periods or to identify the best time to do specific tasks. 

As a result, Hindus place a high value on time management and foreseeing auspicious events. 

Many contemporary Hindus utilize several calendars at the same time, but they may use them for distinct reasons. 

To begin, the Gregorian calendar of the common period is used for daily timekeeping, which may represent the impact of the British empire or, more simply, the effect of contemporary business and communications. 

It's worth noting that the only holidays observed on this calendar are national holidays like Independence Day, Gandhi Jayanti, and Republic Day, which are all set dates. 

There are a variety of different ways to measure time, some of which overlap with each other and others of which are only found in certain parts of the nation. 

• The movement of the sun is used in many of these systems. 

• The solar day, of course, is the most fundamental unit, which typically starts and finishes with the rising of the sun rather than the clock. 

• There are seven solar days in a week. 

• The year is divided in half by the sun's movement, with the uttarayana phase happening when the sun moves northward and the dakshinayana period occurring when the sun moves southward. 

In addition, there are two different variants of the solar year, each with twelve solar months. 

These months in northern India correlate to the twelve zodiac signs and record the passage of the sun through them. 

The Tamil solar year is an identical calendar found in southern India, in which the names of the months are derived from the names of specific nakshatras, or lunar zodiac signs. 

The lunar calendar is essential for religious life, while the solar calendar is generally utilized for astrological reasons. 

The Vikram era (fifty-six or fifty-seven years later than the common era) and the Shaka era (fifty-six or fifty-seven years later than the common era) are still used to date history using the lunar calendar (seventy-eight years earlier than the common era). 

Each lunar month has thirty days, making the lunar year twelve months long. 

A lunar day is somewhat shorter than a solar day since the moon's cycle is only approximately twenty-eight solar days long. 

The lunar month is split into two parts, each lasting fifteen days: the "dark" (krishna paksha) half, which occurs when the moon is waning and ends with the new moon, and the "bright" (shukla paksha), which occurs when the moon is waxing and concludes with the full moon. 

In northern India, the lunar month starts with the dark half of the moon and finishes with the full moon, while in the south, it is frequently the other way around. 

Because the solar year has about 365 days and the lunar year has approximately 354, each lunar year would begin eleven solar days sooner than the previous one if allowed unchecked. 

Every two and a half years, an intercalary month is added to rectify the difference. 

Although the celebration of a specific festival may vary by several weeks from one year to the next, this helps to maintain the lunar months falling around the same time every year. 

The lunar calendar is used to commemorate almost all Hindu festivals. 

The festivities of certain festivals are linked to specific lunar days, and therefore occur twenty-four times in a twelve-month lunar year: 

• The god Vishnu is honored on the eleventh day (ekadashi) of each lunar month; 

• the Goddess, especially in her form as Durga, is honored on the eighth day (ashtami); 

• the god Shiva is honored on the thirteenth day (trayodashi) and the fourteenth day (chaturdashi); 

• and the god Ganesh is honored on the fourth day (chaturthi). 

The lunar month, half of the moon, and specific lunar day are used to determine when yearly religious festivals are held. 

For example, Bhadrapada Krishna eight, the eighth day of the dark (waning) half of the lunar month of Bhadrapada, is dedicated to the deity Krishna. 

The lunar calendar is also used to commemorate the birthdays of many significant historical religious leaders, including Guru Nanak, the founder of the Sikh faith, the Buddha, and devotional poet-saints. 

Because of the overlapping calendars, any one day may be identified by multiple distinct markers: the day of the week and the day in the common period (as in many cultures), the day on the conventional solar calendar, and the day on the lunar calendar. 

Depending on the situation—business, astrology, or a festival—any of these may be chosen. 

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.

Saturn

 

A powerfully hostile planet connected with blockage and death in Hindu astrology (jyotisha).

Saturn's might and malicious temperament make him highly hazardous, especially because whatever misery he delivers will linger fourteen years—a number derived from Saturn's orbital period of fourteen years.

During the week, Saturn rules Saturday, which is often regarded as the least auspicious day of the week.

On this day, individuals abstain from a variety of activities and practice rituals of protection, such as donating alms (dana) to ward off any possible catastrophe.

Shesha

 

 Shesha (“remnant”) Shesha is a mythical thousand-headed ed snake on which the deity Vishnu sits as if on a sofa; it is also said to sustain the many areas of the earth, particularly the underworlds.

His name originates from the fact that he is said to be a partial incarnation of Vishnu, and hence is tied to Vishnu both as an incarnation and as Vishnu's cushion.

Shesha, like other of the gods' animal companions, does not have a significant function in his own right.

Shesha acts as the churning-rope to spin Mount Mandara, with all the gods pulling from one side and the demons pulling from the other, in the epic narrative of churning the Ocean of Milk, in which he plays an essential role.

Yet, once again, he is only instrumental, required for the plot to develop but with his major emphasis elsewhere.

Shesha is said to play a protective function.

He is the protective god for the fifth day of each half of the lunar month in Hindu astrology (jyotisha).

YOGA, AYURVEDA, AND SIDDHA MEDICINE

The original Indian system of medicine is known as Ayurveda ("Science of Life"), which is typically written as a single word in English.

Ayurveda is basically naturopathic medicine, stressing prevention while also offering a wide range of treatments. 

It is used alongside modern treatment in India and is promoted as a way of life for people seeking excellent health and longevity. 

• Although it cannot be considered a philosophical tradition, Ayurveda is based on Hindu metaphysics. 

• The old Atharva-Veda is usually thought to be supplemented by the Ayurveda. 

• The oldest documented ideas on anatomy, as well as curative and preventative medicine, may be found in this holy text. 

Ayurveda is often considered as a fifth branch, or "collection," of the Vedic legacy, due to its cultural significance. 

• According to legend, the Ayurvedic body of knowledge initially consisted of 100,000 stanzas collected in a book with over a thousand chapters. 

• While medicine was certainly performed in the early Vedic period, no complete work has survived to the present day. 

The Sushruta Samhita and the Caraka-Samhita are the oldest surviving medical texts of encyclopedic breadth. 

The previous work dates back to pre-Buddhist periods in certain parts, but it was only finished in its current shape in the early years of the Common Era. 

• In the Mahabharata ( l.4.55), Sushruta is described as the grandson of King Gadhi and the son of the sage Vishvamitra, which, according to the corrected chronology used in this book, places him approximately sixty-two generations before the Bharata war, or around 3000 e.C.E. 

• Sushruta's name literally means "well heard," implying that he was especially adept at hearing and comprehending information. 

It's impossible to say how much of the original medical information may be discovered in the surviving Sushruta Samhita. 

• We do know, however, that there were competent doctors throughout the Vedic Era, according to hymns in the Rig-Veda and Atharva-Veda. 

• Around 800 c.E., the later medical collection, which was also constantly updated, was most likely given its current form. 

• However, its purported creator, Caraka, lived several centuries earlier, since he is believed to have been King Kanishka's court-physician (781 20 C.E.). 

Caraka's name recalls us that ancient doctors used to wander (cara) from place to place providing their medical services, albeit maybe not the famous Caraka himself. 

According to the Sushruta Samhitd ( l. l.59), the Ayur-Vedic system of medicine is divided into eight branches: 

( I ) surgery;

(2) treatment of diseases of the neck and head; 

(3) treatment of physical diseases of the torso, arms, and legs; 

(4) treatment of childhood diseases; 

(5) processes for counteracting baneful occult influences; 

(6) treatment of childhood diseases ( vajikarana). 

The formal resemblance between Ayurveda and Patanjali's eightfold Yoga, which has been noted by Hindu authorities, is entirely accidental, but certain traditional authorities have taken note of it. 

Ayurveda and Yoga, on the other hand, share a number of significant ideas and practices. 

Most importantly, the writers and editors of the aforementioned medical reference books embraced the Yoga Samkhya tradition's philosophy. 

• As a result, the Sushruta-Samhita seems to have been altered at some time in the light of ishvara Krishna's dualist method of thinking, as outlined in his Samkhya Karikd. 

• On the other hand, the Caraka-Samhita includes echoes of epic Samkhya Yoga philosophies. 

• It's also worth noting that some ancient Sanskrit interpreters thought that the same Patanjali who authored the Yoga-Sutra also penned a renowned grammar treatise and a treatise on medicine. 

Both Ayurveda and Yoga emphasize the interconnectedness of the body and mind. 

Physical disorders may have a negative impact on the psyche, and mental imbalance can contribute to a variety of illnesses. 

• A healthy existence, according to Ayurveda, must be both joyful (sukha) and morally decent (hita). 

• A happy life, according to Ayurvedic definition, is one that is physically, intellectually, morally, and even smart. 

• The Yoga literature also emphasizes the close connection between ethical behavior and happiness. 

The Ayurvedic experts advise cultivating calm, self-knowledge, and caution. 

• Self-actualization (in Abraham Maslow's meaning) was integrated into Hindu doctors' medical philosophy and practice. 

• We can easily see how such a life would provide a solid foundation for pursuing the spiritual goal of Self-realization (atma-jnana). 

• David Frawley goes so far as to declare in his book Ayurveda and the Mind, "Ayurveda is the healing branch of yogic science." Ayurveda's spiritual component is yoga. 

Yoga's therapeutic component is known as Ayurveda. 

The idea of the different life currents (vayu) in the body, which dates back to the AtharvaVeda, is a significant link between AyurVeda and Yoga. 

• The various kinds of life energy (prana) are believed to flow via thirteen conduits (nadis) according to medical experts, while the HathaYoga texts typically cite fourteen such major channels. 

• A difference is often drawn between these conduits and bigger ducts (known as dhamanf) that transport fluids such as blood. 

• The Ayurvedic concept of this network of channels differs significantly from the Tantric approach, which focuses more on the subtle body. 

• The significance of starting breath control practice in the appropriate season is acknowledged in Hatha-Yoga. 

Ayurveda provides the medical foundation for this tradition, according to which the body humors (dosha) fluctuate with the seasons. 

The doshas are also mentioned in a number of Yoga texts, such as the fifth-century Yoga-Bhashya (1.30), which defines disease as a "imbalance of the components (dhatu) or the activity of the secretions (rasa)." 

Vacaspati Mishra, in his nineteenth-century interpretation on this scripture, argues that the components are air (vata), bile (pitta), and phlegm (kapha), or the doshas. 

• This is medical terminology. 

• The doshas are also often mentioned in Hatha-Yoga literature, which is concerned with the body's optimum functioning. 

• The correct balance of body components is thought to be the key to good health. 

• These may be found all throughout the body, although in varying concentrations at different locations. 

Vata rules the neurological system, heart, large intestines, lungs, bladder, and pelvis, whereas pitta rules the liver, spleen, small intestines, endocrine glands, blood, and sweat, and kapha rules the joints, mouth, head and neck, stomach, lymph, and adipose tissue. 

• Vata builds up below the navel, kapha builds up above the diaphragm, and pitta builds up between the diaphragm and the navel. 

Ayurveda also identifies seven kinds of tissue (dhdtu) and three impure substances (ma/a) in addition to the three doshas. 

• Blood plasma (rasa), blood (rakta), flesh (mamsa), fat (meda), hone (asthi), bone marrow (majjan), and sperm (semen) are the dhatus (shukra). 

• Feces (purisha), urine (mutra), and perspiration are the ma/as, or waste products (sveda, lit. "sweat"). 

• These physical components are also addressed in the Yoga texts on occasion. 

This is also true of the susceptible or sensitive zones (marman), which the Rig Veda previously mentions (6.75 . 1 8). 

There are 107 marmans, which are essential links between flesh and muscle, bones, joints, and sinews, or between veins, according to Ayurveda. 

• As part of the Chinese and Japanese martial arts' hidden knowledge, a strong strike to certain of these marmans may result in death. 

• Kalarippayattu, a South Indian martial art, identifies 1 60 to 220 such sensitive spots in the body. 

• The body is divided into three levels in this system: the fluid body (which includes tissue and waste products), the solid body (which includes muscles, bones, and the marmans), and the subtle body (which includes important energy pathways and collecting places). 

Injury to a marman disrupts the flow of the wind element, resulting in serious bodily issues that may lead to death. 

• A quick slap to the wounded region may sometimes restore the flow of life energy and therefore avoid the worst from happening. 

• The marmans rely on the flow of prana, and there are no marmans without priina. 

• The moon regulates the flow of life energy via these sensitive points. 

In ancient Hindu sexology, a similar teaching advises stimulating certain sensitive regions on the woman's body only on certain lunar days. 

Some Yoga texts, such as the Shandilya-Upanishad ( 1. 8. 1 f. ), mention about eighteen marmans, while the Kshurikii-Upanishad ( 1 4) says the yogin should use the "mind's keen blade" to cut through these important places. 

• In other words, the marmans seem to be seen as obstructions in the flow of the life energy that may be cleared by focus and breath control. 

• The notion of ojas, or vital energy, which is described in the Atharva-Veda, is one that both Ayurveda and Yoga share (2. 1 7 . 1 ). 

• Both systems use different methods to increase ojas (the "lower" kind). 

• Sexual abstinence is the most commonly advised technique for increasing vital force in Yoga.

Hunger, bad nutrition, overwork, anger, and worry—all the physical and emotional conditions that drain one's enthusiasm for life—decrease Ojas with age. 

Their polar opposites produce ojas, which ensures excellent health. 

• When ojas levels are low for a long time, it causes degenerative illnesses and premature aging. 

• Ojas is found throughout the body, but it is particularly concentrated in the heart, which also serves as the physical anchoring for awareness. 

• While there are half a handful of "lower ojas" in the body, there are only eight droplets of "upper ojas" in the heart, according to Cakrapani's commentary on the Caraka-Samhita. 

• The smallest waste of this essential energy is believed to result in death, and it cannot be replaced. 

Hatha-Yoga and Ayurveda also use purification methods, such as self-induced vomiting (vamana) and physical cleaning (dhauti). 

These methods have a beneficial impact on the body's metabolism, among other things. 

• Furthermore, Ayurveda recognizes thirteen types of internal heat (agni), among which the digestive heat (jathara-agni) is often addressed by Hatha-Yoga experts. 

• Physical well-being (arogya) is unquestionably one of Hatha-precondition Yoga's and intermediate objectives. 

Even Patanjali cites "adamantine robustness" of the body as one of the characteristics of physical perfection (kaya-sampad) in his Yoga-Sutra (3.46). 

• Patanjali talks about the perfection of the body and senses as a consequence of the decreasing of impurities as a result of asceticism in another aphorism (2.43). 

• Furthermore, he claims (2.38) that chastity provides vitality (vlrya). 

• Patanjali mentions illness (vyadhi) as one of the mind's distractions (vikshepa) that impede development in Yoga in aphorism 1.30. 

The Shiva-Svarodaya, a several hundred-year-old yogic text, emphasizes breath control as the most important method of attaining or sustaining well-being, as well as gaining esoteric knowledge and abilities, wisdom, and even liberation. 

The method of svarodaya—derived from svara ("sound [of the breath]") and udaya ("rising")—is described as a science promoted by the siddha-yogins in one verse (3 1 4). 

• A wide variety of purificatory acts are described in the Sat-Karma-Samgraha ("Compendium of Right Acts"), a Yoga book written by Cidghanananda, a student of Gaganananda of the Natha sect. 

• These are designed to prevent or treat a variety of diseases caused by bad luck or a failure to follow the recommended dietary and other regulations, such as those concerning the appropriate place and timing.

• To cure oneself, Cidghanananda instructs the yogin to first employ postures (asana) and occult medicines. 

The connection between Yoga and Ayurveda is explicitly recognized in Yogananda Natha's AyurvedaSutra, a sixteenth-century book in which the author uses Patanjali's Yoga-Sutra and also examines food and fasting as effective methods of health. 

The relative prevalence of the three gunas in food is investigated. 

• The gunas—sattva, rajas, and tamas—are also a component of Ayurveda's medicinal philosophy. 

• Asymmetry in the body's components or humors indicates asymmetry in the gunas, and vice versa. 

• All limited life is, in some ways, the consequence of a disequilibrium of the gunas; they are only perfectly balanced at the transcendental plane of Nature (prakriti-pradhtina). 

The three humors (dosha) are sometimes thought to be physical faults, whereas the three gunas are thought to be mental problems. 

• Wind sattva, bile rajas, and phlegm tamas are the three elements that are connected. 

• Ktiya-kalpa is an Ayurvedic practice that closely aligns with Hatha Yoga's goal of producing a long-lived, if not immortal, body. 

• This is a tough rejuvenation process that requires extended seclusion in darkness, strict food restrictions, and the use of hidden potions. 

• Tapasviji Maharaj, a modern-day saint, is said to have undergone this therapy many times, each time emerging from his solitary confinement in a dark hut looking and feeling completely revitalized. 

The medieval Siddha tradition of northern India shows a strong link between Ayurveda, Yoga, and alchemy (rasayana, from rasa "essence" or "silver" and ayana "course"). 

The followers of this significant school sought physical immortality via kaya-sadhana, or "body cultivation," a complex psychophysiological technique. 

• The many schools of Hatha-Yoga sprang from this, which may be considered the preventive branch of Hindu medicine on one level. 

• Surprisingly, one book on medicine, written by a man named Vrinda, is titled Siddha-Yoga. 

• Yoga-Shataka is the title of another medical book attributed to Nagarjuna ("Century [of Verses] on Yoga"). 

South India has developed a second separate medicinal system, which is similar to Ayurveda. This method is linked to the Siddha tradition, which originated in Tamil-speaking nations. 

• It has a stronger link to alchemy than Ayurveda and uses a huge variety of medicines derived from plants and chemicals. 

• Astrology, mantras, and medicines, which are called as mani, mantiram, and maruntu in Tamil, are its three main diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. 

• It also incorporates asanas (postures) and breath control. 

This alternative medical system, which has received little study, was established by the mythical Sage Akattiyar (Sanskrit: Agastya), who is credited with over two hundred publications. 

• He is the first of eighteen siddhas, or completely accomplished adepts, who are revered in the Indian peninsula's south. 

• Agastya was an old seer who wrote many Rig-Veda hymns, and this archaic text ( 1. 1 79) even has a dialogue between him and his wife Lohamudra. 

• He is known as being of tiny height, and he is often portrayed as a dwarf in iconography. 

• His name has long been linked to South India, where he is revered in the same way that Matsyendra Natha is revered in the north. 

Teraiyar was an adept and famous healer who was historically regarded one of Agastya's pupils yet lived as late as the fifteenth century C.E. 

• Only two of his masterpieces, the Cikamanivenpa and the Natikkottu, are still accessible (on pulse diagnosis). 

• A portion of the Noyanukaviti (on hygiene) has also been discovered. 

The following stanzas appear in the previously stated work: 

We will sleep only at night, not during the day; we will have sexual intercourse once a month; we will drink water only at meals, even if we are thirsty; we will not eat any bulbous root of any plant other than karanai; we will not eat any unripe fruit other than the tender plantain; we will take a short walk after a friendly meal; what does death have to do with us? We shall take an emetic once every six months; a purgative once every four months; naciyam once every month and a half; we shall shave the head twice every fortnight; we shall anoint ourselves with oil and bathe once every fourth day; we shall apply collyrium to the eyes every third day; we shall never smell perfumes or flowers in the middle of the night; So, what role does death play in our lives? 

The siddhas of South India, like their northern counterparts, were interested in longevity and even aspired to immortality in a transubstantiated body, as shown by the following words.

You may also want to read more about Kundalini Yoga here.

You may also want to read more about Yoga here.

You may also want to read more about Yoga Asanas and Exercises here.

You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.

Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.