Karma and ayurveda
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Karma and ayurveda
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Mitchell G Weiss
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Karma and ayurveda
Year: 1987
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The paper by Mitchell G. Weiss explores the interplay between the concepts of karma and Ayurveda, traditional Indian medicine, and how these beliefs address the complexities of illness and treatment. The Caraka Samhita, an influential Ayurvedic text, discusses the impact of karma on individual characteristics, lifespan, and the etiology of illnesses, presenting a framework where fate, personal actions, and therapeutic interventions coalesce. The inherent conflict between fatalistic beliefs tied to karma and the belief in the efficacy of medical interventions creates a nuanced view within Ayurvedic practice, leading to plausible solutions that reinforce its medical doctrine.
Karma and Its Implications in Ayurveda
One of the pivotal concepts examined in the paper is the idea that karma influences various factors surrounding birth, personality, and health. According to the Caraka Samhita, the characteristics of a child at birth—including sex, health, and personality—are shaped not only by maternal and paternal actions but also by the karma associated with the unborn child. The text elaborates on various rituals and dietary recommendations for expectant mothers to optimize the health and qualities of their offspring. Karma is also used to explain certain developmental disorders and health issues, thereby allowing Ayurveda to maintain its integrity as a medical system while acknowledging the challenges in treating specific ailments attributed to bad karma. The differentiation between types of karma—weak, strong, and intermediate—highlights the dynamic relationship individuals have with their past actions and the potential for present actions to alter their future.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the integration of karma into Ayurveda fosters a comprehensive understanding of health and illness that balances fatalism with the agency of individual actions. By allowing for the possibility of modifying life outcomes through present conduct, Ayurveda offers a practical response to the existential dilemmas posed by traditional beliefs about karma. This equilibrium underscores the adaptability of Ayurvedic philosophy, illustrating how it accommodates cultural beliefs while providing a framework for medical practice. Weiss's exploration reveals the depth of thought within Ayurveda, illustrating its continued relevance and capacity to harmonize spiritual and empirical approaches to health.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What role does karma play in Ayurvedic medicine?
Karma influences individual attributes like personality, lifespan, and illness. Ayurvedic texts, especially the Caraka Samhita, discuss karma's impact on health, suggesting that it interacts with present actions, allowing for medical interventions to address health issues alongside karmic influences.
How does Ayurveda reconcile karma with medical interventions?
Ayurveda acknowledges karma's influence while emphasizing the efficacy of current actions. The Caraka Samhita asserts that many illnesses can be treated effectively through proper medical practice, shifting the focus from immutable past karma to present behaviors and choices that impact health.
What factors influence a child's characteristics according to Ayurveda?
Caraka texts identify karma as a determinant of the child's sex, character, and health at birth. Factors include the actions of the parents, the conditions surrounding conception, and environmental influences during pregnancy, along with the child's pre-existing karmic traits.
How does Ayurveda explain illness and epidemics influenced by karma?
Ayurveda attributes illness to both endogenous and exogenous factors, with karma providing a context for otherwise inexplicable health outcomes. In epidemics, karma is invoked to explain individual cases that resist treatment, suggesting the effects of accumulated past deeds might manifest.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Karma and ayurveda�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Karma (Karman, KÄrma):
Karman is closely linked to karma but often emphasizes actions and deeds directly affecting the present life. In Ayurvedic discourse, karman also influences health and disease, underpinning the belief that current actions can mitigate or exacerbate past karmic influences, informing therapeutic approaches and lifestyle modifications.
2) Caraka (CÄraka, CÄrÄka):
Caraka signifies the eminent ancient physician associated with the foundational Ayurvedic text, Caraka Samhita. His philosophies and medical treatises delineate various aspects of health, disease, and treatment. Caraka’s insights, especially regarding karma and preventative healthcare, signify the integration of ethical, cultural, and empirical dimensions of ancient Indian medicine.
3) Ayurveda (Ä€yurveda, Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional Indian medical system rooted in the holistic understanding of health and disease. It emphasizes balance among the body, mind, and spirit, proposing personalized treatment plans. Ayurveda incorporates concepts of karma, explaining health implications through lifestyle choices and individual actions, making it a culturally significant medical philosophy.
4) Epidemic:
In the context of Ayurveda, an epidemic refers to widespread and acute occurrences of disease that may affect large populations. The Caraka Samhita discusses epidemics in relation to karma, suggesting that group moral behavior and environmental factors impact health outcomes, underlining the interconnectedness of individual and collective health in society.
5) Atreya (Ä€treya):
Atreya is a revered figure in Ayurvedic literature, often regarded as a sage who articulates foundational doctrines within the Caraka Samhita. His teachings address the complexities of karma, health, and illness, providing critical insights on how individual actions and societal conditions interplay in determining health, illness, and the efficacy of treatment.
6) Prajnaparadha (PrajñÄparÄdha, Prajna-paradha):
Prajnaparadha refers to the folly or error in judgment that leads to actions contrary to well-being in Ayurveda. It is often cited as a root cause of disease, emphasizing the importance of prudent decision-making. This concept aligns with karma, asserting that poor judgment can lead to negative health outcomes.
7) Medicine:
Medicine, within Ayurvedic context, encompasses both the science of healing and the practical applications of health promotion. It integrates diverse approaches, including herbal remedies, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle modifications, all influenced by deeper philosophical tenets like karma, aiming to restore balance and well-being in individuals and communities.
8) Sattva (SÄttva, Shattva):
Sattva represents one of the three primary qualities (gunas) in Ayurveda, specifically associated with purity, clarity, and virtue. It is crucial for determining individual personality traits, mental clarity, and emotional stability. The balance of sattva influences one's health and karma, indicating the interplay between mental well-being and physical health.
9) Atman (Ä€tman, Ä€tma, Atma, Ä€tmÄ):
Atman signifies the individual self or soul in Ayurvedic philosophy, embodying one's true essence. It is seen as an eternal entity influencing karma and experiences through various lifetimes. Understanding atman is essential to comprehend the broader implications of health, personality, and the continuity of experience across reincarnations.
10) Caraka-samhita (Caraka-saṃhitÄ):
Caraka-samhita is a foundational text in Ayurveda attributed to sage Caraka. It encompasses comprehensive medical knowledge, including diagnostic methods, treatment protocols, ethical practices, and philosophies concerning the interplay of karma, health, and humanity. This text is integral in shaping Ayurvedic practice and understanding the holistic approach to medicine.
11) Samhita (SaṃhitÄ, Saṃhita):
Samhita refers to a compilation of texts or verses that systematically outline medical knowledge and practices in Ayurveda. These texts, like the Caraka Samhita, serve as authoritative sources for treatments, ethical considerations, and philosophical discussions, encapsulating the foundational principles that guide Ayurvedic healing practices.
12) Blood:
Blood is recognized in Ayurveda as one of the vital bodily substances, playing a crucial role in maintaining life and health. It is involved in the formation of the embryo during conception and health outcomes related to karma. Understanding blood's qualities aids in diagnosing and addressing various health conditions.
13) Vanaspati (Vaṉaspati):
Vanaspati, translating to 'plant' or 'vegetation,' represents one of the personality types in Ayurveda, categorized under tamasa. This type is characterized by idleness and a simple, food-oriented nature. Its mention indicates the interplay between personality types and the corresponding health implications attributed to karma and lifestyle choices.
14) Rakshasa (RÄká¹£asa, Raká¹£asa):
Raksasa refers to a demon personality type in Ayurvedic classification, embodying malicious traits and antisocial behavior. This category emphasizes moral and ethical dimensions of health, as behaviors attributed to raksasa can influence one's karma and overall well-being, illustrating the consequences of negative actions on health.
15) Science (Scientific):
Science, within the context of Ayurveda, is understood as the systematic study of health, illness, and treatments guided by empirical evidence and philosophical insights. Ayurvedic practices blend scientific inquiry with spiritual beliefs, particularly karma, exemplifying a holistic approach that encompasses both physical symptoms and underlying existential principles.
16) Matsya (MÄtsya):
Matsya denotes the fish personality type in Ayurveda, epitomizing cowardly and unstable traits. This classification serves to highlight variations in character influenced by karma. Understanding these personality types in Ayurvedic medicine paves the way for personalized health assessments and interventions stemming from lifestyle choices and inherent traits.
17) Purana (PurÄṇa, PÅ«raṇa, PurÄna):
Purana refers to ancient texts that contain myths, legends, and traditional knowledge in Indian culture. They often explore concepts of karma and dharma, providing a broader cultural context that influences Ayurvedic practices. Elements from Puranic texts are woven into Ayurvedic teachings, enriching the philosophical dimension of health.
18) Rajasa (RÄjasa):
Rajasa represents one of the three gunas in Ayurveda, associated with activity, passion, and desire. Rajasa influences personality traits and health, suggesting that an excess of this quality can lead to restlessness and detrimental behaviors. It underscores the need for balance in achieving optimal health through lifestyle choices.
19) Tamasa (TÄmasa, TamasÄ, Tamasha, TamÄá¹£Ä�, TÄmÄá¹£Ä�, TamÄsa, TamÄsÄ):
Tamasa signifies the lowest of the three gunas, indicative of inertia, ignorance, and darkness. In Ayurvedic psychology, individuals dominated by this quality exhibit lethargy and indifference, affecting their health outcomes. Recognizing tamasa is essential in therapeutic considerations to address lifestyle choices that promote overall well-being.
20) Water:
Water is viewed as an essential element for sustenance and health in Ayurveda, contributing to bodily balance and vitality. It is crucial in various therapeutic practices, including detoxification and hydration. Understanding its properties in the context of karma emphasizes the importance of environment and lifestyle in maintaining health.
21) Sudha (SudhÄ):
Sudha refers to the pure quality in the classification of sattva, representing purity and virtuous characteristics in an individual. In Ayurveda, this quality is essential for optimal mental state and health, reinforcing the connection between purity of mind, ethical conduct, and positive health outcomes influenced by karma.
22) Anger (Angry):
Anger is recognized as an emotional imbalance in Ayurveda that impacts mental and physical health negatively. Its understanding underscores the necessity of addressing emotional well-being in treatment plans, emphasizing how unresolved emotions can lead to adverse health outcomes linked to karmic actions.
23) Meat:
Meat consumption is debated within Ayurveda, associated with various health implications and karmic consequences depending on the individual's constitution and lifestyle. It reflects dietary choices that can influence health outcomes, presenting an ethical perspective where food choices intertwine with personal values, karma, and the pursuit of balance in well-being.
24) Sage:
The term sage refers to a revered figure in traditional knowledge, often embodying wisdom, moral integrity, and virtuous living. In Ayurvedic contexts, sages possess knowledge crucial for health practices, and their teachings often integrate concepts such as karma and sattva, guiding individuals toward harmonious living and holistic healing.
25) Fish:
Fish, representing the Matsya personality type, embodies certain traits in Ayurveda linked to emotional and behavioral patterns. This classification highlights the interconnectedness of diet and personality and underscores the need for personalized dietary practices that acknowledge the karmic implications of one’s lifestyle choices.
26) Drug:
Drug refers to substances utilized in Ayurvedic medicine for therapeutic purposes aimed at promoting health and healing. These include herbal remedies and other substances that exert physiological effects. The selection and application of drugs align with the understanding of karma, emphasizing ethical dimensions in health treatments and personal conduct.
27) Menstrual blood:
Menstrual blood is acknowledged in Ayurveda as a crucial component in conception and determining the sex of a child. It represents the interplay between female physiology and the influence of karma, illustrating how bodily substances are critical in understanding health outcomes and the traits of offspring in Ayurvedic philosophy.
28) Sharirasthana (ÅšÄrÄ«rasthÄna, Sharira-sthana, ÅšarÄ«rasthÄna):
Sarirasthana is a section in Ayurvedic texts focusing on the physical body and its functions. Understanding it encompasses insights into how bodily processes relate to health, disease, and concepts like karma and dosha, informing practitioners about treating ailments based on individual physiological conditions.
29) Discussion:
Discussion is a critical component in Ayurvedic practice, facilitating the exchange of ideas and perspectives on health and treatment. Engaging in discourse allows Ayurvedic practitioners to incorporate contemporary understanding, reflections on karma, and evolving theories of medicine, aligning ancient wisdom with modern practices.
30) Gandharva (GÄndharva, Gamdharva, Gamdharvadurve):
Gandharva represents a personality type in Ayurveda associated with charm, creativity, and enjoyment of art and music. This classification embodies aspects of sattva and the influence of karma on one's personality traits, further illustrating how character and well-being are perceived through holistic perspectives in Ayurvedic practices.
31) Agnivesha (Agniveśa, Agni-vesha):
Agnivesa is recognized as a significant student of Atreya, contributing to the knowledge documented in the Caraka Samhita. His inquiries into Ayurvedic principles underscore the importance of understanding karma, health, and medical efficacy, shaping a core part of the discourse on traditional medical practices.
32) Elephant:
Elephant symbolizes strength and endurance in ancient texts, often referenced in discussions on health and medicine. In Ayurvedic contexts, the traits associated with elephants may be used metaphorically to study resilience, emphasizing the need for maintaining physical and psychological balance influenced by karma and lifestyle choices.
33) Activity:
Activity, in Ayurvedic understanding, pertains to the dynamic interactions of body, mind, and spirit affecting health. Prudent activities aligned with one’s constitution can positively influence karma. Ayurveda advocates for mindful engagement in activities that enhance well-being, emphasizing the role of lifestyle in health outcomes.
34) Shleshman (Åšleá¹£man):
Slesman refers to phlegm in Ayurvedic terminology, one of the three doshas vital for maintaining health. Imbalances in slesman can lead to various health issues, underscoring the importance of recognizing bodily humors and their relationship with karma in diagnosing and treating ailments.
35) Quality:
Quality, in Ayurvedic discourse, refers to the character and inherent attributes of substances or individuals, influencing health outcomes. Evaluations of quality in food, personality traits, and karma dictate personalized treatment approaches, emphasizing the significance of cultivation and maintenance of positive attributes for well-being.
36) Anxiety:
Anxiety is regarded as a mental imbalance in Ayurveda, affecting overall health and emotional stability. Understanding anxiety emphasizes the connection between mental states and physical health, demonstrating how past karmic actions influence present experiences, thereby presenting an avenue for therapeutic interventions.
37) Mantra (MÄntra, Mamtra):
Mantra signifies sacred sounds or phrases in Ayurveda, believed to invoke positive energies and aid in spiritual and physical healing. Its recitation aligns with ethical living and prayer, influencing karma and enhancing well-being, serving as a bridge between spirituality and traditional medical practice.
38) Uttama (UttamÄ):
Uttama refers to the superior form of karma in Ayurvedic philosophy, representing actions that overwhelm weaker karmic influences. Understanding uttama emphasizes the possibilities of intervention and healing through proactive measures and virtuous deeds, illuminating how positive actions can shape health outcomes and life experiences.
39) Madhya (MÄdhya):
Madhya represents the middle category in the classification of karma, indicating actions that have balanced effects. In Ayurvedic discussions, understanding madhya allows for insights into individuality in karmic repercussions, suggesting that balanced actions can lead to harmonious health and reflective outcomes in life.
40) Satmya (SÄtmya):
Satmya denotes the constitutional integrity and adaptability of an individual to certain foods and environmental conditions in Ayurveda. It influences health and vitality, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s unique constitution in dietary practices, lifestyle choices, and overall well-being within the framework of karma.
41) Artava (Ä€rtava):
Artava denotes menstrual blood within Ayurvedic definitions, crucial for understanding female reproductive health. Its role in conception reflects the interplay of karma, suggesting that both physiological states and past actions can influence offspring’s health and personality, intertwining themes of life, health, and spirituality.
42) Pishaca (PiÅ›Äca, PisÄca, Pisaca, PiÅ›ÄcÄ):
Pisaca represents a negative personality type in Ayurveda, associated with undesirable characteristics. Identifying pisaca underscores the impact of negative karmic actions on health, illustrating how personality traits can affect overall well-being, thus affirming the significance of awareness in lifestyle and behavior for improved health.
43) Shakuna (Åšakuna, Sakuṇa, Sakuna, ÅšÄkuna, ÅšÄkuṇa):
Sakuna characterizes a hedonist personality type within Ayurvedic classifications, emphasizing pleasure-seeking behaviors. Understanding sakuna allows insights into lifestyle influences on health through karma, highlighting the necessity of moderation and balance in pursuits to attain overall well-being and mitigate negative health outcomes linked to excess.
44) Agantu (Ä€gantu, Agamtu):
Agantu refers to external factors contributing to illness in Ayurveda, distinguishing between endogenous and exogenous influences on health. This categorization aligns with karmic philosophy, as it emphasizes that external circumstances, such as environmental dangers, can significantly affect one’s health, intertwining fate and personal responsibility.
45) Varuna (VÄruṇÄ�, VÄruṇa, Varuṇa, VarunÄ):
Varuna symbolizes a personality type in Ayurveda associated with control and emotional strength. Understanding varuna reinforces the connection between character traits and health outcomes, illustrating how the qualities inherent in one's personality, shaped by karma, influence overall well-being and lifestyle choices.
46) Reason:
Reason represents the ability to think critically and make informed decisions, pivotal in Ayurvedic philosophy. Clear reasoning aids individuals in understanding their actions and the karmic implications of those actions, thus guiding therapeutic choices, lifestyle adjustments, and fostering overall well-being.
47) Phlegm:
Phlegm, identified as slesman in Ayurveda, constitutes one of the three doshas vital to bodily health. When imbalanced, it can lead to various disorders, indicating the interdependence of physical states and karmic influences, emphasizing the need for holistic interventions to restore balance.
48) Pitta (PÄ«tta, Piá¹á¹Ä):
Pitta is one of the three doshas in Ayurveda, representing metabolic functions and transformation within the body. Understanding its characteristics helps elucidate health conditions, highlighting the interplay of dosha and karma in determining individual health and disease manifestations through lifestyle and dietary practices.
49) Sarpa (SÄrpa):
Sarpa denotes a personality type in Ayurveda associated with cunning and treachery. Recognizing traits linked to sarpa emphasizes the influence of karma on health and personal character. This categorization aids practitioners in comprehending personality flaws and guiding treatment approaches for achieving holistic well-being.
50) Shukra (ÅšukrÄ, Åšukra):
Sukra refers to semen in Ayurvedic texts, playing a vital role in conception and determining traits of offspring. Its understanding emphasizes the link between physical health, karma, and reproductive outcomes, highlighting how lifestyle and personal actions shape both individual and familial health.
51) Ashvin (Aśvin):
Asvin denotes celestial twins in Ayurveda, seen as symbols of health, healing, and well-being. They are significant for understanding the integration of spiritual, physical, and karmic dimensions in Ayurvedic practices, exemplifying the holistic philosophy that underpins this traditional medical system.
52) Surya (SÅ«rya, SÅ«ryÄ, Shurya):
Surya is the sun god, often associated with health, vitality, and healing in Indian culture. In Ayurveda, Surya is invoked to symbolize energy and wellness, reinforcing the interconnectedness of nature, cosmic forces, and individual health, emphasizing the role of external influences on one's well-being.
53) Yama (YÄma, YÄmÄ):
Yama refers to a personality type embodying proper behavior and responsibility in Ayurvedic thought. Understanding yama illustrates how adhering to ethical standards and lifestyles can mitigate adverse karmic influences, promoting a holistic approach to health and reinforcing the importance of moral living.
54) Hina (Hīna, Hiṅa):
Hina represents the weakest form of karma, indicating actions that can be overcome through personal effort. This concept encourages a proactive approach in health and wellness, allowing individuals to exert influence over their circumstances, thereby emphasizing the potential for positive change through mindful actions.
55) Nija:
Nija refers to endogenous causes of illness in Ayurveda, typically associated with imbalances of the doshas. Understanding nija enables practitioners to distinguish between internal and external factors affecting health, thereby facilitating targeted interventions that consider karmic implications of both physical and psychological states.
56) Dosha (Dosa, Doá¹£a, DosÄ, Doá¹£Ä�, ḌosÄ):
Dosa outlines the three fundamental bodily humors in Ayurveda—vata, pitta, and kapha. Their balance determines health, with specific ties to karmic principles; dietary choices and lifestyle can influence these doshas, demonstrating how karma interplays with physical constitution to shape well-being.
57) Diet:
Diet is critical in Ayurveda, guiding individuals toward balanced nutrition tailored to their doshic constitutions. It directly influences physical health, vitality, and mental clarity, underscoring the link between dietary choices and karma, wherein mindful eating habits contribute to overall well-being.
58) Rice (Ṛce):
Rice is a staple food in Ayurvedic nutrition, valued for its nourishing properties and balance. Its consumption is integral to various dietary guidelines and health protocols, illustrating the importance of food choices in karmic influences over health, vitality, and overall well-being.
59) Fear:
Fear is considered a negative emotional state in Ayurveda that can lead to health imbalances if left unaddressed. Understanding its impact encourages proactive mental health interventions, reinforcing the belief that emotional well-being and karmic consequences are intertwined and essential for holistic health.
60) Hand:
Hand symbolizes action in Ayurvedic philosophy, indicating the importance of physical actions in shaping health outcomes. Recognizing that every action has karmic implications encourages mindfulness in activities, promoting well-being through conscious living and active engagement in health-promoting behaviors.
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