Long ago, the great sages gathered to discuss the origin of diseases. Various opinions came out, the first one by Maudgalya Parikshi.

Maudgalya's Idea

Maudgalya believed that diseases come from the atma (Jivatma). He thought that the atma causes suffering. In his view, the soul makes itself go through pain and disease. Maudgalya believed that this is part of the soul’s journey through life.

Sharaloma's View

Sage Sharaloma did not agree with Maudgalya. He said that the atma does not like pain or suffering. The atma is pure and peaceful. It does not want to harm itself with disease or pain. Because the atma avoids suffering, it cannot be the cause of disease.

The Mind and Its Influence

Sharaloma believed that diseases come from the manas, which is the mind. He said the mind is affected by two forces—rajas and tamas. These are like the energy that pushes us to do things.

When the mind is controlled by rajas and tamas, it becomes out of balance. This leads to both mental and physical problems.

The Mind Affects the Body

Sharaloma explained that the mind’s imbalance causes the body to get sick. When rajas and tamas are strong, the mind becomes unhealthy. This affects the body and causes diseases. On the other hand, the atma remains pure and unaffected by these problems.

The Importance of Balance

To stay healthy, Sharaloma said we must balance the mind. We must reduce the effects of rajas and tamas. This will bring peace and keep the body free from diseases. Keeping the mind calm and balanced can help avoid sickness.

Mind and Body Connection

Sharaloma’s idea shows that the mind and body are connected. When the mind is troubled, the body suffers. To stay healthy, we must take care of both the mind and the body. If the mind is peaceful, the body will stay healthy too.

Psychosomatic Diseases

In modern science, psychosomatic diseases are illnesses that are caused or made worse by the mind. The word 'psycho' refers to the mind, and 'somatic' refers to the body. It means that mental stress, anxiety, and emotional problems can lead to physical illness. For example, stress can cause headaches, stomach problems, or even heart disease.

The Mind and Body Connection

Sharaloma’s idea matches this modern understanding. He said that when the mind is controlled by rajas (restlessness and desire) and tamas (laziness and confusion), it affects the body. The mind becomes disturbed, and this imbalance leads to sickness. Modern doctors also say that if the mind is stressed or anxious, it can make the body sick.

Stress and Disease

In today’s world, stress is a big problem. People who are always worried or anxious can get physically sick. This is similar to Sharaloma’s belief that an unbalanced mind causes illness. Modern science agrees that mental stress can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to diseases.

Rajasik Qualities

Rajasik qualities, when unbalanced, can lead to excessive energy, restlessness, and a focus on worldly desires. These traits often result in stress and dissatisfaction. 

Here are some examples- 

  1. Overworking: Always keeping busy, driven by ambition, even to the point of burnout and exhaustion.
  2. Obsessive Desire for Success: An unhealthy focus on achieving power, status, or wealth, often causing stress and anxiety.
  3. Restlessness: Constantly moving from one task to another without feeling content, leading to a lack of inner peace.
  4. Extreme Competitiveness: A need to outperform others, causing jealousy, frustration, and strained relationships.
  5. Impulsive Behavior: Acting quickly based on emotions or desires without thinking about the consequences, often leading to regret.

Tamasik Qualities

Tamasik qualities reflect inertia, ignorance, and darkness. When these qualities dominate, they lead to laziness, confusion, and neglect of responsibilities. 

Here are some examples-

  1. Chronic Laziness: A lack of motivation to do anything productive, resulting in wasted time and missed opportunities.
  2. Procrastination: Continuously putting off important tasks, leading to stress and a buildup of responsibilities.
  3. Mental Fog and Confusion: Difficulty in thinking clearly, making decisions, or focusing on important tasks, often resulting in poor choices.
  4. Neglect of Health and Hygiene: Ignoring basic self-care like exercise, proper diet, and cleanliness, leading to physical and mental health problems.
  5. Escapism through Addictions: Using distractions like excessive TV, social media, or video games to avoid reality, which can lead to isolation and dissatisfaction.

Both rajasik and tamasik qualities, when left unchecked, create imbalance and can negatively impact mental and physical well-being. It’s important to manage these tendencies to lead a healthier, more peaceful life.

Healing the Mind to Heal the Body

Both Sharaloma’s ancient views and modern science suggest that taking care of the mind is important for the body. Sharaloma said that balancing the mind by reducing rajas and tamas helps avoid diseases. Today, doctors say that reducing stress through relaxation, meditation, and a healthy lifestyle can prevent psychosomatic illnesses.

Tips to manage Rajasik qualities

  1. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness and meditation help calm the restless energy of rajas. Set aside a few minutes daily to meditate. Focus on your breath or practice mindfulness by being fully present in whatever you're doing. This will help reduce impulsiveness and bring more calmness to your mind.

  1. Set Realistic Goals

If you often feel driven by the need to achieve too much, start setting realistic goals. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This helps reduce stress and prevents the urge to overwork or constantly push yourself.

  1. Take Regular Breaks

People with rajasik energy tend to work non-stop. Make it a habit to take regular breaks during work or activities. Short breaks allow your mind and body to rest, helping you avoid burnout and maintain focus.

  1. Avoid Stimulants

Limit the intake of caffeine, sugar, or energy drinks, as these can increase restlessness and anxiety. Instead, choose healthier options like herbal teas or water to maintain steady energy without overstimulating your mind.

  1. Engage in Relaxing Activities

Find activities that help relax your body and mind, such as yoga, walking in nature, or reading. These activities help slow down the fast-paced, restless energy of rajas and bring a sense of balance and peace to your daily routine.

Tips to manage Tamasik qualities

  1. Establish a Routine

Set a daily routine with regular wake-up and sleep times. A structured schedule helps combat laziness and procrastination by giving your day clear direction and purpose.

  1. Stay Physically Active

Incorporate regular physical activity like walking, yoga, or exercise into your routine. Physical movement helps break the inertia of tamas and boosts energy, improving both mental and physical health.

  1. Set Small, Achievable Goals

If you're struggling with procrastination, start with small tasks that are easy to complete. Achieving small goals will give you a sense of accomplishment and motivate you to take on larger responsibilities.

  1. Limit Screen Time and Distractions

Avoid overindulging in TV, video games, or social media, as they can feed tamasik tendencies. Set time limits on these activities and focus more on productive or creative hobbies that engage your mind.

  1. Improve Your Diet

Eat fresh, healthy foods that promote clarity and energy, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Avoid heavy, processed, or junk food, which can increase lethargy and make you feel sluggish.

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Wonderfully explained. Thank you🙏 -Subbarao

Modern Medicine must have got his idea from our scriptures only. -Vedula Vasudeva

Feel gud to be associated with Vedadhara's noble cause for the future of Sanatana Dharma -Sandeep Ambekar

Namaskaram. The onle and only website can give this type of information. Thanks to vedadhara. From vedadhara one can understant what are things are not to do. -User_si58n2

Are there any lectures available on "Yog Vashishtha" on this channel?? -ADWAIT VIVEK POTNIS

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