Diseases (taapa-traya)

  Diseases are 'tapa-traya', the three ailments caused due to imbalances in the three basic factors that govern health- vaata (vayu/air), pitthah (agni/fire), and kafa (jal/ water). This imbalance (taapa) is closely associated with the impaired breathing. Normally, we breath in seven cycles of- inhale through left (ida/cold/soma or moon), and pingala (right/heat/sun) nostril, respectively. Any change in this cycle due to wrong postures in sleeping or mental agony, tension, or anxiety that cause impairments cause the tapa- traya and lead to cold, cough, and fever. These are the errors that can be rectified by rest. However, when we take recourse to external aid of chemicals and drugs will create the imbalances in the system's own defense mechanism. The human body creates all the essential chemicals, enzymes, vitamins, amino acids and proteins in exact proportions and maintains the balance; calcium, iron, sodium, potassium, salts, sugars, etc are all created within the body in required proportions.from the food we eat and, thereby, maintain the body's health. This mechanism is disturbed if we add chemicals from outside. Hence there is an adage- "Do not run to pot for every thirst and do not run to doctor for every ailment"
  The human beings are the most delicate as compared to all the other creatures. The evolutionary process is so complex that it is extremely difficult to explain how such a creature is created! It is still a matter of research and many interesting facts are now available. Every cell (of the trillions and trillions in different organs and tissues of the body) in the system is specially equipped with the divine qualities such as Shakti, jnyana, aishvarya (resources), bala, virya, and tejas. These six qualities are that of Srman Narayana, delegated to His executive agency Mahalakshmi, who in turn delegates these to Vasudeva. Vasudeva, the Father of the jivarashis, Governor of the World, entrusts these powers to three other agencies, like Lt. Governors- Sankarshana, Pradyumna and Anituddha, each one having two powers preponderating over others. Thus, the humans, who are the direct descendants of the Aniruddha Shakti as Manu, manu-manu and manav, have imbibed a bit of all these powers in the cells (jivakosha). This is what is stated as tad srushtva tadevaanu pravishat | We all are anoraneeyan, microns, microcosms of the Macrocosm,  mahato maheeyan.  The  jiva does not  realize this!.

    Human beings are prone to suffer diseases or illness often. These diseases are just like the erroprs on the computer screen and could be easily rectified. The reasons for the ailments are not difficult to find. Since the physical body is made of elements such as soil (food), water, fire, air and fire (panch bhuta), it is natural to imbibe the qualities of these elements.Every thing is gross, at the first instance. These gross elements are made of subtler aspects, tanmatras. The causes are partly inherent defects as embedded in the genes, partly hereditary and partly environmentally acquired. The genetic disorders can be corrected. The environmental factors are the most troubling due to high rate of pollution. The food, water, air- are all contaminated by the abuse of resources by the humans. However, the supreme Lord, the creator, assures to rake care of us (says, yogaksemam vahaaymyam) provided we surrender to him (maam upetya tu kounteya). But, how, how?

   There are innumerable ways of warding of our diseases (dis-eases), ailments. All ills such as consumption of wrong foods. drinks, wrong habits, evil thoughts, etc. cause ailments. First thing is to find the related aspects such as manas, buddhi, ahankara- which most of the people ignore. A clean mind is the firs prerequisites of a healthy person. Second aspect is the buddhi (intelligence) which the jiva does not use properly, It is perverted intelligence, vipareeta buddhih, that causes dis ease of the mind and body (psychosomatic). Ahankaara is at the root of all the ailments. Every cell in the human body performs the assigned job for the fear of the Lord seated in the heart! But, one who ignores this- sanctity of the body- as a temple, is bound to suffer; desecrating, abusing, misusing and ill-treating the body in the eagerness to enjoy a sensuous life cause misery, illness and diseases.
    A spiritually enlightened jiva never suffers! But, prarabhdha karma, effects of evil thoughts and actions, done in the past will not guarantee this disease-free life even if one is on the spiritual path! So, a person has to live diligently, keep his body, mind, intellect and ahankara at the service of the Lord and enjoy a divine life- one of beauty, joy forever. A pron of sattvik (pure) nature will enjoy a better life than the others. Patanjali insists on yama, niyama, and pratyahara for this purpose. So, what sort of life we lead is important. It lies in our own hands to lead a simple good life.
    Running to doctors for all ailments is the first mistake and drugging the system is another bigger mistake. There are many alternate methods, upaya, such as mantra therapy, nature cure, yoga, chakra dhyana, and other easy solutions. Satsang is very important for it gives a community living with pious people that cleanses mind of impurities that cause diseases. Hence, human have to evolve from their present lower status with animal propensities (pashuvrutti) and live at a much higher, human, level of existence. This is what is meant by yogasu karma koushalah | meaning, live and work intelligently warding of all evils.