கர்ம வினை - chain of causation Hari December 23, 2017

पुनरपि जननं पुनरपि मरणं
पुनरपि जननीजठरे शयनम् - Adi Shankaracharya
(born again, dead again,
sleep in the mother’s womb, one more time!)

Karma - by definition has neither negative nor positive shade to it. It literally translates to "action". Every action triggers a chain of responses. This action-reaction(s) is commonly termed as law of causation. When this reaction is favorable, we classify the action as good karma. What is favorable keeps changing with time, place and surroundings. Igniting a log (action) expels heat (reaction). It is a pleasant reaction during sunset in Anchorage, but cringeworthy on a midday in Maui.

Like in the story of Adam and Eve, every being is enlightened in the beginning, garden of eden. One small action of eating the fruit from forbidden tree triggered the reaction of craving for sensual pleasure. Consequently, We react again and so on. All the cultures that stood the test of time, believe this chain of causation to be the reason for the repeated birth and death cycle. Also the reason for the changing seasons of joy and sorrow, pain and pleasure, good and evil within every individual.

Question; If everyone was enlightened, what triggered the first action and why? Answer to this is much debated for aeons, i don't think our pitching in is going to make any difference. Lets leave it for every individual to discover in their own. Whatever the reason is, it is indeed a cosmic play, like throwing a boomerang in sky. Boomerang can swing around and eventually ends up where it started. The distance it travels depends on the initial thrust and intermediate amplifications.

As long as one rejoices the flight, its best to keep flying. Hell and Heaven are the objectification of the reactions. All deeds will boost the flight, contrary to the beliefs that good deeds will take you to salvation. There is nothing called a good-deed, its just deed.

Once one realizes it is nothing but recurring patterns of same things in different shades and decide to roost, stop triggering any more actions. All the past actions and their reactions has to be endured without triggering more reactions, This is not an easy feat. Years and years of conditioning will provoke one to respond. Once it is all settled, it'll eventually lead one back into the paradise.

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Ayurveda: Life Knowledge Hari December 19, 2017

மருந்தென வேண்டாவாம் யாக்கைக்கு அருந்தியது 
அற்றது போற்றி உணின். -திருவள்ளுவர்

(No medicine is necessary for them who eat after assuring that already eaten is fully digested)

Matter is made of 5 elements. Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space. Earth under and Space above is persistent. Air, Fire and Water are the transient elements that causes the fluctuations in health. Ayurveda classified it as Vaatha (Air), Pitha (Fire) and Kapha (Water) Doshas (imbalances). Restoring this balance is the main motive of a real ayurvedic treatment. The symptom could be migraine or cancer, only the body can cure itself. Role of a real medicine (औषडि - herbs) is just to eliminate these hurdles (doshas).

Ideal Vatha, Pitha, Kapha ratio in a human body is 1:2:4. This is always a pursuit and all of us will have one of two doshas overpowering other. When this balance is shaken beyond threshold, it is called a dis-ease.

When Vatha (air) increases in a body, it results in involuntary movements, spasms like Parkinsons, epilepsy. When it decreases it results in seizure of movements like ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. In general, all the vayu (air) related problems like gastic problems are due to vatha dosha.

When Pitha (fire) is in excess; weight loss, malnutrition, fever, vomiting, diarrhea all such increased temperature related problems occur.

When Kapha (water) is in excess; weight gains, lethargy, mucous related diseases like sinus, cold, bronchitis, congestion occur commonly.

In general, Vatha prominent people prefer sweet tasting food, light-sleepers - don't prefer mid day naps. Pitha people body temperature are always few degrees warmer, easy to throw-up, mid-day nappers. Kapha people have thicker tongues, cooler body temperature, excess sweating, easy to catch cold. These doshas are not permanent identities. It changes with age, location and change in life-style. It is often seen in combination as vatha-pitta, vatha-kapha, but not pitha and kabha as they are mutually exclusive.

When any source blindly suggests eat this, avoid that, do this, don't be too soon to follow. Analyze at the root level, what change would it bring. A pitha prominent person doesn't need any more cardio routine and you'll see them naturally repel it. Kapha prominent person don't need the hydration routine commonly suggested.

Right Breathing (Air), Activities (Fire) and Intake (Water) can always stabilize the elemental balance in the body. There is no general blanket formula to know what is that right for your body. Every individual is unique and hence their breathing, activities and intake has to be so too. Healthy person can find what suits and not by trial-n-error. For others, investing time and learning more about it is the better alternative before seeking any expert advice.

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