shefalisangal आयुःकामायमानेन धर्मार्थसुखसाधनम्।
आयुर्वेदोपदेशेषु विधेयः परमादरः॥२॥
(vagbhatt,sutrasthan)
The 4 Goals of every human being whether we are aware or unaware
- Dharma– to fulfil one’s role, purpose and responsibility on planet Earth.
- Artha– to be able to earn the resources or instruments of wellbeing such as food, water, shelter, clothing, etc.
- Kama– to be able to fulfil desires that are present with this worldly life.
- Moksha– to fulfil the inner quest to understand one’s existential being.
As adults to be able to balance these 4 goals, that are innate need firstly one needs to be “mindful” and “observant”. Secondly have the “desire” or urge to move in the direction of ‘balance of these 4 goals’. Thirdly have the right information and perspective for building the right practises.
Hence Food, Sleep, and moderation in sexual activity all three require appropriate perspective.
Food- With all its wonderful varieties, flavours, combinations to satisfy our health and taste requires understanding of dietetics. With different stages of life there are different needs of the body. What foods balance or aggravate which of the Tridoshas’, what impact does it have on the 7 Dhatus’, and the ‘Malas’ and the ‘Prana’, ‘Indriyas’ and ‘Manas’ or mind as well.
Similarly Sleep– is not a matter of ‘sleep anytime’, but is governed by the cycle of day and night which is connected to Tridoshas’ of our body.
Lastly moderation in sexual activity– is least understood today, and sadly a ‘hushed up’ part of our life leading to only perverted thought processes and practises.
Ayurveda allows a whole some perspective of each of these, allowing each person to decide what is best for him or her. When ever these three instruments of health are used for entertainment, it can turn ‘harmful’ to ‘oneself’, hence knowing the limit is crucial.
As the human race evolves in identifying the 4 goals with greater clarity, the need to understand laws of Ahar-Nidra-Brahmcharya becomes stronger.
Vd. Shefali
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