SCOPE OF MITIGATION OF STRESS CONDITION IN EARLY BUDDHISM & AYURVEDA

SCOPE OF MITIGATION OF STRESS CONDITION IN

EARLY BUDDHISM & AYURVEDA

Molligoda S. P., Mishra Sangeeta, Panja Asit K. & Baldev Kumar

Dept. of Basic Principles, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India

www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 1; Issue 5; Sept – Oct 2013

ABSTRACT

All the people seem to be in a hurry; it leads to various health problems. Various studies had proved that it is a very serious negative state of the mind. Scholars have argued that this state develops into a tendency to suicide. (Goleman, D. 2000) Therefore, if anybody suffers from stress, it would be a burden to society. Everybody should try to prevent this condition. But it is not very easy. So through this detailed study of facts of Ayurveda and Buddhism the main aim is to get more satisfactory and beneficial answers for this burden to the world. In this study Ayurvedic elementary books and the books written regarding Buddhism, were referred to and analyzed in detail. Both Ayurveda and Buddhism consider man’s mind and body as one entity.

Keywords: Buddhism, Ayurveda

INTRODUCTION

The world we live in today is full of stressful conditions. All the people seem to be in a hurry; sometimes we can see they have no time to even rest or take their daily meals. Therefore we can hear, specially working people talking about dissatisfaction in their lives. This condition may be a cause for the breakdown of law and order, the disarray in institutions, and incompetence in places of authority and so on. Because of the competition in society stress has become an inseparable factor of the modern world. The reasons of stress may vary from person to person like family, financial, health and social problems.

The scientist Friedman analyzed data from over 100 studies linking people's predominant emotional status to their health. He found, compared to the average people, those who were unusually hostile and angry, highly anxious, sad, pessimistic, or tense, had double risk of getting a serious illness, including asthma, chronic headaches, stomach ulcers, heart disease and arthritis1. Many a study shows that stress leads to various health problems like diseases of the gastro intestinal tract, insomnia, graying of hair and hair and fall, hampering the quality of skin complexion.

Psychological stressors are the factors which produce negative emotions in our minds, such as anger, hatred, jealousy, enmity, frustration, annoyance, arrogance, loneliness, fear, anxiety, depression,worry, guilt boredom and indecision. An increasing number of people encounter these negative factors almost on a daily basis, causing stress in them. And this is an unfortunate condition in the world2.

In 2000, a survey in the United Kingdom (U.K) revealed that, 70% of adults experience stress at work3. This condition they defined as sick building syndrome. In this condition office workers were bound to develop various nonspecific symptoms such as headaches, nasal congestion, and fatigue and eye irritation. A recent survey in the United Kingdom involving over 4,000 office

workers proved that these features were due to stress related conditions. The American Institute of USA had noticed that 75% to 90% of all patients visiting health Centers had disorders related to stress4. Stress is a leading cause for the development of depression. Various studies had proved that it is a very serious negative state of the mind. Scholars have argued that this state develops into a tendency to suicide5. In general or from a religious perspective, a birth in the human species is regarded as superior to that of other living beings. Humans want to live their life fully and happily as well as trying to maintain physical well being by all positive ways. In this process they often suffer. Therefore, if anybody suffers from stress, it would be a burden to a good society.

According to the above facts, stress is a burning issue throughout the world. Everybody should try to prevent this condition. But it is not very easy. So through this detailed study of facts of Ayurveda and Buddhism its main aim is to get more satisfactory and beneficial answers for this burden of the world.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

1. To identify causes that develops stress

conditions in the humans

2. To identify the solutions given for

them.

3. To provide opportunities to use these

solutions in effective ways regarding

those who are suffering from stress.

MATERIALS & METHODS

In this study Ayurveda elementary books and the books which had been written regarding early Buddhism, were referred to and analyzed in detail. Special attention is paid to facts included in books such as Caraka Samhita,, Susruta Samhita, Bhava Prakasa, Madhava Nidana and sarangadhara Samhita. Also attention is paid to elementary facts included in the books related to the early Buddhist era and special attention is paidto the Sutta Pitaka (Discourse). To solve the problems related to these books primary and secondary sources as well as Atuva books (commentaries) which are written on them  have been used.

Review: Both Ayurveda and Buddhism consider man's mind and body as one entity. Because of this Ayurveda definesmthe healthy person thus.

Sama dosha samaagnigsca samadhatumala.kriyah Prasannatmendriyamana svastha ityabhidiyathe.

Buddhism shows that the mind has an impact on actions. That is why it is

written "ManoPubbamgama dhamma" in the Dhammapada6. Initially the symptoms caused by the stressful mind have been observed. Then a study has been made first on the causes which initiate these symptoms. This is because neither

Buddhism nor Ayurveda treats the causes of stress conditions as a separate subject. But we can find facts pertaining to this subject all through the Tripitaka. In the same manner the causes leading to stress conditions can be found in the Ayurveda vision.

 As shown in the Caraka Sutra, mental disposition can change due to mental constitutions. Also, not getting what is desired and getting what is undesired can cause changes in the mental make-up. Then Acarya Caraka described how grief and sorrow follow these mental changes; they in turn produce various sicknesses. Acarya Caraka explains that there are two mental attributes. They are Rajas and Tamas7. According to their pattern of behavior they can be further classified  as lust, excessive anger, greed, foolishness, jealousy, and arrogance, grief, thought patterns, feelings of fear, mockery and so on. There are three main facts causing mental illness

1. Asatmyaindriyartha Samyoga- Impact of external objects on the senses in a disproportionate manner.

2. Pagnaparadha- Knowingly indulging in unhealthy habits.

3. Parinama- Accumulation, Aggravation and Alleviation of doshas in different seasons.8

Ayurveda explains that because of the above causes there can hoist uncountable mental diseases or psychiatric problems. The teacher  Sushruta explainedthat it could change the mental channels (Manovaha  srotas) could change due to this condition. With reference to Sushruta Samhitā, the following have an influence on mental confusion

1. Frightened by robber

2. Loss of material goods

3. Loss of relations

4. Not getting the lady of one's choice

(According to the Author of Acarya Madhava the inability to get the women or the wife one desires is also a cause).

As we study this further we realize that when the vata and Pitta are aggravated symptoms similar to mental stress can be seen. According to this finding it is important to observe conditions in which Vata & Pitta are aggravated. Some of the conditions mentioned are, extreme fatigue both mental and physical, not taking appropriate meals, breaking rest (night), hunger, thirst, extreme grief, unreasonable fear and excessive thinking9. Likewise among reasons which aggravate pitta are excessive anger and fasting. As mentioned in Buddhism the main causes of mental stress are lust, hatred and delusion.

All along the Sutta Pitaka we can find many causes connected to these triple causes. They can be thus summarized.

1. Grief due to inability to be with people one likes

2. Grief because one has to be with people one does not like.

3. Unreasonable thinking about the past.

4. Unreasonable thinking about the future.

5. Feelings about what one did not get.

6. Uncontrollable fear

7. Uncontrollable lust (Samkappa Jataka)

8. Excessive covetousness (Gothami Suttra)

9. Grief because one is unable to have Children, missing one’s own children or the death of one’s own children10.

10. Over indulging in ones desires for luxuries and comforts. (Devadatta Sutta)

11. Excessive anger (Fury)

12. Unbreakable hatred

13. Ingratitude

14. Stubbornness

15. Excessive competitiveness

16. Pride, Haughtiness

17. Arrogance

18. Procrastination (postponing or delaying)

DISCUSSION

When we analyze deeply the mentioned facts we realize that they cause mental stress directly or indirectly. As we study these facts we come to the conclusion that they are common to bygone societies as well as to the present ones; we also realize that in all ages the way man's mind works is the same. As we compare ancient and modern societies we realize that as the present world is more mechanized, mental and even physical stress are inevitable. Therefore it will be fruitful to study the ways and means offered by Ayurveda and Buddhism to be delivered from these causes of stress.

As we study the characters of the Buddha as well as the basic teachings of Ayurveda we come to know that both give importance to the daily timetables. The Lord Buddha begins his day by carefully dividing his time according to a timetable. Facts are mentioned not only about the daily timetables but also about seasons. Ayurveda gives so much attention to health that it is attentive to each and every area of the body11. Through all these we can conclude that to be set free from mental stress, one need to be organized in one's daily activities. It is also important to bring our attention to the procedures indicated to balance aggravated Vata & Pitta

conditions.

Among strategies indicated for Vata conditions, applying and massaging the body with oils in a methodical way is indicated12. Applying oil and massaging the head also brings comfort. Among strategies concerning aggravated Pitta conditions are, application of appropriate medicinal powders made of substances such as Kapuru (Karpur) and Savandara (Ushir) on the body, bathing with aromatized water, having good friendships, listening to small children's chatter, living close to cool waters and green spaces. Paying attention to these strategies will be fruitful. Also it is important to be mindful about factors which affect peace of mind positively or negatively. Furthermore it is said that in order to produce mental wellbeing it is important to use wisdom and intelligence in a positive manner, and to take advice from wise people. The Lord Buddha shows that we must see reality with wisdom, that we must not get attached to anything and that we must be free of lust and hatred; he further goes on to say that we must get rid of bondages or attachments of the mind like we pick a Kumudu blossom which bloomed in a pond in spring13. He also states that as man is continuously a prey to mental stress we must be alert to it. As Buddhism, Ayurveda too has a great regard for the middle path. (Samayoga) Lord Buddha shows that we must stay away from noisy environments as far as possible14. The stories of Visakha and Bimbisara make it clear that doing mental exercises makes lay life more productive and that it enhances mental health. The sermons of the Buddha show that mental comfort is more important than physical comfort15. Astangahridaya Samhita, reveals that mental disciplines such as sound doctrines, healthy friendships, not being jealous of other people's success and

pleasant speech will help decrease mental stress. In an article on Ayurveda Sameeksha written by Prof. Sumanapala Galmalgoda, it is indicated that mental health, spiritual development, simple life style, satisfaction, cultural relationships and religious devotion also will contribute to alleviate mental stress. As Caraka indicates, if anyone's mind is pure he has a pure, true intelligence; it also states that as one breaks the bonds of delusion or deception it will bring enlightenment in all areas and that it is defined as knowledge, discernment, sagacity, judiciousness, intelligence, erudition and prudence16 . In order to achieve peace of mind Ayurveda indicates that we must enhance attributes of satva. To attain this we have to forgive offenses, speak the truth, not be wicked, practice control in eating, avoid procrastinating (postponing and delaying) be courageous and have a well established mind. The Buddha shows that we must

always act with presence of mind and that it is a difficult task17. He further says that one must avoid deep attachment to worldly treasures and that this attachment always leads to grief. (Nandani Sutta) Apart from that Ayurveda discloses sicknesses which can be brought about  through mental reasons. This means that among various other reasons, mental reasons too can have its place.

The above analysis proves that mental depression can cause various diseases.

Flatulence Gulma by Grief; Skin diseases Kushta by Grief, fear; Myopathy Kshaya by fear, hatred, jalousie, disappointment; Senility Unmada by lust, covetousness, anger, excessive, happiness, fear, delusion, grief, too many thoughts, aggression; Hemorrhage Arshas by anger, grief; Excessive thirst Thrushna by anger grief heart diseases Hruth Roga by too much thinking, fear; Catta Pinasa by Anger, sleeplessness loss of appetite Arochaka by anger, grief, fear covetousness; increasing weight of thigh Urustamba by excessive fear.

CONCLUSION

As we make a deep study of Ayurveda and Buddhism we can reach the undeniable deduction that in both cases causes, are indicated for mental stress. We find a deeper analysis in Buddhism than in Ayurveda. It is timely to be attentive to the strategies indicated to decrease mental stress. It will be more productive if these are made more relevant to modern times. If this brings some comfort to the burning issue of our time, which is mental stress, it will surely be a blessing. To solve the problems related to these, books primary and secondary sources as well as Atuwa books (commentaries) which are written on have been used.

REFERENCES

1. Goleman, D (2000) Healing Emotions, Sambhala, South Asia Edition p. 302

2. Nugegoda, D. B. (2007) Overcoming psychological stress, M.D. Gunasena and company Sri Lanka. Preface

3. O' Neil L & O'Neil B (2002) Test your stress Resilience, Medical Clinics of North America p.165-170

4. Guarneri M. (2006) My Wakeup Call, Reader's Digest. p. 120 - 130

5. Goleman, D. 2000, Healing Emotions, Sambhala, South Asia Edition.

6. Dammapada,(1962) Buddadatta thera Sanskaranaya,Saman Prakashakayo,

7. Agnivesh, Sutra Sthana, 1st Chapter, Caraka Sanhitava, Ayurveda Depika Commentry by Cakrapanidutta, Pt, Yadavji Trikamji Acarya, Rastriya Sanskrit Samsthan, Reprint 2009

8. Caraka Samhita, (Sinhala Translation) 1960, R. Buddhadasa Gaverment Press, Colombo.p,119

9. Astanga hrudaya Samhitava, (1987), Astanga Hrudaya of Vagbhata,edited by Yadunandana Upaddhya, Chaukamba Sanscrit sansthana,Varanasi,p.91

10. Sanyuktha Nikaya I (1960) Buddha Jayanthi Thripitaka Grantha Mala, Lanka Anduwa, Colombo,Stanza.01

11. Caraka Samhita, (Sinhala Translation) (1960) R.Buddhadasa, Gaverment Press, Colombo p.317

12. Astanga hrudaya Samhitava, (1987), Astanga Hrudaya of Vagbhata, edited by Yadunandana Upaddhya, Chaukamba Sanscrit sansthana,Varanasi, p.97

13. Dammapada (1962) Buddha Datta Thera, Sanskarana Saman prakashayo, Colombo p. 185

14. Anguththara Nikaya I (1960) Buddha Jayanthi Thripitaka Grantha Mala, Lanka Anduwa, Colombo.

15. Sanyuktha Nikaya I (1960) Buddha Jayanthi Thripitaka Grantha Mala, Lanka Anduwa Colombo 10 p.141

16. Caraka Samhitha, (Sinhala Translation) (1960) R. Buddhadasa Government Press, Colombo p. 31

17. Samyuktha Nikaya III, (1960) Buddha Jayanthi Thripitaka Grantha Mala, Lanka Anduwa, Colombo, 10 p. 149

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR

Dr. Molligoda S. P. (Email: susanthamolligoda@gmail.com)

PG Scholar of Basic Principles.National Institute of Ayurveda Jaipur – 302002, Rajasthan, India