Delivering a discourse in the 'Annam Brahma' lecture series during the ongoing Annabrahma Chaturmasya at the Ashoke Moola Math in Gokarna on Wednesday, the seer explained that Ayurveda views health as a complete state of physical, mental and spiritual balance.
Health Depends on the Balance of Seven Dhatus
Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi said the human body is made up of seven dhatus (body tissues). According to Ayurveda, a person remains healthy only when these dhatus are in harmony. Any imbalance among them results in disease.
He added that maintaining this balance is one of the primary objectives of Ayurveda.
Tridoshas Must Work in Harmony
The seer explained that the three doshas—Vata, Pitta and Kapha—must function in balance for the body to remain healthy. When these natural forces lose their equilibrium, illness begins to develop.
Therefore, true health is achieved only when the body, mind and soul function together in harmony.
Complete Health Leads to Self-Realisation
Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi said that complete self-realisation is possible only when a person attains complete health.
Quoting the Mahanarayana Upanishad and the Katha Upanishad, he said that when the body's dhatus are balanced, one can realise the soul that resides within the heart. Ayurveda and the Upanishads together teach that inner health ultimately leads to spiritual awakening.
Control the Mind, Not Natural Body Urges
The seer advised people not to suppress natural bodily urges such as vomiting, hunger and thirst unnecessarily, as doing so can affect health.
At the same time, he stressed the importance of controlling mental impulses such as greed, anger, jealousy and hatred. He also advised people to avoid unnecessary speech, lying, harsh words and comments that hurt others.
According to him, a healthy life depends on discipline in both body and mind.
Food, Sleep and Self-Discipline are Essential
Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi said that proper food, adequate sleep, self-discipline and righteous living help maintain the balance of the body's dhatus. Only then can a person enjoy complete health and move towards self-knowledge.
Brahmacharya Means Control of the Senses
Explaining the concept of Brahmacharya, the seer said that Dharma Shastra, Yoga and Ayurveda describe it in slightly different ways. In Ayurveda, however, Brahmacharya primarily means control over the senses.
He added that Ayurveda does not aim merely to cure diseases. Its highest goal is to help people attain Atma Jnana (self-realisation). Purity of mind and balance of the body's dhatus make spiritual realisation possible.
Several devotees received the blessings of the seer during the programme. Bhiksha Seva for the day was offered by Subraya Manjappa Hegde and family on behalf of various Sagara Havyaka Mandal units. Several devotees and dignitaries were present.
Key Takeaway
Comparing the human body to a family, Sri Raghaveshwara Bharathi said that just as a home remains peaceful when all its members live in harmony, the body remains healthy when Vata, Pitta and Kapha stay in balance. Ayurveda calls this state Dhatu Samya. Proper food, sound sleep and a disciplined lifestyle are the keys to maintaining this balance and achieving lasting health.