Significance of Insanity
In Vaishnavism, insanity, defined as unmada, denotes a severe mental disturbance marked by emotional distress and irrational behavior. It is viewed as part of a broader emotional state, potentially triggered by extreme happiness. Ayurveda categorizes it as one of the brain disorders linked to imbalances in the doshas and requires specific treatments. In Dharmashastra, insanity can stem from sorcery, while Rasashastra acknowledges it as a mental disorder that can be treated with specific remedies. Overall, insanity is understood as a complex mental health issue in various contexts.
Synonyms: Madness, Lunacy, Folly, Mania, Psychosis, Delusion, Irrationality, Hysteria, Dementia, Unreasonableness
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Insanity'
In Hinduism, insanity, termed "Unmada," signifies severe mental disorders influenced by various factors, including emotional upheaval, sorcery, and physical imbalances. Ancient practices employ herbal remedies and treatments addressing this condition's spiritual and psychological dimensions.
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Insanity is mentioned as one of the conditions arising from the excess of depletion, which is treated by impletion, according to specialists.[1] (2) Mental disorders influenced by the three doshas, categorized into five varieties.[2] (3) A psychological condition identified by certain symptoms that can result in death if untreated.[3]
From: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences
(1) Insanity is one of the manifestations of Dooshivisha.[4] (2) This is one of the brain disorders, where Evolvulus alsinoides has the capability of producing various pharmacological effects.[5]
From: Sushruta Samhita, Volume 6: Uttara-tantra
(1) It is a disease where deranged bodily Doshas affect the up-coursing nerves, producing a distracting state of the mind.[6]
From: International Research Journal of Ayurveda and Yoga
(1) It is one of the diseases enlists by Acharya Charak, due to consumption of Viruddhahar.[7]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) Insanity is one of the conditions that the use of a Tula measure of Medicinal Ayaskriti leads to the recovery of, along with Kushtha, Meha and obesity.[8]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Defined as unmada, it represents a severe mental disturbance, one of the conditions of sambhrama-priti.[9] (2) A state of severe emotional distress characterized by disorientation and irrational behavior, as seen with Yashoda.[10] (3) A mental health condition characterized by extreme behavior, known as unmada.[11] (4) A term used here to describe a state of extreme emotional upheaval, possibly brought on by happiness.[12] (5) Unmada; a state of severe mental disorder.[13]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) A disease that can be cured with a special kind of ghee called shiva-ghrita.[14]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) Insanity is one of the symptoms of sannipatika fever, along with apoplexy, that the medicine is intended to treat.[15] (2) A mental disorder that is included among the range of conditions the medicine claims to address.[16] (3) A severe mental disorder wherein individuals may be excused from the rule against sleeping during the day to help alleviate their condition.[17] (4) A severe mental disorder that the pills purportedly help to remedy.[18]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Errhines, plasters, or pastes of Siddharthakam, Vacha, Hingu, Karanjam, Devadaru, Manjishtha, Triphala, Vishvam, Shirisha, the two kinds of Rajani, Priyangu, Nimva and Trikatu pounded together and mixed with cow’s urine prove curative in hysteria, poisoning, insanity, discolouring of the skin,, and diseases due to the influences of malignant ghosts.[19]
From: Natyashastra (English)
(1) Insanity is caused by determinants such as death of beloved persons, loss of wealth, stroke of adversity, and derangement of the three humours, and it is represented by laughing, weeping, crying, talking, lying down, sitting, running, dancing, singing, and reciting.[20]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A harmful effect of sorcery that leads to mental instability or irrational behavior as a result of magical incantations.[21]
The concept of Insanity in local and regional sources
Insanity, as described, signifies a mental illness linked to the severe emotional toll of failed love, which can lead to distressing psychological disorders and dire consequences stemming from intense frustration and emotional turmoil.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) This is a state of mental illness, and the text mentions that it can be ghastly repercussions of frustration and psychic disorders that result from failed love.[22]
The concept of Insanity in scientific sources
Insanity, as a legal term, pertains to defendants in New Zealand found not guilty due to mental incapacity. A study explored the implications and outcomes of such legal rulings in the justice system.
From: South African Journal of Psychiatry
(1) A state of mental illness that can be a reason for a legal outcome, and mothers who killed their children were found Not Guilty by Reason of this, according to a study by Friedman in Ohio.[23] (2) This is a legal term, and a study examined the outcomes of defendants found not guilty because of this in New Zealand.[24]