Universe Creation: Sat Raj Tam in Sankhya Yog and the Three Bodies.
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Creation of Universe - Sat Raj Tam In Sankhya Yog are Causal Body Subtle Body and Gross Body, Each With 5 Elements - Review
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The philosophical discourse surrounding the creation of the universe is rooted in two primary schools of thought: Aastik (theistic) and Nastik (atheistic), which shape the Darshan (philosophy) of Hindu thought. Amongst various philosophical systems, Sankhya Yoga stands out by articulating the concept of three Gunas—Sat (causal), Raj (subtle), and Tam (gross)—each represented by different forms of existence—Causal Body, Subtle Body, and Gross Body. This paper reviews how these principles influence the development of Ayurveda and the broader understanding of the universe, revealing commonalities between metaphysical explanations and practical applications in health and wellness.
The Concept of Gunas
Sankhya philosophy posits that the universe is governed by three fundamental qualities or Gunas: Sat, Raj, and Tam. These qualities correspond to three different types of bodies: Sat represents the causal body (Kaaran Sharir), Raj signifies the subtle body (SukshmaSharir), and Tam embodies the gross body (SthoolSharir). Each of these bodies is composed of five elements, giving rise to the material existence and their interactions in the universe. The distinctions among these Gunas help explain the universe's operation and the varied expressions of life. Understanding these Gunas not only clarifies philosophical debates about existence but also serves as a framework for Ayurveda, which emphasizes balancing these inherent qualities to maintain health.
The Relationship Between Sankhya and Ayurveda
Sankhya philosophy significantly impacts Ayurveda, particularly through its view on the essence of health as the body’s ability to resist deterioration and death. The Ayurveda system acknowledges three types of afflictions that align with the Sankhya framework: Adhyatmika (suffering from the subtle body), Adhidaivika (from the causal body), and Adhibhoutika (from the gross body). Both philosophies converge on the aim of achieving Moksha (liberation) from these sufferings. Furthermore, the Ayurveda's Tridosha theory aligns closely with the Gunas, suggesting that different bodily doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) relate to Sat, Raj, and Tam, advocating for a holistic approach to health that addresses both the physical and metaphysical dimensions of existence.
Conclusion
The exploration of Gunas in the Sankhya philosophy provides a profound understanding of the universe's fabric, as well as its applications in Ayurveda, where physical well-being and existential truths intersect. The work reinforces the notion that the causal and subtle bodies hold intrinsic properties that contribute to overall health, while the gross body manifests these realities in tangible forms. This interconnectedness of different philosophical systems and their applications underlines the necessity for further research into how Sankhya influences other fields beyond Ayurveda, thereby enriching the collective understanding of life’s mechanics and the pursuit of knowledge in holistic wellness.
Original source:
This page is merely a summary which is automatically generated hence you should visit the source to read the original article which includes the author, publication date, notes and references.
Aarti Shukla
Research Scholar, Shri Yugal Sharanji Maharaj Lupta Vigyaan Evam Swasthya Anusandhan Kendra India.
Gaurav Shukla
R&D Head, Shri Yugal Sharanji Maharaj Lupta Vigyaan Evam Swasthya Anusandhan Kendra India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: Creation of Universe - Sat Raj Tam In Sankhya Yog are Causal Body Subtle Body and Gross Body, Each With 5 Elements - Review
Year: 2022 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v9i2.938
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Download the PDF file of the original publication
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is the significance of Sat, Raj, and Tam in creation?
Sat, Raj, and Tam represent the three Gunas (qualities) that constitute the universe. Sat is the causal body, Raj is the subtle body, and Tam is the gross body. Each Guna influences the manifestation and nature of existence throughout various philosophical frameworks.
How does Sankhya philosophy relate to Ayurveda?
Sankhya philosophy deeply influences Ayurveda by providing a framework that classifies human existence and health. It highlights the interconnectedness of the body's three Sharirs (bodies) and how the balance of the three Gunas can lead to physical and mental well-being.
What is the role of Prakriti and Purusha in Sankhya philosophy?
In Sankhya philosophy, Prakriti represents the material aspect of existence, while Purusha embodies consciousness. Their interaction is essential for creation, as evolution occurs when the inert Prakriti contacts the conscious Purusha, initiating the process of manifestation in the universe.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Universe Creation: Sat Raj Tam in Sankhya Yog and the Three Bodies.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Samkhya (Sankhya, Shankhya):
[see: Sankhya]
2) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine that focuses on the health of the human body through balance and holistic practices. It is linked to Sankhya philosophy in its understanding of human physiology and pathology, as it utilizes concepts like Tridosha and Triguna.
3) Prakriti (Prakrti):
Prakriti, in Sankhya philosophy, refers to the fundamental, insentient nature or primal matter. It consists of three Gunas—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—and forms the basis of all material existence. Prakriti's interaction with Purusha leads to the evolution of the universe.
4) Guna:
Guna is a term used in Sankhya philosophy to describe the inherent qualities or tendencies within Prakriti. There are three Gunas: Sattva (goodness), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia), which influence the physical and mental nature of beings and matter.
5) Yoga:
Yoga is a system of philosophy and practice that aims to unite the individual soul (Atman) with the universal soul (Paramatma). In Ayurveda, it refers to the correct application of therapies and treatments. Yoga also refers to mental focus and the integration of body, mind, and spirit.
6) Purusha (Purusa):
Purusha, in Sankhya philosophy, represents the pure consciousness that interacts with Prakriti to create the universe. It is the unchanging, sentient aspect of reality, contrasted with the insentient, mutable nature of Prakriti.
7) Kapila:
Kapila is the sage credited with founding the Sankhya philosophy. He emphasized the duality between Purusha (consciousness) and Prakriti (matter) and advanced the theory of evolution through their interaction.
8) Evolution:
In Sankhya philosophy, evolution refers to the process by which the interaction between Purusha and Prakriti leads to the manifestation of the universe. It involves the transformation from the unmanifested to the manifested states, through different stages and elements.
9) Knowledge:
Knowledge in Sankhya philosophy involves discerning the difference between Purusha and Prakriti and understanding their interaction. It encompasses a thorough understanding of the Gunas and elements that constitute reality.
10) Disease:
In Ayurveda, disease is the result of an imbalance in the body's Doshas. Sankhya philosophy influences Ayurveda by providing a framework for understanding human physiology and pathology through the concepts of Triguna and Tridosha.
11) Nature:
Nature, or Prakriti, in Sankhya philosophy, is the fundamental, insentient material principle that, in interaction with Purusha, leads to the creation and evolution of the universe.
12) Arthashastra (Arthasastra, Artha-shastra):
Arthashastra is an ancient Indian treatise on statecraft, economic policy, and military strategy. It incorporates philosophical insights from Sankhya and Yoga to inform governance and administration.
13) Perception:
Perception in Sankhya philosophy is explained through the interaction of the senses (Indriyas) with their respective objects. It involves the role of mind and intellect in recognizing and interpreting sensory data.
14) Substance:
Substance refers to the fundamental matter (Dravya) in Sankhya and Vaisheshik philosophies. It includes elements, sense faculties, and other basic constituents of reality.
15) Shukla (Sukla):
Shukla refers to Aarti Shukla, the lead author of the article. The article discusses the application of Sankhya philosophy in understanding the creation of the universe and its implications for Ayurveda.
16) Karana:
Karana in Sankhya philosophy refers to the cause or causal body (Kaaran Sharir). It is one of the three bodies—along with the subtle and gross bodies—each composed of five elements.
17) Moksha (Moksa):
Moksha is the ultimate goal in Hindu philosophy, referring to the liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Both Sankhya and Ayurveda describe techniques to achieve Moksha, focusing on freeing oneself from miseries and diseases.
18) Karma (Karman):
Karma in the context of the article refers to purposeful action. It is a principle that holds the universe together through the divine purpose, and its proper understanding is crucial for spiritual and physical well-being.
19) Raja:
Raja or Rajas is one of the three Gunas in Sankhya philosophy. It represents activity, passion, and dynamism, and is linked to the subtle body (Sukshma Sharir). Its proper balance is crucial for health and spiritual growth.
20) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
Tridosha refers to the three primary doshas (vital energies) in Ayurveda—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These doshas are derived from the three Gunas (Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas) and are essential in diagnosing and treating diseases.
21) Triguna (Tri-guna):
Triguna refers to the three fundamental qualities or tendencies in Sankhya philosophy—Sattva (goodness), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia). These Gunas affect both the mind and body and are essential in various philosophical and medical systems like Sankhya and Ayurveda.
22) Tamas:
Tamas is one of the three Gunas, representing inertia, darkness, and inactivity. In the context of Sankhya philosophy, it is associated with the gross body (Sthool Sharir) and is seen as an essential aspect of material existence.
23) Karya:
Karya in Sankhya philosophy refers to the action or effect that manifest from a cause (Karana). The theory of Satkarya states that the effect exists in an unmanifested form in the cause before it becomes visible.
24) Tama:
[see source text or glossary: Tama]
25) Human body:
The human body in Ayurveda and Sankhya philosophy is seen as a microcosm of the universe, consisting of the same elements and Gunas. It is categorized into three bodies—causal, subtle, and gross—each related to universal principles.
26) Pratyaksha (Pratyaksa):
Pratyaksha is one of the three means of knowledge (Pramanas) in Sankhya philosophy, referring to direct perception through the senses. It is also essential in Ayurveda for diagnosing diseases.
27) Sanskrit:
Sanskrit is the classical language in which most ancient Indian texts, including those of Sankhya, Ayurveda, and various Darsanas, are written.
28) Samhita:
Samhita refers to a collection of texts or scriptures, such as Charak Samhita, which is a foundational text in Ayurveda detailing medical knowledge and treatments.
29) Krishna (Krsna):
Krishna is a major deity in Hinduism who expounded the principles of Sankhya Yoga in the Bhagavad Gita. He discusses the nature of the Gunas and their influence on human actions and spirituality.
30) Sattva (Shattva):
Sattva is one of the three Gunas in Sankhya philosophy, representing purity, harmony, and light. It is associated with the causal body (Kaaran Sharir) and is essential for spiritual growth and health.
31) Rajas:
[see: Raja]
32) Disha (Disa):
Disha, in the context of the article, likely refers to direction or space, one of the constituents of the body in Sankhya philosophy and Ayurveda, signifying spatial orientation.
33) Veda:
Vedic refers to the ancient scriptures and traditions of India, which are foundational to philosophies like Sankhya, Ayurveda, and others.
34) Sage:
Sage refers to a wise person, often associated with spiritual and philosophical teachings. Kapila, the founder of Sankhya philosophy, is considered a sage.
35) Mantrashakti (Mantrasakti, Mantra-shakti, Mamtrashakti):
Mantrashakti in Arthashastra refers to the power of counsel and diplomacy. It is one of the three forms of Shakti (power) essential for governance and statecraft.
36) Aptopadesha (Aptopadesa, Apta-upadesha):
Aptopadesha is one of the three means of knowledge (Pramanas) in Sankhya philosophy, referring to authoritative testimony or scriptural reference.
37) Adhyatmika:
Adhyatmika refers to internal or spiritual afflictions, one of the three types of miseries described in Sankhya philosophy and Ayurveda.
38) Treasury:
[see source text or glossary: Treasury]
39) Shastra (Sastra):
Shastra refers to a manual or treatise, particularly in the context of Indian sciences and philosophies like Arthashastra and Yogashastra.
40) Anumana:
Anumana is one of the three means of knowledge (Pramanas) in Sankhya philosophy, referring to inference or logical deduction.
41) Samadhi:
Samadhi is a state of deep meditation and spiritual absorption in Yoga philosophy, essential for mental health and well-being as described in Ayurveda.
42) Pramana:
Pramana refers to the means of acquiring knowledge in Indian philosophy. Sankhya recognizes three Pramanas: Pratyaksha (perception), Anumana (inference), and Aptopadesha (authoritative testimony).
43) Darshana (Darsana):
Darsana means philosophy or viewpoint. In the context of Indian philosophy, it refers to the six orthodox schools, including Sankhya, Yoga, and Vedanta.
44) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra in Indian traditions refers to esoteric practices and rituals focused on spiritual awakening and enlightenment.
45) Siddha:
Siddha refers to a perfected being with extraordinary spiritual and physical powers. Kapila, the founder of Sankhya, is considered a Siddha in the Bhagavad Gita.
46) Dravya:
Dravya in Sankhya and Vaisheshik philosophies refers to substance or matter that possesses qualities and actions. It is one of the foundational categories in these systems.
47) Tattva:
Tattva means element or principle in Indian philosophy. Sankhya enumerates twenty-five such Tattvas that constitute the universe and the human body.
48) Shakti (Sakti):
Shakti refers to power or energy. In Arthashastra, it denotes three forms: Mantrashakti (counsel), Prabhavashakti (army and treasury), and Utsahshakti (personal energy).
49) Dharma:
Dharma is a key concept in Hindu philosophy, representing righteousness, duty, and moral behavior. It is one of the four Purusharthas, or goals of human life.
50) Atreya:
Atreya is a sage mentioned in Ayurvedic texts like Charak Samhita, contributing to the understanding of mental health and treatments.
51) Ashrama (Asrama):
Ashram refers to one of the four stages of life in Hindu tradition: Brahmacharya, Grihastha, Vanaprastha, and Sannyasa. They are integral in the pursuit of Dharma and Moksha.
52) Indian:
Indian refers to anything related to India, including its rich traditions of philosophy, medicine like Ayurveda, and spiritual practices.
53) Varta:
Varta in Arthashastra refers to economic activities like agriculture, cattle-rearing, and trade, essential for the administration of a state.
54) Varna:
Varna refers to the classification of society into four groups in Hindu tradition: Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras, each with specific duties and responsibilities.
55) Death:
Death in Ayurveda is inherently connected with the body's ability to protect itself from diseases. The study of life and its protection from death is known as Ayurveda.
56) Vayu:
Vaayu is one of the five elements in Sankhya philosophy, representing air and associated with the vital energy (prana) in the body.
57) Atman (Atma):
Aatma, or Atman, refers to the soul or self in Hindu philosophy. It is considered the true essence of an individual, beyond the physical body and mind.
58) Agni:
Agni is one of the five elements in Sankhya philosophy, representing fire. It plays a crucial role in metabolic and transformative processes in the body.
59) Tree:
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna mentions various forms of trees to symbolize different aspects of divinity and cosmic principles. The Banyan tree is highlighted as a significant representation.
60) Mental disorder:
In Ayurveda, mental disorders are addressed through spiritual and scriptural knowledge, and practices like Samadhi (focused meditation), as guided by the principles of Yoga.
61) Human life:
Human life is studied in Ayurveda and Sankhya philosophy as a microcosm of the universe, encompassing various elements and their interactions for holistic well-being.
62) Transformation (Transform, Transforming):
Transformation in Sankhya philosophy refers to the process of evolution and change from Prakriti to the manifested world, influenced by the Gunas and interactions with Purusha.
63) Righteousness:
[see: Dharma]
64) Purushartha (Purusartha, Purusha-artha):
Purushartha refers to the four aims of human life in Hindu philosophy: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kaam (desire), and Moksha (liberation).
65) Unconscious:
Unconscious in Sankhya philosophy refers to Prakriti, the inert matter that requires interaction with Purusha, the conscious principle, to create the universe.
66) Agriculture:
[see: Varta]
67) Yogakshema (Yogaksema, Yoga-kshema):
Yogakshema in Arthashastra refers to the protection and welfare of the state and its subjects, emphasizing the ruler's duty to ensure stability and prosperity.
68) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pittadosha in Ayurveda is one of the three vital energies, primarily associated with the element of fire and responsible for metabolism and transformation in the body.
69) Discussion:
Discussion in the article covers the interconnectedness of Sankhya philosophy with other Indian philosophies and its implications for Ayurveda, statecraft in Arthashastra, and spiritual teachings in the Bhagavad Gita.
70) Science (Scientific):
Scientific approaches in Sankhya philosophy involve the systematic enumeration and analysis of elements (Tattvas) that constitute the universe and human body.
71) Bhagavata:
[see: Bhagavadgita]
72) Gandharva (Gamdharva, Gamdharvadurve):
[see source text or glossary: Gandharva]
73) Prayojana:
Prayojana in the context of the article refers to the ultimate purpose or objective of Ayurveda and Sankhya philosophy, which is to achieve liberation (Moksha) by relieving oneself from miseries and diseases.
74) Vatadosha (Vatadosa, Vata-dosha):
Vatadosha in Ayurveda is one of the three Doshas, associated with the elements of air and ether, governing movement and communication in the body.
75) Hinduism:
Hinduism is the ancient religion and cultural tradition of India, encompassing various philosophies such as Sankhya, Yoga, and Vedanta, and practices like Ayurveda.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 120]