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Editorial
Spiritual Well-Being: The Fourth Dimension of Health
The classic definition of health according to the World
Health Organization (WHO) is, ‘Health is a state of
physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely
an absence of disease or infirmity’.1This definition, could
have, been easily from the ancient, spiritual teachings
of India, except that the concept of health has an added
dimension – ‘spiritual health’. It is heartening to note
that discussion on adding spiritual health to the classical
definition of health has now started.
The entire world’s health and well-being is the key
concern. “SarveBhavantuSukinah!” (May the entire
world be in a state of happiness and well-being), said
the Vedas. Now, although, spiritual health is the ultimate
aim, the practical steps, start from physical health to
mental health – calmness, tranquility, and the next step,
true spiritual happiness.
This comes with the understanding that we are all part of
one whole, a network of different centers through which
the all-pervading Supreme Consciousness manifests.
As the Ishavasya Upanishad says, “Ishavashyam,
IdamSarvam”. To understand this common origin and
identity, with the all-pervading consciousness, whose
very nature is peace, joy, and tranquility (“Sat Chit
Ananda”), is the aim of all spiritual theory and practice.
The sages established in this state, say, “Anando Hum,
Anando Hum – I am bliss, I am happiness”.
If physical health alone were important, why would
thousands of sleeping tablets be sold? Man needs rest
and tranquility above all. There are perfectly, physically
healthy people, who go around with a sad face. I meet
many. Either their egos are hurt or they cannot sleep.
Somebody told me, “I’ll pay you anything to get some
sleep. I am sick and tired of sleeping tablets.”
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Now, the question is—is there a way of life that brings
about a state of well-being and is there practical ways of
achieving this? Yes! The science of Ayurveda, actually
deals with ‘Ayu’ – life, and is not a set of prescriptions
for certain symptoms. A certain diet, a simple way of life
is the root of Ayurveda, not drugs, which can be easily
bought across the counter.
Yoga is the practical approach to create a balanced life.
Although, in Hollywood, yoga is practiced to create an
hourglass figure, the real yogi is one who leads a holistic
life – ‘WHO – listic’ life. The definition of yoga, according
to the Yoga Sutras, is “YogashCittaVrittiNirodha”. Yoga
is the stilling of the agitations of the mind. The postures
called ‘asanas’ are only the third step in Ashtang Yoga.
The first two are Yamas and Niyamas, which deal with
how to live: Ahimsa (non-injury to any living creature),
simplicity, few possessions, and so on.
Plenty of fresh air is required for healthy living, so no
yogi, would think of felling trees. In ancient times, trees
were worshipped. No one cuts down, what he worships.
The Peepal tree – Ficusreligiosa, is worshipped as a holy
tree. Buddha sat under it and attained “Nirvana”. The leaf
of the Peepal tree is heart-shaped, the ancient symbol of
love. To protect the forests and the environment is a part
of holistic living.
Simplicity and environmental concerns can go a long
way in countering the crass consumerism, which subverts
the movement towards healthy and holistic living. While
growth and expansion are welcome, unbridled and
unethical growth is counter-productive and cancerous,
like the disease cancer, which occurs when some of the
cells lose the DNA code that controls their reproduction
resulting in non-stop replication.
Now, coming to Pranayama. It is an important part
of yoga and is the science of how to breathe correctly,
in order to lead to a healthy life. More than that, the
1.
Preamble to the Constitution of the World Health Organization as adopted by the
International Health Conference, New York, 19-22 June, 1946; signed on 22 July 1946
by the representatives of 61 States (Official Records of the World Health Organization,
no. 2, p. 100) and entered into force on 7 April 1948.
Indian Journal of Public Health, Volume 56, Issue 4, October-December, 2012
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258
Ali SM: Spiritual Health
connection between the breathing patterns and the state
of mind of the practitioner are studied and techniques to
alter the patterns of breathingto bring about a tranquil
and stable state of mind are practiced.
Inner peace and tranquility are conducive to outer peace
and the ancient Indian philosophers believed that no
society can be termed healthy if it is in a perpetual state
of war brought about by conflict and extreme political
ambitions of a few.
The Rishis held that inner tranquility and a conflict-free
mind can alone bring about a peaceful society, for society,
after all, is made up of individuals. Compassion and love,
and not hatred, are essential to create a healthy society.
When the Rishis, taught us to chant, “Om Shanti Om”(may
there be peace), they were stressing on the importance of
the sacred dimension of health. Jesus Christ meant the
same when he said, ‘Blessed are the peace-makers, for
they shall be called the Children of God’. Every chapter
of the Quran, starts with, ‘In the name of God, the
Compassionate, the Merciful’. Love, compassion, and
mercy, these are keystones of spiritual health.
Last, but not the least, music, dance, and other performing
arts, which heal the soul and take it into ‘supra-mental’
spheres, are a necessary part of holistic health. In ancient
India, classical music, derived from the Sama Veda, was
considered sacred, the link between the human and the
divine, and the balm for the soul. Same is applicable for
Christianity and other traditions. You just have to walk
into a cathedral, when the organ is playing,you realize
the calming and healing effects of music.
To sum up, perfect health consists of physical and
mental well-being permeated by a sense of sacredness.
Everything around us, from the speck of dust to the tallest
mountain and the roaring oceans, are sacred. When this
dimension of sacredness is added to the definition of
health, the concept of health becomes multi-dimensional.
“Sarve Bhavantu Sukinah!” May the entire world be happy!
Sri Mumtaz Ali
Founder and President, The Satsang Foundation,
Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, India
E-mail: [email protected]
About the Author: Sri Mumtaz Ali, also known as Sri M is a crusader
for inter religious harmony with a deep knowledge of world religions.
In recent times – through a sister organization, Sakshi Foundation,
Sri M laid foundation of the Sarva Dharm Kendra and has facilitated a
common dialogue between followers of different religions. He has widely
travelled lecturing and helping people to explore ways and means
to expand the spiritual horizons and to lead a multi dimensional life.
Cite this article as: Ali SM. Spiritual well-being: The fourth dimension of
health. Indian J Public Health 2012;56:257-8.
Source of Support: Nil. Conflict of Interest: No.
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Indian Journal of Public Health, Volume 56, Issue 4, October-December, 2012