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Time of India
4 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Heal your life – 1: Medical science embraces spiritual wisdom
The writer is a national-level swimmer and record-holding mountaineer. She also serves as vice-president of Tourist Guides Association, Mumbai, the only group of govt-approved guides, licensed and trained by the ministry of tourism LESS ... MORE Life is beautiful—and becomes even more meaningful when it is driven by purpose. At birth, most of us arrive with perfect bodies and pure minds. But as we grow, we unknowingly begin to pollute this perfection—with impure food, unhealthy lifestyles, negative thoughts, and toxic emotions. We spend the first half of our lives working hard to earn money and the other half spending that money on trying to restore our deteriorated health. Is there a way to live life fully while maintaining physical, emotional, and mental well-being? Can we live not just a long life, but a wholesome one? True wellness arises from a balance between the material and the spiritual. Importantly, spirituality is not about rituals—not about visiting temples daily and practising dishonesty outside them. It is about living a righteous, conscious life. The science behind spirituality Let's begin with a symbol familiar to all: the global medical emblem. Once represented by a red cross, it has now been largely replaced by the Caduceus—a rod with two serpents entwined around it, topped with wings and a glowing orb. This ancient Greek symbol, associated with Hermes (the messenger god), is rich with esoteric meaning. In spiritual science, this rod symbolises the spinal column, the central conduit of life force that governs all organs. Where the snakes cross corresponds to energy centres or chakras in the etheric/energy body. The two serpents represent the dual aspects of the nervous system—the motor and memory channels. In yogic philosophy, these are the Ida (lunar, feminine) and Pingala (solar, masculine) energy pathways. The central rod is the Sushumna, through which Kundalini energy—the coiled feminine power at the base of the spine—ascends when awakened, bringing wisdom and enlightenment. This concept is reflected across spiritual traditions: In Hinduism, Shiva's Trishul represents Ida, Pingala, and Sushumna. In Chinese Taoism, the concept of Yin and Yang parallels this duality; so does the Ardhanarishwar. The alchemical marriage in Western mysticism represents this energetic balance. Lord Ganesha's snake belt signifies that his Kundalini has reached the navel chakra. Cleopatra's serpent crown reflects her energy reaching the forehead chakra. Numerous deities—from Shiva Lingam, Gautam Buddha, Mahaveer, Lord Vishnu, etc.—are depicted with multi-headed serpents behind them, indicating varying degrees of awakened energy (3, 5, or 7 heads representing the layers opened). Even in modern times, this spiritual system underpins the very symbol of global medicine—a silent acknowledgement that spiritual science is now accepted by medical science. The unseen is not unreal Just because we cannot see something does not mean it doesn't exist. We cannot see love, anger, jealousy, or sorrow—yet we feel them powerfully. Similarly, the chakras, nadis, and aura are subtle energies that science is beginning to measure. Devices like Kirlian cameras and GDV cameras have now captured images of auras, emotions, and chakras, even the rise of Kundalini energy. Physics identifies four states of matter: solid, liquid, gas, and plasma. When gas is heated further, it becomes plasma—a state so refined that its particles are more dispersed than in air. Our bodies are made of all four: primarily liquid, then solid, gas, and subtle plasma. The yogic tradition describes several subtle bodies: Physical Body: Composed of organs, tissues, muscles, bones, etc. Etheric Body: Houses our senses and vitality. Emotional or Astral Body: Holds our emotions. Mental Body: Our thoughts reside here. Causal Body: Stores accumulated karma. When negative emotions and thoughts accumulate in the emotional and mental bodies, they filter into the physical body—eventually manifesting as disease. A real-life example Consider a young boy hospitalised with a fractured leg. After three weeks, expecting to be discharged, he is told he must stay for two more. Disappointed, he becomes emotionally low. His sadness deepens into depression. Though the injury is physical, the emotional body is now impacted. Gradually, this emotional burden affects his appetite, energy, and social behaviour—proving how intimately the bodies are interconnected. True healing, therefore, must address not just the physical, but the emotional and mental imbalances as well. The symbolism of the serpent and wings The snake—often feared—is a universal symbol of healing, rebirth, and transformation. It periodically molts or sheds its skin, which is a symbol of 'letting go,' releasing old patterns, regeneration, and renewal. The wings atop the Caduceus remind us to elevate our lives by balancing the material and the spiritual. The golden orb represents the illumined soul, our highest, most divine potential. The presence of the Caduceus in hospitals and clinics today affirms a subtle but powerful shift: modern medicine acknowledges the ancient wisdom of energy, consciousness, and spiritual balance. Spiritual science in modern healing Today, many chronic ailments are traced back to emotional or psychological roots. In the subsequent articles, all of which are inspired by the teachings of my guru, Pranic Healing founder Grand Master Choa Kok Sui, I will eleborate on the following topics: How lifelong suppressed anger can lead to arthritis and chronic back pain. How lifelong suppressed stress and worry are linked to diabetes. How lifelong suppressed resentment and bitterness can eventually affect kidney function severely. Understanding these patterns allows us to not only heal but transform. By integrating spiritual wisdom into daily life, we can live with clarity, vitality, joy, and good health. You may heal your body and your life with this wisdom. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Time of India
Tourism in India
The writer is a national-level swimmer and record-holding mountaineer. She also serves as vice-president of Tourist Guides Association, Mumbai, the only group of govt-approved guides, licensed and trained by the ministry of tourism LESS ... MORE Since my early childhood, the anticipation of our annual vacation filled me with immense excitement. Every year, during Durga Puja and Diwali holidays, my parents would plan our family vacation to a new destination. Each trip offered a unique experience — sometimes the tranquil seashores, other times the majestic Himalayas, the dense forests with cascading waterfalls, or the historical marvels of our country. By the time I was a teenager, we had traversed from the serene valleys of Kashmir to the sun-soaked shores of Kanyakumari, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the unexplored interiors of Arunachal Pradesh. These trips were more than just vacations; they were immersive experiences witnessing the diversity of India — its cultures, cuisines, festivals, heritage, spirituality, art, craft, and music. We explored places steeped in history, visited ancient temples and forts, and wandered through picturesque villages that were still untouched by modernity. We experienced the rich tapestry of India's cultural heritage. We ventured deep into the forests of Arunachal Pradesh and embarked on trekking expeditions in the Himalayas. In fact, we began trekking in the late 1970s when such activities were considered unconventional. People often asked us, 'Why do you spend money to go to the mountains and experience hardship?' But my father, an avid Enfield biker, had a zest for exploration. We mostly stayed in state tourism hotels, forest department lodges, or PWD bungalows. These places, though not luxurious, were strategically located in some of the most breathtaking spots. I realised early on that the tourism department had prime properties in every destination. I continue to choose these options, not just for their location but for the safety, security, and loving and caring hospitality they offer. Whenever possible, we stayed at ITDC hotels, which, at the time, were considered more comfortable than most state-run accommodation. We also opted for their guided sightseeing tours, which were comprehensive and informative. Over time, I realised that Indian tourism guides, licensed and specially trained by the ministry of tourism, were some of the best in the country. They possessed in-depth knowledge — from history to culture, and mythology to architecture — making each tour an enriching experience. Private guides, though cheap, mostly lacked the credibility and expertise, and many duped the tourist with inaccurate information and made-up stories. For a true traveller, location often holds more value than luxury. Authentic travel is about experiencing a destination in its entirety — feeling the pulse of the place, engaging with its culture, and soaking in its natural beauty. When travelling to spiritual places, I prefer staying in modest places that are close to the temple or ashram, allowing me to absorb the divine energy and feel the spiritual aura of the place. Similarly, when visiting historic sites, I choose heritage hotels run by state tourism that have retained their original architecture and essence. When hosting foreign guests, I make it a point to take them to government emporiums instead of malls, where they can purchase authentic handicrafts, textiles, and traditional artifacts. By doing so, we not only support local artisans but also preserve the essence of India's art and handicraft. This principle is rooted in our history — India, for centuries, was a self-sufficient nation that attracted traders from around the world with its abundance of silk, cotton, spices, gems, and medicinal herbs. Before the Mughal invasion, India's share of the global GDP was between 25% to 35%. However, by the time the British left in 1947, it had plummeted to a mere 4.2%. Today, the Indian tourism sector has the potential to elevate the country's treasures. India is not just about the Taj Mahal, but about iconic human creations like the 24 ancient temples of Khajuraho, the historic Nalanda University, the magnificent Sanchi Stupa, the stunning shore temples of Mamallapuram, the awe-inspiring Ajanta and Ellora Caves, and the Konark Sun Temple. These sites are magnets for foreign tourists who come to explore the depth and grandeur of India's cultural heritage. However, there is a need for increased awareness among Indian tourists. Rather than spending money on luxury hotels and foreign brands, they should be encouraged to explore their own country, support local artisans, and promote Indian culture. By doing so, they not only enrich their own travel experiences but also contribute to the nation's GDP and help preserve the country's rich heritage for future generations. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
