A utility of holistic health in shrimad bhagavad gita and patanjali Yog Sutra: A review

Material

Samadhi pada– first chapter of 51 sutras

Several of the sutras focus on concentration, as the chapter suggests. The main idea of this chapter is to silence the mind and realize oneself. It starts with the definitions of Yoga. The chapter discusses mental changes and ways to halt them. It explains the nine barriers, the four things they are accompanied by, and how to cope with and eliminate them. The chapter discusses the wide varieties of Samadhi and stresses the need to balance ongoing effort and the mindset of letting go to achieve mental quiet. The concept and emblem of Ishwar are also introduced in this chapter. Self-awareness is the central concept of this chapter. 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Sadhan pada –second chapter of 55 sutras

This chapter takes a practical approach by outlining various methods for achieving mental stillness and concentration. The highlights of this chapter include kriya yoga, kleshas, and the first five angas of Ashtanga Yoga's bahiranga Yoga. The chapter comprises the essential practices and strategies presented methodically to help achieve inner silence and remove mental disturbances.3, 9, 11, 12, 13

Vibhuti pada– third chapter of 55 sutras

The chapter is all about the superpowers the Sadhaka acquires due to intense focus, as the title suggests. This chapter begins with the three Angas that make up Ashtanga Yoga's Antaranga Yoga and lists the siddhis and vibhutis that can be reached by meditating on various objects while in the sabija Samadhi state. To achieve the next stage, nirbija Samadhi, which comes after sabija Samadhi, these siddhis/vibhutis must be abandoned, according to the advice of the sage Patanjali.3, 9, 12, 13, 14

Kaivalya Pada –fourth chapter of 34 sutras

In this chapter, various Buddhist philosophical doctrines are debunked while discussing kaivalya, or emancipation. Thus, the sadhaka distinguishes between the authentic self and the empirical self. After all, contaminants have been removed and latent inclinations eliminated, intelligence can show. The sadhaka is in the dharma magha samadhi stage, in which ignorance, the source of all suffering, is eradicated, and the mind is transcendent to reach self-realization (kaivalya).3, 9, 11, 14

The ashtanga of Patanjali might be viewed as one of his many ways, which range from comprehending the mind to transcending the mind.

The ashtangas address the eight facets of human personality—social, personal, physical, psychological, mental/emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. Each anga deals with a different aspect of personality and serves as a springboard for the following anga or level. 3, 9, 12, 15 The method recommended in the Patanjali Yoga Sutra is called Ashtanga Yoga, and it involves a clear transition from the exterior world of science to the internal realm of spirituality. Individuals may advance at varying rates on their inner quest for self-realization.8, 9 The concept of spirituality gives the Indian perspective on personality a broader scope and more profound depth.

A person's personality can be developed at any age by practicing new skills and learning good character traits; socioeconomic status may not have much of an impact on personality development.3, 8, 9 The tri guna theory, the panch kosha theory, the chatur ashrama notion, and the purushartha model are only a few examples of how to understand and develop the personality that Indian philosophy advocated. According to the law of karma, a person's character can grow throughout several incarnations, and the efforts made during this lifetime are never in vain. Also, it was concluded that personality could be analyzed on two levels. 3, 7, 12 One at a lesser level—the apara level—entirely depends on the growth of good qualities and characteristics in the body, mind, and chosen. The second, or higher level, is based on developing the spirit or internal conciseness and good qualities and attributes of the body, mind, and intellect. In the Indian context, a wholly developed personality is defined as being fully "awakened" or "conscious" at all times. The goal of personality development is to come to terms with one's true nature.3, 7, 11, 15 The Patanjali Yoga Sutra offers practical advice as well as several ready-to-use methods that can be used for personality development, including chitta prasadana, manash sthiti nibandhini procedures, pratipaksa bhavana, and Ektattva abhyasa. Ashtanga Yoga enables one to become aware of and aware of one's efforts and work on one's qualities and attributes. Discover their nature and, in each anga of Ashtanga Yoga, a person confronts and then surpasses the restriction of their soul, body, and mind to live at peace with themselves and connect with the sanctorum, the core of personality. 3, 7, 16, 17 A person who practices the Patanjali Yoga Sutra develops a physically fit, emotionally stable, intellectually brilliant, and spiritually awakened essence.16, 17

Patanjali's Yoga Sutra propounds the Ashtanga Yoga or eight parts or limbs.8, 15, 18

Figure 1

The eight parts of Ashtanga YogaSource: https://www.gympik.com/articles/everything-about-Yoga/ashtanga

These eight parts or angas are hierarchical in nature, and the practice of each anga provides a unique benefit of its own. 8, 15, 18 It does not fulfill its purpose fully if it does not lead the aspirant to the next angas and Samadhi. Its optimum effect can be seen when Yoga is incorporated into the daily lifestyle and not practice getting rid of some physical or mental ailment. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

The description of holistic health in the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita

Holy Gita, regarded as one of the earliest revelations from God, is a world. The notion of absolute truth is found in the Bhagavad Gita. The most sacred metaphysical science is covered in the Bhagavad Gita. An ancient Hindu holy text called the Bhagavad Gita is authored with people of all backgrounds and ages in mind. 17, 19 There is no need to explain the Bhagavad Gita, revered in both Eastern and Western cultures. The Bhagavad Gita addresses the daily concerns, inhibitions, and problems people occasionally encounter. Hence, it is also persons of any gender, ethnicity, religion, or culture can use it. 20, 21 The Vedas and Upanishads are summarized in the Bhagavad Gita. It is both a shastra of Yoga and Brahmavidya. It imparts Brahma Vidyayam, Yoga Sastre, and srikrishnarjuna samvade. Theory, Practice, and Realization are what it denotes. Understanding theory, doing it in reality, and realizing it may help someone deal with life's daily stresses.17, 19, 20, 21

The Bhagavad Gita, in which Lord Krishna spoke during the battle of Kurukshetra in the Mahabharata, is the solution to all troubles and fears. The Bhagavad Gita offers real-world examples of how to deal with the difficulties that people encounter every day. The Gita is essentially a dialogue between Arjuna, who experiences despair at learning to fight his relatives, and Lord Krishna, who offers him support in dealing with his predicament and stress.21, 22 The Bhagavad Gita is more than just religious or philosophical literature; its more than 700 verses provide wisdom on all facets of life and are generally applicable. Understanding the Bhagavad Gita's concepts and their application to daily life is crucial for using it as a stress-reduction and management technique.21, 23 The Sacred Gita, regarded as one of the earliest revelations from God, is one of India's greatest gifts to the world. A global truth doctrine is found in the Bhagavad Gita. The most sacred metaphysical science is covered in the Bhagavad Gita. Since diabetes is a lifestyle condition, one's lifestyle must be altered entirely, including modifications to fundamental practices like nutrition and exercise.21, 22, 23, 24 This concise communication uses Bhagavad Gita lessons to assist in dealing with diseases, particularly chronic illnesses like diabetes. To illustrate how one might handle the stress of a condition like diabetes, the essay quotes verses from the Bhagavad Gita.20, 21, 22

The Bhagavad Gita seeks to liberate humanity spiritually. Lord Krishna has recommended several self-realization ways for this reason. 15, 18 The purpose of all these spiritual paths known as yogas, which include Gyan Yoga, which focuses on knowledge, Karma Yoga, which emphasizes effort; and bhakti yoga, which emphasizes love and devotion, is the soul's emancipation.15, 23, 24 The road of the Gita is a liberation route that travels from obscurity to illumination and from a constrained existence to limitlessness.15

Gyan Yog -The understanding of Atma Gyan or Brahma Gyan is called the "Gyan" in the Bhagavad Gita. The Gyan Yoga is described in the fourth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. Yoga means "union," which further clarifies what the term "Gyan Yoga" means: the union of the human with the Gyan or knowledge. The ability to understand one's inner self and the universe is known as atma gyan.24, 25 Atma gyan, or the inside of the universe, also known as emancipation, when concentrating in stillness and seven chakras begin to recite within us. Mind is the result of all the world's uncertainties and queries. It doesn't need any more clarification because there are no longer any questions in mind. It begins to regard this world as materialistic and lose interest in material things. Everything in this world appears to be an illusion or a delusion.26, 27

Thoughts travel into unbreakable, perpetual delight, grow unattached, and remain quiet and calm despite being constantly active. Our reactions to opposites like happiness and sorrow, success and failure, are no longer the same.

Finally, we achieve this soul's ultimate objective: to become one with God and be released from the cycle of rebirths.27, 28

Bhakti Yog- Arjun asks Shree Krishna about the two categories of yogis and which one he thinks is the most flawless at the beginning of the chapter. Devotees can reach Him through either route, according to Shree Krishna. He nonetheless regards those who worship his bodily form as the finest yogis. Shree Krishna highlights devotion as the best path among all spiritual practices in this short chapter of 20 verses. 17, 20, 28

The unmanifest part of God is challenging to contemplate, and he continues to say to Arjun. As a result, worshipping the formless is a difficult road for embodied spirits to follow. On the other hand, those who adore Him in His form devote everything they do to Him. They reach Him by intentionally surrendering their thoughts and intellect. These souls quickly escape the cycle of life and death. As a result, Shree Krishna commands Arjun to cast aside all skepticism and submit his thoughts, keeping his focus centered on loving faith in God entirely. According to Shree Krishna, striving souls do not inherently possess such devotion to God. 25, 26, 27 Dedication is not some mystical gift that one might acquire; it must be consistently nurtured. Shree Krishna advises Arjun to try to perform all of his tasks with devotion to God if he cannot immerse himself in God entirely. And he will become flawless with continued practice. 20, 21, 22 If he can't even do this, Arjun should work for Shree Krishna's pleasure. And if he thinks that even this is challenging, he should give up the results of all his labors and stay grounded in himself. 20, 21, 22, 23

In addition, Shree Krishna explains that knowledge is elevated beyond mechanical practice, and meditation is elevated above both. However, renaming the fruits of acts is superior to meditation because it immediately brings about enormous calm. The remainder of this chapter details all the great traits of God's devoted followers, who hold a special place in His heart. 20, 21, 22

Karma Yoga is the spiritual discipline of "selfless activity performed for the benefit of others," based on Lord Krishna's statement in the Bhagavad Gita. By labor, one can achieve moksha (spiritual emancipation) through Karma Yoga. In chapter 3, Shree Krishna elaborates on karma Yoga, often known as the Yoga of action. He emphasizes to Arjun that no one can remain still for even a little period. All beings are obligated by their fundamental natures to always participate in some work.20, 22, 23

Those who engage in karma you are superior because they continue to work hard to meet their obligations on the outside while remaining detached from them on the inside. On the other hand, the hypocrites portray an outward renunciation while internally focusing on their senses' objects.11, 12, 17

According to Shree Krishna, all living things are essential components of God's Creation and have obligations to fulfill. The Vedas advise doing ‘yaja’ to appease the celestial gods, who provide financial benefits. These yajas bring about rain, which facilitates the growth of food grains necessary for supporting life on Earth.11, 12, 25 Those who live just for their senses' enjoyment and refuse to recognize their part in this cycle, live a sinful and fruitless life. Yet, Shree Krishna asserts that performing activities or mandated obligations out of obligation to God qualifies them as yaja (sacrifice). He explains that enlightened spirits are not required to carry out their bodily duties compared to the rest of humanity.11, 12, 17 They carry out higher duties of the soul and are positioned in self-knowledge. They do not, however, neglect their social responsibilities because doing so may upset the minds of the ordinary people who look up to them for motivation. To provide a good example for others to follow, the wise continue to work without any personal gain. According to Shree Krishna, one example of an enlightened ruler is King Janak, who fulfilled his earthly obligations as an ideal ruler and parent.11, 12, 25

Afterward, Arjun queries Shree Krishna as to why sin is committed by humans even when they do not intend to. According to Lord Krishna, the evil, all-devouring foe is lust alone. Desire obscures knowledge and fools the brain, just as smoke confuses a fire or dust covers a mirror. Conclusively, Shree Krishna counseled Arjun to conquer the enemy known as desire, an embodiment of sin, by mastering the senses, intellect, and mind.

Shree Krishna counseled Arjun to conquer the enemy known as desire, an embodiment of sin, by mastering the senses, intellect, and mind.

Even if one's task lacks worth, it is preferable to another's well-executed responsibility. Death in one's duty is preferable; another person's duty is more dangerous (is productive of positive danger).

The Bhagavad Gita recommends specific foods to help us maintain our compassion after consuming them. The Gita claims that Lord Krishna informed us of the consequences of eating particular foods. The body and mind are directly affected by food consumption. Many of us rarely think about how our bodies are impacted by diet.11, 12, 20, 21, 22

In the Gita, Lord Krishna distinguishes between three forms of food: sattvic (excellent), Rajasic (passionate), and (ignorant) Tamasic.

The Bhagavad Gita references how important eating is to daily life. Lord Krishna's statement in the Bhagavad Gita states that our foods reflect our personalities and directly impact our minds and souls. Eating improves health, lengthens life, and purifies the mind.

"There are three forms of natural faith in embodied beings: goodness, passion, and ignorance," responded Lord Krishna.11, 12, 20, 21

The Rajasic mode worships demons and supernatural rulers, the Tamasic way worships ghosts and spirits, and the Sattvic way worships heavenly lords. Every person has a natural religion that they are born into, which can be one of three kinds: Sattvic (mode of goodness), Rajasic (mode of passion), or Tamasic (mode of ignorance). This person's personality and diet go hand in hand or the other way around.11, 12, 20, 21

Nowadays, people discuss healthy eating, the keto diet, and numerous other diets, but they disregard Lord Krishna's declaration in the Bhagavad Gita on the three types of food.

Comparative study of shrimad Bhagavad Geeta and Patanjali Yog Sutra

In Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna addresses humanity's social, mental, physical, and spiritual well-being like Gyan Yog, Karma Yog, Bhakti Yog, and what Krishna says about eating in the chapter. Three different forms of food exist. The three dietary groups, sattvic, tamasic, and rajasic, impact our overall physical, mental, and spiritual health. Maharshi Patanjali mentions this in the Patanjali Yoga Sutra. The yam, niyam, asan, pranayama, pratyahar, dharna, dhayana, and smadhi all contribute to a better quality of life and overall physical health. First was the Bhagavad-Gita. It was written near the end of the Dwaparayuga Yuga by Maharshi Vyasa. It dates back more than 5000 years. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali were written during the Kali Yuga, between 800 and 1000 B.C. 31, 32, 33, 34, 35

The Bhagavad Gita is a discussion between Lord Krishna and his disciple and friend Arjuna that contains the teachings of Lord Krishna.

The Mahabharata contains the Bhagavad Gita. Sage Vyasa was the author of this epic. The Bhagavad Gita has 701 shlokas, or short poetry in Sanskrit, with few lines and fixed meters (changes). The Gita outlines how a person should live their life and how to stop reincarnating and experiencing sorrow continuously. The Gita discusses a wide range of subjects, including how to worship, how to meditate, how to serve others, how to work, what Sannyasa is, what bhakti or true faith is, what knowledge is, how the universe is created, who God is, what Creation is. 2, 5, 11, 13

Based on the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, Yoga is a life lesson and a purification of our actions to control the mind and sense organs called indriyas. It is divided into eighteen chapters, all regarded as Yoga. Sage Patanjali wrote the Patanjali Yoga Sutras a great deal later. It has 196 sutras. Every sutra discusses Yoga, sadhana, how to reach higher states of consciousness, and ultimately how to attain salvation or kaivalya. Because of its depth and thoroughness, it is regarded as a Great Yoga Scripture. Sutras are succinct explanations of any philosophical topic. 2, 5, 11, 13 The 196 ancient Indian texts that make up the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali lay the groundwork for yoga practice and chart the way to enlightenment. The sutras touch on various subjects, including the nature of the mind, how to practice Yoga, and how to achieve spiritual emancipation.2, 5, 11, 13

The need for holistic health in the present time

People live unhealthy lifestyles, contributing to medical issues such as metabolic disorders, joint and bone disorders, cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, obesity, aggression, etc. A holistic approach to health is required to deal with the leading cause of the problem from the root rather than merely the symptoms. It gives people the power to govern their health and well-being. 13, 15 Self-analysis, comparison, and overthinking are fundamental causes of mental illness. Finding long-term treatments for current diseases and preventing new ones are equally important. Mental, physical, spiritual, intellectual, and social health are the five fundamental pillars of holistic health and living. 28, 30, 31 The food we consume, how much exercise, whom we spend with, and where we work significantly impact our mental health. Since our minds and bodies are intertwined, maintaining a healthy sense will also keep a healthy body. 10 We can accomplish several essential life goals with the aid of physical fitness. Various exercises can assist the body in finding the proper balance in life. Exercise routines should promote flexibility, blood circulation, stress reduction, improved sleep, and other health benefits.36 Our body can produce any chemical that is relevant to our internal state. For example, if we are happy, sad, blissful, negative, or furious, our body will release the corresponding chemical. We are all made of energy, but we lose sight of them daily. Maintain faith, be optimistic, take tiny steps, practice mindfulness, allow for self-appreciation, and remain grounded and humble.36, 37, 38

Five no communicable diseases (NCDs) raise the chance of developing these illnesses. By its very nature, Yoga helps the body become energetic, reflective, and quiet. It reduces non-communicable diseases risk factors by discouraging using trans fats and cigarettes. There is adequate evidence to conclude that Yoga is beneficial for conditions like heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and mental illnesses.39, 40 One research also suggested that different local (oral) infections in older people directly affect several other health outcomes. The number of reviews has significantly increased, demonstrating that oral health can directly or indirectly impact an aged person's overall physical, mental, and social well-being.37, 41, 42, 43 On the other hand, workplace conditions and pressure affect an individual's health holistically. The World Health Organization asserts that the occupational health of the population is compromised now more than ever and adopts a legally binding global plan for member countries and their occupational health experts to take immediate action to address the needs of working people's overall health.43, 44 Occupational health's future orientation towards holistic medicine was crucial to benefit employees' health and improve the quality of their lives to develop a more compassionate society and professional validation. Salutogenic concepts and occupational health promotion may play essential roles.43, 44, 45 It has been proposed that the healthy settings approach still significantly improves overall health after reviewing the history, theory, and practice of settings-based health promotion and exploring implications, challenges, and opportunities arising from key issues influencing public health. 46 The Shrimad Bhagavad Gita makes coping mechanisms for various life situations clear—Gyan Yoga, which emphasizes knowledge. Karma Yoga, which emphasizes effort, and Bhakti Yoga, which emphasizes love and devotion, are the goals of all three spiritual disciplines. After consuming certain foods (Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic), the Bhagavad Gita advises us to keep our compassion. The Patanjali Yoga Sutra promotes the simultaneous development of a physically fit personality, an emotionally stable nature, a bright mind, and a spiritually enlightened nature.