Soul, Mind and Diseases: Rishi Parikshi Maudgalya’s Philosophy

Long ago, the great sages gathered to discuss whether diseases and humans originate from the same source?

Various opinions came out, the first one by Maudgalya Parikshi.

His philosophy on diseases offers a unique view of health. In this article, we'll explore his key ideas about how diseases occur.

The Soul as the Cause of Diseases

According to Rishi Parikshi Maudgalya, the soul is the root cause of diseases. The soul, or Atma (Jivatma), is not just a spiritual concept. It plays an active role in our health. The soul is the source of all actions. It is also where we experience the results of these actions, including diseases.

Diseases are not random occurrences. They are connected to our inner self. The soul creates the conditions that lead to diseases. This means our health is closely linked to the state of our soul.

Consciousness and Its Role in Health

Consciousness, or Chetna (चेतना), is a key element in Parikshi Maudgalya's philosophy. Consciousness is necessary for experiencing both pleasure and pain. Without consciousness, health and disease cannot exist.

Consciousness acts like a bridge between the soul and the body. It allows us to experience the world and respond to it. When this connection is disturbed, it can lead to diseases. Therefore, maintaining balanced consciousness is vital for health.

The Mind's Impact on Health

The mind plays a significant role in Rishi Parikshi Maudgalya's philosophy. The mind processes sensory information and influences how we react to it. This connection affects our health.

A calm mind leads to a healthy body. A disturbed mind can create conditions for disease. Negative thoughts and emotions are harmful. They disrupt the balance between mind and body. This shows that mental health is crucial for physical well-being.

The Influence of Actions

Actions, known as Karma (कर्म), are central to Parikshi Maudgalya's philosophy. He believed that our actions impact our health. The soul is both the doer and the experiencer of actions. This means that past actions can influence present health conditions.

Diseases can result from past actions. This perspective encourages us to live mindfully. Being aware of our actions can help prevent illness. Understanding this connection helps us make healthier choices.

The Process of Transformation

Parikshi Maudgalya spoke about transformation. It's the process from unmanifest to manifest. This cycle is key to understanding diseases.

Diseases arise when this natural transformation is disrupted. The body is constantly undergoing changes. An imbalance in this process can cause diseases. Maintaining harmony in transformation is crucial for health.

Balance of Elements

Rishi Parikshi Maudgalya emphasized the importance of balance. He acknowledged the role of elemental harmony in health. While he didn't focus on Vata, Pitta, and Kapha directly, he understood their importance.

Imbalance in elements like air, water, and fire leads to disease. Achieving balance is vital for well-being.

The Importance of Mindful Living

Mindful living is central to Parikshi Maudgalya's philosophy. He advocated for awareness of actions and their impact. This mindfulness helps prevent diseases.

Living consciously aligns our actions with spiritual health. This promotes physical and mental well-being.

The Role of Desires and Aversions

Parikshi Maudgalya identified desires and aversions as drivers of actions. Desires (Iccha - इच्छा) and aversions (Dvesha - द्वेष) can lead to imbalance. They create conditions for diseases if left unchecked.

Managing desires is important for maintaining health. Spiritual practices can help achieve this balance. They promote overall well-being.

Conclusion

Rishi Parikshi Maudgalya's philosophy offers a holistic view of health. It connects the soul, mind, and body to the occurrence of diseases. The soul is the root cause, while consciousness and actions play key roles. Mental and physical health are deeply linked.

Mindful living and balanced consciousness prevent diseases. Understanding this helps us make healthier choices. We can improve our well-being by aligning with our soul's purpose.

This philosophy encourages a balanced life. It teaches us to live mindfully. By doing so, we can enjoy better health and happiness.

However the other Sages, disagreed with Maudgalya Parikshi.

Ramaswamy Sastry and Vighnesh Ghanapaathi