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== व्युतपत्तिः ॥ Etymology  ==

== व्युतपत्तिः ॥ Etymology  ==

The term Svasthya (स्वास्थ्यम्) includes स्व (Sva) = self, and स्थ (Stha) = being established. The word svastha in its original meaning refers to being established in one’s Self (Atman) which lead to svasthya, a sense of wellbeing. However, it is also used as a suffix in deha svasthya (देहस्वास्थ्यम्) and manah svasthya (मनस्स्वास्थ्यम्), to refer to physical and mental health and wellbeing. Thus it is used as a generic term.<ref name=":2" />

The term Svasthya (स्वास्थ्यम्) includes स्व (Sva) = self, and स्थ (Stha) = being established (grounded in). The word svastha in its original meaning refers to स्वस्मिन् तिष्ठति इति स्वस्थः। being grounded in one’s Self (Atman) which leads to svasthya, a sense of wellbeing. However, it is also used as a suffix in deha svasthya (देहस्वास्थ्यम्) and manah svasthya (मनस्स्वास्थ्यम्), to refer to physical and mental health and wellbeing. Thus it is used as a generic term. People tend to experience and define svaasthya depending on one’s level of identification at physical, mental and transcendental levels.<ref name=":2" />

Vachaspatyam quotes the term svasthya as applicable in health (आरोग्ये) and contentment (सन्तोषे). The Apte Sanskrit Hindi Dictionary mentions the meanings as  

Vachaspatyam quotes the term svasthya as applicable in health (आरोग्ये) and contentment (सन्तोषे). The Apte Sanskrit Hindi Dictionary mentions the meanings as  

As defined in Oxford Dictionary, the term 'well-being" is equated with "''welfare''" which in turn is conceptualized as "''satisfactory state, health, prosperity''".<ref name=":4" /> According to Monier Williams Cologne Dictionary it is defined as ''self-dependence, sound state (of body or soul), health, ease, comfort, contentment, and satisfaction''.

As defined in Oxford Dictionary, the term 'well-being" is equated with "''welfare''" which in turn is conceptualized as "''satisfactory state, health, prosperity''".<ref name=":4" /> According to Monier Williams Cologne Dictionary it is defined as ''self-dependence, sound state (of body or soul), health, ease, comfort, contentment, and satisfaction''.

=== Ayurveda definition of Svastha ===

=== Ayurveda's definition of Svastha ===

[[Acharya Sushruta (आचार्य सुश्रुतः)|Acharya Sushruta]] has defined the term [[Svasthavrtta (स्वस्थवृत्तम्)|Svastha]] as below,<blockquote>समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातुमलक्रियः। प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थ इति अभिधीयते।। (Sush. Samh.15.48)</blockquote>Meaning: Svastha means the one who has an equilibrium (सम) of [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]], [[Agni in Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदे अग्निः)|agni]], [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] and well balanced [[Malas (मलाः)|mala]] activities (in body) along with energetic/well functioning [[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)|indriyas]] (इन्द्रियाणि) and [[Manas (मनः)|manas]] (मनः) as well as [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman]].

[[Acharya Sushruta (आचार्य सुश्रुतः)|Acharya Sushruta]] has defined the term [[Svasthavrtta (स्वस्थवृत्तम्)|Svastha]] as below,<blockquote>समदोषः समाग्निश्च समधातुमलक्रियः। प्रसन्नात्मेन्द्रियमनः स्वस्थ इति अभिधीयते।। (Sush. Samh.15.48)</blockquote>Meaning: Svastha means the one who has an equilibrium (सम) of [[Doshas (दोषाः)|doshas]], [[Agni in Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदे अग्निः)|agni]], [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] and well balanced [[Malas (मलाः)|mala]] activities (in body) along with energetic/well functioning [[Indriyas (इन्द्रियाणि)|indriyas]] (इन्द्रियाणि) and [[Manas (मनः)|manas]] (मनः) as well as [[Atman (आत्मन्)|Atman]].

Freeman<ref>Freeman G L, ''The Energetics of Human Behaviour.'' Ithaca, N.Y., Cornell University Press (1948)</ref> observes that an organism or an individual tends to maintain normality against external and internal disrupting agencies by making certain psychological alterations with respect to physical and social surroundings. Thus, homeostasis which connotes an automatic normalizing physiological parameter exemplified by maintenance of body temperature, oxygen and carbondioxide levels, and so on has acquired a psychological connotation to include perceptual, and intellectual functioning of an individual. Homeostasis is a dynamic equilibrium, because the individual is constantly taking corrective/adjustive action to restore the balance.<ref name=":4" />

Freeman<ref>Freeman G L, ''The Energetics of Human Behaviour.'' Ithaca, N.Y., Cornell University Press (1948)</ref> observes that an organism or an individual tends to maintain normality against external and internal disrupting agencies by making certain psychological alterations with respect to physical and social surroundings. Thus, homeostasis which connotes an automatic normalizing physiological parameter exemplified by maintenance of body temperature, oxygen and carbondioxide levels, and so on has acquired a psychological connotation to include perceptual, and intellectual functioning of an individual. Homeostasis is a dynamic equilibrium, because the individual is constantly taking corrective/adjustive action to restore the balance.<ref name=":4" />

==== Importance of Equilibrium in Ayurveda ====

==== Holistic Equilibrium in Ayurveda ====

[[Acharya Charaka (आचार्य चरकः)|Acharya Charaka]] relates the terms [[Prakrti (प्रकृतिः)|Prakrti]], Swasthya, Sukha, Arogya, Dhatusamya as synonyms of health. He stresses that disorder is disequilibrium (asantulana) of [[Dhatus (धातवः)|Dhatus]] and their equilibrium is health. Having various qualities in right or natural quantities (sama) is considered essential for health. Asantulan (imbalance) is the cause of illness. Being healthy means balance, harmony and equilibrium in all the physiological activities of body and mind. This harmonious situation gives pleasure and eternal happiness devoid of any stress. [[Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदः)|Ayurveda]] considers the imbalance of the three [[Doshas (दोषाः)|Dosha]] as the immediate cause of all types of disease in the body. It also describes ways to attain mental balance by ‘[[Sadvrutta (सद्वृत्तम्)|Sadvrutta]]’ which means good regimen, a code of conduct for keeping a balanced condition of body and mind. Speaking truth, avoiding losing of temper in any circumstances, controlling passions and desires, not harming anyone are some of the ethical conducts described.<ref>Devan, Shweta et. al: ''The Basics of Healthy Living (Swasthavritta)'' in IAMJ: Volume 2; Issue 2; Mar - Apr 2014</ref> Acharya Sushruta also advocates the maintenance of balance (samatva) or equilibrium of the doshas, dhatus, malas and agni in the body to be a Svastha.

[[Acharya Charaka (आचार्य चरकः)|Acharya Charaka]] relates the terms [[Prakrti (प्रकृतिः)|Prakrti]], Swasthya, Sukha, Arogya, Dhatusamya as synonyms of health. He stresses that disorder is disequilibrium (asantulana) of [[Dhatus (धातवः)|Dhatus]] and their equilibrium is health. Having various qualities in right or natural quantities (sama) is considered essential for health. Asantulan (imbalance) is the cause of illness. Being healthy means balance, harmony and equilibrium in all the physiological activities of body and mind. This harmonious situation gives pleasure and eternal happiness devoid of any stress. [[Ayurveda (आयुर्वेदः)|Ayurveda]] considers the imbalance of the three [[Doshas (दोषाः)|Dosha]] as the immediate cause of all types of disease in the body. It also describes ways to attain mental balance by ‘[[Sadvrutta (सद्वृत्तम्)|Sadvrutta]]’ which means good regimen, a code of conduct for keeping a balanced condition of body and mind. Speaking truth, avoiding losing of temper in any circumstances, controlling passions and desires, not harming anyone are some of the ethical conducts described.<ref>Devan, Shweta et. al: ''The Basics of Healthy Living (Swasthavritta)'' in IAMJ: Volume 2; Issue 2; Mar - Apr 2014</ref> Acharya Sushruta also advocates the maintenance of balance (samatva) or equilibrium of the doshas, dhatus, malas and agni in the body to be a Svastha.

==== Significance of Equilibrium in Sankhya and Shrimad Bhagavadgita ====

==== Psychological Equilibrium in Sankhya and Shrimad Bhagavadgita ====

Sankhya darshana greatly stresses on the need for equilibrium of the three gunas or qualities called the Sattva (the element of poise and illumination), Rajas (the element of action and painful (dukha) experiences) and Tamas (the element of passiveness that clouds intellect and produces apathy, indifference and confusion (moha). The relation among the three gunas constituting the world is one of the constant conflict as well as cooperation. It is on the basis of the preponderance of one or the other guna that one becomes intelligent, active or indolent, and experiences various degrees of well-being or  otherwise. It is the state of samyavastha or equilibrium of the three that holds the secret to an individual's well-being.<ref name=":4" />

Sankhya darshana greatly stresses on the need for equilibrium of the three gunas or qualities called the Sattva (the element of poise and illumination), Rajas (the element of action and painful (dukha) experiences) and Tamas (the element of passiveness that clouds intellect and produces apathy, indifference and confusion (moha). The relation among the three gunas constituting the world is one of the constant conflict as well as cooperation. It is on the basis of the preponderance of one or the other guna that one becomes intelligent, active or indolent, and experiences various degrees of well-being or  otherwise. It is the state of samyavastha or equilibrium of the three that holds the secret to an individual's well-being.<ref name=":4" />

Intuitive recognition of what is permanent and everlasting led to the revealing of an ultimate principle called variously as [[Brahman (ब्रह्मन्)|Brahman]] or Parabrahman, depending on the sampradaya. Brahman is referred to as having the signs of Satyam (Existence), Jnanam (Knowledge) and Anantam (Infinite). It is all-pervading, omniscient and hence considered as substratum of the universe as per Advaita Vedanta. The [[Jiva (जीवः)|Jiva]] refers to an individual and the personal aspect of the ultimate principle of the universe encased in a Jiva was called as Atman, the transcendental self. The Upanishadic seers laid out the philosophy that Atman/Brahman were satya (truth) and nitya  (everlasting) and urged the human beings to realize Atman as it was the fountainhead of permanent joy or Ananda and helped one to overcome all miseries, sufferings and inadequacies in life. They declared that in this highest state of realization and in this lies the true well-being and welfare (kalyana) of one and all. <ref name=":2" />     

Intuitive recognition of what is permanent and everlasting led to the revealing of an ultimate principle called variously as [[Brahman (ब्रह्मन्)|Brahman]] or Parabrahman, depending on the sampradaya. Brahman is referred to as having the signs of Satyam (Existence), Jnanam (Knowledge) and Anantam (Infinite). It is all-pervading, omniscient and hence considered as substratum of the universe as per Advaita Vedanta. The [[Jiva (जीवः)|Jiva]] refers to an individual and the personal aspect of the ultimate principle of the universe encased in a Jiva was called as Atman, the transcendental self. The Upanishadic seers laid out the philosophy that Atman/Brahman were satya (truth) and nitya  (everlasting) and urged the human beings to realize Atman as it was the fountainhead of permanent joy or Ananda and helped one to overcome all miseries, sufferings and inadequacies in life. They declared that in this highest state of realization and in this lies the true well-being and welfare (kalyana) of one and all. <ref name=":2" />     

=== Purusharthas - Perspective of Purposefulness  ===

=== Purusharthas - Perspective of Purpose of Existence ===

While the Charvaka philosophy follows an out and out principle of sensual satiety, the [[Grhyasutras (गृह्यसूत्राणि)|Grhyasutras]], [[Dharmashastras (धर्मशास्त्राणि)|Dharmashastras]], [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|Smrti]] granthas and other texts, established principles of a social framework and ground rules for good life, to ensure the well-being of the society. This perspective lies in between the hedonistic Charvaka philosophy and transcendent ideals of the Vedic texts.  The ideals and practices of care, healing, and well-being in ancient Indian way of thinking are implicit in [[Grhyasutras (गृह्यसूत्राणि)|Grhya]] and [[Dharmasutras (धर्मसूत्राणि)|Dharma]] Sutras. The former deals with domestic rites and the latter with the regulations for the socio-religious life. Its various aspects are interwoven with many of the other unique reflections and practices, such as: [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|Samskaras]], [[Purushartha (पुरुषार्थ:)|Purusharthas]], [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]], and [[Varnashrama Dharma (वर्णाश्रमधर्मः)|Varnashrama dharmas]].<ref name=":5">Giri Krishnan. "Hindu Perspectives on Care, Healing, and Human Well-Being." In  ''Care, Healing, and, Human Well-Being within Interreligious Discourses'' by Helmut Weiss, Karl H. Federschmidt, Daniël J. Louw, Linda Sauer Bredvik,  181-197. African Sun Media, SUN MeDIA, 2021</ref> As the human being evolved, there came into being the personal notions of "meaning and purpose of human existence" and consequently the conception of wellbeing. For this reason, the seers formulated four major goals of human existence called [[Purushartha (पुरुषार्थ:)|Purusharthas]]. They are dharma (values), artha (wealth), kaama (desires) and moksha (liberation).<ref name=":2" /> The idea of Purusharthas, is to create a four-fold network regarding what life is about and its connection to the general human quest for meaning and purposefulness. Well-being points to a sense of satisfaction and contentment with life as a whole, as well as an inner sense of feeling at peace with our surrounding world.<ref name=":5" /> More than the search for artificial forms of happiness, Hindus are taught to value well-being, a sense of satisfaction with life, as primary to a sense of '''purposefulness'''. Thus, they are encouraged to experience sensual pleasures (kama), to pursue profit and material prosperity (artha) and to fulfill their religious and moral duties toward family and society (dharma). A well-lived life requires that one pursue and achieve all these goals, especially during the early phases of one’s life when one marries and raises a family. The significance of moksa as an ultimate aim of life lies in its engendering a particular orientation to this world and its activities. It is the belief that every rebirth is an opportunity for humans to work toward the ultimate goal of liberation, or moksa—to break free from samsara, the never-ending cycle of rebirths and re-deaths. This belief assumes that the world around us, enchanting and seductive though it may appear, is ultimately unfulfilling. So, while enjoying the pleasures that this world has to offer has its place and is important, many recognize that, in the end, such enjoyment is unlikely to be truly satisfying.<ref>Menon, Usha. "Hinduism, Happiness and Wellbeing: A Case Study of Adulthood in an Oriya Hindu Temple Town." In ''Happiness Across Cultures: Views of Happiness and Quality of Life in Non-Western Cultures'', edited by H. Selin and G. Davey, 417-434. Dordrecht: Springer. 2012</ref>

While the Charvaka philosophy follows an out and out principle of sensual satiety, the [[Grhyasutras (गृह्यसूत्राणि)|Grhyasutras]], [[Dharmashastras (धर्मशास्त्राणि)|Dharmashastras]], [[Smrti (स्मृतिः)|Smrti]] granthas and other texts, established principles of a social framework and ground rules for good life, to ensure the well-being of the society. This perspective lies in between the hedonistic Charvaka philosophy and transcendent ideals of the Vedic texts.  The ideals and practices of care, healing, and well-being in ancient Indian way of thinking are implicit in [[Grhyasutras (गृह्यसूत्राणि)|Grhya]] and [[Dharmasutras (धर्मसूत्राणि)|Dharma]] Sutras. The former deals with domestic rites and the latter with the regulations for the socio-religious life. Its various aspects are interwoven with many of the other unique reflections and practices, such as: [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|Samskaras]], [[Purushartha (पुरुषार्थ:)|Purusharthas]], [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]], and [[Varnashrama Dharma (वर्णाश्रमधर्मः)|Varnashrama dharmas]].<ref name=":5">Giri Krishnan. "Hindu Perspectives on Care, Healing, and Human Well-Being." In  ''Care, Healing, and, Human Well-Being within Interreligious Discourses'' by Helmut Weiss, Karl H. Federschmidt, Daniël J. Louw, Linda Sauer Bredvik,  181-197. African Sun Media, SUN MeDIA, 2021</ref> As the human being evolved, there came into being the personal notions of "meaning and purpose of human existence" and consequently the conception of wellbeing. For this reason, the seers formulated four major goals of human existence called [[Purushartha (पुरुषार्थ:)|Purusharthas]]. They are dharma (values), artha (wealth), kaama (desires) and moksha (liberation).<ref name=":2" /> The idea of Purusharthas, is to create a four-fold network regarding what life is about and its connection to the general human quest for meaning and purposefulness. Well-being points to a sense of satisfaction and contentment with life as a whole, as well as an inner sense of feeling at peace with our surrounding world.<ref name=":5" /> More than the search for artificial forms of happiness, Hindus are taught to value well-being, a sense of satisfaction with life, as primary to a sense of '''purposefulness'''. Thus, they are encouraged to experience sensual pleasures (kama), to pursue profit and material prosperity (artha) and to fulfill their religious and moral duties toward family and society (dharma). A well-lived life requires that one pursue and achieve all these goals, especially during the early phases of one’s life when one marries and raises a family. The significance of moksa as an ultimate aim of life lies in its engendering a particular orientation to this world and its activities. It is the belief that every rebirth is an opportunity for humans to work toward the ultimate goal of liberation, or moksa—to break free from samsara, the never-ending cycle of rebirths and re-deaths. This belief assumes that the world around us, enchanting and seductive though it may appear, is ultimately unfulfilling. So, while enjoying the pleasures that this world has to offer has its place and is important, many recognize that, in the end, such enjoyment is unlikely to be truly satisfying.<ref>Menon, Usha. "Hinduism, Happiness and Wellbeing: A Case Study of Adulthood in an Oriya Hindu Temple Town." In ''Happiness Across Cultures: Views of Happiness and Quality of Life in Non-Western Cultures'', edited by H. Selin and G. Davey, 417-434. Dordrecht: Springer. 2012</ref>

=== Dharma, Samskaras,  - Socially oriented or Collective Perspective ===

=== Dharma, Samskaras,  - Socially oriented or Collective Perspective ===

* [[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|Samskaras]] mark the continuous series of important events in a human life-time and they arose primarily as self-expression of the joys and sorrows experienced during life. In allowing such self-expression these samskaras promote the holistic wellbeing of a person. They depict the social life-cycle of man aimed at shaping the personality of an individual allowing him to enjoy artha and kama within the framework of Dharma.

* [[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]] are directly linked to an individual's responsibility as a caregiver to fellow human-beings, animals and other creatures as well as paying homage to the rshis, ancestors and divine beings. They prioritize care for parents and elders, honouring guests, extending hospitality to all, and demarcate the striving for the well-being of every being.<ref name=":5" />

 

[[Samskaras (संस्काराः)|Samskaras]] mark the continuous series of important events in a human life-time and they arose primarily as self-expression of the joys and sorrows experienced during life. In allowing such self-expression these samskaras promote the holistic wellbeing of a person. They depict the social life-cycle of man aimed at shaping the personality of an individual allowing him to enjoy artha and kama within the framework of Dharma.<ref name=":5" />

 

[[Panchamahayajnas (पञ्चमहायज्ञाः)|Panchamahayajnas]] are directly linked to an individual's responsibility as a caregiver to fellow human-beings, animals and other creatures as well as paying homage to the rshis, ancestors and divine beings. They prioritize care for parents and elders, honouring guests, extending hospitality to all, and demarcate the striving for the well-being of every being.<ref name=":5" />

=== Ayurveda - Perspective of health ===

=== Ayurveda - Perspective of health ===