Suprajanana Samskara (सुप्रजनन संस्कारः)

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Ayurveda speaks of ‘Suprajanana’ (Samskrit : सुप्रजननम् ) which means thoughtful, deliberate efforts taken to ensure genesis of a human being with superior mental, physical & spiritual attributes.

These efforts include use of detoxification procedures of both the partners, stipulated dietary regimen and lifestyle modifications before conception, during the growth and development of garbha during pregnancy . to be followed by a pregnant woman during pregnancy

Introduction

The influence of diet, psyche and other routines of mother on the fetus has been talked since ages. Ayurveda describes simple methods to procure a healthy offspring and the planning of which starts from detoxifying the bodies of the partners for conception. These methods are popularized as ‘Garbha samskaras’.

Garbha (The concept of fetus according to Ayurveda)

Garbha is defined as the union of Shukra (Purusha beej), Artava (Stree beej) and Atma inside the uterus.

Beej is defined as the entity which gives origin to a new life similar to itself. (Cha. Sha. 2/35 Chakrapanidatta Commentary) The beeja therefore, is responsible for inheritance of maternal & paternal properties.

Ayurveda elaborates the process of beginning of a new life in great depth. According to Ayurveda, any individual is a union of Sharira (Body), Manas (Mind) and Life energy (widely recognized as soul). Thus, during the birth of a new individual, genesis and union of all these factors must take place. Although the Sharira (physical body) of an individual develops due to union of male and female gametes, an individual is born only after entry of the new entity called ‘Jivatma’ (Atma) in it. This 'Jivatma' represents life energy. It is only after entry of life energy or Jivatma in fetus, that the life begins and known as 'Garbha'.

This garbha inherits attributes from mother, father, from the past life karma, from the diet and the daily regimen that the mother follows during the pregnancy . Thus, Ayurveda suggests Suprajanan Ayurveda emphasizes on practicing specific lifestyle and

The journey of sanskara starts from the pre-conception phase.

This process ensures

• Pure, good quality Shukra and artava
• The overall health of the male & female partners including the mental health; especially the female body, the uterus and related organs. (Referred to as Kshetra ).

This is achieved through the following steps in both the partners

• Body detoxification measures (Vamana, Virechan,Basti, Uttarbasti)
• Following stipulated diet and daily regimen
• Counseling, self motivation and meditation for developing a balanced and satva predominant mind.

Suprajananasya prayojanam: Shreyasi praja (Aim of Suuprajanana)

The term ‘Shreyasi praja’ is used while describing Suprajanana in Ayurveda classics. ‘Shreyas’ literally means welfare or praiseworthy. Child birth is not merely procreation but it is a quest for the development of a better human and a better society in turn. This involves a complete regimen that leads to a healthy mother and a healthy baby.

“streepunsayo: avyapanna shukrashonitgarbhashayayo: shreyasi prajam icchato: tad arthabhinirvruttikaram karma upadekshyamaha:\”  Cha. Sha. 8/3

Suprajanana Hetu

In ancient Ayurveda texts, this particular Samskara is described mainly for obtaining safe and fruitful pregnancy in following ways

• Anupaghata – to prevent miscarriages and ensure a full term pregnancy
• Paripoornatvay- to ensure complete optimum physical growth & mental development of the foetus
• Sukhaprasavay- to facilitates safe and uncomplicated labor

‘’ tasyam anupaghatay paripurnatvay sukhaprasavay ch” (A. sangraha Sharir teeka)

Thus, the aim is to promote the health of a mother as well as baby throughout the period of pregnancy, parturition and post partum phase.

The principle of Garbhasanskara

“ Garbhasaman yogakshema hi…. (A.Sangraha sha 2/58 )

From the viewpoint of Ayurveda, the welfare of the foetus is very well connected with that of the pregnant lady. Thus, she always should follow desired congenial (Satmya) diet, proper behavior and avoid the factors which can harm the foetus in order to achieve safe pregnancy & motherhood.

On this basis, Ayurveda acharyas have put forward a regimen to be followed by a pregnant woman, which is designed considering month wise growth and development of the foetus accepted by Ayurveda. It is believed that, such regimen effectively maintains the continuous supply of the essential key elements for building body architecture and to avoid the complications and adversities during pregnancy and delivery.

Factors essential for Suprajana-

The doctrine of Ayurveda states that, Suprajanan takes place only when the 4 key factors namely Rtu (Apropriate time for conception), Kshetra (Site for conception and implantation), Ambu (Nourishing fluid for fetal growth) and Beeja (which could be roughly correlated with Sperm and Ova which are the seeds for fertilization) are at their best possible state. When all these 4 factors are appropriate they create conducive environment for conception and new birth.

“ dhruvam chaturnam sannidhyat garbha syat vidhipoorvak:|

Rutu kshetrambubeejanam samugrayat ankuro yatha||”

Su. Sha. 2/33

The process of sapling development is considered for the explanation of the concept. When a potent seed is sown in the fertile soil during good climatic conditions & irrigated properly it results into a sapling. Similarly these 4 factors Rutu (fertile period), Kshetra (the reproductive system), Ambu (nutrition) & beeja (Sperm & ovum) are the 4 factors essential for the suprajanan.

These 4 factors when work in perfect synchronization in the stipulated manner (Vidhi) result into a viable sustainable Garbha.

Garbhini pricharya (The monthly regiment for a pregnant lady)

The regimen has to be observed from the very point of doubt of conception . The specific month wise regimen has to be followed till the time of delivery. (Cha.Sha.8/32)The regimen is designed as per the month wise growth and development of the garbha to maintain the continuous supply of the required raw material for building of the body and to avoid the possible harmful effects on the mother and the baby.

The month wise regimen is described in classical literature. Todays vaidyas design customised diets on the basis of this and to be taken under strict medical supervision.

Garbhopaghatakar bhava (Factors likely to be harmful to the foetus)-

the following things should be avoided by a pregnant lady:

1. Strenuous Exercise
2. Emaciation
3. Trauma
4. Coitus
5. Excessive irritable activities
6. Hectic travels using uncomfortable vehicles
7. Staying awake at Night, sleeping during day hours
8. Suppression of natural urges
9. Indigestion
10. Prolonged exposure to bright sunlight or fire
11. Emotional outbreaks due to anger, fear, grief, excitement, terror
12. Excessive fasting
13. Squatting or using abnormal sitting postures
14. Exposure to undesired, harmful sounds and sights
15. Excessive guru, ushna, teekshna, rooksha food

The pregnant lady has to be protected from the above mentioned factors to ensure proper mental & physical growth of the Garbha. Since the welfare (Yogakshema) & contraindications of the mother & the garbha are identical, the pregnant lady should use desired congenial diet & stipulated daily regimen, & should avoid factors which may harm garbha . (A.Sangraha Sha.2/58)

References

Cha.Sha.2/25

Cha.Sha.4/5

Cha. Sha. 2/35 Chakrapanidatta teeka

Cha. Vi. 1/21/2

Su.Sha 2/33

Ka. Sha. 5/3&7

A. San.sha. 2/60-62