The Concept of Mind in Health Disease and Perfection with Understanding of Brain in Ayurveda and Darshanas-A Review.

BACKGROUND

Mental diseases have been rising at an unprecedented rate across all age groups worldwide and are predicted to be one of the biggest health challenges of thus century. Despite significant advances, lot remains to be understood in modern sciences. In this scenario, Ayurveda along with the sankhya, yoga and vedanta darshanas constitute an invaluable treasure house of understanding regarding various aspects of human mind.

SUMMARY: These sources discuss mind extensively, including its creation, anatomy, location, functioning based on the three maha gunas of satva, rajas and tamas; role of prana, role of tridoshas of vata, pitta kapha;organization into different types of satvas or personality types, its functional states, various modifications it can undergo through the process of yoga; its relationship with body, brain and senses; its perfected state through yoga and its final release. The sources also teach us invaluable information regarding a normal mind, different ways and disciplines needed to keep it healthy and the benefits of following these disciplines. Finally, the different types of diseases that are possible are explored with a brief review of various treatment modalities and principals involved.

KEY MESSAGE: Ayurveda and Darshanas provide extremely useful information to the exploring scientist, inquisitive physician or a traditional seeker; to understand, manage or unravel the human mind.