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AYURVEDA (SUBMITTED BY KANTHI FERNANDO – COPYRIGHTS RESERVED – SIDDHALEPA, © HETTIGODA INDUSTRIES (PVT) LTD. NO 33/3, SRI DHARMARAMA ROAD, RATMALANA, SRI LANKA SRI LANKA) From ancient times, Ayurveda has been physician and wrote the medical treatise This inter-relationship between ayurveda and royalty has brought ayurveda and its part of the lifestyles of people of Asia for Sarartha Sangrahay, which is still being connections with Buddhism into in the spiritual, medicinal purification as well as consulted by physicians to date. forefront of Sri Lankan life. for rejuvenation purposes. Valued for its Ancient inscriptions on rock surfaces Ayurveda students receive a 6 year full time training at university. Training ability to arouse a myriad of moods and reveal the full establishment of the includes allopathy (occidental medicine) energies bringing calm and tranquility to contemporary medical services existing alongside ayurvedic subjects. in the country. These ancient hospital the tired soul. sites which were active centuries ago Today, the Ayurvedic Medical Council Learn Ayurveda now attract the tourists, who view and maintains and controls the registration Ayurveda, meaning ‘the science of life’ is marvel at these beautiful ruins, which of physicians and code of practice, ethics and conduct. The Ministry of Health considered to be the oldest healing have come to symbolise a sense of controls the Department of Ayurveda, science in the world. It is practiced extensively in Sri Lanka and India having healing and care which was so prevalent headed by the Commissioner of Ayurveda, the Ayurvedic Drug being preserved through the ages by oral at that time. Corporation and the Ayurvedic Research tradition as well as written form. This Institute.Finally, ayurveda has its own ancient practice focuses on prevention of The ayurvedic physicians enjoyed noble unique quality, which encompasses and disease through a deeper connection position in the social hierarchy in the enraptures the whole being, treating the between the mind and the body; on a country due to royal patronage and from diseased holistically. It examines the state of total health based on vigour, this stems a famous Sri Lankan saying: “If components which construct a particular energy and balance. The concept of you cannot be a king, become a healer”. diseased person, and the factors which balance is important in Ayurveda - the This inter-relationship between ayurveda influence its development or regression. balance of body, mind and consciousness and royalty has brought ayurveda and its Thus, it treats the person, rather than based on each person's individual connections with Buddhism into in the the disease. constitution. forefront of Sri Lankan life. Ayurveda students receive a 6 year full Meaning of Ayurveda Ayurveda and its History time training at university. Training The word “Ayurveda” originates from The Ayurvedic medical system is known includes allopathy (occidental medicine) the ancient language of Sanskrit meaning as one of the most complete healing alongside ayurvedic subjects. “science of life” (‘ayur’ meaning ‘life’ and systems throughout the world. It is a ‘veda’ meaning ‘science’). In Sanskrit, holistic method of healing and operates physician and wrote the medical treatise this word has a wider meaning, which on all planes of the human system and has been the root of almost all medical Sarartha Sangrahay, which is still being includes plants and animals as well as disciplines, philosophy and treatment consulted by physicians to date. humans. throughout eastern civilization. Ancient inscriptions on rock surfaces The origins of Ayurveda are shrouded in Originating, around 5000 years ago, in India, ayurveda has been passed down reveal the full establishment of the Indian mythology. “Mahabrahma” (the through successive generations within contemporary medical services existing Hindu god of creation) is said to have the same families. in the country. These ancient hospital communicated this system of healing to a number of enlightened and sites which were active centuries ago distinguished personalities. Among them Ayurveda in Sri Lanka now attract the tourists, who view and were Charaka who founded internal Sri Lanka has its own Ayurvedic system marvel at these beautiful ruins, which medicine and Sushrutha, from the based on a series of prescriptions Dhanwantara School of surgeons. have come to symbolise a sense of handed down from generation to healing and care which was so prevalent generation over a period of 3000 years. at that time. The ancient kings, some of whom were also prominent physicians as recorded by The ayurvedic physicians enjoyed noble historical texts, encourage its use and position in the social hierarchy in the therefore survival. King Buddhadasa (398 country due to royal patronage and from this stems a famous Sri Lankan saying: “If AD) was the most prominent kingyou cannot be a king, become a healer”. Canberra Lankan www.aslaact.com [email protected] HOME Page 6 AYURVEDA - Contd. Aims of Ayurveda Ayurveda has a two-fold aim; to prevent diseases and to treat and cure diseases. As a holistic discipline, it seeks to promote health on all three planes of life: mentally, physically and spiritually. Concepts of Ayurveda The Ayurvedic concept of creation focuses on four interrelated factors. These are Body, Mind, Consciousness (or Soul) and the Panchamahabhuta (or five elements). These four elements blend into three bio-energetic forces (doshas) that govern the health and determine the physical constitution of living beings. They are called Va (or Vata), Pith (or Pitta) and Sem (or Kapha). Dhatus consists of seven different body tissue types. Malas are the three types of body excretions Panchamahabhuta According to ancient, vedic scientific thinking, all matter in the universe is made up forms ranging from an absence of matter to matter, which is constantly changing from one form to another. They are known as “PANCHAMAHABHUTA” made up of five elements. These five elements are: These are the basic foundations and principles upon which Ayurveda is founded. All five elements play a key role in our lives, since our bodies are comApo Meaning liquid, creating the taste sensation (rasa), its sensory organ being the tongue Thejo Meaning heat, creating the visual input of colour (rupa), its sensory organ being the eyes Vayu Meaning air, creating the physical sensation of touch (sparsha), its sensory organ being skin posed of these five elements. The Three Doshas In addition, life is considered a Canberra Lankan Pruthuvi Meaning earth, creating the sensation of smell and odour (gandha), its organ being the nose Akasha Meaning space, creating the sensation of hearing and sound (shabda), its organ being the ear union of body, mind and soul. There are three body types according to individual dominance, known as the three doshas: Ayurveda Theory of Diseases Ayurveda understanding of the diseases process Vata Air Pitta Bile Kapha Phlegm Vata This initiates and promotes biological activity responsible for all internal and external movements of the body. Prana (Head) the main life force controlling breathing Vata becomes excessive, we may develop anxiety, insomnia, or irregular digestion. Pitta This is responsible for the generation of body heat, metabolism and certain psychological attributes of the individual. People with Pitta dosha are vivacious, smart and determined. If Pitta is balanced they tend to be warm, understanding and intelligent. Excessive Pitta can however, create irritability, jealousy and aggressiveness. Kapha The main function of this is to maintain healthy body tissues and maintain the balance of fat, water and other fluids. These elements must exist in dynamic equilibrium to help maintain body “Prakruti”, meaning the original balance of the individual’s dosha inheritance. Any disturbance to any one of the doshas causes imbalance and malfunction, resulting in the manifestation of disease. Those with Kapha dosha tend to be leisurely and stable. When balanced, Kapha creates calmness, sweetness and loyalty. When excessive, Kapha can result in greed and attachment. Udana (Throat) supporting glandular functions Samana (Stomach and Duodenum) supporting gastric functions Vyana (Heart and Blood vessels) supporting circulator functions Apana (Semen/Faeces/Urine) supporting elimination People with Vata dosha tend to be thin, light and quick in their thoughts and actions. Change is an important aspect of their lives. When Vata is balanced they are creative, flexible, enthusiastic and lively. However, if www.aslaact.com The doshas may change their proportional balance as a result of a variety of factors, such as inappropriate lifestyle, diet, activities, mental and physical trauma, which are mainly brought about by the lack of understanding about our own bodies. When there is a change taking place within us, which is pre-clinical in its development stage, it may take a very long period of time for signs and symptoms to appear. Very often, when there is change taking place, disease may take a path along the inherited weak areas of the individual. HOME [email protected] Page 7 - Contd. AYURVEDA Sometimes, in certain individuals, sometimes omitted and the two forms disease may set in beyond the control of of bastis are classified separately to make up the number of actions to five). the individual and these are known as Detox programmes are recommended Karmic diseases due to the theory of Virechana cause and effect. Purgation Therapy Ayurvedic medications are mostly herbal preparations and some include natural Bastis (classified as Nirunaand Anuvasana) Herbal and/or oil decoction enemas mineral preparations. All herbs or minerals possess the following properties according to ayurveda: Vamana Emesis Therapy Rasa Taste Nasya Inhalation Guna Quality Rakta Moksha Blood letting Virya Potency (heating or cooling effects) Vipaka Effect after digestion and metabolism once every season for most people, as a way of preparing the body for the next season; thus aiding the preventative aspect of this healing system. The Eight Branches of Ayurveda Ayurveda looks at diseases as a state of disharmony in the body as a whole, and is divided into eight branches, which In general, all herbs have the power to are: Prabhave Specific power of the substance increase or decrease the three doshas, Kaya Chikitsa Vata, Pitta or Kapha, to different extents Internal Medicine and in different combinations. Bala Chikitsa Pediatrics Classical ayurveda applies theory into practice. Firstly, a physician will prescribe suitable herbs in single or Graha Chikitsa Psychological Medicine Popular Ayurvedic Preparations Herbal medicaments are mixtures of various herbs prepared to time tested pharmaceutical procedures recommended by Ayurveda. The curative properties of these herbs have been identified and catalogued by the ancient Rishis (hermits). They are meant to maintain or regain equilibrium of body functions based on the physical and psychic forces mentioned in Ayurvedic Concepts. No synthetic chemicals are used in the preparation of Ayurvedic remedies. Some popular Ayurvedic preparations are given below. Svarasa The juice of herbs with or without water/sugar. Kalka Paste prepared by grinding medicinal plant materials. Kasaya A decoction. Herbal materials such as bark, roots, leaves, fruits and flowers are cut, sliced or powdered coarsely and one part of the amalgamation is boiled in four, eight or sixteen parts of water (usually cups) and reduced to a quarter. Churna Medicinal plant materials in powder form. combined form, with the appropriate Shalakya Tantra Oto-Rhino-Laryngology and dosage to control ailments. Ophthalmology Guli Tablets or pills prepared singly or in combination. Prevention and Control of Disease - Pan- Asava Preparation in which herbal drugs are soaked in liquids (mainly water) fermented and filtered. Sometimes natural alcohol obtained from herbs is added to expedite fermentation and efficacy. chakarma Shalya Tantra Surgery This is a sub-section of ayurveda, which Agada Tantra Toxicology entails five different types of activities aimed towards detoxification, mainly for the prevention and control of diseases. They are: Vajikarana Sexology Rasayana Rejuvenation (Although classically considered the fifth of the five actions, Rakta Moksha is Canberra Lankan www.aslaact.com Arishta An Elixir, a Rasayana preparation similar to Asava. Various decoctions are used and fermented for retaining efficacy over a long period of time. HOME [email protected] Page 8 AYURVEDA - Contd. Leha This is a semi-solid preparation; sugar or jaggery is used as a medium. Thaila Ayurveda medicinal oils; special procedures are followed in the preparation of these oils. Grita Similar to the medicinal oils but the herbs are boiled in ghee. Lepa A type of medicinal paste used for external application. Bhasa Calcified preparations in which herbal extracts are subjected to intense heat. Peyawa These are concentrations of decoctions preserved with the help of sugar, jaggery (palm sugar) or herbal alcohol. © Hettigoda Industries (Pvt) Ltd. No 33/3, Sri Dharmarama Road, Ratmalana, Sri Lanka. Tel: +94-11-2736910 Fax: +9411-2735465 Email: [email protected]. All rights reserved. Terms and Conditions. Solution by Affno. CAFE Now Catering for Office Functions, Conferences, Cocktails, Heavy Cocktails, Lunches and Dinners Folk buffets, Engagements, Weddings or any special occasion. Catering only. No service included. Please visit www.bananaleafrestaurant.com.au for the menus Tel 62485522 or 62577681 240/250 City walk Canberra City 2601 Canberra Lankan www.aslaact.com [email protected] HOME Page 9 WE ARE DISCARDING OUR MUSICAL HERITAGE IN THE NAME OF MODERNITY! KAMAL WICKREMASINGHE Generations of Sri Lankans who left the country many decades ago going back home would notice, not surprisingly, life in the island these days is quite different to the one they left behind. Food habits, the language, and dress styles have all changed significantly, with some changes being more conspicuous than others. worshipping God through Vedic chants. These chants were set in just three notes (Udatta, Anudatta and Swarita), chanted in such a manner as to generate soothing acoustics. Sunil Santa W. D. Amaradeva The objective here is to look at changes in the sphere of music that has always been Subsequent generations of artists like an important aspect of life in Sri Lanka. Victor Ratnayake, Sanath nandasiri, Nanda Malini, Somathilaka Jayamaha and One of the first noticeable aspects of Sri Dayaratna Rantunga advanced the Lankan life these days is the Western evolution of Sri Lankan music to a unique sounding beats and rhythms of music form of south Asian music. However, its broadcast around the clock by more than roots are undeniably Indian. 100 FM radio stations. The type of music being blared almost takes the visitor away from the hoped-for serenity of “Serendib” to an alien cultural blend similar to those in the Caribbean or such other place. In short, popular music in Sri Lanka these days is certainly not the distinctly ‘Sri Victor Somathilaka Lankan’ variety firmly rooted in the Ratnayake Jayamaha sophisticated traditions of North Indian Classical Music. The current trend seems to be heading in Before expressing personal regret and the direction of discarding this extremely sorrow on this unwelcome change, it valuable foundation of North Indian must be pointed out that the popular classical music in favour of a brand of notion that change is natural and we need banal and loud music that is devoid of to move with modern trends, is taken subtle flavours in terms of melody, and note of. However, the objective here is to built solely on gory rhythms and beat that appreciate the value of the system we almost hurt the ears of the listener. seem to be discarding without any hesitation and to question the assumption Indian Classical Music – a fountain of that all change is necessarily ‘good’ and knowledge desirable. Music as a form of sound manipulation, What we call “Sri Lankan music” here is and its study, in ancient India has ‘sacred’ the variety created by post-independence origins. According to the Upanishads, life generation of Sri Lankan artists such as in the universe began in the form of the Dewar Suryasena (Herbert Charles Jacob divine consciousness manifesting as Peiris, son of Sir James Peiris), Ananda sound “OM”. Due to beliefs in such holy Samarakoon, Amaradewa beginnings, the study and creation of and Sunil Santha. These music in ancient India was a spiritual artists and others of that pursuit rather than a mere source of generation moulded entertainment; Later studies have distinctly Sri Lankan revealed its sophisticated mathematical sounding melodies by foundations, and the ability to deliver blending Sri Lankan folk health benefits to the listener. music with the essential Ananda features of North Indian The earliest use of melodious music in Samarakoon ‘raga’ base. human history is considered to have been in ancient India, in the context of Canberra Lankan www.aslaact.com This early, three-note musical scale is believed to have later evolved into a scale of seven primary notes – the ‘Saptak’, also known as ‘Sargam’: Sa (Shadja), Re (Rishabh), Ga (Gandhar), Ma (Madhyam), Pa (Pancham), Dha (Dhwavait), and Ni (Nishad). The Saptak is based on 22 intervals (natural divisions of vibrational frequencies) referred to as ‘Sruti’. In ancient India the knowledge of the Saptak was considered to be supreme human knowledge that enabled correct form of God worship essential for salvation. Even a superficial study of the foundation structure of the Saptak shows that such beliefs were not misplaced. The Saptak is based on the note ‘Sa’ (Shadja) as the defining note that determines the placement of other notes Re, Ga, Ma, Pa, Dha, and Ni - Shadja in Sanskrit literally means 'giving birth to six'. The most ingenious invention however, was the practice of choosing particular combinations of these notes, known as ‘Raga’, for musical compositions. The music composed according to the Raga theory is known as ‘Ragadhari’ music. The choice of Swara combinations that form Raga from a possible 5040 (the ‘factorial’ of 7) non-repeated combinations is based on their ability to ‘colour’ the feelings of the listener. Modern science shows that these combinations of notes are based on the concepts of ‘consonance’ and ‘dissonance’. The ancient musical text ‘Natyasastra’ associates different Raga with specific ‘Rasa’ (Sringara – love, Vira – valour, Karuna – sympathy, Raudra – anger, Bhaynaka – fear, Bibatsa – disgust, Hasya – humour and Adbhuta – wonder) they are capable of creating in the listener’s mind. [email protected] HOME Page 10 WE ARE DISCARDING... An extremely sophisticated musical education system, the ‘Guru-sisya parampara’, through the study of major texts on music such as ‘Natyashastra’ by Sage Bharata, ‘The Dattilam’ by sage Dattilam, ‘Brihaddeshi’ by Matanga, ‘Sangeeta Makaranda’ by Narada, ‘Gita Govinda’ by Jayadeva and ‘Sangeeta Ratnakara’ by Saranga Deva, in Veda Pattashala (Gurukula) produced the musicians with necessary skills. Such texts that layout detailed, methodical scientific studies of music show that creation of music is an extremely complex human endeavour with mystical beginnings. Some of the scholars who wrote musical treatises were not musicians but religious philosophers who claim to have received the knowledge through divine revelation. This tradition continued after India gained independence, with people like Vishnu Digambar Paluskar (who had been blinded at age 12), and Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande publishing systematic studies and establishing music schools: Paluskar started Gandharva Mahavidyalaya in Lahore in 1901 and Bhatkande wrote the four -volumed “Hindustani Sangeetha Padhathi” an attempt at classifying all known ragas into 10 ‘thaats’ with transcription and notation. - Contd. Health benefits of music morning Raga are considered suitable for the treatment of physical imbalances arising Kapha, morning and afternoon Raga for Pitta and late afternoon and evening for Vata. The health benefits are real and the use of Indian Music Therapy in the treatment especially of psychological imbalances is growing. The therapeutic effect of ragas in Hindustani classical music has long been recognised in the ancient system of ‘Nada Yoga’ based on channelling sound vibrations to uplift the level of consciousness. The ancient manuscript “Raga Chikitsa” details the effects of ragas in fighting common ailments and The modern world also recognises that diseases and prescribes methods of particular melodies embody human application and use. emotions and their nuances, and listening to appropriate music offer The Indian use of sound for healing is health benefits by countering angry, based on the theory that the human depressive and other undesirable emobody and its functions are governed by tions that are harmful to health. 72,000 ‘Nadi’ (nerves that carry pranic energy) and disease is caused primarily So the question is, why should be discard due todisturbances to energy fields that such a pleasant, spiritual and useful form upset natural vibrations of the Nadi. The of music in exchange for a set of loud sound vibrations created through ‘Nada booms emanating from woofers and yoga’ has been found to enhance one’s subwoofers? positive energy and spiritual well-being. The right type of music is also supposed Discarding such a valuable heritage will to restore the balance of the energy be a great folly. fields to bring about a state of consciousness, improving physical, Here's a fabulous trip down memory mental and spiritual health. lane........very nostalgic !!! But, at the same time, very confronting and sad. The culture of human voice to a state of "The way it used to be" This is no harmony with the Svara is considered to Englebert love song - it is a matter with elevate a human being to a higher state much more meaning. of being. Proficiency of Nada yoga enables Svara production vocally, through the flow of ‘Prana’ freely along The gram sellers at Galle Face Green sold the navel-head axis (the navel, heart, their 'kadala gottu' topped with 'isso throat, lips, tongue, teeth and the head). wade' for twenty-five cents. The movie The Dhrupad style of singing that goers at Savoy cinema came out; Couples originated in the chanting of hymns and went to Aleric's for ice cream and mantras, later developed into a classical families miserly budgeted for Chinese performing is considered practice of fried rice at Golden Gate. Nada yoga. The learned musicians of Sri Lanka drew from this well of knowledge, with the book “Ragadhari simhala gita” by Santi Gitadeva Gunawardena opened batting for the providing the details of a Modern Ayurvedic use of Raga takes into Tamil Union and Sunderalingam kept good sample of such account the physical nature of Vata, Pitta wickets for the Sinhalese Sports Club. or Kapha in a patient’s body, and Sinhala music. schedules programs of listening to raga at specific times of the day and night Narada suited to the remedy needed. Early Disasekara HOME Canberra Lankan www.aslaact.com [email protected] Page 11 “SRI LANKA WE ONCE KNEW” – AN ARTICLE BY CAPT ELMO JAYAWARDENA KANTHI FERNANDO This was once nostalgic Sri Lanka on easy street sans the raging war and the terrible turmoil; 'The way it used to be'. were there, dazzling in mini-skirts, making their best attempts to get partnered to go to the Coconut Grove and jingo and jive to the Jetliners. Some made it to Akasa Kade too, to eat egg hoppers and hold hands and become more naughty whilst pretending to be watching the ship lights at the Colombo harbour. The 'Yal Devi' took the Madhu pilgrims and the 'Ruhunu Kumari' carried the Kataragama clan. Marawila fishermen fished at Mullativu with the monsoon change and Lever's and Reckitt's Sales Reps sold toothpaste in There was peace; it was a long Jaffna and drank 'Tal Raa' whilst long time ago. That was before bathing in the Keeramalai tank. the Morris Minor taxis changed their English alphabet number plates. The Vel cart used to come down Wellawatte and the waiters worked double time at the Then came the carnage. Who's to Sarasvati Lodge. blame? Don't waste time, that's kicking the moon and corralling clouds. We all know better. We The differences were there from are all to be blamed, some for the North to the South, but who cheering and others for their cared? silence. Nobody killed anyone. There was The guns are silent now and the a life, simple and in peace. talks go on and hope seeps slow like a weed-clogged wave. If the That was acceptable. Gods are kind, we'll have peace. Let it lie there. The queues got long at the CWE to buy "Jumping Fish" and the bread prices leapt like high jumpers. Those were our big problems. The smiles were there too, affordable to the all and sundry, beat shows and big matches, sports meets and school carnivals, all within a ten-rupee budget. Fashion-wise, the pinnacle was the CR-Havies match at Longdon Place; the Suzettes an Claudettes Canberra Lankan North and East must be separate 'Don't give this', 'can't have that',' autonomy? What nonsense?' Such passionate phrases bellow from borrowed patriotism. 'My son has to study', 'No no, not to join the AirForce', 'Army? Are you mad?' The same voices add the contradictions. 'We must continue to fight at any cost'. Brave words, quite cheap too when rights and wrongs are just "whys" sprouting out from empty www.aslaact.com Try telling all that to mothers who buried their sons or children who pray for their missing fathers. Voice it to a legless 'Boy' from Velvettiturai or a sightless soldier from Devundara. Or maybe to a lover who lights a candle for some forgotten fighter buried under swollen earth, too poor even for a memorial. What does it matter to which side they belonged? They paid the price, we didn't. They shed the tears, we didn't. Let us then wish, nay, that's not enough, let us pray, to all the Or.... let us be silent. We owe that much to those who died nameless. Editor Note: Indeed, ‘the times they are a-changing’. Today, SriLankans are looking to the future with immense hope to rebuild and bring our beautiful country back to its former glory. But this is also a time to reflect on the pain that a divided country causes to its inhabitants, to learn from our mistakes and forge forward as one common people. HOME [email protected] Page 12 NEXT PAGE