Born into a spiritual family, Shri Bhaumik, at the early age of 15, attracted the attention of a great sadhu. The sadhu gave Shri Bhaumik the Goddess Durga mantra. Having learned this long-lost knowledge from his guru, he has revived the study of Ayurveda, the practical, ancient science that can bring perfect health and enlightenment. Every year, armed with blessings from great spiritual men, Shri Bhaumik in his quest for universal enlightenment visits the temples of Tripureshwari in Tripura and elsewhere in India to perform puja.
Three thousand years ago, according to ancient Indian folklore, a group of fifty-two holy men left their homes and went to live in the foothills of the Himalayas in search of a cure for ailments that plagued human beings. Little did they know that their quest would pioneer one of the oldest, most consistent and time-tested disciplines of science in the world. These holy men, known as “Rishis”, became the pioneer physicians in the history of human civilisation.
In those days people often died of simple ailments, so the Rishis aimed to learn how to eradicate illness and disease from the world. These men meditated together and from their meditations they acquired the knowledge, which was subsequently codified as Ayurveda. This body of knowledge was not committed to writing, but was passed from generation to generation by means of oral transmission.
Charaka Samhita
Subsequently, the Ayurvedic system was written down and was believed to be divinely inspired. The principal text, known as the Charaka Samhita, is regarded as sacred. When the Ayurvedic texts were being composed, disease was regarded as an evil visitation, which prevented the individual from attaining self-realisation. To free someone from disease was to enable that person to follow a truly spiritual path, liberated from the constraints of the physical body. A body afflicted by disease resulted in a spirit tied down by worldly concerns and unable to soar. Only those who enjoyed both good physical and mental health could attain enlightenment.
According to the Charaka Samhita, the Rishis elected one amongst them, Bhardwaja, to entreat Indra (the Hindu King of Heaven, god of thunder and the god with divine proficiency in the treatment of diseases) to impart the secrets of health and longevity. Indra was believed to have acquired his knowledge from the heavenly physicians, who in turn has acquired theirs from the supreme god, Brahma.
The knowledge acquired by the Rishis had three aspects – aetiology (the science of the causes of disease), symptomatology (the study and interpretation of symptoms) and medication. These three components are known as the Tri-Sutra Ayurveda.
Ayurveda: an ancient philosophy
Ayurveda is the indigenous system of medicine in India. It evolved in India thousands of years ago through the efforts of people endowed with extraordinary powers of observation of nature and its complex processes. For millenniums this comprehensive system tended the healthcare needs of Indian people, rich and poor alike.
The quintessence of Ayurveda lies in the unique philosophy that there is a symbiotic relationship between man and nature. This symbiosis, therefore, demands a holistic approach in treating human ailments.
Ayurveda is essentially a holistic treatment method derived from nature that aims at the eradication of human sufferings, both physical and mental, through natural processes. Ayurveda believes that ailments are a natural process and their cure lies hidden in the core of nature. In Ayurveda, there is no scope for the use of any extraneous elements or factors in curing human sufferings and ailments.
Put simply, Ayurveda (a Sanskrit word meaning the science, or wisdom of life) is an ancient philosophy based on a deep understanding of eternal truths about the human body, mind and sprit. Unlike orthodox medicine, it is not based on the frequently changing findings of specific research projects, but on permanent, wise and eternal principles of living.
The second part of this illuminating article by K. K. Bhaumik continues the discussion on Ayurveda, the science of life, by examining the philosophy underlying this fascinating study. Ayurveda believes that ailments are a natural process and their cure lies hidden in the core of nature. In Ayurveda, there is no scope for the use of any extraneous elements or factors in curing human sufferings and ailments.
What makes Ayurveda so unique is its synergetic relationship with astrology. Ayurveda and Vedic astrology are related aspects of Vedic science, the all-comprehensive cosmic science of yoga. Many astrologers in India have practiced Ayurveda and many Vaidyas, Ayurvedic doctors, have been astrologers. Astrology gives Ayurveda a broader and a more comprehensive understanding of human energy patterns. It is a subtler healing science than any form of physical medicine.
Eternally fascinated by the uncertainty of the future, mankind has been equally engrossed in various studies that allow a peek into the future. Among the more significant of such studies is Astrology, a primary branch of Ayurveda that scientifically studies planetary movements and their effects on human constitutions and lives.
Ayurveda is based on the concept that each planet is intrinsically related to a specific body tissue and that the various planetary movements and their positions in relation to time exert powerful influences on human mind, body and consciousness, directly affecting our physical and mental health. They are important indicators of human spiritual and materialistic tendencies.
Astrology can determine the basic physical constitution of the individual from the birthchart; the physical appearance of the individual, the predominance of elements in their nature. It can calculate basic health, longevity and disease tendencies. It can see which planets have the power to cause disease, what kinds of disease are likely to occur, what parts of the body are likely to be effected, and when.
Medical Astrology
Medical astrology is one of the main branches of astrology and is a very important pillar of Ayurveda. It includes remedial measures for harmonizing planetary influences on both body and mind; it is the most practical branch as well. It includes the entire astrology of healing. It is not only helpful for ordinary diseases; astrology also has means of diagnosis and treatment for diseases, which are not curable by the usual medical methods. It gives us a better picture and methodology for dealing with diseases that come from internal causes.
The third part of this illuminating article by K. K. Bhaumik, concludes the discussion on Ayurveda, the science of life, by examining the technical effects of herbs, roots, extracts and metals as prescribed through a full astrological understanding of the underlying principles.
The underlying principle in Ayurveda is the conviction that all human ailments and sufferings are caused principally by the malevolent influences of planets, their astral positions and transitions. If Mars, Saturn and Moon are not well placed in the birth chart, serious and chronic ailments will arise. Saturn is associated with the winter season and often inflicts serious problems on the senior citizens. Ketu (Dragon’s Tail, or south lunar node) creates a variety of maladies in old age. It is therefore evident that a good Ayurvedic practitioner should have a sound knowledge of astrology for effective treatment of diseases caused by the influences of planets. He should be able to diagnose the cause of the malady by reading the birth chart and horoscope of the patient.
Ayurveda prescribes the use of multi-faceted herbs and roots to counter negative planetary influences. These roots and herbs are tied to the upper arm (right arm for men and left arm for women) for a specified period of time. This mode of treatment is called healing with herbs. The following herbs and roots are used to neutralise the harmful effects of the planets:
Sun
Billwamool
Moon
Khirika
Mars
Anantmool
Mercury
Bridhadwarakmool
Jupiter
Brahmajatimool
Venus
Rambasakmool
Saturn
Swetberelamool
Rahu
Shwetchandanmool
Ketu
Aswagandha
Planets Herbs and Roots
Sun Billwamool
Moon Khirika
Mars Anantmool
Mercury Bridhadwarakmool
Jupiter Brahmajatimool
Venus Rambasakmool
Saturn Swetberelamool
Rahu
Shwetchandanmool
Ketu
Aswagandha
Extracts of the herbs and roots can also be taken orally, in the form of mother tinctures commonly used in Homoeopathy. These herbs and roots and their extracts in the form of mother tincture have proved equally effective in countering the negative influences of planets on human beings. The extracts of the roots and herbs as mother tincture are available in any homoeopathic outlet. The doses, however, should be taken after consulting an experienced astro-occult practitioner. The names and doses of some herbal extracts or mother tinctures are given below:
Planets Extract/Mother Tincture Doses
Sun Aegletolia Q 5 Drops
Venus Hydroquotile S Q
Meshashringi Q 10 Drops
10 Drops
Jupiter Chirata Q 15 Drops
Moon Honey One spoon
Ketu Ahswagangha Q 10 Drops
Saturn Shefalika Q
Dhurba – Q
Honey 10 Drops
10 Drops
20 Drops
Mars Anantamool Q
Panchamukhi Jaba Q
Neem Q 10 Drops
10 Drops
10 Drops
Rahu
Swetchandan Q 5 drops or paste: spoon
Mercury
Hydrocotyle Q
Amala Q 10 drops
5 drops
Some metals have proved to be extremely effective in neutralising the malefic effects of planets on human beings. The chart given below shows some of the metals that have been proven in countering the malefic effects of planets:
Planets Metals
Sun Gold/Copper
Moon Silver
Mars Gold
Mercury Brass
Jupiter Gold
Venus Silver
Saturn Iron/Lead
Rahu
Panch Dhatu
(metallic alloy of 5 metals: gold, silver, copper, tin& lead)
Ketu
Panch Dhatu
Astrologically, the twelve zodiac signs, each representing a part of human body, have a tremendous influence on our mind and body and play a pivotal role in causing human ailments. The following chart shows which zodiac sign represents which part of human body:
Zodiac Sign Bodily Correspondence
Aries Head
Taurus Neck, throat and face
Gemini Upper arms and chest
Cancer Elbows and heart
Leo Belly
Virgo Hand and waist
Libra Urinary organs
Scorpio
Sexual organs
Sagittarius
Thighs
Capricorn Knees
Aquarius Legs, ankles etc
Pisces Toes and feet
Within the Vedic system, gem therapy is associated mainly with the science of Astrology. The nine main gemstones all have planetary connections. Included in the Vedic list of planets are Rahu and Ketu, the Dragon’s Head and Tail or north and south nodes of the Moon. These two nodes of the Moon have powerful, often dark and dire effects on individuals during periods when the nodes afflict their horoscopes, and are therefore held to have planetary status.
Apart from taking account of the planetary associations, traditional Ayurveda uses gemstones as internal medicine. The gemstones are reduced via complex processes to ashes or bhasmas. However, they must be used in ways that leave their substance completely intact. Gem tinctures can also be used in healing. The bhasmas are used to treat physical conditions, some of which are listed in the table below:
Bhasmas/Ashes Usages
Ruby ash For vayu, pitta and cough
Pearl ash It is sweet and cool and good for eyes
Coral For cough, pitta etc
Emerals Sweet and cool and good for acidity and heat
Moon stone For cough and vayu
Diamond Makes body strong
Sapphire For improper behaviour and neural pains
Ayurveda: the Divine Science: The Days of the Week
This article is one in a remarkable series on Ayurveda by Prof. K. K. Bhaumik, Chairman of Coordinating Council of Association of Astrology& Allied Sciences. A renowned figure on astro-occult sciences, he is an internationally acclaimed authority in this field. Since time immemorial, man has shown an overwhelming preference for sons over daughters. This preference has traditionally been very overt in India. The progress of science and society, establishment of gender equality, women’s liberation and spread of education in India notwithstanding, the preference for sons has continued unabated in every strata of society. Ayurveda holds some answers.
Today, the preference for sons has become almost an obsession for the average Indian. So deep is the obsession that many parents in India do not even hesitate to go for infanticide of a female foetus. The Government has been forced to bring in legislations banning prenatal sex determination of the foetus in the wake of growing cases of infanticide of the female foetus. In some Indian societies, a girl child is still treated as a burden and thus treated with utter neglect.
Desire For Sons
One of the strongest desires of the Indian male is that after him there should be someone who would carry his and his ancestors’ name forward and offer libations of water (tarpan) to their spirits. And that can only be a son. In order to obtain a son, Indians observe all kinds of fasts, give donations to Brahmins and saints, go on pilgrimages, and make vows to Gods and Goddesses. Behind all this is the customary social belief among the Hindus that, if the son lights the pyre of the father, then only may his spirit rest in peace and attain salvation, permitting his genealogical tree to bear fruit.
The desire for sons and preference for male over female children in India has been long predominant, irrespective of caste, creed, economic status and education. Yearning for male children in India is as old as the civilisation itself. In Satyuga, the mighty king Dashrath performed a yajna for obtaining a son, which resulted in the birth of Rama, Lakshamana, Bharat and Shatrughana. In the medieval ages, the Mughal emperor Akbar offered a fervent prayer at the Dargah of Mohammad Chishti at Ajmer-sharif and offered Chaddar there, praying for a male child. Prince Saleem-Badshah Jahangeer was believed to have been born following the prayer.
Astrological Angle
If we look at this from the astrological angle, there are specific and definite yogas for the birth of children, which depend on the prarabdh (that portion of the accumulated Karma allotted for this birth ) and the planetary configuration at the time of the native’s birth in this lifetime. That is why some couples remain childless. If there are children, they are short-lived. Some couples have only sons, while some others have only daughters and they long for a son throughout their lives.
Today, modern science enables people to have children according to their preferences. But where was genetics thousands of years ago? Yet people in ancient India could have sons or daughters according to their needs and preferences.
Ayurvedic Timing
According to ancient Indian Ayurveda, sexual activities undertaken on the fourth, sixth, eighth, tenth or twelfth day following the first day of the women’s menstrual cycle would help in conceiving a son. For example, if the menstrual cycle of a woman begins on the seventh day of the month, the fourth day after the beginning of the menstrual cycle would be the eleventh day of the month. This is the first auspicious day for a married couple for cohabitation for conception of a male child.
For conceiving daughters or female children, the cohabitation should ideally occur on the fifth, ninth and eleventh day following the commencement of the menstrual cycle. It is to be noted that the seventh day is considered inauspicious.
Karma and Planetary Configurations
Birth of a child is also decided largely on the basis of karmas — virtuous deeds, sins or curses, and blessings earned in previous lives; and the planetary configuration at the time of birth. A clear and detailed description of this is given in the ancient Indian literature on astrology and other shastras. Even the determination of sex of the child is described on the basis of Aadhan Lagna. Nonetheless more research work in this area is needed.
About the Author:
Renowned astro-spiritual personality, philosopher and philanthropist, Shri K.K. Bhaumik, has had an extremely successful career of over three decades in corporate management.
He served leading enterprises of the Government of India enterprises in several senior management capacities. A lawyer and advocate, he combines a command of the material world with a truly spiritual vocation.
Born into a spiritual family, at the early age of 15 he attracted the attention of a great sadhu. The sadhu gave Shri Bhaumik the Goddess Durga mantra. Having learned this long-lost knowledge from his guru, he has revived the study of Ayurveda, the practical, ancient science that can bring perfect health and enlightenment. Every year, armed with blessings from great spiritual men, Shri Bhaumik in his quest for universal enlightenment visits the temples of Tripureshwari in Tripura and elsewhere in India to perform puja.
Along with his formal education, he soon mastered the divine science of vedic astrology. Because of the accuracy of his predictions, his reputation as an astro-occult expert soon spread across the globe. He, however, has always used his powers, both spiritual and astrological, only for the welfare of mankind. Driven by an indomitable spirit to serve the community and the downtrodden, Shri Bhaumik set up Matribhumi Seva Pratishthan Kolkata, an NGO, Astro-occult and Ayurvedic Institute of Asia and Institute of Public Speaking and Leadership Development.
