Principle of Ayurveda Related to Vata, Pitta and Kapha and Body Tissues (Set of 2 Vol)

Sadguru (Dr) Vasant Balaji Athavale was a renowned Paediatrician. He founded the Paediatrics Department in 1959 in Lokmanya Tilak Mahanagarpalika Hospital, Mumbai. He was Professor and Head of this Department from 1960 to 1990. He was the Chairman of the 'International Conference on Alternative Medicine' seminar in Bangkok in 1980. In 1996, He received the international honour for the 'Best author of books on Ayurveda'. In 2001 & in 2012 respectively, He was honoured with the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in an International conference on 'Ayurveda and Hepatic Disorders' and by the Indian Academy of Paediatrics.

1. The journey from being a seeker to becoming a disciple

A. Having the quality of selflessness and the attitude of sacrifice, which are essential for spiritual practice : Sadguru Vaidyacharya (Dr) Vasant Balaji Athavale started noting down higher level philosophical thoughts on Spirituality in 1980. He toiled day and night to create a vast treasure of knowledge on Spirituality. He donated this treasure to Sanatan Sanstha (to become Sanatan's Texts) in 1990. This sacrifice, before He became a Saint indicates the level of His spiritual practice & seekership. Due to His writings, Sanatan's Texts are now becoming inclusive in the true sense.

B. In 2004, He became Paratpar Guru (Dr) Athavale's disciple (A great Saint who is also His younger brother and is the Founder of Sanatan Sanstha, the world-renowned spiritual organisation).

2. Attaining Sainthood

On 16.12.2012, He reached Sainthood due to His spiritual emotion, intense yearning, an inquisitive nature & humility.

A. Sadguru Vaidyacharya (Dr) Vasant Athavale attained Saint-hood by performing spiritual practice through various Paths of Spirituality : Every person performs spiritual practice as per some path of Spirituality, becomes introverted, progresses spiritually and thus moves towards Sainthood. However, Dr Vasant Athavale attained Sainthood through Karmayoga (Path of Action) by serving the patients, Dnyanyoga (Path of Knowledge) by writing Holy texts, Bhaktiyoga (Path of Devotion) and Gurukrupayoga (Path of Guru's grace) by performing spiritual practice as per all these Paths.

3. Active in seva for Sanatan's mission until His last breath

Sadguru (Dr) Vasant Athavale kept performing satseva for Sanatan's mission until His last breath. When He came to know of Divine particles found in Sanatan's Ashram, He inquisitively studied the subject, contemplated on how to conduct research on this topic from a scientific perspective and gave His own suggestions too.

He renounced His body on 9.11.2013 at the age of 80 years.

The co-author, Dr Kamlesh V Athavale, ie is the son of Sadguru (Dr) VB Athavale. He has achieved success in examinations of M.D. (Paediatrics), D.N.B., M.N.A.M.S. (India) and F.A.A.P. (Paediatrics and Neonatology, USA). He is working as a Neonatologist at Duke University Medical Centre (USA). He is also Director of Neonatology at Nash General Hospital.

Science is advancing by leaps and bounds. With recent scientific advances, our understanding of Universe as well as of man is much better today. However, more we know about the intricacies of human life, more we realise how much more we are yet to know. Student of modern medicine can rattle out the functions of various organs like heart, kidneys, liver, brain etc. very well. However if he is asked a simple question viz, what are the functions of man?, he is taken aback.

From time immemorial, Ayurveda has given guidelines and will continue to give guidelines to mankind about the art of living, science of health and philosophy of life. Ayurveda has studied man in relation to the Universe and has come to the scientific conclusion that man is the epitome of the Universe. All objects in the Universe right from energy particles to huge celestial bodies and from microbes to man are derived from the same basic elements. Maintaining the consistency of the physical as well as biological elements in the body i.e. milieu interior constitute the basic function of physicians.

Ayurveda, the science of life aims at attaining ideal physical, mental and spiritual health. One can acquire physical health by following Swasththa-vrutta i.e. daily and seasonal regimen. One can develop a strong mind by following Sat-vrutta i.e. rules of good conduct. One can attain spiritual health by understanding the true nature of self and his relation to the Universe as well as by developing a philosophical attitude.

Principles of Ayurveda are eternal truths, as they are based on sound scientific facts. Understanding 'Principles of Ayurveda' will not only help mankind to live a better life, but will also help all the present as well as future scientists and research workers in understanding and unraveling the mysteries and intricacies of human life in a better way.

The mind is the man' says Bacon. Human mind has mysterious powers. Mind has no limits or bounds for its development. It is up to us to develop or degrade our mind. It can convert an enemy into a friend, a moment into years, a hell into heaven and man into almighty. The philosophy of Ayurveda stresses the importance of utilizing the mind, the most powerful instrument of man as given in the following prayer,

"From unreal, lead me to the real.

From ignorance, lead me to knowledge.

From death, lead me to immortality."

Dr Vasant B Athavale