How The Tridanda Or Three Dimensions Of Life Help You Stay Healthy

We focused on Tridanda, or the three dimensions of life, in the previous part. The three dimensions of life are Body, Mind and Soul. We also spoke in detail about the first two dimensions – Body and Mind – and their corresponding Patanjali Ayurvedic products. This part focuses on the third dimension – Soul or Ātmā, apart from how Patanjali can be of help.

Ātmā: The Soul (The True Self or Consciousness)

The body's (puruşa) health and harmony are the main values of Ayurveda. It speaks of the body and puruşa as a mix of the five elements, mind, intellect (brain) and Ātmā (individual soul or self). Puruşa is an amazing amalgamation of the conscious and unconscious. The union of the non-living body and Ātmā or pure consciousness gives rise to the human being (puruşa or an active person).

The body’s foundation is laid down by the five elements, the sensory organs and the mind. The foundation’s conscious aspect is Ātmā – the creator of actions and the bearer of consequences. The Ātmā’s departure makes the body non-functional or dead despite the organs being intact. The body and mind cannot experience anything. Thus, the Ātmā is considered the basis of all consciousness.

The eternal Ātmā exists despite the destruction of the body. It takes another form according to the person’s karma. This conscious entity must be connected with the intellect, mind and sensory organs to get knowledge. This knowledge comes from the Ātmā's alignment with mind and intellect, which in turn aligns with the sensory organs. The organs absorb insights and impressions.

Absolute Ātmā goes beyond the body, mind and sensory organs. It provides mindfulness. The eternal Ātmā notices all activities and is free from disorders and change, unlike the body and mind.

Characteristics of the Ātmā

The features of the Ātmā include joy, sorrow, desire, hatred, endeavours, thought processes, determination, memory, knowledge, motivations and beliefs. These manifest as long as the Ātmā lives in the body and the person is alive. The sensory organs, mind and prāna function only if the Ātmā exists in the body. Treatment works only on a body with the Ātmā or is considered dead.

Modern medical science does not focus on the Ātmā's existence. But founders of traditional Indian medical science like Dhanavantari, Charaka, Sushruta and Patanjali have scientifically proven Ātmā through experiments, intellect, evidence and reasoning.

Patanjali offers Ayurvedic products that soothe the soul. Patanjali's Aastha Javadhu Powder (With Nilgiri Oil) (15 Gms) provides fragrance and coolness to the body. This organic product with natural herbs provides peace to the body and mind.

Or choose Patanjali’s Aastha Bhimseni Kapoor (25 Gms and 50 Gms). Used in aartis and hawans, it brings positivity to the mind and soul. Using Patanjali Kesar (500 Gms and 1 Kg) aids in overall good health and well-being. It is also great for digestion and relief from gas.

Understanding Tridanda or the Three Dimensions of Life – Body, Mind and Soul – is essential for good and healthy living, along with Ayurveda and Patanjali.