INDIA IS THE SPIRITUAL ABODE FOR WELLNESS AND HEALTH

Millions of devotees from around the world have made Mahakumbh Mela 2025 a global event and its visuals have the world in awe. There is no differentiation based on race, religion, sexual orientation, language, social class, or status. All have been welcome to take a holy dip in the Sangam at Prayagraj without restriction. Mahakumbh has been trending as a search topic globally even in Islamic and Christian nations. Animal studies have shown that congestion beyond a limit leads to violence. Then what is the secret of such massive peaceful congregations of humanity? So what attracts everyone to this biggest human event on earth? It is more a spiritual desire than a religious belief. Bhaktas (devotees) have been defined in the Bhagavad Gita as those distressed (Arta), those with desires (Artharti), seekers of knowledge and truth (Jigyasu), and the self-realized (Jnani). All these four types of devotees gravitate to India eventually, seeking spirituality, a sense of perspective, meaning, and purpose in life, irrespective of their religious beliefs, culture, nationality, or status, attracted by Indian diversity and Sanatan culture.

SPIRITUALITY: The Latin word “spiritus”, means “breath” or “life”. Spirituality helps find meaning and purpose in life and connect with something greater than oneself, cosmic or divine, in harmony with humanity, nature, and all life forms. It leads to inner peace, humility, tolerance, love, compassion, and altruism. It is a source of comfort and support during times of crisis or personal challenge. Meditation, Pranayama, communing with nature, Yoga, and Ayurveda are all Indian contributions to global health and wellness. Ramayana revered in many nations and cultures is about inclusivity and morality. Jain simplicity and concern for all living forms, Buddhist renunciation of greed and emotional attachments, and Sikh emphasis on social service, sacrifice, and altruism are all parts of Indian culture and spirituality.

ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS, CULTURAL HERITAGE, AND SPIRITUALITY: Of the most ancient civilizations in the world, Indian, Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Chinese, Mayan, Incan, and Aztec, only the Indian Civilization, culture and its wisdom has survived religious, cultural, colonial, communist persecution. Spirituality is the basis of Indian culture and has shaped its history and expressions, such as art, language, and social customs. Indian sacred sites, ancient wisdom, cultural diversity and heritage, spiritual values of tolerance and compassion, oneness with nature, and simple sustainable nature-preserving lifestyle are a huge magnet to the entire humanity especially those disillusioned with medieval practices and rituals, modern materialistic lifestyle and the quest of wealth, status and fame and a never-ending cycle of violence.

TOLERANCE OF DIVERSITY – NATURE’S EVOLUTIONARY SUCCESS: Nature’s success with life forms is based on the evolution of different interdependent life forms, and not just tolerance but encouragement and celebration of diversity. Monotheistic religious beliefs are contrary to natural diversity. God and nature have provided a variety of fruits to humanity, each fruit like the apple has multiple varieties. The dissonance between violent intolerance and natural diversity finally leads to spirituality and tolerance towards the diversity of nature and humanity. As a surgeon, I do not see any difference in the anatomy or physiology of my patients irrespective of their skin colour and appearance. Hence, there is unity in natural diversity. Gratitude for trees, wildlife, all life forms, and even inanimate parts of nature like air/ether, water, fire, earth as soil, and stone (the four elements in Greek culture) have been an inherent part of Indian culture.

SPIRITUALITY, PHILOSOPHY, AND SCIENCE: Both spirituality and philosophy seek deeper understanding and meaning in life and the nature of consciousness. They open our minds and broaden our thinking as lucidly stated by Rabindranath Tagore in his poem “Gitanjali 35” ‘Where the world has not been broken up into fragments by narrow domestic walls’. Spirituality seeks enlightenment, and connection with a higher power through communing with nature, contemplation, meditation, prayer, and faith. Philosophy uses critical thinking and reasoning to explore fundamental questions about reality, existence, knowledge, and ethics. Spirituality and science complement each other in understanding the universe and our place in it. A spiritual upbringing with philosophical encouragement to intellectual inquiry and analysis has led to Indians leading major multinational companies and nations. International studies of the success of the Indian diaspora worldwide have led humanity to India.

SPIRITUAL WELLNESS AND HEALTH: Spiritual practices tend to lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of heart disease, and enhance overall physical and mental well-being. Spirituality fosters a sense of peace, provides comfort and relief, boosts psychological health, and helps resilience in the face of challenges. From cancer and disabilities to profound grief and depression, spirituality helps increase acceptance and decrease negative emotions. It tempers unrealistic ambition and impatience. It offers community connection and reduces loneliness, frustration, disillusion with life, self-destructive violent and suicidal tendencies, and addictions.
Those on a spiritual mission collect and distribute medicine and clothing, build schools, hospitals, and clinics in villages, and participate in blood donation drives and free health and eye operation camps. Only the spiritual awakening of humanity can lead to ethical behaviour, peace, a sustainable healthy lifestyle, prosperity, and good health. India is ideally placed to lead the world in this quest.

Dr. P.S.Venkatesh Rao is Consultant Endocrine, Breast & Laparoscopic Surgeon, Bengaluru.