Concept of Adhis and Vyadhis – Physical and Mental Diseases
The Nirvana Prakarana of the Laghu Yoga Vashishta, describes in detail the origin and destruction of mental and bodily diseases.
In the context of Yoga Vashishtha, the concepts of “Adhis” and “Vyadhis” are central to understanding the philosophy and approach to life outlined in this ancient Indian scripture. Yoga Vashishtha is a philosophical text attributed to the sage Vasishtha and is a dialogue between Vasishtha and Lord Rama.
- Adhis: It refers to a psychic disturbance that arises due to ignorance. It consists of Vasanas (mental impressions). And these mental afflictions or psychological disturbances hinder a person’s spiritual progress and peace of mind. These afflictions are considered as deep-rooted impressions or imbalances within the mind and consciousness. Adhis can encompass a range of emotional and psychological issues such as anxiety, fear, desire, anger, ego, attachment, and other disturbances that cloud the mind and lead to suffering and confusion.The practice of yoga, as outlined in Yoga Vashishtha, involves addressing and transcending these mental afflictions to attain a state of clarity, tranquility, and liberation. Through self-awareness, detachment, and proper spiritual practices, one aims to overcome the Adhis and attain a state of inner harmony.
- Vyadhis: “Vyadhis” refers to physical ailments or diseases that affect the body. These can be temporary or chronic physical conditions that cause discomfort, pain, and suffering. In Yoga Vashishtha, Vyadhis are seen as a result of imbalances in the body and mind, often stemming from the Adhis. The practices of yoga, including asanas (physical postures), pranayama (breath control), and meditation, are advocated to maintain physical health and overcome Vyadhis. By achieving balance in the body and mind, one aims to minimize the impact of physical ailments and diseases on their spiritual journey.
Sage Vashishta teaches Lord Rama that there are two major classifications of disease (Vyadhis).
- Adhijavyadhi is a stress-borne psychosomatic illness, which means those diseases that are caused by the mind. And these are Primary Diseases.
- Anadhija Vyadhi – Those diseases that afflict the body directly and these are Secondary Diseases, like infectious disease, accidents etc.
Two Sub Divisions of the Primary Disease
Samanya (Ordinary Physical Diseases) : Samanya diseases are the ones that affect us physically and may be destroyed by the correction of the mind-body disharmony. It is in these psychosomatic disorders that the actual practical application of Yoga practices as a mode of therapy can be very useful.
Sara : These are Essential Disorder of rebirth that may only be destroyed by AtmaJnana or Knowledge of the Divine Self).
From the Yogic viewpoint of disease, how stress manifests as physical ailment in the body:
1. Psychic Phase: This phase is marked by mild but persistent psychological and behavioural symptoms of stress like irritability, disturbed sleep and other minor symptoms. This phase can be correlated with vijnanamaya and manomaya koshas. Yoga as a mind body therapy is very effective in this phase.
2. Psychosomatic Phase: If the stress continues there is an increase in symptoms, along with the appearance of generalized physiological symptoms such as occasional hypertension and tremors. This phase can be correlated with manomaya and pranamaya koshas. Yoga as a mind body therapy is very effective in this phase.
3. Somatic Phase: This phase is marked by disturbed function of organs, particularly the target, or involved organ. At this stage one begins to identify the diseased state. This phase can be correlated with pranamaya and annamaya koshas. Yoga as a therapy is less effective in this phase and may need to be used in conjunction with other methods of treatment.
4. Organic Phase: This phase is marked by full manifestation of the diseased state, with pathological changes such as an ulcerated stomach or chronic hypertension, becoming manifest in their totality with their resultant complications. This phase can be correlated with the annamaya kosha as the disease has become fixed in the physical body. Yoga as a therapy has a palliative and ‘quality of life improving’ effect in this phase. It also has positive emotional and psychological effects even in terminal and end of life situations.