The Relationship between Health and Ethical Conduct in Philosophical Perspective of Ayurveda (An Ancient Indian Medical Science)

Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medical science. It flourished in India around 1000 B.C. and still provides effective treatment and preventive measures related with health & fitness. In Ayurveda, the theory of health and disease is built on the metaphysical assumptions of two famous philosophical systems named Samkhya and Vaisheshika to explain the nature and basic constituents of the human body. Ayurveda describes the natural uniformity of all creations whether living or non-living. There is always a continuous reaction between human body and external environment. Both are assumed to consist of same elements identified as Panch Mahabhutas in Ayurveda. Since the human body has the same elements as nature, we must follow a life style which is in unison with nature. With the changes in nature and environment during different seasons and also during day and night, our regimen and other daily activities should also change. What we eat during daytime can be different from what we eat during night to remain healthy. The same concept applies to different weathers and seasons. When the balance between nature and human body disturbs, we get ailments. Apart from describing the relationship between body and environment, Ayurveda also imposes the responsibility upon human beings of maintaining nature in its best condition. The ideal life style for mankind shall preserve nature and should not destroy its natural contents. If human activities destroy or distort the natural environment they are considered unethical in Ayurveda. Such unethical behavior is the cause of various diseases and sufferings. It not only harms nature but is also fatal for the human body. By analyzing the concepts of mankind and its health & disease, we can trace out the structure of ideal and meaningful lifestyle for human race that will ensure nature’s protection and a healthy mind and body for every human being. In this paper an attempt is made to put forward the ideal way of life and human conduct according to the Ayurveda and to prescribe methods on which various human activities can be judged as ethical or non-ethical and beneficial or harmful for nature and human race