Health and happiness are twin goals that mankind has always pursued. Many of us know that we must be healthy in order to be happy; but very few of us realise that we must strive to be happy in order to be healthy. Since the beginning of the 20^th century we have accepted what is known as psychosomatic unity of the human being. ‘Psyche’ means mind or soul; ‘soma’ means body. Thus, the psychosomatic concept tells us that we are not just bodies – but an entirety that includes body, mind and spirit, functioning in a symbiotic relationship in which a separation is impossible to make.

Don’t take good health for granted

The World Health Organisation [WHO] defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing—and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.” To this we must add, spiritual wellbeing—without which a feeling of ‘wellness’ is incomplete. The sad fact of the matter is that people take good health for granted. They don’t even think about their health until they are in danger of losing it—when illness and disease begin to threaten. Even then, they go to a doctor or a hospital, and think that this is all they have to do about it—in other words, they take no responsibility of their health. This reminds me of the words of the great comedian, Charlie Chaplin. He said: “When I fall sick, I go to the doctor. After all, the doctor has to live! The doctor writes out a prescription for me and I take it to the chemist–for the chemist too must live! The chemist gives me medicines–but I don’t take them, for I too must live!”

The time has come when doctors too realise that they must work on the principle of healing that is within each one of us

I must offer due apologies to doctors and chemists who are reading this. But I am sure they too will see the point of the joke–you are your own healer. The power of healing is within you. And the time has come when doctors too realise that they must work not on the disease and its symptoms–but on this principle of healing that is within each one of us. It was Dr. Johnson who said: “To preserve health is the moral and religious duty of us all—for health is the basis of all social virtues. We can no longer be useful when we are not well.”

Health is not just about adding years to your life

Longevity is not the primary goal of human life. We are told that life expectancy has increased in our times; and this is attributed to better health care and the advances made in medicine and allied sciences. But a longer life is not what all of us seek. A life of pain and disease and affliction can only be a miserable burden when it is prolonged. Thus we have the cases of incurable diseases, and people who are ‘clinically dead’ being put on life-support systems in the ICUs of hospitals. This is hardly the kind of treatment or ‘life’ that we aspire to. Take the case of a man who is not really ill. He may not suffer from any disease–but he may feel dull, lethargic and listless. He may be unhappy, and beset by negative emotions. Such a man is not really healthy.

True health and wellbeing encompasses man’s physical, mental, intellectual, and spiritual state. When there is harmony and integrity between all these states, one is in good health. This is the concept of holistic health that we need now.

The post Dada Vaswani explains the true meaning of wellness appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.

Published by: Penguin Random House India
ISBN: 978-0143426660
Pages: 288
Price: INR 299

In a world where words are loud and confusion runs deep, a book comes along and acts as a soothing balm. Conversation with Dada Vaswani not only answers the most common questions seekers tend to have but also immerses you in a divine peace—a kind of tranquillity that feels like a rare blessing.

This book documents the many conversations the writer had with Dada Vaswani over a period of several months. But make no mistake—a book based on conversations does not mean it would be dull and boring. Dada will make you want to read more and keep you hooked with his wisdom and his childlike humour that is always accompanied by his characteristic humility. Though considered as a master by millions, he refuses to call himself a Guru and insists that he is only a friend to the devotees who flock to hear him from across the world. In a world where the so called “Spiritual Gurus” are seen on celebrity and entertainment pages of newspapers, here is a man who prefers to keep a low profile and quietly channels his energies to work for the downtrodden.

While reading this book, you will likely be touched by Dada’s profound simplicity even as his divinity starts having an effect. By the end of the book, you will come away feeling differently towards life.

Throughout this book, as in his discourses, Dada Vaswani talks fondly of his Guru, Sadhu Vaswani. When he talks of his home in Karachi in undivided India—the Saints, godmen and the fakirs that would walk around Sindh then—it feels like home. It’s strange that Karachi, which is now one of the most unsafe cities in the world, was once so safe, prosperous and clean.

Bharucha makes it a point to ask many pertinent questions—questions that we all wants answers for. Dada responds with eloquence. He emphasises why and how spirituality should be a way of life for everyone, not something you turn towards when you are old and frail. Dada used anecdotes to explain some of the most beautiful and mysterious ideas which only a master like him can explain. As you read the book, you encounter teachings of some of the greatest spiritual teachers that India has ever produced—from Meher Baba to Swami Vivekananda.

Dada’s language is lucid and clear as is reflected in the conversations between the master and his disciple—each page is filled with spiritual gems and sometimes you just feel like keep the book aside and letting the wisdom sink in. As it happens with insights from masters, you keep coming back to each question many times and find a new meaning every time. Dada teachings flow like the river—no assertion, just gentle persuasion. And therein lies the beauty of the book.

Though the based on spiritual teachings, it does not negate science. Being educated as a scientist, Dada explains many things from a scientific perspective. What’s really striking is that at no place do we come across religious preaching of any kind. Dada firmly believes that prophets are avatars of the same God and wonders how futile it is for men to fight one over the other.

When you finish the book, you will feel like your conversation with a wise, loving soul has just ended. You are filled with gratitude for Dada’s answers as well as his love. A thirst for more arises but for that you need to go within, says Dada.

This is a must read for spiritual seekers. If nothing else, it will bring you a sense of serenity and peace that we all seek.

The post Conversations with Dada Vaswani: A Perfect Disciple, A Reluctant Master By Ruzbeh Bharucha appeared first on Complete Wellbeing.