Role of Sadvritta in Promotion of Mental Health: A Review

Abstract

Health or dhatusamya is the ultimate aim of Ayurveda for which several measures have been described; some are preventive and promotive while some are curative and restorative in nature. In this series, sadvritta is a very important principle of Ayurveda and thus plays vital role in prevention of diseases and promotion of health with special reference to mental health. Ayurveda is the only science in which a large description regarding mental health has been given. Sadvritta is principle of ethics of every field. These are the rules and regulations designed by aptapurusha which have satvik mental constitution, and so, if followed properly, always end with positive results. Mana with satva predominance has been considered as homeostatic mana as satva is responsible for absolute knowledge and intellect. Concentration of tri-guna is variable in different mental constitutional personalities like fingerprints. But contrary to fingerprints, it can be changed by repeated thoughts and activities with respective guna. As satvaguna is increased in mental constitution, intellectual power is increased in any individual. Also, the capability of thinking and reaction in different circumstances and in different parts of society is also improved and always ends with positive results. It is the ultimate aim and basic principle behind sadvritta. The principle of sadvritta is more significant in current era as ranking of corruption, crime, terrorism, tendency of suicide, violent behaviour, friction in families, decreased human values, etc. have increased, as well as, there seems no chance for improvement in its current situation.