Forsake Not

West associates India strongly with its spiritual tradition—often out of sympathy, respect, and the best of intentions, but sometimes dismissively as ‘the land of religions, the country of uncritical faiths and unquestioned practices.’ Nobel laureate Amartya Sen rightly argued, “History of India is incomplete without its tradition of skepticism”.

To see India "as overwhelmingly religious, or deeply anti-scientific, or exclusively hierarchical, or fundamentally unskeptical involves significant oversimplification of India's past and present," said Sen.

Indian lifestyle and rituals are generally assumed as a collection Hindu religious customs. But theologians themselves refrain from confining Hinduism within the boundaries of religion and prefer calling it ‘Dharma’ which supposedly misses on an exact translation. Dharma means, the way of life which is the ‘total of all aachaaraasas or customs and rituals’. It is more of a culture and not religion only.

Great Divide: Truth or Myth?

Indians had been following all through their life such age old traditions either without raising any questions or remaining unanswered if asked about. The younger lot refused to blindly follow them and with the rise of migration and nuclear families the followership of several and most traditions kept on blurring.

“The burden of making rituals logical began in the 19th century when all things that could not be explained through science came to be viewed as inferior. Rituals, however, have been used by cultures to communicate ideas that shape the imagination and hence impact our emotions” says the celebrated author, speaker, illustrator and mythologist Devdutt Pattanaik.

The rituals and traditional behavior were well rooted in Indians. But a number of customs and rituals took a back seat and many find no room at all in our modern lifestyle. Patnaik who is also trained in medicine says, “Blinded by science and logic, we have not been able to appreciate the depth of ancient wisdom. We have stripped ourselves of the technology of mythology that has made our culture in particular, and all cultures in general, what they are.”

Patnaik prefers focusing on mythological narrations and extracting the philosophy of life and hidden corporate wisdom behind.

Science Signs

With a number of recent scientific studies seen standing in support of the age old Indian rituals and customs people are bound to reconsider the dumping. Logics behind the ‘silly rituals’ are no more a mystery. And rituals are no more that silly to follow.

Magic Mantras

A team of researchers in India, at the Vivekananda Kendra Yoga Research Foundation in Bangalore, reported in the Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, that chanting the mantra ‘Om’ mentally, achieved a significant reduction in heart rate, which led to a deep form of relaxation, with increased alertness (Telles 1995:418-420).

The same team also reported that chanting a meaningful syllable such as ‘Om’, caused a decrease in heart and breath rate, compared to a neutral syllable such as ‘ONE’, which did not produce a similar effect (Telles 1998:57-63).

Such research clearly indicates that mantras are not just empty syllables or meaningless phrases. They are latent with power which manifests during chanting. This chanting triggers health benefits.

Curing Curry

Latest research shows that a chemical compound found in turmeric may help beat Alzheimer's, which is a brain disease that impairs memory. Researchers isolated the compound 'bisdemethoxycurcumin' found in turmeric, which they claimed helps stimulate immune system cells that defend the body against infections and diseases.

The study might explain why Alzhimer's disease is so rare in India. Turmeric is frequently consumed in India as a dietary supplement, which allegedly cures stomach problems and other ailments.

Healthy by tradition

Having a Tulsi plant in home had always been a must per Indian custom. The contemporary lifestyle forced it to be nothing more than a customary compulsion. The humble plant’s long list of medicinal qualities and utility proved by scientific research only could reinstate its importance.

The different forms and types of prasads with a variety of ingredients specially marked per calendar cycle and seasons are also aimed at providing the body those nutrients and elements which are normally missed upon. They are important in terms of medicinal value and for strengthening immune system.

Dieticians accept that the fasting in two navratras falling precisely between different seasons is the best way of saving one’s body from catching infection and falling sick.

Fit to be: Physiologically beneficial customs

The Surya namaskaara (Sun salutation) which was ardently performed early in the morning is a combination of seven yoga postures practiced in ten steps. It has proven to be the best exercise for all skeletal joints in the body and physiotherapists refer to it as the king of the exercises. 

Indian tradition calls for an early rising. Researches prove that the brain is most active in the brahm muhurat and it is the best suitable time for studies and other mental activities.

The right direction

Traditionally, Indians have avoided sleeping with head pointing North. Now we have a scientific report corroborating the advice and action. Magnetic meridian of Earth retards the blood flow through brain capillaries and affects the functioning of brain cells. 

Following the vaastu guidance in setting office and home is again an in-thing.

It is a popular saying in India that Indians like, accept and revere only what comes from abroad, even if it’s made in India. From Gandhi to Yoga, Vastu to Ayurveda the rule applies evenly. Thankfully the age old Indian traditions are returning duly accredited by Science of western standards so as to be readopted by Indians.