The Saint's Self-Cultivation Record – Gandhi on Morality, Self-Cultivation, and Health

Author: Gandhi
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-08-01
Features: Before describing the human body, it is necessary to understand the meaning of the word "health." Health refers to the body being at ease and relaxed. A healthy person has no diseases and does not feel tired when engaging in normal activities. They can easily walk 10 to 12 miles daily, and general physical labor does not tire them. They can digest simple foods. Their mind and senses are in a state of harmony and tranquility. However, this definition does not apply to people like professional boxers. A physically strong person is not necessarily healthy; they may have only developed their muscular tissues, possibly at the expense of other things. To achieve the standard of health mentioned above, we need sufficient knowledge about the body. Only God knows what kind of education was prevalent in ancient times. Researchers may be able to tell us some things about it, but only in part. In our country, everyone has experienced some form of modern education. However, because it is disconnected from daily life, we almost completely neglect our bodies, and knowledge about our villages and fields faces a similar fate. On the other hand, it teaches us many things that are detached from life. I am not saying that this knowledge is useless, but everything has its place. Before learning other things, we must first understand our bodies, our houses, our villages, and the environment around them, including the growth of crops and their history. Only ordinary knowledge built upon knowledge of ourselves and our surroundings can enrich our lives.
The human body is composed of the five elements described by ancient philosophers: earth, water, air (vacancy), light, and fire. All human activities are carried out by the mind with the help of ten senses. They are five action senses, such as hands, feet, mouth, anus, and reproductive organs; and five perception senses, such as touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing. Thinking is a function of the brain, and some call it the eleventh sense. In good health, all the senses and the brain work perfectly together. The work within the body is miraculous. The human body is a microcosm; nothing found within the body cannot be found in the universe. Therefore, philosophers often say: "The inner universe reflects the outer universe." From this, it follows that if we can fully understand the body, we can fully understand the universe. But even the best doctors cannot achieve this. However, if a layperson seeks it, it is not reckless. To this day, no instrument has been invented that can give us any information about the brain. Scientists' descriptions of activities within and outside the body are quite attractive, but no one can say what force makes the body function. Who can know the cause of death or predict the time of death in advance? In short, after countless readings and writings, and countless experiences, one realizes how little they know. The harmonious functioning of the human body machine depends on the harmonious movement of its parts. If everything runs in order, the machine operates normally. If the main parts, even just one, fail, the machine must stop. For example, if the digestive system malfunctions, the entire person becomes lethargic. People with mild digestive disorders and constipation do not understand the basics of health; both are symptoms of countless