Religious and Cultural Determinants of Health Care: A Qualitative Study from India

Religious and Cultural Religious and Cultural Determinants of Health Determinants of Health

Care: A Qualitative Study Care: A Qualitative Study from Indiafrom India

DR. VINOD SHAHDR. VINOD SHAH

Presented at Faith-Based Organizations as Pioneers and Partners in Health Systems Development, May 31, 2005, Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington DC

Emmanuel Hospital Association

A QUALITATIVE RESEARCHA QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

…based on interviews with …based on interviews with Hindu god-men, leaders & Hindu god-men, leaders & devotees.devotees.


LORD RAM AND HANUMAN DEVOTEE

SADHU JI

AACHARYA LAL PRATAP MISHRA

MEMBER OF SANATHAN DHARMA

PANDIT HARISH KUMAR TRIVEDI

RAM KRISHNA DEVOTEE


PILGRIM SADHUS PILGRIM SADHU SANT RAM DAS

SANTOSH HITAU SHRI MAHARAJ JI SHRI MOHAN LAL MISHRA


SWAMI NANDACHARYA

SWAMI NATWAR DAS

A BLIND HINDU DEVOTEE

A DEVOTEE OF VISHNU

DEVOTEE OF BABA KIS

A HINDU DEVOTEE


JAGDISH KUMAR VAISH - STUDENT

LAL SHRI MANGAL SWAMI

PROFESSOR AJIT DALAL

RAJU WOMEN PILGRIMS

Time orientation

SubjectiveVs

Objectivecultures

SupremacyOf family &Corruption

Women’s Disempowered

status

Body soul dissociation

Low trust versusHigh trust

Role-modelingCaring &

Relationship

Health

Factors that affectedthe health “caring”Culture.

Role modeling of care-IRole modeling of care-I Did the religious leaders role model Did the religious leaders role model

caring?caring?


VISITING THE SICK…VISITING THE SICK…

I don’t go visiting and I don’t go visiting and helping the sick because helping the sick because I’m not a doctor.I’m not a doctor.

I don’t have time to visit I don’t have time to visit the sick.the sick.

I help those who come to I help those who come to me and get them to the me and get them to the hospital.hospital.


CONT.CONT.

I sit on a seat that is I sit on a seat that is fixed and it does not fixed and it does not enable me to move enable me to move about the whole day.about the whole day.

I come here early I come here early morning and once I sit on morning and once I sit on my seat I don’t move.my seat I don’t move.

If someone who is sick If someone who is sick and comes up to me…I and comes up to me…I may just help himmay just help him

I don’t have the time to I don’t have the time to visit the sick.visit the sick.


Cont…Cont…

If I am at prayer…I will If I am at prayer…I will not leave my prayer and not leave my prayer and go to help someone…I go to help someone…I don’t think it is don’t think it is important.important.

If I leave my god and my If I leave my god and my karma and help someone karma and help someone then my god will get then my god will get angry…my karma will be angry…my karma will be lost…lost…


ROLE MODELLING OF ROLE MODELLING OF CARECAREBY GODS AND GODDESSBY GODS AND GODDESS

The Christian Gospel is full of Christ role The Christian Gospel is full of Christ role modeling care and compassionmodeling care and compassion

Christians too are more interested in healing, Christians too are more interested in healing, caring and compassionate ministriescaring and compassionate ministries

The first hospital in India was mentioned The first hospital in India was mentioned during the time of Ashoka in the 2during the time of Ashoka in the 2ndnd Century BCCentury BC - - there is no further mention there is no further mention of a hospital in India till the 15of a hospital in India till the 15thth Century Century after the advent of the Portuguese. after the advent of the Portuguese.


Did God role model healing?Did God role model healing?

There is no such example There is no such example for god role modeling for god role modeling healing.healing.


Cont.Cont.

SILENCE!SILENCE!


THE ORTHODOX INDIAN CONTEXTTHE ORTHODOX INDIAN CONTEXT

Jainism discourages sharing your suffering with Jainism discourages sharing your suffering with others.others.

VISITING THE SICK is not done by the VISITING THE SICK is not done by the community and is confined to the family and community and is confined to the family and extended familyextended family

We never see Hindu or Buddhist or Jain Priests We never see Hindu or Buddhist or Jain Priests coming to pray for supporting the sick. It is coming to pray for supporting the sick. It is not part of their job description.not part of their job description.


IMPORTANCE OF THE BODYIMPORTANCE OF THE BODY Body- Soul dissociation-II Body- Soul dissociation-IIDeveloped societiesDeveloped societies

To heal the body is also to minister to the soul To heal the body is also to minister to the soul and indeed to the whole personand indeed to the whole person

The body had intrinsic dignity however The body had intrinsic dignity however deformed or diseased. Even in death, the deformed or diseased. Even in death, the body needed to be respectedbody needed to be respected

The body was an integral part of “me”.The body was an integral part of “me”.


One of the most difficult austerities a practitioner can attempt is to hold his arm upright in the air for twelve years. It is said that if successfully completed, the practice results in the attainment of supernatural powers


The fingernails of this ascetic’s hand have curled around the palm during the four years he held it upright


Offerings are made to a mediator who is buried up to the neck in sand. He suppresses the sensations of the flesh while attempting to free his mind through meditation.


Lifting enormous rocks with the penis is one of the more unusual ways of desensitizing the sexual organ to overcome lust


Perhaps the most well known austerity is lying on a bed of sharp nails to overcome the limitations of the physical body.


Naga babas perform exercises with their penises, like lifting stones, stretching and rolling it around a stick to demonstrate that the nerves have been severed.


Most yogis never cut their hair but grow it long and matted to discourage vanity. They wear little or no clothing, rubbing ash from the fires over their bodies


Body Soul dissociationBody Soul dissociation The Indian systems have many “holistic” The Indian systems have many “holistic”

practicespractices

However none of them really address the hard However none of them really address the hard core issues of the “body” like-core issues of the “body” like-

• Repair of structures/organs Repair of structures/organs • Understanding cellular processesUnderstanding cellular processes• Pathology of infections etc.Pathology of infections etc. Body (Dirty) and Soul (Good) were dissociated.Body (Dirty) and Soul (Good) were dissociated.


SENSE OF COMMUNITYSENSE OF COMMUNITYHigh and low trust societies-High and low trust societies-IIIIII

IMPACT ON HEALTH/ ECONOMICS ACCORDING TO FRANCIS FUKUYOMA.

Author of book on Trust


THE ORTHODOX INDIAN THE ORTHODOX INDIAN CONTEXTCONTEXT

SOLITARY WORSHIP

LOW TRUST SOCIETIES

LESS SPONTANEOUSSOCIALIBILITY

LESS SOCIAL CAPITAL

FAMILY BUSINESS ONLY

LESS WEALTH CREATION


JUDEO CHRISTIAN JUDEO CHRISTIAN CONTEXTCONTEXT

COMMUNITY WORSHIP

HIGH TRUST SOCIETIES

MORE SPONTANEOUS SOCIALIBILITY

MORE SOCIAL CAPITAL MULTINATIONAL

CORPORATE BUSINESS

MORE WEALTH CREATION


Institutions that are required for health such asInstitutions that are required for health such as : :

Marketing of these herbsMarketing of these herbs Standardization of dosagesStandardization of dosages Ethical committees to set down codes of conductEthical committees to set down codes of conduct Medical Training CentresMedical Training Centres Other disciplines which should cooperate and Other disciplines which should cooperate and

assist assist the physician.the physician.

Farming of ayurvedic herbsFarming of ayurvedic herbs

All these require community cooperation. But sadly none All these require community cooperation. But sadly none of these happened in a regular sustainable fashion. of these happened in a regular sustainable fashion.


INDIVIDUAL WORSHIPINDIVIDUAL WORSHIP I sit here and worship my I sit here and worship my

god alone…this is my god alone…this is my temple.temple.

I perform all the rites of I perform all the rites of worship to gods like worship to gods like Ganga, etc…in the Ganga, etc…in the morning and evening.morning and evening.


Cont.Cont. Ones karma is the only Ones karma is the only

true form of worship.true form of worship. Following all rules and Following all rules and

regulations is the best regulations is the best form of worship.form of worship.


Cont.Cont.


Women’s Women’s disempowered disempowered statusstatus

IVIV


Woman in Hinduism/JainismWoman in Hinduism/Jainism Sentiment towards woman was lowSentiment towards woman was low

Later Vedic period – woman reduced to status Later Vedic period – woman reduced to status of Sudraof Sudra

Women had no place in religious life-no Women had no place in religious life-no reciting of slokas/ no salvationreciting of slokas/ no salvation

Degradation through temple Degradation through temple prostitution/Tantric practicesprostitution/Tantric practices


The eldest son of the family pays his last respects to his deceased father before completing the customary rituals and putting torch to the funeral pyre.


Erotic sculptures abound & temple prostitution was one of the results


TANTRA- Motionless sex and meditation at the same time.

Sex sans lust


Famous tantricFamous tantricWas a close confidante ofone of the PM in IndiaWas a close confidante ofone of the PM in India

Mr ChandraswamyMr Chandraswamy


A Memorial

The women who committed Sati suicide were immortalized in India. Their praises were sung and temples were built for them. Offerings are made to many memorials even after several decades later.


Memorials Erected for Women Who Committed Sati.These stones are called Maha-Sati stones and can be found in several parts of India


Decorated Sati from a Hero-stone (Mahasati Stone)


Bridal Makeup of a Woman Committing Suicide


STATUS OF WOMENSTATUS OF WOMEN

A woman’s religion is A woman’s religion is only to serve her only to serve her husband.husband.We Hindus believe this.We Hindus believe this.We don’t believe we We don’t believe we have any status without have any status without a husbanda husband..

Family versus truth- VFamily versus truth- V

A father and a husband is like

a God

Family values & corruptionFamily values & corruption

o Scale of familism (World Values survey Scale of familism (World Values survey code book 1994 & World Bank statistics)code book 1994 & World Bank statistics)

o Correlates well with the CPICorrelates well with the CPI.(Regression .(Regression analysis)analysis)

o Tribalism- Africa and IndiaTribalism- Africa and India

Family values and corruptionFamily values and corruption

o Edward Banfield- “ Amoral familism”- Edward Banfield- “ Amoral familism”- The The Moral Basis of a backward societyMoral Basis of a backward society

o Plato- “Children should be Plato- “Children should be institutionalized” –institutionalized” –Republic Chapter 5Republic Chapter 5

o Lawrence Harrison- Extended family –anti-development Lawrence Harrison- Extended family –anti-development (Underdevelopment is a state of mind-page 7)(Underdevelopment is a state of mind-page 7)

o Weber- Family Loyalty and market are antithetical -The Weber- Family Loyalty and market are antithetical -The religion of China- page 237.religion of China- page 237.

Corruption Perceptions Index Corruption Perceptions Index 20042004

Corruption Perceptions Index Corruption Perceptions Index 2004 2004

This table was compiled at the This table was compiled at the University of Passau on behalf of University of Passau on behalf of Transparency International. For Transparency International. For

information on data and information on data and methodology, please consult themethodology, please consult the frequently asked questions frequently asked questions and and

the the framework documentframework document..

http://www.transparency.org/cpi/2004/cpi2004_faq.en.html

http://www.transparency.org/cpi/2004/dnld/framework_en.pdf

Country Rank Country 2004 CPI Score* Confidence Range** Surveys Used***Country Rank Country 2004 CPI Score* Confidence Range** Surveys Used***

1 Finland 9,7 9.5 - 9.8 92 New Zealand 9,6 9.4 - 9.6 93 Denmark 9,5 9.3 - 9.7 10

Iceland 9,5 9.4 - 9.7 85 Singapore 9,3 9.2 - 9.4 136 Sweden 9,2 9.1 - 9.3 117 Switzerland 9,1 8.9 - 9.2 108 Norway 8,9 8.6 - 9.1 99 Australia 8,8 8.4 - 9.1 1510 Netherlands 8,7 8.5 - 8.9 1011 United Kingdom 8,6 8.4 - 8.8 1212 Canada 8,5 8.1 - 8.9 1213 Austria 8,4 8.1 - 8.8 10

Luxembourg 8,4 8.0 - 8.9 715 Germany 8,2 8.0 - 8.5 1116 Hong Kong 8,0 7.1 - 8.5 13


17 Belgium 7,5 7.1 - 8.0 10Ireland 7,5 7.2 - 7.9 10USA 7,5 6.9 - 8.0 14

20 Chile 7,4 7.0 - 7.8 1121 Barbados 7,3 6.6 - 7. 6 322 France 7,1 6.6 - 7.6 12

Spain 7,1 6.7 - 7.4 1124 Japan 6,9 6.2 - 7.4 1525 Malta 6,8 5.3 - 8.2 426 Israel 6,4 5.6 - 7.1 1027 Portugal 6,3 5.8 - 6.8 928 Uruguay 6,2 5.9 - 6.7 629 Oman 6,1 5.1 - 6.8 5

United Arab Emirates 6,1 5.1 - 7.1 5

31 Botswana 6,0 5.3 - 6.8 7


3131 EstoniaEstonia 6,06,0 5.6 - 6.75.6 - 6.7 1212 SloveniaSlovenia 6,06,0 5.6 - 6.65.6 - 6.6 121234 34 BahrainBahrain 5,85,8 5.5 - 6.25.5 - 6.2 5 5 35 35 TaiwanTaiwan 5,65,6 5.2 - 6.15.2 - 6.1 15153636 CyprusCyprus 5,45,4 5.0 - 5.85.0 - 5.8 443737 JordanJordan 5,35,3 4.6 - 5.94.6 - 5.9 993838 QatarQatar 5,25,2 4.6 - 5.64.6 - 5.6 443939 MalaysiaMalaysia 5,05,0 4.5 - 5.64.5 - 5.6 1515

TunisiaTunisia 5,05,0 4.5 - 5.64.5 - 5.6 774141 Costa RicaCosta Rica 4,94,9 4.2 - 5.84.2 - 5.8 884242 HungaryHungary 4,84,8 4.6 - 5.04.6 - 5.0 1212

ItalyItaly 4,84,8 4.4 - 5.14.4 - 5.1 10104444 KuwaitKuwait 4,64,6 3.8 - 5.33.8 - 5.3 55

LithuaniaLithuania 4,64,6 4.0 - 5.44.0 - 5.4 99South AfricaSouth Africa 4,64,6 4.2 - 5.04.2 - 5.0 1111

4747 South KoreaSouth Korea 4,54,5 4.0 - 4.94.0 - 4.9 14144848 SeychellesSeychelles 4,44,4 3.7 - 5.03.7 - 5.0 334949 GreeceGreece 4,34,3 4.0 - 4.84.0 - 4.8 99


49 49 Suriname Suriname 4,3 4,3 2.1 - 5.8 2.1 - 5.8 335151 Czech RepublicCzech Republic 4,24,2 3.7 - 4.93.7 - 4.9 11 11

El SalvadorEl Salvador 4,24,2 3.3 - 5.13.3 - 5.1 77Trinidad andTrinidad and 4,24,2 3.6 - 5.23.6 - 5.2 66TobagoTobago

5454 BulgariaBulgaria 4,14,1 3.7 - 4.63.7 - 4.6 1010MauritiusMauritius 4,14,1 3.2 - 4.83.2 - 4.8 55NamibiaNamibia 4,14,1 3.5 - 4.63.5 - 4.6 77

5757 LatviaLatvia 4,04,0 3.8 - 4.33.8 - 4.3 88SlovakiaSlovakia 4,04,0 3.6 - 4.53.6 - 4.5 1111

5959 BrazilBrazil 3,93,9 3.7 - 4.13.7 - 4.1 11116060 BelizeBelize 3,83,8 3.4 - 4.13.4 - 4.1 33

ColombiaColombia 3,83,8 3.4 - 4.13.4 - 4.1 10106262 CubaCuba 3,73,7 2.2 - 4.72.2 - 4.7 44

PanamaPanama 3,73,7 3.4 - 4.23.4 - 4.2 776464 GhanaGhana 3,63,6 3.1 - 4.13.1 - 4.1 77

MexicoMexico 3,63,6 3.3 - 3.83.3 - 3.8 1111ThailandThailand 3,63,6 3.3 - 3.93.3 - 3.9 1414


6767 CroatiaCroatia 3,53,5 3.3 - 3.83.3 - 3.8 99PeruPeru 3,53,5 3.3 - 3.73.3 - 3.7 88PolandPoland 3,53,5 3.1 - 3.93.1 - 3.9 1313Sri LankaSri Lanka 3,53,5 3.1 - 3.93.1 - 3.9 88

7171 ChinaChina 3,43,4 3.0 - 3.83.0 - 3.8 1616Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia 3,43,4 2.7 - 4.02.7 - 4.0 55SyriaSyria 3,43,4 2.8 - 4.12.8 - 4.1 55

7474 BelarusBelarus 3,33,3 1.9 - 4.81.9 - 4.8 55GabonGabon 3,33,3 2.1 - 3.72.1 - 3.7 33JamaicaJamaica 3,33,3 2.8 - 3.72.8 - 3.7 66

7777 BeninBenin 3,23,2 2.0 - 4.32.0 - 4.3 33EgyptEgypt 3,23,2 2.7 - 3.82.7 - 3.8 88MaliMali 3,23,2 2.2 - 4.22.2 - 4.2 55MoroccoMorocco 3,23,2 2.9 - 3.52.9 - 3.5 77TurkeyTurkey 3,23,2 2.8 - 3.72.8 - 3.7 1313

8282 ArmeniaArmenia 3,13,1 2.4 - 3.72.4 - 3.7 55Bosnia and Bosnia and 3,13,1 2.7 - 3.52.7 - 3.5 77HerzegovinaHerzegovina


8282 MadagascarMadagascar 3,13,1 1.8 - 4.41.8 - 4.4 448585 MongoliaMongolia 3,03,0 2.6 - 3.22.6 - 3.2 33

SenegalSenegal 3,03,0 2.5 - 3.52.5 - 3.5 668787 DominicanDominican 2,92,9 2.4 - 3.32.4 - 3.3 66

RepublicRepublicIranIran 2,92,9 2.2 - 3.42.2 - 3.4 55RomaniaRomania2,92,9 2.5 - 3.42.5 - 3.4 1212

9090 GambiaGambia 2,82,8 2.2 - 3.42.2 - 3.4 55IndiaIndia 2,82,8 2.6 - 3.02.6 - 3.0 1515MalawiMalawi 2,82,8 2.2 - 3.72.2 - 3.7 55MozambiqueMozambique 2,82,8 2.4 - 3.12.4 - 3.1 77NepalNepal 2,82,8 1.6 - 3.41.6 - 3.4 33RussiaRussia 2,82,8 2.5 - 3.12.5 - 3.1 1515TanzaniaTanzania2,82,8 2.4 - 3.22.4 - 3.2 77

9797 AlgeriaAlgeria 2,72,7 2.3 - 3.02.3 - 3.0 66LebanonLebanon 2,72,7 2.1 - 3.22.1 - 3.2 55MacedoniaMacedonia 2,72,7 2.3 - 3.22.3 - 3.2 77

Country Rank Country 2004 CPI Score* Confidence Range** Surveys Country Rank Country 2004 CPI Score* Confidence Range** Surveys Used***Used***

9797 NicaraguaNicaragua 2,72,7 2.5 - 3.02.5 - 3.0 77Serbia andSerbia and 2,72,7 2.3 - 3.02.3 - 3.0 77MontenegroMontenegro

102102 EritreaEritrea 2,62,6 1.6 - 3.41.6 - 3.4 33Papua NewPapua New 2,62,6 1.9 - 3.41.9 - 3.4 44GuineaGuineaPhilippinesPhilippines 2,62,6 2.4 - 2.92.4 - 2.9 1414UgandaUganda 2,62,6 2.1 - 3.12.1 - 3.1 77VietnamVietnam 2,62,6 2.3 - 2.92.3 - 2.9 1111ZambiaZambia 2,62,6 2.3 - 2.92.3 - 2.9 66

108108 AlbaniaAlbania 2,52,5 2.0 - 3.02.0 - 3.0 44ArgentinaArgentina 2,52,5 2.2 - 2.82.2 - 2.8 1111LibyaLibya 2,52,5 1.9 - 3.01.9 - 3.0 44PalestinianPalestinian 2,52,5 2.0 - 2.72.0 - 2.7 33AuthorityAuthority

112112 EcuadorEcuador 2,42,4 2.3 - 2.52.3 - 2.5 77YemenYemen 2,42,4 1.9 - 2.91.9 - 2.9 55

Country Rank Country 2004 CPI Score* Confidence Range** Surveys Country Rank Country 2004 CPI Score* Confidence Range** Surveys Used***Used***

114114 Congo,Congo, 2,32,3 2.0 - 2.72.0 - 2.7 44Republic ofRepublic ofEthiopiaEthiopia 2,32,3 1.9 - 2.91.9 - 2.9 66HondurasHonduras 2,32,3 2.0 - 2.62.0 - 2.6 77MoldovaMoldova 2,32,3 2.0 - 2.82.0 - 2.8 55Sierra LeoneSierra Leone 2,32,3 2.0 - 2.72.0 - 2.7 33UzbekistanUzbekistan 2,32,3 2.1 - 2.42.1 - 2.4 66VenezuelaVenezuela 2,32,3 2.2 - 2.52.2 - 2.5 1111ZimbabweZimbabwe 2,32,3 1.9 - 2.71.9 - 2.7 77

122122 BoliviaBolivia 2,22,2 2.1 - 2.32.1 - 2.3 66GuatemalaGuatemala 2,22,2 2.0 - 2.42.0 - 2.4 77KazakhstanKazakhstan 2,22,2 1.8 - 2.71.8 - 2.7 77KyrgyzstanKyrgyzstan 2,22,2 2.0 - 2.52.0 - 2.5 55NigerNiger 2,22,2 2.0 - 2.52.0 - 2.5 33SudanSudan 2,22,2 2.0 - 2.32.0 - 2.3 55UkraineUkraine 2,22,2 2.0 - 2.42.0 - 2.4 1010


129129 CameroonCameroon 2,12,1 1.9 - 2.31.9 - 2.3 55IraqIraq 2,12,1 1.3 - 2.81.3 - 2.8 44KenyaKenya 2,12,1 1.9 - 2.41.9 - 2.4 77PakistanPakistan 2,12,1 1.6 - 2.61.6 - 2.6 77

133133 AngolaAngola 2,02,0 1.7 - 2.11.7 - 2.1 55Congo,Congo, 2,02,0 1.5 - 2.21.5 - 2.2 33DemocraticDemocraticRepublicRepublicCote d´IvoireCote d´Ivoire 2,02,0 1.7 - 2.21.7 - 2.2 55GeorgiaGeorgia 2,02,0 1.6 - 2.31.6 - 2.3 77IndonesiaIndonesia 2,02,0 1.7 - 2.21.7 - 2.2 1414TajikistanTajikistan 2,02,0 1.7 - 2.41.7 - 2.4 44TurkmenistanTurkmenistan 2,02,0 1.6 - 2.31.6 - 2.3 33

140140 AzerbaijanAzerbaijan 1,91,9 1.8 - 2.01.8 - 2.0 77ParaguayParaguay 1,91,9 1.7 - 2.21.7 - 2.2 77

142142 ChadChad 1,71,7 1.1 - 2.31.1 - 2.3 44MyanmarMyanmar 1,71,7 1.5 - 2.01.5 - 2.0 44

144144 NigeriaNigeria 1,61,6 1.4 - 1.81.4 - 1.8 99145145 BangladeshBangladesh 1,51,5 1.1 - 1.91.1 - 1.9 88

HaitiHaiti 1,51,5 1.2 - 1.91.2 - 1.9 55

Time orientation-VITime orientation-VI

Clocks/Watches & Clock makersClocks/Watches & Clock makers

Protestants vs Catholic areas (Culture Protestants vs Catholic areas (Culture makes almost all the difference-David makes almost all the difference-David Landes)Landes)

Time orientation among the rural/urban Time orientation among the rural/urban No watches among the sadhusNo watches among the sadhus

TIME ORIENTATIONTIME ORIENTATIONCircular vs the ClimacticCircular vs the Climactic

CircularCircular ClimacticClimactic

Rebirth philosophyRebirth philosophy Death and then Death and then JudgementJudgement

Time not crucialTime not crucial Deadline to be metDeadline to be met

““There is always another There is always another bus” syndromebus” syndrome

Improves time utilizationImproves time utilization

6:30 P.M.11.13 AM


Subjective cultures versus Subjective cultures versus Objective cultures- Factor Objective cultures- Factor VIIVII

Subjective cultures versus Subjective cultures versus Objective culturesObjective cultures

SubjectiveSubjective ObjectiveObjective

Changing standardsChanging standards AbsolutesAbsolutes

Non-shared standardsNon-shared standards Widely shared standardsWidely shared standards

Kings/Leaders above Kings/Leaders above StandardsStandards

Standards above Standards above Kings/LeadersKings/Leaders

Oral tradition; scripturesOral tradition; scripturesnot rooted in historynot rooted in history

Documentary tradition; Documentary tradition; rooted in historyrooted in history

Subjective cultures do not support Subjective cultures do not support scientific development becausescientific development because

Interpret reality subjectivelyInterpret reality subjectively

Access knowledge subjectivelyAccess knowledge subjectively

Subjective attitudes in justice and genderSubjective attitudes in justice and gender

WHY DO WE FALL SICK?WHY DO WE FALL SICK?

Earlier our religion was pure so we did not fall sick…People are bodily sick now because they get up to bed tea which is slow poison.We must get up instead to one jug of ‘Ganga water.’Water cleanses the body

We fall sick due to the influence of the planets.

The position of the planets have either negative or a positive influence on people…often sickness is caused due to negative planetary positions.

Negative planetary positions can be avoided by performing certain rites and rituals.

PLANETARY INFLUENCES…

Cont.Cont.

We believe that each organ of the body is influenced by some deity.

When we deviate from the path of religion …the gods leave our side.

This is why we fall sick.

Mantra that can shatter the Mantra that can shatter the moonmoon

There are a few mantras that are more powerful than any medicineAmong all others…the ‘maha mithunjay’ mantra is very important.This mantra saved the moon from breaking into pieces

Indian religions…Indian religions… In their fundamentals were subjective till In their fundamentals were subjective till

Global influences reached them.Global influences reached them.

WASAV (Widely Accepted Shared WASAV (Widely Accepted Shared Absolute Values) characterize an objective Absolute Values) characterize an objective culture and needed for development.culture and needed for development.

Polytheistic idolatry does not produce a Polytheistic idolatry does not produce a WASAV culture.WASAV culture.

AYURVEDAAYURVEDA

Revealed science- The first person of Trinity-Brahma

Had more magic than logic till the Buddhist period

2 of the 4 books of vedas have Ayurveda-RIG & Atharvaveda

Claim: Practiced for 4000 years

Origin of Ayurveda is attributed to Origin of Ayurveda is attributed to BrahmaBrahma

4 headed Brahma (first person of the 4 headed Brahma (first person of the Trinity ) who created the universe revealed Trinity ) who created the universe revealed Ayurveda.Ayurveda.

Since it was revealed research was not Since it was revealed research was not thought of as necessary.thought of as necessary.

Dakhsprajapati Sons of the SunAshwini Kumars

7 causes of diseases-7 causes of diseases-

Variations in climate

Derangement ofHumors in the body

Super human agencies

Pregnant womenEating

Forbidden food

Accidents

Mother natureCorrupt Semen

Prying into other People’s secrets

Causesblindness

Sleeping with your master’s wife causes sexual

diseases

Back biters getBreathingdifficulty

Drunkards get skindiseases

Killing a Brahmin causes anemia

“Karmic” causes of diseases

3 components of Ayurveda

KAPHA

VATA

PITTA

Governs mental functions

Governs digestion

Governs form & substance

3 humoral categories of Ayurveda

Buddhist influence & AyurvedaBuddhist influence & Ayurveda

Susruta 7 th century BCSusruta 7 th century BC CharakaCharaka

EIGHT PARTS OF EIGHT PARTS OF AYURVEDAAYURVEDA

1.1. Shalya – surgeryShalya – surgery

2.2. Shlakya – treatment of diseases of parts situated above the clavicles, such as disease Shlakya – treatment of diseases of parts situated above the clavicles, such as disease of the eyes, nose, etcof the eyes, nose, etc

3.3. Kaya-chikitsa – general diseases affecting the whole bodyKaya-chikitsa – general diseases affecting the whole body

4.4. Bhoot-vidya – demonical diseasesBhoot-vidya – demonical diseases

1.1.

Eight parts of AyurvedaEight parts of Ayurveda

5.5. Kumara-bhritya – management of childrenKumara-bhritya – management of children6.6. Agada – antibodies for poisonsAgada – antibodies for poisons7.7. Rasayana – treats of medicines preserving vigor, Rasayana – treats of medicines preserving vigor,

restoring youth, etc.restoring youth, etc.8.8. Vajikarana – describes the means of increasing Vajikarana – describes the means of increasing

the virile power by giving tone to the weakened the virile power by giving tone to the weakened organs of generationorgans of generation..

Waning of Buddhist influenceWaning of Buddhist influence

Ayurveda declined..became subjectiveAyurveda declined..became subjective

Surgery was bannedSurgery was banned

Arabic influence-7Arabic influence-7thth AD to 13AD AD to 13AD

Arabic scholars from the east helped Arabic scholars from the east helped document the remedies (document the remedies (Tuhafatul-Tuhafatul-masiha)masiha)

Bimaristans were established.Bimaristans were established.

Colonial rule..Colonial rule..

Ayurveda developedAyurveda developed

Colleges were establishedColleges were established

Herbs were grownHerbs were grown

EV 300BC – 200AD LV 700 AD – 1100 AD

“Influence on Ayurveda” as an objectivity indicator

Rise in objectivity

Rise in objectivity

Colonial

ArabicBuddhist

IdeasIdeas

Can we create an instrument to measure Can we create an instrument to measure subjectivity levels in a culture?subjectivity levels in a culture?

Will subjective cultures be more resistant Will subjective cultures be more resistant to development than objective ones?to development than objective ones?

Will Polytheistic Idolatrous cultures be Will Polytheistic Idolatrous cultures be more subjective than monotheistic ones?more subjective than monotheistic ones?

Documents

Religious and Cultural Determinants of Health Care: A Qualitative Study from India