E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Lok Purusha Siddhant

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 6 JUNE
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Lok Purusha Siddhant - The master of all Siddhanta

Vijay Kumar1*, Vijay Shankar Pandey2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.6.12

1* Vijay Kumar, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Ayurveda Samhita evum Siddhant, Govt Ayurvedic college Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India.

2 Vijay Shankar Pandey, HOD and Prof, Dept of Ayurveda Samhita evum Siddhant, Govt Ayurvedic college Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India.

Loka Purusha Samya Siddhanta is as one of the unique principles of Ayurveda, on the basis of which the functioning of human beings, diseases and their management is understood. The fundamental concept of this theory is that the living being is the miniature reflection of the universe. Whatever is there in this universe is also present in a human being. According to Yajurveda: All that exist in Brahmanda (universe) also exist in Pinda (individual). It is a master as all Siddhanta explained in Ayurveda texts follows Lok Purusha Siddhant. This principle is also very useful from the point of view of achieving the purpose of Ayurveda. If there is a changes occurring in the universe, it causes structural and functional changes in the body. By knowing the changes in Loka, we can rusticate or minimize the upcoming deformities in the body following related Aahar Vihar as directed in Ritucharya too. In modern treatment, Proteins, Minerals, supplements, Vitamins etc. are prescribed which is according to this Siddhanta.

Keywords: Loka Purusha, Ayurveda, Pinda, change, treatment.

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Vijay Kumar, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Ayurveda Samhita evum Siddhant, Govt Ayurvedic college Hospital, Patna, Bihar, India.
Email: 		Vijay Kumar, Vijay Shankar Pandey, Lok Purusha Siddhant - The master of all Siddhanta. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(6):85-90.
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https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3482

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-04-16 2024-04-25 2024-05-04 2024-05-14 2024-05-24
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
Authors state no conflict of interest. Non Funded. The conducted research is not related to either human or animals use. 14.25 All authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this manuscript and approved its submission.

© 2024by Vijay Kumar, Vijay Shankar Pandeyand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

The Loka Purusha Samya Siddhanta is a distinctive principle within Ayurveda that explains how human beings function, the nature of diseases, and their treatment. At its core, this theory suggests that humans are a reflection of the universe, with all elements of the universe also present within us. This principle is incredibly beneficial for the practice of Ayurveda, as it helps understand that changes in the universe lead to structural and functional changes in the body. By recognizing these changes in Loka, we can prevent or lessen the occurrence of health issues, as

outlined in related Ayurvedic practices such as Ritucharya. In contemporary medicine, treatments often include Proteins, Minerals, Supplements, Vitamins, and other substances, all in accordance with this Siddhanta.

Aim and Objective

1. To explore the relation between Lok and Purusha.
2. To establish Lok Purusha Siddhanta as a master of all
3. Enlighten the application of Lok Purusha Siddhanta in treatment.

Materials and Methods

Literary study of Ayurvedic literatures and articles.
Loka: लोकः = लोक् + घञ् = लोक्यते इति लोकः (कल्पद्रुमः)
The word Lok originated from the addition of the suffix Ghayan (घञ्) to the Sanskrit Dhatu Lok Darshana (लोक् दर्शने). Lok Darshana means seeing.

Synonyms of Loka

Jaga (जग)Jagat (जगत)
Jamana (ज़माना)Jahan (जहां)
Jahana (जहान)Duniyan (दुनियाँ)
World (विश्व)Samsar (संसार)
Bhav (भव)Bhoomandal (भूमण्डल)

Different scholars have classified the Loka in different categories as per the subject of their philosophy or views. According to Jain cosmology, there are three worlds in this universe-

1. Urdhva Lok - the realm of the gods or heaven
2. Madhya Loka - Realm of humans, animals and plants
3. Adho Lok - the world of hellish beings or hell world

4. Seven worlds have been mentioned in Vishnupuran

Bhurlok (भूर्लोक), Bhuvarlok (भुवर्लोक), Svarlok (स्वर्लोक), Maharlok (महर्लोक), Janalok (जनलोक), Tapolok (तपोलोक) and Brahmalok (ब्रह्मलोक).

As we know the subject of Ayurveda is Aayu and Swasthya, and the world is considered as Aagney-Saumya. Lok (world) is of two types, 1. Sthawar and 2. Jangama. Both types of Lok are of two types with the distinction of Aagney and Saumya, because in them Agni element and Soma element predominate or they are Panchatkam (five physical).

The whole world is of four types namely 1. Sansvedaj, 2. Jarayuj 3. Andaj 4. Udbhij.

Purusha:

Vedanta Darshana says that according to Loka Purusha Siddhanta, Human body is an epitome of universe, as-

  • There is great similarity between individual and outside world.
  • The individual (Purusha) is a tiny representative of the vast universe or Lok.
  • All the things of the universe are represented in human body in one form or the others. In other word men is microcosm.

In Ayurvedic literature this Siddhant is explained and accepted as the master Siddhant. It states that the human body is equal to the universe, all that exists is in the universe, all that exists is in the human body, and all that exists in the human body is in the universe.

Yajurveda explains: यत् पिण्डे तत् ब्रह्माण्डे

i.e. all that exist in Pinda (individual) also exist in Brahmanda (universe).

Brahmanda: Brahma + Anda.

Brahma - originated from root word Briha Dhatu i.e., to expand.

Hence, Brahmanda means expanding egg.

This concept is as per to The Big Bang Theory - It says that the universe, as we know it, began as an infinitely hot and dense single point, which swelled and expanded - first at unimaginable speed, and then at a more measurable rate - over the next 13.7 billion years. Until the universe as we know it.


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Meaning of Pind

1. Body
2. A small, usually circular, piece of something solid
3. Dough ball which is placed on the altar etc. for the purpose of providing it to the ancestors in Shraddha.

Here the meaning Body or Purusha is considered. According to Ayurvedic literature the term Purusha stands for the collective form of Prithvi, Jala, Tejo, Vayu, Akasha and Brahma i.e., Panchamahabhuta and Shareeri (Atma). As-

अस्मिञ्छास्त्रे पञ्चमहाभूत शरीरिसमवायः पुरुष इत्युच्यते |.. तस्मिन् क्रिया, सोऽधिष्ठानं;.. षड्धातवः समुदिताः ‘पुरुष’ इति शब्दं लभन्ते[1]

and

तद्यथा- पृथिव्यापस्तेजो वायुराकाशं ब्रह्म चाव्यक्तमिति, एत एव च षड्धातवः समुदिताः ‘पुरुष’ इति शब्दं लभन्ते||[2]

The similarity between body and universe can be understood in to 2 ways: -
1. Similarity in Origin and
2. Functional Similarity

Similarity in Origin

  • According to Shristi Utpatti everything (either Chetan or Achetan) are originated from 1st stage of Shristi Utpattie., Avyaktaawstha.
  • सर्वं द्रव्यं पञ्चभौतिकतम् अस्मिन् अर्थे। e., According to Acharya Charaka, Lok and Purusha both are Shadadhatwatmak and composed of Panchamahabhuta and Avyakta Brahma.[3]
  • Loka is Agnishomiya in nature. Shukra is Saumya in nature and Artava is Agneya. Thus, Purusha which is composed of Shukra and Artava is also Agnishomiya.

Functional similarity
All the activities of universe and individual can categorized in three types [4]

1. Visarga - i.e., to give strength or union. Performed by Soma in Lok and Kapha in Purusha
2. Adana - i.e., to draw, to accept. Surya is responsible in Lok while Pitta in Purusha
3. Vikshepa - i.e., movement. Performed by Lokagata Anil and Purushagata Vata

Lok Purusha Siddhanta as a master of all Siddhanta
All Siddhanta of Ayurveda follows Lok Purusha Siddhanta. E.g.

1. Samanya Vishesh Siddhanta by virtue of Lok Purusha Siddhanta

Samanya

1. Due to the combination of dust particles, Ruksha Guna aggravate, the Vata located in the world gets aggravated and due to the intake of the same air, diseases related to breathing (Vataj), lack of enthusiasm etc. arise in the living beings.
2. Due to increase in the temperature of the environment (people) in the summer season, anger arises.

Vishesha

1. When water is sprayed to remove the roughness caused by dusting etc., air pollution is reduced. By consuming the Snigdha substances (water etc.), living beings reduce Vaat Vikriti.
2. In summer, by the influence of the moon at night or by artificial means when the temperature of environment falls, then the anger of the living beings also decreases.

The above illustration indicates that the Samanya Vishesha Siddhanta follows the Lok Purusha Siddhanta.

1. Arishta Siddhant by virtue of Lok Purusha Siddhanta

Arishtha - The one through whom there is knowledge of certain death is called Arishta.

नियतमरणख्यापकं लिङ्गमरिष्टम् (माधवकर)

There are some flowers which do not bear fruit later (e.g., jasmine flower), but the Arishta produced in the body is not destroyed without death and there is no such death in which there is no Arishta first.[5] On the occurrence of Arishta, it definitely leads to death, but it can be prevented by Brahmins using Rasayana, doing muttering (Japa) and being active in chanting.[6]

Lokagat Arishta (Janpadodhwansa)

जनपदम् मण्डल्[7]

Janapada is a masculine word means - A community.

Janapada = Jana + Pada. An inhabitant of a country, a subject, living in the country, referring to districts, living in the country belonging to or suited for the inhabitants of the country, man, people; an inhabited country.


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Udhwamsana - Destruction, demolition, banishing, abandoning, taking out of or away, quitting, killing.

Despite differences in nature etc., due to distortion of other common expressions of individuals, diseases with similar symptoms arise at the same time and destroy the district (Janapada). Those feelings which are common in the district are - air, water, space and time.[8]

Speaking truth, being kind to all living beings, charity, sacrifice and worship of Gods, following Sadvritta, remaining calm, protecting one's body, living in Janapadas (villages and cities) following celibacy, serving celibates, listening to the stories of religious scriptures, serving Jitendriya Maharishis, sitting with virtuous, religious and people praised by great people, all these actions are the medicine that protects the life of those people whose time of death is uncertain (indeterminate) in such a terrible period as Janpadodhwansa.[9]

It indicates that Arishta Siddhant follows Lok Purusha Siddhanta.

Here we find that both the Siddhant- Samanya Vishesha Siddhanta and Arishta Siddhant follows Lok Purusha Siddhanta for their Hetu, Linga and Aushadha (Upachar). It indicates that Trisutra Siddhanta also follows Lok Purusha Siddhanta.

Application: Any changes occurring in the universe causes structural and functional changes in the body. By knowing the changes in Lok, we can rusticate or minimize the upcoming deformities in the body as Ayurvedic literatures say संक्षेपतः क्रिययोगों निदान परिवर्जनम्.

Result

1. The fundamental concept of Lok Purusha Siddhanta is that the living being is the miniature reflection of the universe.
2. Similarities of Lok and Purusha are explained by Acharya Charaka is as follows[9]

3. This Siddhant is the master of all Siddhanta explained in Ayurvedic
4. On the basis of this Siddhant the functioning of human beings, diseases and their management is understood.
5. By virtue of this Siddhant, we can minimize or inhibit any deformities that will happen irrespective of probable change in climate or surroundings.

SNLokagata BhavaPurushagata Bhava
1.PrithviMurti
2.AapKleda
3.TejAbhisantap
4.VayuPran
5.ViyatSushir
6.BrahmAntaratma
7.Vibhuti of BrahmVibhuti of Antaratma
8.Vibhuti of Brahm is PrajapatiVibhuti of Antaratma is Man
9.IndraAhankar
10.AadityaAadan
11.Rudra Rosha
12.Soma Prasad
13.VasuSukha
14.Ashwini Kumar Kanti
15.MarutUtsah
16.VishvedevIndriyas and Indriyarthas
17.TamMoh
18.JyotiGyan
19.SrishtiGarbhadhan
20.KrityugaBalyawastha
21.TretaYuvawastha
22.DwaparVridhawastha
23.KaliyugaRogi
24.YugantMrityu

Discussion

The core idea of Lok Purusha Siddhanta is that the human being is the miniature reflection of the universe. Any change in the world or surrounding cause respective alteration in the body. The moon has principle of cohesion or union i.e. keeping the molecule intact and helping the new growth in Lok, Kapha is responsible for these works in the body. The sun is representative of principle of thermogenesis or transformation and principle of movement is represented by wind in Lok. These works are represented by Pitta and Vata respectively in the body

Samanya Vishesh Siddhanta says the Samanya - similar (properties etc.) nature of all things in all times is the reason for growth, and the Vishesha - i.e. difference or opposite - is the reason for decline.[11] This is applicable for Purusha as well as Lok i.e. follows Lok Purusha Siddhanta. E.g. Due to the combination of dust particles, Ruksha Guna aggravate, the Vata located in the world gets aggravated and due to the intake of the same air, diseases related to breathing (Vataj), lack of enthusiasm etc. arise in the living beings.


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When water is sprayed to remove the roughness caused by dusting etc., air pollution is reduced. By consuming the Snigdha substances (water etc.), living beings reduce Vata Vikriti. Hetu, Linga and Aushadha- Trisutra Siddhanta also follows Lok Purusha Siddhanta. According to Acharya P. V. Sharma - यत्राकृति तत्र गुणाः वसन्ति i.e., the plant parts or substance which is morphologically similar to body parts are beneficial to that body part. For e.g.

  • The shape of a grape is similar to that of a lung; therefore, grapes are effective in lung disorders.
  • Atibala has diuretic properties and is kidney shaped.
  • The walnut is shaped like a brain and is a powerful brain tonic.
  • Jackfruit seed is shaped like a testicle and has been found beneficial for the testicles.

Thus, Lok Purusha Siddhanta indicates that what is to be used present in nature for the management of which type of disorders. In modern practice, Proteins, Minerals supplements, Vitamins etc. are prescribed which is according to Loka Purusha Siddhanta.

Ritucharya, Dinacharya, Sadvritta etc. described in Ayurvedic literatures are according to Lok Purusha Siddhanta. With the help of this Siddhanta we can observe the global changes going on in this day due to modern life style, urbanization, global warming etc. and respective probable deformities in body. By knowing the Hetu (factor) one can minimize or neutralized the deformities as संक्षेपतः क्रिययोगों निदान परिवर्जनम्.

Conclusion

The composition of human body is just like the composition of nature or universe. Man is part of nature hence environmental changes affect human body favorably or adversely. Any changes occurring in the universe causes structural and functional changes in the body. Therefore, changes in the normal structure and function of the universe play an important role in the cause and development of a disease or abnormal condition (etiopathogenesis). Loka Purusha Siddhanta is the master of other Siddhanta explained in Ayurvedic literatures. Loka Purusha Siddhanta is very important by virtue of application in treatment and management for health being.

References

1. Susruta Samhita (Nibandha Samgrah and Nyaya Chandrika Commentary), Dr. Kewal Krishna Thakaraal, Translator, 1st edition. Chowkhamba Orientalia; 2014, Sutrasthan, 1/22, page 12

2. Charaka Samhita, (Ayurveda-Dipika, Sanskrit Commentary). Dr. Lakshamidhar Dwivedi, editor & commentator, 4th edition, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2017, Sharirsthan 5/4, page 1080

3. Charaka Samhita, (Ayurveda-Dipika, Sanskrit Commentary). Dr. Lakshamidhar Dwivedi, editor & commentator, 5th edition, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2021, Sutrasthan, 26/10, page 468

4. Susruta Samhita (Nibandha Samgrah and Nyaya Chandrika Commentary), Dr. Kewal Krishna Thakaraal, Translator, 1st edition. Chowkhamba Orientalia; 2014, Sutrasthan, 21/08, page 246

5. Charaka Samhita, (Ayurveda-Dipika, Sanskrit Commentary). Dr. Lakshamidhar Dwivedi, editor & commentator, 4th edition, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2017, Indriyasthan 2/5, page 1191

6. Susruta Samhita (Nibandha Samgrah and Nyaya Chandrika Commentary), Dr. Kewal Krishna Thakaraal, Translator, 1st edition. Chowkhamba Orientalia; 2014, Sutrasthan, 28/5, page 319

7. Charaka Samhita, (Ayurveda-Dipika, Sanskrit Commentary). Dr. Lakshamidhar Dwivedi, editor & commentator, 4th edition, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2017, Chakrapani, Nidansthan 6/13, page 732

8. Charaka Samhita, (Ayurveda-Dipika, Sanskrit Commentary). Dr. Lakshamidhar Dwivedi, editor & commentator, 4th edition, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2017, Vimansthan 3/6, page 795

9. Charaka Samhita, (Ayurveda-Dipika, Sanskrit Commentary). Dr. Lakshamidhar Dwivedi, editor & commentator, 4th edition, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2017, Vimansthan 3/14-16, page 798-799


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10. Charaka Samhita, (Ayurveda-Dipika, Sanskrit Commentary). Dr. Lakshamidhar Dwivedi, editor & commentator, 4th edition, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2017, Sharirsthan 5/5, page 1080

11. Charaka Samhita, (Ayurveda-Dipika, Sanskrit Commentary). Dr. Lakshamidhar Dwivedi, editor & commentator, 5th edition, Varanasi: Chowkhamba Krishnadas Academy; 2021, Sutrasthan, 1/44, page 25


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