HEALTH, SUPERHEALTH AND SUPERLIVING: DR. SHRINIWAS
KASHALIKAR

When there is prevalence of individualism; the other concepts and behavior also become sectarian, fragmented and mediocre. This appeals to the mediocrity; but directly or indirectly becomes an obstacle in the process of holistic renaissance.

One of such concepts is “health is wealth”!

We understand and appreciate that the concept is not ill intentioned and not dishonest. But the question that comes to our mind is; is health only wealth? Is that all?

We link the health with financial profit; and disease with economic loss. This is because money has acquired supreme position in our mind. We cannot see anything better than money. Naturally we equate health with monetary profit!

This is due to our tubular vision about human life! We are not wrong; but utterly superficial, fragmented and inadequate. We cannot see the ocean of ambrosia; that life is!

Wealth can get us stooges and servants; but not genuine friends and warm, affectionate and loving relationship. Wealth can get us comforts but not happiness. Wealth can provide us with means; but not the conscience, courage, motivation and endurance to use them appropriately; to our heart’s content.

But if we properly understand what health means; then it would clear that it can get us much more than what wealth can get us; and then we would not equate it with wealth!

Basically we intend to high light the importance of health; by saying “health is wealth”!

But why is health neglected?

It is not neglected because we want to fall sick and suffer!
It is not because we want to be unhealthy and waste money!

We must remember that; we tend to neglect health mainly because we consider health as only physical health! Hence we it does not appeal us; especially when our need is instinctual, emotional and intellectual. We do not see the health in its entirety and its pivotal role in life.

Health restricted to body and economy; may appeal and charm mediocre elements amongst; fitness professionals, showbiz individuals, gymnasts, athletes, body builders, fitness freaks and others directly or indirectly benefiting from it.

But such health equated with mere physical health; does not appeal to many intelligent, creative, and conscientious, well meaning, sincere and basically selfless individuals. This is because their main concern is not selfish “physical health”! They are not interested in such selfish and mediocre physical health; cut off from its implication on mind, intelligence and society!

This is why; when we are young and charged with ambitions, utopia, aspirations, vague restlessness, unexplainable excitement, craving for friendship, urge for love, agony of romance, eagerness for challenges and attraction for adventures; physical health is rendered secondary.

This is why; reckless about health and wealth; we try to experience that love, romance, adventure and thrill in alternative sources such as tobacco, alcohol, or something else; even if that is bad for physical health.

Health is actually; evolving and applying holistic perspective, policies, plans, programs and their implementation; in personal and social life. To separate it from the mediocre and selfish physical health; we call it holistic health or superhealth, which implies; individual and global blossoming; i.e. holistic renaissance or superliving.

The common and simplest way for holistic or superhealth; is NAMASMARAN; according to the immortal leaders of mankind. It implies; remembrance of true self or cosmic self. It can be practiced according to one’s own tradition and does not involve any “conversion” or imposition!