NAMASTE INDIA
As we sow, so shall we reap – the equivalent for this quote in Sanskrit is “Karma”.
Karma means our actions. Each of our actions gives rise to a specific outcome.
The whole world is worried on the onset of the epidemic Coronavirus and all wait with hope and eagerness for the epidemic to subside and discovery of a vaccine or an antidote.
What is Coronavirus all about?
Coronaviruses are a group of related viruses that cause diseases in mammals and birds. In humans, coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infections that can be mild, such as some cases of the common cold (among other possible causes, predominantly rhinoviruses), and others that can be lethal, such as SARS, MERS, and COVID-19.
The name “coronavirus” is derived from Latin corona, meaning “crown” or “wreath”, and in Greek its “garland, wreath”. The name refers to the characteristic appearance of virions (the infective form of the virus) by electron microscopy, which has a fringe of large, bulbous surface projections creating an image reminiscent of a crown or of a solar corona.
Coronaviruses were first discovered in the late 1960s. The earliest ones discovered were an infectious bronchitis virus in chickens and two in human patients with the common cold (later named human coronavirus 229E and human coronavirus OC43). The other related viruses of the corona family are SARS-CoV in 2003, HCoV NL63 in 2004, HKU1 in 2005, MERS-CoV in 2012, and SARS-CoV-2 (formerly known as 2019-nCoV) in 2019. The most closely related bat coronavirus and SARS-CoV diverged in 1986.
In December 2019, a pneumonia outbreak was reported in Wuhan, China. On 31 December 2019, the outbreak was traced to a novel strain of coronavirus, which was given the interim name 2019-nCoV by the World Health Organization (WHO), later renamed SARS-CoV-2 by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses
Indus Valley civilization is the third oldest in the evolution timeline, the land has many precious spiritual/energy centres, traditional practices, unique culinary and food preparations (anti-infection ingredient like turmeric and pepper being part of most meals), traditional medicines and practices and belief systems. Civilization has faced many epidemics in the past and has survived for thousands of years.
The Honourable Prime Minister of India in his National Address appealed to the citizens to stay at home with a self-imposed quarantine starting from 7 am to 9 pm on 22nd March 2020. He also asked the citizens of India to clap at 5 pm on 22nd March 2020 as a mark of appreciation and gratitude to the thousands of healthcare professionals and the other essential services team who are working incessantly to treat those who are affected by the virus.
Most citizens may have stayed at home but certainly, a few would have stepped out too. At 5 pm some may clap, some may not, for few it may not be of any importance or significance and for sure it’s their personal choice.
Looking at it from ancient Indian science of traditional medicine and oriental system of medicine it is said that each of the five fingers represents the 5 elements “Pancha Tattvas” and has a connection to the Five vital organs. The Indian practice of Mudras and Chinese Acupressure practices also emphasise on the activation of the fingertips and palm of both hands and feet which stimulate the various meridians and organs. The Mudras are also an essential part of the Traditional Indian dance style known as “Bharathanatyam”.
Clapping of hands activates the inner energy (chi) and stimulates the flow and restores balance in the body. Clapping hands is said to improve blood circulation, heart health and has significant health benefits such as improving the immune system. Spiritual practices also involve singing and clapping of hands creating the positive vibrations which bring serenity and inner joy.
In this worrisome times, self-quarantine or clapping for just one day may not be the solution but it’s just the beginning to fight the pandemic in unity, hence we need to be judicious and move forward.
Human life on earth has evolved and we have a web of mand made electromagnetic fields which have also been harmful in breaking down the immune systems in many human beings. Many of us live a life of stress and with never-ending desires, wants and we have taken for granted many things bestowed on us by the universe and abused them too. Now the time has come for introspection, to slow down and connect to our roots.
The take away from the current global situation due to the pandemic is a complete change of approach to life and lifestyle, now we are learning the importance of cleanliness, hygiene, conscious of what we eat, how we interact with others and understand the meaning of staying united, dedicating time for our loved ones and also realising that harming nature or other lives on the planet can have a repercussion.
As days roll and as we step into a new month this too shall pass and things will get to normalcy. The lessons of life we have learnt in recent months should hopefully change us all to be better human beings, with better values, love for fellow beings and other lives on earth.
Stay safe, positive, healthy with hygienic practices and respect nature. Let us greet the world with a “NAMASTE” which means “the divine in me respectfully recognizes the divine in you.” Namaste invokes the feeling of spiritual oneness of heart and mind.
NAMASTE INDIA, NAMASTE TO THE WELL BEING OF ALL CITIZENS ON PLANET EARTH.