1. II reflections
Peeyush Bhorgovo
Spirituality of Numbers
elow is a summary of classical Indian
B teachings on various aspects of life using
a template of numbers from 0 to 9.
0) Zero represents a cycle. Everything in
nature goes in cycles: dayand night, seasons,
etc. Change is the only constant. All that is
born has to ·die (to be born again) and that
an absolute truth. So, the existing bad (or
good) state of affairs will eventually change.
Be patient during tough times and prepare
for the trough during good times.
1) GOD is one. He is the intelligence
that keeps the circle going. We may call him
by different names and practice different
rituals to appease him, but he is ONE. The
soul, without which the physical body is use-
less, is a part of that GOD. When the circle
of life completes, the soul leaves the body to
become one with the heavenly lord.
2) This represents the pair of oppo-
sites we see everywhere around and inside
us. Ayurveda is based on 20 qualities (10
pairs of opposites: dry/moist, light/heavy,
hot/cold, rough/smooth, dense-flowing, an obedient child. (borre), majja (marrow), shukra-aariav
hard-soft, fixed-mobile, dull/sharp, gross/ 5) This number represents the five ele- (sperm-ova) .
subtle, clear/cloudy) that are attributed to ments (panchmahabhut) all matter is made 8) Number eight. represents the
the five elements (No.5) and the three from: ether (space), air, fire, water, and eightfold path of aashtang yoga: yam
energies (No.3). It recognizes each person's earth. Every element/energy tries to go to (nonviolence, truthfulness, no· stealing,
individual balance (constitution) according its source, so everything solid falls on the discipline/celibacy, material detatchment),
to which the lifestyle changes and herbs are ground (gravity). Everything liquid flows to niyam (physical purification-defecation/
prescribed. lower grounds, trying to go to the sea (its urination/bath, self contentment, medita-
3) Number three denotes the three do- parent/source). Fire rises up to try to reach tion, self study, religious studies), aasan
shas-vata (energy of movement), pitia (en- for the sun (source of all fire). No.5 also rep- (physical postures), pranayaam (breathing
ergy of transformation), and kapha (energy resents the five senses which feed the brain exercises), praiyahaar (control over senses),
of mass/inertial-that, when in balance, (eyes, ears, skin, nose, and tongue). dhaarna (union of senses with the mind),
keep the body healthy. They also correspond 6) This represents the pillars of health: dhyaan (union of mind with the soul), and
physiologically to the derivatives of embryo- eating, sleeping, exercise, cleanliness, dis- samaadhi (union of soul with the su preme).
logic foregut (kapha}, midgut (pitta) and cipline, and behavior. Most alternative sys- Yoga (pronounced as YOG) is the spiritual
hindgut (vata). The constitution is estab- tems of medicine prescribe a lifestyle during path "that leads the devoted aspirant to good
lished at the time of conception. Ayurvedic health and disease for prevention and cure, health and ultimately to nirvana.
treatment balances the three energies and respectively. Living with nature, in balance 9) This number represents the nine
Panchkarma brings the out of balance en- with the rhythms/cycles of nature is consid- . celestial bodies according to Vedic astrol-
ergy back to the gastrointestinal tract for ered healthy. When we continue to disturb ogy: sun, moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Ju-
elimination. this balance, we fall sick. piter, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. A navaratna
4) Number four represents fourfold pur- 7) This number represents the chakras (nine stone) pendant or ring has one stone
pose of live: dharma (work), arth (material), or energy centers in the body: Mooladhaar for each celestial body and brings positive
kaam (physical), moksha (spiritual). Dhar- (earth element), Swadhishthaan (water ele- energy from that body: Sun-Ruby, Moon
ma: to do well/work honestly in one's pro-· ment), Manipur (fire element), Anahat (air -pear!, Mercury-emerald, Venus-diamond,
fession. Arth: to earn money by legal means element), Vislw.ddhi (ether element), Agya Mars-red coral, Jupiter-yellow sapphire,
and to enjoy the comforts money can buy. (bodily intelligence), Sahasra (universal Saturn-blue sapphire, Rahu-hessonite, and
Kaarn: to enjoy the pleasures of the physical intelligence). Kundalini yoga activates the Ketu-cat's eye. Mantras are spoken in the
'body Moksha: work to free ourselves from dormant energy in the mooladhaar chakra multiples of nine._
the bondage of birth and death. Four also and channelizes it up the other chakras.
signifies the determinants of happiness, Seven also represents the dhatoo types Peeyusli Bhargava is a medical doctor who
which according to a common Indian are: (tissues) in the body: rus (plasma), rakta provides Ayurvedic lifestyle and herbal consul-
health, affluence, a dedicated spouse, and (blood), mamas (muscle), meda (fat), asthi tations in hi« free time. www.nuclearmd.com.
52 • india currents > march 2011