Yoga as the Science and the Ayurveda as Engineering to Construct a New World Order

Abstract

World civilization seems to have originated from the land of Bhārata (India) as per cosmological considerations, genetic lineage, and linguistic links observed throughout the world. The primary reason for such an origin is geological, as India’s unique land formation has allowed its civilization to remain continuous and uninterrupted by major climatic calamities such as the Ice Age.

A key factor in this continuity is the formation of the Himalayas on the northern side of the Indian subcontinent, with the ocean surrounding the landmass on the other three sides. These stable geographical features provide India with a relatively steady climate and consistent seasonal patterns throughout the year.

A holistic worldview is essential for understanding human behavior within their ecological environment. Ayurveda is one such system of knowledge and healthcare that integrates all elements of nature to support sustainable living. For many scientists, Ayurveda has long been considered a folk practice or cultural tradition. However, Ayurveda is increasingly being examined through a modern scientific lens, with the number of scientific publications on Ayurveda nearly quadrupling every five years.

Philosophically, the Ayurvedic system is primarily derived from Nyāya and Vaiśeṣika traditions, but it also incorporates concepts from Sāṅkhya philosophy. Ayurveda views humans and plants within the cosmic evolutionary hierarchy as being composed of the same fundamental matter — the five elements.

The world is currently facing an unprecedented health and life emergency due to the pandemic, which provides a critical opportunity to draw upon basic human nature and ecological harmony to guide us. Not only can this help address the present crisis, but it may also allow humanity to chart a new direction by adopting principles of life and living from Ayurveda and Yoga, potentially ushering in a new era or world order.