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Introduction
Basic Principles
The fundamental subjects
of Siddha methodology
ATT-MA-SIDDHI
Siddha medicine is the oldest
and the
foremost of all other
medical systems of the world
Introduction
The Siddha System of
medicine is the oldest in the world. There are two ancient system of medicine in
India. The Siddha which flourished in South India and Ayurvedha prevalent in
North India.
The word Siddha comes from the word Siddhi which means an object to attain
perfection or heavenly bliss.
Siddha generally refers to Athma Siddha that is the 8th supernatural power.
Those who attained or achieved the above said powers are known as Siddhars.
There were 18 important siddhars in olden days and they developed this system of
medicine. Hence, it is called Siddha Medicine.
Basic
Principles
Siddha science
considers nature and man as essentially one. Nature is man and man is nature.
Man is said to be the microcosm and Universe is the macrocosm because what
exists in the world exists in man. Man is nothing but a miniature world
containing the five elements of the various principles which constitute the
minerals, vegetables and the animal kingdom. According to Siddha medical
science, the Universe originally consisted of atoms which contributed to the
five basic elements, viz., earth, water, fire, air and sky which correspond to
the five senses of the human body and they were the fundamentals of all the
corporeal things in the world.
A close relationship is found to exist between the external world and the
internal system of man. Siddhars (practitioners of Siddha) maintain that the
structure of the human body is a miniature world in itself. Man consumes water
and food, breathes the air and thus maintains the heat in the body. He is alive
on account of the life force given by ether. The earth is the first element
which gives fine shape to the body including bones, tissues, muscles, skin,
hair etc. Water is the second element representing blood, secretions of the
glands, vital fluid etc. Fire is the third element that gives motion, vigor and
vitality to the body. It also helps digestion, circulation and simulation
besides respiration and the nervous system. Above all, ether is the
characteristic of man's mental and spiritual faculties.
Siddha system of medicine is based on Saiva Siddhantha. Siddha is a Tamil word
that is derived from its root 'chit' which means perfection in life or
"heavenly bliss".
The fundamental subjects
of Siddha methodology are
1.VADHAM (ALCHEMY)
2.AITHIYAM (MEDICINE)
3.YOGAM (YOGA)
4.GNANAM or THATHUVAM (PHILOSOPHY)
Siddhars, spiritual
scientists of Tamil Nadu explored and explained the reality of Nature and its
relationship to man by their yogic awareness and experimental findings. They
postulated the concept of spiritualism for self improvement and the practices
propounded by them came to be known as the "SIDDHA SYSTEM".
The eight mighty SIDDHIC PROCESS or OCTOMIRACLE ("ATTA-MA-SIDDHI")
which could keep the body strong and perfect for EXTERNAL LIFE, where THERE IS
NO DEATH OR REBIRTH.
ATT-MA-SIDDHI
ANIMA
The faculty of reducing gross body to the size of
an atom and to enable him to fly in space.
MAHIMA
Power of expanding oneself without limit.
KARIMA
The power of reducing the primordial elements within
himself to a point desired.
LAHIMA
The power of becoming as light as feather.
PRAPTHI
Faculty of knowing everything; Past, Present and Future
and to secure everything as desired.
PRAHAMIYAM
The power of penetration like rays by which one can attain
immortality.
ESATHWAM
Supreme power over animates and inanimate
in the universe.
VASITHAM
The power of securing any object.