Words would always be less in
expressing the importance of health in human life. 'Healthy mind lies in a
healthy body' - is an enthusing statement reflecting the importance of health
of physical body. However, this does not represent the ultimate truth. Mind
cannot manifest its faculties so easily without the tool of the body. But, it
can very well maintain its unique potentials even in a weak, injured or
handicapped body. That the mental powers could be awaken and made more sharp
and creative even in an unhealthy body - has been demonstrated by plenty of
live examples in human history.
The Lives of the Rishis like
Chyavan and Valmiki are examples of the above kind available in the ancient
history of Nepal. The bodies of these Rishis had become almost like skeletons
because of practicing strict penance. Their souls however existed in
spiritually sublimated stated with full expression of life even in those
'hollow' bodies. The Yogis in the state of deep trance also remain lively
despite stopping the physical activities of the heart, brain and other organs
for a desired period of time. After completion of the trance they bring back
the body to a normal state.
The above examples pertain to
spiritual experiments only. However, similar amazing phenomena are seen in the
ordinary worldly lives too. Mr. Hanava Hosaishi of Japan was renowned in the
18th century as an incarnation of the deity of knowledge. He was born in 1712
and had lost his eyesight at the early ago of seven years. Despite being blind,
he continued to acquire knowledge by listening. This way he had read over 40
thousands books in his 101 years long life. So amazing was the grasping power
of his brain that many of the books were thoroughly stored in his memory by way
of listening to their texts just once. The depth and grandeur of his knowledge
was a matter of surprise for the scholars of that time. Many a times, he used
to quote such references of knowledge that were beyond the level of imagination
of the savants who were discussing with him. On the request of his friends, he
had also written a treatise which was compiled in 2820 volumes and which still
exists as a monument of the unlimited potentials of the human intellect.
Dr. Stephen Hawking's life is a
shining example of this kind in the present times. This great mathematician
physicist cum astrophysicist, despite being totally handicapped physically, has
made remarkable contributions in unraveling the secrets of the cosmos. This
distinguished professor at the Cambridge University, UK has derived certain
scientific principles, which have given rise to striking changes and rethinking
on the exiting theories of the origin and expansion of the universe and the
existence of black holes.
The eminent scientist, now in his
fifties, was diagnosed as suffering from ALS - a motor neuron disease about
three decades ago, when he was a doctoral student. However, charmed by his
intellect and moved by the aim of supporting him with love and care, a young
British girl married him at that time. the
couple was also blessed of three children. Dr Hawking's body had gradually
paralyzed due to the deadly disease in the later years. His health continued to
worsen gradually and he eventually lost his voice. His hands also paralyzed like
his legs and further disabled his body. In spite of this tragedy, his mind
remains engaged in rigorous research. Advanced technological instruments -
including auto controlled wheel chair, computer aided voice synthesizer and
brain signal decoder, had made it possible for other to comprehend his
'lectures' and discuss and collaborate with him.
Dr. Hawking's book "A Brief
History of Time" has been a best seller and is recognized as the most
lucid writing on the most difficult scientific topic… He is regarded as second
Einstein of this century. The contributions of the supernatural mental
functioning of his physically diseased brain in a disabled body make us rethink
on the universality of the statement of healthy mind in a healthy body. His
life is the most convincing evidence of the fact that the potentials of
human-brain blossom beyond the barriers of physical fitness. they can be
elevated and used in full capacity by a human being so long as his soul exists
in the body, howsoever weak or hollow the latter may be.
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