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|title=Disha

|title=Disha

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|keywords=Disha,Disha in ayurveda,Disha Meaning,charak samhita, directions, various disha, Indian systems of medicine, alternative medicine, caraka samhita, Ayurveda, south, east, west, north, prachi, pratichi, agneya, dakshina, uttara, north east, south west, south east, north west, ancient medicine, ancient medical science.

|description=Disha means direction

|description=Disha means direction

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<p style="text-align:justify;">Disha (dik) is one among nine fundamental substances ([[dravya]]). The place and existence of a subject are stated with space or direction. Cognition ([[jnana]]) of placement of a particular thing, its relative reality is done only through knowing the direction (disha). Knowledge of ‘disha’ is an integral part of life. Both living and non-living matters from a single electron in an atom to the ever-expanding universe, follow the concept of disha. Dik is everywhere, all around us.

Disha (dik) is one among nine fundamental substances ([[dravya]]). The place and existence of a subject are stated with space or direction. Cognition ([[jnana]]) of placement of a particular thing, its relative reality is done only through knowing the direction (disha). Knowledge of ‘disha’ is an integral part of life. Both living and non-living matters from a single electron in an atom to the ever-expanding universe, follow the concept of disha. Dik is everywhere, all around us.

 

Philosophy of space and time is the branch of philosophy concerned with the issues surrounding the ontology, epistemology, and character of space and time. While such ideas have been central to philosophy from its inception, the philosophy of space and time was both an inspiration for and a central aspect of early analytic philosophy. The subject focuses on a number of basic issues, including whether time and space exist independently of the mind, whether they exist independently of one another and questions about the nature of identity.

Philosophy of space and time is the branch of philosophy concerned with the issues surrounding the ontology, epistemology, and character of space and time. While such ideas have been central to philosophy from its inception, the philosophy of space and time was both an inspiration for and a central aspect of early analytic philosophy. The subject focuses on a number of basic issues, including whether time and space exist independently of the mind, whether they exist independently of one another and questions about the nature of identity.

 

Cardinal directions are a derived idea from how the earth rotates. The sun rises on one side, sets on the other, and at right angles to both of those is the north star, which never moves, or an equivalent stellar constellation (the north star has changed over time, and is different in the southern hemisphere.) From these, you can infer a fourth direction, and you have cardinal directions.

Cardinal directions are a derived idea from how the earth rotates. The sun rises on one side, sets on the other, and at right angles to both of those is the north star, which never moves, or an equivalent stellar constellation (the north star has changed over time, and is different in the southern hemisphere.) From these, you can infer a fourth direction, and you have cardinal directions.

 

{{Infobox

{{Infobox

|label2 = Authors

|label2 = Authors

|data2 = Bhojani M. K. ¹, Arunlal¹

|data2 = Bhojani M. K. ¹, Arun Lal¹

|label3 = Reviewer  

|label3 = Reviewer  

|data3 = Basisht G.²

|data3 = [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]²

|label4 = Editors  

|label4 = Editors  

|data4 = Deole Y.S.³, Basisht G.²

|data4 = [[Yogesh Deole|Deole Y.S.]]³, [[Gopal Basisht|Basisht G.]]²

|label5 = Affiliations

|label5 = Affiliations

|data5 = ¹ Department of Sharira Kriya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi

|data5 = ¹ Department of Sharira Kriya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi

² [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India

² Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.

³ Department of Kayachikitsa, G.J.Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India

³ Department of Kayachikitsa, G.J.Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India

carakasamhita@gmail.com

carakasamhita@gmail.com

|label7 = Date of first publication:

|label7 = Publisher

|data7 = April08, 2022

|data7 = [[Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre]], I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India

|label8 = DOI

|label8 = Date of first publication:

|data8 = under process

 

|label9 = DOI

|data9 = 10.47468/CSNE.2022.e01.s09.093

}}

}}

The names we are familiar with (north, south, east, west) are Germanic and replaced the Latin names (borealis, australis, orientalis, occidentalis) during the migration period (400-800 A.D.)

The names we are familiar with (north, south, east, west) are Germanic and replaced the Latin names (borealis, australis, orientalis, occidentalis) during the migration period (400-800 A.D.).

During the migration period, the Germanic names for the cardinal directions entered the Roman languages, where they replaced the Latin names borealis (or septentrionalis) with north, australis (or meridionalis) with south, occidentalis with west and orientalis with east. It is possible that some northern people used the Germanic names for the intermediate directions. Medieval Scandinavian orientation would thus have involved a 45 degree rotation of cardinal directions.

During the migration period, the Germanic names for the cardinal directions entered the Roman languages, where they replaced the Latin names borealis (or septentrionalis) with north, australis (or meridionalis) with south, occidentalis with west and orientalis with east. It is possible that some northern people used the Germanic names for the intermediate directions. Medieval Scandinavian orientation would thus have involved a 45 degree rotation of cardinal directions.

North (Proto-Germanic *norþ-) derived from the proto-Indo-European *nórto-s 'submerged' from the root *ner- 'left, below, to the left of the rising sun' whence comes the Ancient Greek name Nereus.

* North (Proto-Germanic *norþ-) derived from the proto-Indo-European *nórto-s 'submerged' from the root *ner- 'left, below, to the left of the rising sun' whence comes the Ancient Greek name Nereus.

East (*aus-t-) from the word for dawn. The proto-Indo-European form is *austo-s from the root *aues- 'shine (red)'. See Ēostre.

* East (*aus-t-) from the word for dawn. The proto-Indo-European form is *austo-s from the root *aues- 'shine (red)'. See Ēostre.

South (*sunþ-), derived from proto-Indo-European *sú-n-to-s from the root *seu- 'seethe, boil'. Cognate with this root is the word Sun, thus "the region of the Sun".

* South (*sunþ-), derived from proto-Indo-European *sú-n-to-s from the root *seu- 'seethe, boil'. Cognate with this root is the word Sun, thus "the region of the Sun".

West (*wes-t-) derived from a word for "evening". The proto-Indo-European form is *uestos from the root *ues- 'shine (red)', itself a form of *aues-. Cognate with the root are the Latin words vesper and vesta and the Ancient Greek Hestia, Hesperus and Hesperides.

* West (*wes-t-) derived from a word for "evening". The proto-Indo-European form is *uestos from the root *ues- 'shine (red)', itself a form of *aues-. Cognate with the root are the Latin words vesper and vesta and the Ancient Greek Hestia, Hesperus and Hesperides.

Sanskrit literature use the names of the Gods associated with each direction: east (Indra), southeast (Agni), south (Yama/Dharma), southwest (Nirrti), west (Varuna), northwest (Vayu), north (Kubera/Heaven) and northeast (Ishana/Shiva). North is associated with the Himalayas and heaven, while the south is associated with the underworld or land of the fathers (Pitruloka). These Gods are called as Dikpalas. The Dikpalas (also called Lokapalas) are known in Hinduism as the guardians of the directions. Each God or Goddess represents a specific cardinal direction and are used in ritual for various purposes. There are two other Gods included in the dikpalas (protectors of direction). Brahma is a God that is associated with the zenith, the upward direction. He is commonly understood as having a significant impact in the Hindu creation story. Vishnu is the God that is associated with the nadir, or downward direction. The concept of ashtadikpalas symbolically denotes that God is every where and in every direction. In whatever direction you proceed or offer your worship, you will ultimately find the God.

Sanskrit literature use the names of the Gods associated with each direction: east (Indra), southeast (Agni), south (Yama/Dharma), southwest (Nirrti), west (Varuna), northwest (Vayu), north (Kubera/Heaven) and northeast (Ishana/Shiva). North is associated with the Himalayas and heaven, while the south is associated with the underworld or land of the fathers (Pitruloka). These Gods are called as Dikpalas. The Dikpalas (also called Lokapalas) are known in Hinduism as the guardians of the directions. Each God or Goddess represents a specific cardinal direction and are used in ritual for various purposes. There are two other Gods included in the dikpalas (protectors of direction). Brahma is a God that is associated with the zenith, the upward direction. He is commonly understood as having a significant impact in the Hindu creation story. Vishnu is the God that is associated with the nadir, or downward direction. The concept of ashtadikpalas symbolically denotes that God is every where and in every direction. In whatever direction you proceed or offer your worship, you will ultimately find the God.

Though dik is unitary, it is divided into ten types for the convenience of expressions. They are particular conjunctions in relation to the region of the rising sun.

Though dik is unitary, it is divided into ten types for the convenience of expressions. They are particular conjunctions in relation to the region of the rising sun.

'''1. Prachi (East)'''

====1. Prachi (East)====

The direction with the conjunction of the sun in the present, past and future times is prachi or east. The direction in which the sun rises or the sun is visualised foremost is called prachi. The direction nearer to the rising mountain (udayachala) is called prachi or purva.

The direction with the conjunction of the sun in the present, past and future times is prachi or east. The direction in which the sun rises or the sun is visualized foremost is called prachi. The direction nearer to the rising mountain (udayachala) is called prachi or purva.

'''2. Pratichi or pashchima (West)'''

====2. Pratichi or pashchima (West)====

The direction in which the sun sets is called pratici. The direction of the vicinity of the setting mountain (astachala) or nearer to sunset is pratichi or pashchima.

The direction in which the sun sets is called pratici. The direction of the vicinity of the setting mountain (astachala) or nearer to sunset is pratichi or pashchima.

'''3. Udichi or uttara (North)'''

====3. Udichi or uttara (North)====

The direction in which the sun moves upward. On facing towards the east, the direction on the left side is called udichi or uttara. The direction which is nearer to the mountain Meru is called north.

The direction in which the sun moves upward. On facing towards the east, the direction on the left side is called udichi or uttara. The direction which is nearer to the mountain Meru is called north.

'''4. Avachi or Dakshina (South)'''

====4. Avachi or Dakshina (South)====

The direction where the sun moves downward direction is avachi or dakshina. The direction opposite to the mountain Meru and lying to the right hand of a man facing east is Avachi. It is very nearer to the Vindhya mountain ranges.

The direction where the sun moves downward direction is avachi or dakshina. The direction opposite to the mountain Meru and lying to the right hand of a man facing east is Avachi. It is very nearer to the Vindhya mountain ranges.

'''5. Agneya:''' The direction between the east and south (dakshinapurva).

====5. Agneya====

 

The direction between the east and south (dakshinapurva).

 

'''6. Nairuti:''' The direction between the south and west (dakshinapashchima).

The direction between the south and west (dakshinapashchima).

'''7. Vayavya:''' The direction between the west and north (uttarapashchima).

====7. Vayavya====

'''8. Eshanya:''' The direction between the north and east (uttarapurva).

The direction between the west and north (uttarapashchima).

These four are called sub directions (upadisi).

====8. Eshanya====

'''9. Brahmi:''' It is the upper direction (urdhwadik).

The direction between the north and east (uttarapurva).

'''10. Nagi:''' It is the downward direction (adhadik).

 

 

 

==== 10. Nagi====

 

It is the downward direction (adhadik).

Dik is eternal and all-pervading. It is an instrumental cause of all effects.

Dik is eternal and all-pervading. It is an instrumental cause of all effects.

Examples:

Examples:

Anuloma         -Masssage or application in the direction of body hairs

* Anuloma         -Masssage or application in the direction of body hairs

Pratiloma         -Masssage or application opposite to the direction of body hairs

* Pratiloma         -Masssage or application opposite to the direction of body hairs

Urdhwaga raktapitta -Bleeding from upper orifices like mouth, nose etc.

* Urdhwaga raktapitta -Bleeding from upper orifices like mouth, nose etc.

Adhoga raktapitta -Bleeding from lower orifices like rectum, vagina, urethra etc.

* Adhoga raktapitta -Bleeding from lower orifices like rectum, vagina, urethra etc.

Utkshepana -Raising up

* Utkshepana -Raising up

Apakshepana -Pulling down

* Apakshepana -Pulling down

Akunchana -Adduction or flexion or contraction

* Akunchana -Adduction or flexion or contraction

Prasarana -Abduction or extension or relaxation

* Prasarana -Abduction or extension or relaxation

   

   

Gamana         -Locomotion

* Gamana -Locomotion

Tiryaka                -Cross directions or oblique movement

* Tiryaka                -Cross directions or oblique movement

3. Sleeping by facing east or south is healthy.<ref>Radhakrishna Shastri, Anandakandam, repr., Swasthavritta Prakaran, Sootra 430-32, S. Gopalan, Honorary Secretary for the Administrative Committee, T.M.S.S.M. Library, Tanjore, 1952, p. 324.</ref>

3. Sleeping by facing east or south is healthy.<ref>Radhakrishna Shastri, Anandakandam, repr., Swasthavritta Prakaran, Sootra 430-32, S. Gopalan, Honorary Secretary for the Administrative Committee, T.M.S.S.M. Library, Tanjore, 1952, p. 324.</ref>

5. Jyotishashastra explains concepts of [[Ayurveda]] in relation to graha in many contexts like tri[[dosha]]s, [[dhatu]], [[mahabhuta]], [[ritu]], [[rasa]], [[guna]], anga-avayava etc.<ref>Shri Vaidyanath Virachita Jataka Parijata, with Sudhashalini Sanskrit Commentary and Vimala Hindi Commentaery, Chowkambha Sanskrit Samsthana, Varanasi, 1984, 2-27</ref>  

5. Jyotishashastra explains concepts of [[Ayurveda]] in relation to graha in many contexts like tri[[dosha]]s, [[dhatu]], [[mahabhuta]], [[ritu]], [[rasa]], [[guna]], anga-avayava etc.<ref>Shri Vaidyanath Virachita Jataka Parijata, with Sudhashalini Sanskrit Commentary and Vimala Hindi Commentaery, Chowkambha Sanskrit Samsthana, Varanasi, 1984, 2-27</ref>  

6. Seeing someone from Andhra, southern part of the country (dravidadesa) is a bad omen. [Cha.Sa. [[Indriya Sthana]] 5/29]

6. Seeing someone from Andhra, southern part of the country (dravida desha) is a bad omen. [Cha.Sa. [[Indriya Sthana]] 5/29]

7. Naming of diseases like [[raktapitta]] as urdhwaga and adhoga [A.Hr. Nidana Sthana 3]<ref name= Hridaya > Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam. Edited by Harishastri Paradkar Vaidya. 1st ed. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy;2000.</ref>

7. Naming of diseases like [[raktapitta]] as urdhwaga and adhoga [A.Hr. Nidana Sthana 3]<ref name= Hridaya > Vagbhata. Ashtanga Hridayam. Edited by Harishastri Paradkar Vaidya. 1st ed. Varanasi: Krishnadas Academy;2000.</ref>

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===Application in preservance of health===

===Application in preservation of health===

   

   

Guidelines of passing natural urges based on direction are given. One should face north during daytime and face south at night while passing natural urges.<ref>Astanga Samgraha of Sri Vagabhata, Hindi Vyakhya- Kaviraja Atrideva Gupta, Vol-1,2, Reprint 2005, Chaukhambha Krishnadasa Academy, Sutra Sthana chapter 3 versus 3.</ref> According to vastu sastra, one should lie down with his/her head pointed south.<ref>Saran S, Shirodkar AD. Vastu shastra and feng shui the ancient sciences and their fusion in context of Indian architecture. International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research. 2017;6(11):136-44.</ref>  The study conducted by Hekmatmanesh A et.al. found out that that bed orientation influences sleep electroencephalography signals and sleeping toward the earth’s electromagnetic field (North-South) can have some positive effects on the sleep EEG.<ref>Hekmatmanesh A, Banaei M, Haghighi KS, Najafi A. Bedroom design orientation and sleep electroencephalography signals. Acta Med Int 2019;6:33-7</ref>

Guidelines of passing natural urges based on direction are given. One should face north during daytime and face south at night while passing natural urges.<ref>Astanga Samgraha of Sri Vagabhata, Hindi Vyakhya- Kaviraja Atrideva Gupta, Vol-1,2, Reprint 2005, Chaukhambha Krishnadasa Academy, Sutra Sthana chapter 3 versus 3.</ref> According to vastu sastra, one should lie down with his/her head pointed south.<ref>Saran S, Shirodkar AD. Vastu shastra and feng shui the ancient sciences and their fusion in context of Indian architecture. International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research. 2017;6(11):136-44.</ref>  The study conducted by Hekmatmanesh A et.al. found out that that bed orientation influences sleep electroencephalography signals and sleeping toward the earth’s electromagnetic field (North-South) can have some positive effects on the sleep EEG.<ref>Hekmatmanesh A, Banaei M, Haghighi KS, Najafi A. Bedroom design orientation and sleep electroencephalography signals. Acta Med Int 2019;6:33-7</ref>

One should face east or south while taking meals. [Yogaratnakara 10/16] Directions for serving various food items are specific. Khanda, thin vegetable soup (yusha) etc. should be placed at the left side of the individual. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 46/456]<ref name=Susruta/> Study shall be done facing east. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/11]

One should face east or south while taking meals. [Yogaratnakara 10/16] Directions for serving various food items are specific. Khanda, thin vegetable soup (yusha) etc. should be placed at the left side of the individual. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 46/456]<ref name=Susruta/> Study shall be done facing east. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana]] 8/11]

===Application in shalyatantra (surgery)===

===Application in shalya tantra (surgery)===

The concept of disha is applied in many surgical procedures. During the surgical procedure, the patient should face east (pragmukha) and the physician (vaidya) should face west (pratyangmukha). [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/7]<ref name=Susruta/>

The concept of disha is applied in many surgical procedures. During the surgical procedure, the patient should face east (pragmukha) and the physician (vaidya) should face west (pratyangmukha). [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 5/7]<ref name=Susruta/>

Fengshui is based on a number of complex connected ideas from cosmology, the philosophy of nature, astrology and astronomy concerning the general organization of the universe and the possibility that organization has of influencing human lives. It is mainly concerned with finding the best possible arrangement in space and somehow in time to position a grave – the residence of the dead – or a habitation – the residence of the living – in such a way that human beings who have a link with that place (descendants of the buried ancestors or those living in the house) might have success and happiness.<ref>Obringer, F. (2005) ‘Fengshui, or the Search for a Very Human Dragon’, Diogenes, 52(3), pp. 55–63. doi: 10.1177/0392192105055171.</ref>

Fengshui is based on a number of complex connected ideas from cosmology, the philosophy of nature, astrology and astronomy concerning the general organization of the universe and the possibility that organization has of influencing human lives. It is mainly concerned with finding the best possible arrangement in space and somehow in time to position a grave – the residence of the dead – or a habitation – the residence of the living – in such a way that human beings who have a link with that place (descendants of the buried ancestors or those living in the house) might have success and happiness.<ref>Obringer, F. (2005) ‘Fengshui, or the Search for a Very Human Dragon’, Diogenes, 52(3), pp. 55–63. doi: 10.1177/0392192105055171.</ref>

Fengshui is a philosophy of setting and placing buildings and elements in an environment. It aims to realize physical environment that encourages well-being through the utilization of flowing energy. Environmental psychology is a scientific discipline that studies how to design environments that can meet the needs of their occupants and facilitate their activities in order to promote their well-being. The first and most important purpose of fengshui is the creation of physical environments that encourage well-being through the utilization of natural energies. This outcome is similar to what environmental psychology aims to achieve with its tradition of scientific studies: helping to design environments that promote well-being among their occupant.<ref>Bonaiuto, M., Bilotta, E., & Stolfa, A. (2010). “FENG SHUI” AND ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: A CRITICAL COMPARISON. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 27(1), 23–34. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43030890</ref>

Fengshui is a philosophy of setting and placing buildings and elements in an environment. It aims to realize physical environment that encourages well-being through the utilization of flowing energy. Environmental psychology is a scientific discipline that studies how to design environments that can meet the needs of their occupants and facilitate their activities in order to promote their well-being. The first and most important purpose of fengshui is the creation of physical environments that encourage well-being through the utilization of natural energies. This outcome is similar to what environmental psychology aims to achieve with its tradition of scientific studies, helping to design environments that promote well-being among their occupant.<ref>Bonaiuto, M., Bilotta, E., & Stolfa, A. (2010). “FENG SHUI” AND ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: A CRITICAL COMPARISON. Journal of Architectural and Planning Research, 27(1), 23–34. http://www.jstor.org/stable/43030890</ref>

In the traditional Chinese Medicine component - Acupuncture, to achieve the well known analgesic effects, direction, angle and depth of needle insertion is of utmost importance.<ref>Fan GQ, Zhao Y, Fu ZH. [Acupuncture analgesia and the direction, angle and depth of needle insertion]. Zhongguo Zhen jiu = Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion. 2010 Nov;30(11):965-968. PMID: 21246860</ref>

In the traditional Chinese Medicine component - Acupuncture, to achieve the well known analgesic effects, direction, angle and depth of needle insertion is of utmost importance.<ref>Fan GQ, Zhao Y, Fu ZH. [Acupuncture analgesia and the direction, angle and depth of needle insertion]. Zhongguo Zhen jiu = Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion. 2010 Nov;30(11):965-968. PMID: 21246860</ref>

The work by Sood T. et.al summarizes that the concept of disha is applied in one or another way in all streams of ancient sciences and current sciences. Ancient sciences like [[Ayurveda]], Darshana Shastra (philosophy), Jyotisha Shastra (astrology), Vastushastra (architecture) have particular understanding and explanation regarding directions (disha) based on their objectives and applications. All the modern imaging techniques apply the concept of directions (dik). The use of the concept is not just restricted to philosophy or medical sciences. Dik is omnipresent, like gravity, and it is an integral part of our lives.

The work by Sood T. et.al summarizes that the concept of disha is applied in one or another way in all streams of ancient sciences and current sciences. Ancient sciences like [[Ayurveda]], Darshana Shastra (philosophy), Jyotisha Shastra (astrology), Vastushastra (architecture) have particular understanding and explanation regarding directions (disha) based on their objectives and applications. All the modern imaging techniques apply the concept of directions (dik). The use of the concept is not just restricted to philosophy or medical sciences. Dik is omnipresent, like gravity, and it is an integral part of our lives.

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==References==

==References==

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