Chapter 4.1: Enumeration of the Person (Katidhapurusha Sharira / कतिधापुरुष शरीर)

Sharira Sthana Chapter 1. Knowledge of holistic human being A healthcare provider cannot treat an individual without comprehensive knowledge of his constitution. A study of human being can be initiated only after understanding concept of purusha, that means holistic human being, the self (Aatma), consciousness, the cosmic man, etc., depending upon the context. This first chapter describes purusha in the context of samyoga purusha that means a logical body of six constituents (shad-dhatuja), of twenty-four constituents (chaturvimshati- tattvatmak), or that which is ideal for treatment (chikitsya purusha). The third meaning of purusha is in the context of ativahika purusha, a subtle body that passes on from one body to the next along with the soul. Besides these, there are several other forms or connotations described here in this text. This chapter answers all queries about the soul, its origin, proof of existence, mind, its description, intellectual error and its adverse effect, types of miseries and their causes, etc. Thus this chapter describes aspects of human evolution, spirituality and psychology as well. Keywords: purusha, holistic human being, mana, mind, Aatma, self, consciousness, soul, salvation, prajnaparadha, intellectual errors, causes of miseries and comfort.