MALAS
Mala’s
are excretory elements. These are three and termed as Thrimalas-
(1) Pureesha (The Faeces)
(2) Mutra (The Urine)
(3) Sweda (The Sweat)
The word Thrimala is used, to refer 3 types of excretory systems present
in the body and not just the excreta. Mala can be translated as metabolic end
products. This means that each cell which is a living factory will produce,
under the influence of the Doshas , wastes (mala) which in turn influence
adversely the functions of the Dhatus that produce them.
Thus Dosha, Dhatu and Mala form a tripod of health
GAYANENDRIYAS
Gyanendriyas
are sensory organs. They are the organs of perception. Since they are the tools
to acquire –"gyana" –the knowledge or information, they are termed
so. They are five in numbers-
Akshi (The Eyes)
Karna (The Ears)
Nasika (The Nostrils)
Jihwa (The Tongue)
Twacha (The Skin)
These five are termed as Indriyadhisthana. It means, the prime location
of sensory perception. Every Gyanendriya is a complex system and not
just, one or two organs. Each of these Gyanendriyas have a definite
object of perception. This object of a sensory organ is termed as Indriyartha.
KARMENDRIYAS
Pada
(The Feet)
Hasta (The Hands)
Vagindriya (The sense of speech)
Paya (The Anus)
Upastha (The Genetalia)
The name of karmendriya includes the entire structure and functional
mechanism of that particular organ. The function of a karmendriya is referred to
as Indriyartha.
MANA
Manas
or the mind is considered as 11th Indriya by Ayurveda. By virtue of its
functions, Manas performs the functions of both Gyanendriya, the sensory organs
and Karmendriya, the motor organs.
It has two specific characters, viz. Ekatwa (solitude or seclusion) and Anutwam
(subtleness). Because of its Subtleness, Manas can move swiftly. For its
swiftness, Manas is considered as the fastest object in the universe.
Manas are an entity that is responsible for generation of knowledge. It plays an
instrumental role in the perception of Indriyartha. For this purpose, it
conjugates itself, with the respective gyanendriya and receives sensory
signals.
Gyanendriya can’t perceive any type of knowledge on its own, without
conjugating itself, with Manas or Mind. Also, it is important to note that, Manas
can conjugate itself, with only one sense organ at a given point of time and not
more than one. But, it can move from one organ to the other, swiftly-within a
split second. Functioning of Karmendriyas also needs a conjugation with Manas.
Apart from such dual role, Manas is also responsible for some more
faculties. Analysis, Thinking, Imagination are some of such special functions of
Manas.
BUDDHI
Buddhi
is another constituent of Purusha. In terms of modern Psychology, Buddhi
comprises intellect and will. It contemplates the circumstances that call for an
action and provides rule of conduct. Will control the disposition, in harmony
with the dictum from Buddhi.
Manas has an ability to perceive various stimuli through Indriyas. Also,
it can analyze them in terms of merits & demerits. Based on such analysis, Buddhi
produces a decisive knowledge. Thus, Buddhi-the intellect is ultimate
decision-maker.
ATMA
The word Atma can be literally translated as Soul. Concept of Atma has been the central dogma of Indian Philosophy.