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controlled and guided in all its actions by the mind. In outward appearance we observe only the gross, physically evident interactions and consider the activities of mind and body as separate, beyond the level of coordinating the physical movement.
In reality the mind and the body are so intimately interconnected through the nervous system that even the routine and automatic functions of internal organs are affected by the mind and vice versa. Whatever we think affects our body and whatever we do affects our mind.
It would be interesting to note that in homeopathy the root cause of all diseases is Psaura, a term defined as 'evil thinking'. Based on this hypothesis, a complete and successful science of treatment has been developed. One who becomes free of all evil thoughts does not fall ill. Also according to homeopathy the Psaura is transferred genetically. As such, by thinking evil a person is endangering his progeny as well, through genetically transferred harmful effects.
Modern medical science also considers that almost all ailments are somehow or other connected with the brain. Some diseases, like hypertension, diabetes, cardiac deficiencies etc. are direct results of mental tension.
Stanford psychologist Carl Thoresen, Mt. Zion Hospital cardiologist Meyer Friedman, and Harvard psychiatrist James Gill studied 862 non-smoking, non-diabetic patients under 65 years of age, who had suffered at least one heart attack in the past, All of these displayed signs of 'Type A behaviour which means self destructive ambition, impatience, and free floating hostility toward trivial matters in their every day life.
AHIMSA: THE SCIENCE OF PEACE 51
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