Some research studies have confirmed that a fake treatment, made from an inactive substance like holy water, sugar, or saline solution, can have what is called a "placebo effect." It can sometimes improve a patient's condition simply because the person has a strong belief and expectation that it will be helpful.
The word 'placebo' seems to have originated from the Latin for "I will please." The placebo effect is an illogical phenomenon in which a physiologically inert treatment improves a patient's condition. It seems to work because of belief that it will work.
Belief is known to be a very powerful force. People have benefited a lot from belief. When kids get hurt or have some minor ailment, they believe the loving parents can provide the best treatment, even if it is just a fake.
I know of at least one case of an adult - a lady patient who had refused to undergo surgery until she got the 'vibhooti' prasadam from her Guru. A few days later, after she applied the 'vibhooti', the symptoms of the disease vanished. The doctors who treating her were simply stunned. The patient was cured without an operation.
My grandfather was a doctor who practised with the famous Dr. Rangachari in Madras. Though he was an allopath by profession, he took a deep interest in homeopathy and took up many cases of patients who were advocated surgery by Dr. Rangachari. He treated them with homeopathy and cured them without surgery. I am not sure of the secret in the treatment but I guess the patient's belief in the doctor and the treatment led to the improvement.
When I was a kid, occasionally I developed rashes on my skin - perhaps it was due to some insect bites. My mother used to take me to an old lady for treating the rashes through what she called "mantrikkal." The old lady used to apply some 'vibhooti' on the affected portion and chant some mantras. Lo and behold, the rashes were gone after some time.
I have also heard from some of the Sai Baba devotees that the Baba Vibhooti has done wonders and saved many people. How does it work? Is it just the unshakeable belief in Baba or there is some thing more to it. Frankly, I don't know the answer. Perhaps, you know better.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Friday, February 06, 2009
Amma, Anbulla Amma!
February 4 - Today is my 40th wedding anniversary. I sought the blessings of my parents. I thought about my dear Amma. She was instrumental in arranging my marriage. When I became an eligible bachelor, my mother wanted me to marry a girl from a large family with many siblings. Her logic was that girls from large families tend to be hard-working, have better inter-personal skills and know the value of money. She was absolutely right.
My mother was right in many ways. Born and raised in an agricultural family, she had only primary education in a village. She was married very young when my father was still in the college. Her family life started some years later after my father got his first job in Madras.
What my mother lacked in formal education, she made up by her extraordinary personal qualities. She had terrific mental courage, a quick presence of mind, and above all, a great attitude towards fellow humans. Looking back, I think she had some of the most admirable qualities for a human being. I never realized these in my younger days.
She made friends very quickly. Mere acquaintances in travel or public gatherings became long-time friends. Even those who despised her eventually became her life-long friends. She had the knack of uniting people and managing them to accomplish a common goal. Her secret - she took real interest in people and helped them overcome their problems.
Unmindful of her own frail health, she cared for others, specially in times of their distress. She never cared about her own comforts. She kept awake many nights to be at the bedside of her sick kids, hospitalized friends, and suffering relatives.
Thanks to my mother's match-making efforts, many young people got married. As an efficient go-between, she helped mend strained relationships with her communication skills and convincing logic. She helped to reunite broken couples. I remember distinctly how she revived the cancelled engagement of one of my cousins.
She was fond of me and very proud of her family. Whenever I felt low, she was a source of great encouragement to me. Her most important strength was the unshakeable faith in the Almighty. She used to regularly sing bhajans, recite Vishnu Sahasranamam, and write thousands of times "Sri Rama Jayam" in a note book. She never missed celebrating festivals.
My dear Amma - do you know how much I miss you? Though it is many years since you left this world, you continue to inspire me with your love and deeds. Koti namaskarams to you.
My mother was right in many ways. Born and raised in an agricultural family, she had only primary education in a village. She was married very young when my father was still in the college. Her family life started some years later after my father got his first job in Madras.
What my mother lacked in formal education, she made up by her extraordinary personal qualities. She had terrific mental courage, a quick presence of mind, and above all, a great attitude towards fellow humans. Looking back, I think she had some of the most admirable qualities for a human being. I never realized these in my younger days.
She made friends very quickly. Mere acquaintances in travel or public gatherings became long-time friends. Even those who despised her eventually became her life-long friends. She had the knack of uniting people and managing them to accomplish a common goal. Her secret - she took real interest in people and helped them overcome their problems.
Unmindful of her own frail health, she cared for others, specially in times of their distress. She never cared about her own comforts. She kept awake many nights to be at the bedside of her sick kids, hospitalized friends, and suffering relatives.
Thanks to my mother's match-making efforts, many young people got married. As an efficient go-between, she helped mend strained relationships with her communication skills and convincing logic. She helped to reunite broken couples. I remember distinctly how she revived the cancelled engagement of one of my cousins.
She was fond of me and very proud of her family. Whenever I felt low, she was a source of great encouragement to me. Her most important strength was the unshakeable faith in the Almighty. She used to regularly sing bhajans, recite Vishnu Sahasranamam, and write thousands of times "Sri Rama Jayam" in a note book. She never missed celebrating festivals.
My dear Amma - do you know how much I miss you? Though it is many years since you left this world, you continue to inspire me with your love and deeds. Koti namaskarams to you.
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