MARMA SHASTRA
Ayurveda Bio-Energetics
Written and Compiled by Michael James Hamilton, LAC
Copyright © 2007 by Michael James Hamilton, LAC
All rights reserved. Reproduction of any kind without prior written permission of the compiler is prohibited.
PREFACE TO THE MAIN WORK
This work presents the human bio-energy model as profoundly observed in Ayurvedic medicine. According to ancient Vedic texts (and later through Tantric and Taoist traditions), the energetic, or subtle, body is the foundation of the food, or coarse body, and the bridge between the physical and causal realms. Therefore, the structure of the subtle energetic body provides an intended means for human spiritual development, or evolution (which enables humanity to fulfill its purpose as a conduit between heaven and earth, hence transforming into an entity more subtle, and original).
The text’s primary purpose is to present oriental bio-energetic theory, and second, to bridge theoretical gaps between Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurvedic Medicine, through the comparisons of their energetic structures, which are fundamental to the esoteric alchemical systems inherent within the theories of exoteric medicine. Furthermore, the work intends to reveal even deeper realizations and correspondences of the origins of esoteric alchemical tradition (eg.Tantra, Taoist neidan).
The energetic perspective of Ayurvedic Medicine is virtually identical to that of TCM, with a difference in their terminologies, which seem to naturally complement each other. The mathematical expressions inherent in the cosmological structures of these complementary traditions of alchemical medicine will reveal that they are not merely complementary, but originally one in the same. However, the observed differences between Ayurveda and TCM are probably due to the varying Chinese interpretations of multiple Vedic texts (eg.Upanishads), which sometimes differ in perspective (eg.meridian flows). This work is one of the earliest to express these similarities and differences in an effort to establish a more complete system of understanding of ancient medicine. In a modern context, this work is yet another step contributing to the inevitable victory of the healing revolution, which utilizes natural treatment in order to facilitate the balance and harmony of an energetic structure inherent in all phenomena.
As well as functioning as a compilation of metaphysics, the work is perhaps best used as a practical quick clinical reference. This book concisely and completely compiles information from commonly used text sources on channel theory and acupoints studied in acupuncture schools today, and organizes the information to be referenced quickly.
It systematically summarizes bio-energetic theory through surveying its historical origins and presenting its integration into the oriental model of health. The oriental model of health will be presented by unfolding cosmological structures inherent within the energetic structure of the human being, hence establishing the existence of the juxtaposition between the human being and the cosmos; the anthropocosm. Cosmic integrity is the cohesive interconnectedness of the three realms (ie.heaven, earth, humanity). The model of health is represented in humanity through the energetic structure (ie.chakra, nadi, marma) of heaven, and the physical structure (ie.bones, marrow, blood, organs, semen, fat, muscle) of earth. The unfolding cosmology will reveal phenomenological bio-energetic structures, consisting of central pulsing energy voids (chakra), which spin energy (prana) through meridians (nadi), which can be balanced through the opening of their accumulation points (marma). The understanding of energy becomes essential to the effective practice of internal alchemy (spiritual transformation), because the disciplined understanding transforms the self by becoming the bridge between the natural diligence of physical wellness and the devotion to awakening the spirit.
The text is presented first with Ayurvedic terminology where applicable (because it is older), and then comparatively is translated into the later Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) (which masterly preserves the teachings and fills in the gaps through its consistent clinical development). Where there is no comparison in the text, Ayurveda takes a verbatim stance to TCM’s pristine preservation. Fundamental bio-energetic theory (Vedic cosmology) is presented with Sanskrit terminology and linked through similar comparison to Taoist cosmology (from Daozhan: Divination Resource for Daoist Calculation by Hamilton, 2005). Due to a lack of consistent Vedic terminology for acupoint data, the bulk of the meridian theory data is presented in Chinese pinyin (which has been borrowed from the meridian theory section of the Acusource: The Acupuncture Handbook (TCM) by Hamilton, 2000).
The sources are referenced at the beginning of each section in tabular form and at the beginning of each subsection or where needed in parentheses. All figures are located at the end of the document and referenced throughout. Quotations, Ayurvedic terminology in Sanskrit, all acupuncture medical terminology, the names of classical Ayurvedic medical texts in Sanskrit, Vedic deities, and Chinese medical texts that are in Pinyin (the presently used Chinese phonetic alphabetical language) or Wade-Giles (older Chinese phonetic alphabetical system) are shown in italics. Names of people and places will not be italicized.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PRELIMINARY
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS i
PREFACE ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS iv
MAIN WORK
BRIEF HISTORY OF AYURVEDA 1
SOURCES 2
ORIGINS 3
Hindu Mythology 3
Prehistoric Antiquity 5
Golden Age of Indian Culture 6
Muslim Invasion 7
European Trade 7
Indian Nationalism 8
TEXTS AND TRADITIONS 8
Texts 8
Medical Politics 13
Physical Training 14
Disciplined Spiritual Practice (Tantra) 17
THEORY: Fundamental Energetic Theory 37
SOURCES 38
MAGNIFICIENT VOID (SUNYA): Zero Point 39
Vedic Sunya 39
SINGULARITY POINT IN VOID: Nature of Absolute Reality (Parama-Shiva; Atattva) 40
Anthropocosm 41
Personality of Ultimate Reality (Parama-Shiva; Shiva-Shakti) 44
DUALITY OF CAUSE AND EFFECT: Cycle of Cosmic Creation (Karma) 46
Cause and Effect (Karma) 46
Cyclic Existence (Samsara) 47
Causal Singular Seed 50
Effectual Multiplicity of Manifestation 51
TRINITY WITHIN SELF: Process of Perception 52
PENTOLOGY OF MATTER: Five Great Elements (Pancha Mahabhuta) 54
Physical Objectivity 54
Interrelationships 56
Five Envelopes of Consciousness (Pancha Kosa) 57
Toxicity of the Five Great Elements 59
SUBTLE ANATOMY (SUKSHMASHARIRA): Envelope of Energy (Prana kosa) 63
GROSS ANATOMY (STHULASHARIRA): Envelope of Food (Anna kosa) 64
Tri-Dosha Influence on Food Envelope (Anna kosa) 64
Energy Transformation (Agni) 66
Tissues and Wastes 67
Auras and Luster 71
Channels of Flow 72
Major Organs 73
MERIDIAN THEORY: Subtle Anatomy (Sukshmasharira) 75
SOURCES: 76
Envelope of Energy (Prana kosa) 77
WISDOM-POWER (PRANA-SHAKTI): The Power of Consciousness (Kundalini) 77
Source of Primordial Power 78
Central Channel (Sushumna nadi) 79
WHEELS OF ENERGY (CHAKRAS): Psycho-Energetic Knots in the Central Channel 79
ENERGY MERIDIANS (NADI) AND POINTS (MARMA): Energy Matrix (Nadi Chakra) 92
General Meridian Functions 93
Meridian Count 93
Meridian Types 94
Meridian Classifications 95
Meridian Relationships 99
Meridian Point Classifications (Energetic Integrity) 100
Body Measurements for Point Location 128
12 Regular Meridians: Flows and Points 129
8 Spiritual Vessels: Flows and Points 229
FIGURES 259
FIGURE KEY 260
BIBLIOGRAPHY 351
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Chaithavuthi, Jan, and Muangsiri, Kanchanoo. Thai Massage the Thai Way: In Theory and Practice. Chiang Mai: Thai Massage Book Press, 2005.
Cleary, Thomas, trans. Vitality, Energy, Spirit: A Taoist Sourcebook. Boston: Shambhala, 1991.
Dukes, Terence. The Bodhisattva Warriors: The Origin. Inner Philosophy, History and Symbolism of the Buddhist Martial Art within India and China. York Beach, Maine: Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1994.
Ellis, Andrew, Wisenman, Nigel, and Boss, Ken. Grasping the Wind: An exploration into the meaning of Chinese Acupuncture Point Names. Brookline, MASS: Paradigm Publications, 1989.
Easwaran, Eknath, trans. The Upanishads. Petaluma, California: Nilgiri Press, 1987.
Feuerstein, Georg. Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy. Boston: Shambhala Publications, 1998.
Fischer-Schreiber, Ingrid, Ehrhard, Franz-Karl, Friedrichs, Kurt, and Diener, Michael. The Encyclopedia of Eastern Philosophy and Religion: Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism, Zen. Boston: Shambhala Publications, Inc., 1994.
Frawley, David. Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 1989.
Fuller, Buckminster. Synergetics. New York: Macmillan Publishing Co., 1975.
Govinda. Foundations in Tibetan Mysticism. York Beach, Maine: Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1989.
Hamilton, Michael. Acusource: Acupuncture Handbook. Honolulu, 2000.
Hamilton, Michael. Daozhan: Taoist Calculation. Honolulu, 2005.
Harris, S., Harris, J., and Clark, C. Trigger Points I and II. Ontario: Papertech, Inc., 1998.
Hean-Tatt, Ong. The Chinese Pakua. Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia: Pelanduk Publications, 1991.
Hirschi, Gertrud. Mudras: Yoga in your Hands. York Beach, Maine: Samuel Wiser Inc., 2000.
Jing-Nuan, Wu. Ling Shu, Spiritual Pivot. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1993.
Jwing-Ming, Yang. Muscle/Tendon Changing and Marrow/Brain Washing Chi Kung: The Secret of Youth. Jamaica Plain, Mass.: YMAA Publication Center, 1991.
Kshirsagar, Suhas. “Ayurvedic Philosophy.” Kapa’a, Hawaii: Aloha Ayurveda Academy, 2006.
Kshirsagar, Suhas. “Ayurvedic Physiology.” Kapa’a, Hawaii: Aloha Ayurveda Academy, 2006.
Kshirsagar, Suhas. “Ayurvedic Psychology.” Kapa’a, Hawaii: Aloha Ayurveda Academy, 2006.
Lade, Arnie. Acupuncture Points: Images and Functions. Seattle: Eastland Press, Inc., 1989.
Lawlor, Robert. Sacred Geometry: Philosophy and Practice. London: Thames and Hudson, Ltd., 1982.
Livio, Mario. The Golden Ratio. New York: Broadway Books, 2002.
Lysebeth, Andre Van. Tantra: The Cult of the Feminine. York Beach, Maine: Samuel Weiser Inc., 1995.
Maciocia, Giovanni. The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. London: Churchill Livingstone, 1989.
Mann, Felix. Acupuncture: The Ancient Chinese Art of Healing and How It Works Scientifically. New York: Vintage Books, 1962.
Matsumoto, Kiiko, and Birch, Stephen. Extraordinary Vessels. Brookline, Mass.: Paradigm Publications, 1986.
Motoyama, Hiroshi. Theories of the Chakras: Bridge to Higher Consciousness. New Delhi: New Age Books, 1981.
Mitchell, Stephen. Tao Te Ching. New York: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc., 1988.
O’Connor, John and Bensky, Dan, translators and editors. (Shanghai College of Traditional Medicine). Acupuncture: A Comprehensive Text. Seattle: Eastland Press, Inc., 1981.
Robinet, Isabelle. Taoism: Growth of a Religion. Stanford: Stanford University Press, 1997.
Ros, Frank. The Lost Secrets of Ayurvedic Acupuncture: An Ayurvedic Guide to Acupuncture. New Delhi: Lotus Press, 1994.
Saraswati, Satyananda Swami. Kundalini Tantra. New Delhi: Bihar School of Yoga, 1984.
Siou, Lily “The Eight Spiritual Vessels.” Traditional Chinese Medicine. Tai Hsuan Foundation, Fall 1992.
Siou, Lily. “Ghost Points.” Traditional Chinese Medicine. Tai Hsuan Foundation, Fall 1996.
Sitchin, Zacharia. The 12th Planet. New York: Avon Books, 1976.
Svoboda, Robert E. Aghora: At the Left Hand of God. New Delhi: Rupa Co., 1986.
Svoboda, Robert E. Aghora II: Kundalini. New Delhi: Rupa Co., 1993.
Svoboda, Robert E. Aghora III: The Law of Karma. New Delhi: Rupa Co., 1998.
Svoboda, Robert E. Life, Health, and Longevity. Delhi: Lotus Press, 1999.
Svoboda, Robert E. Your Ayurvedic Constitution: Prakruti. Delhi: Lotus Press, 1999.
Tyme. Student Manual on the Fundamentals of Traditional Oriental Medicine (3rd Edition). San Diego: Living Earth Enterprises, 1997.
Veith, Ilza. The Yellow Emperor’s Classic of Internal Medicine. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1949.
Wilkins, W.J. Hindu Mythology. New Delhi: Rupa & Co., 1882, 1975.
Wujastyk, Dominik. The Roots of Ayurveda. New Delhi: Penguin Books, 1998.
Xinnong, Chen, ed. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion (CAM). Beijing: Foreign Languages Press, 1987.
Yang, Tian De, trans. <acupuncture.com>. “The Herbs of the Eight Extraordinary Meridians.” 1 April 1997.