Shloka 14
Atīsāra (Diarrhoea) and Grahaṇī-doṣa: Causes, Prodromal Signs, Doṣa-wise Symptoms, and Major-Disease Status
विपरीतो निरामस्तु कफात्को ऽपि न मज्जति / अतीसारेषु यो नाति यत्नवान् ग्रहणीगदः
viparīto nirāmastu kaphātko 'pi na majjati / atīsāreṣu yo nāti yatnavān grahaṇīgadaḥ
ولو انقلب نظام المعيشة أو اضطرب، فإن الصحيح لا يغرق في المرض بسبب الكَفَه (kapha) وحده. أمّا من لا يضبط نفسه عند نوبات الإسهال—وإن كان مجتهدًا في غير ذلك—فإنه يُبتلى بداء «غراهَني» (grahaṇī)، وهو اضطراب مزمن في الهضم والامتصاص.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Dosha: Kapha
Concept: Self-restraint (niyama) during illness prevents chronic disease; negligence converts an acute episode into a lasting disorder.
Vedantic Theme: Deha as sādhanā—care of the body as an instrument for dharma and higher pursuits; pramāda (heedlessness) as a cause of bondage-like suffering.
Application: During diarrhea, follow strict diet/regimen and avoid overexertion or improper foods; treat early to prevent grahaṇī; cultivate disciplined habits even when feeling otherwise ‘healthy’.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.157.15-18 (etiology and lakṣaṇa of atisāra/grahaṇī)
FAQs
This verse treats digestive discipline as part of right conduct, warning that negligence during diarrhea can lead to chronic grahaṇī disease, making health a dharmic responsibility.
It suggests kapha alone does not necessarily overwhelm a healthy person; the real danger highlighted is improper conduct during acute digestive upsets, which can progress into deeper pathology.
Maintain dietary restraint and careful regimen during diarrhea episodes; treat acute digestive disturbance seriously to prevent long-term gut weakness and recurring illness.