In the vast expanse of the cosmos, ancient Indian wisdom speaks of two fundamental energies—Agni (fire, transformation) and Soma (cooling, nourishment). Soma, often linked to the Moon, represents rejuvenation, tranquility, and the essence of life itself. This celestial interplay of heat and coolness finds expression not only in Ayurveda and Vedic philosophy but also in folklore. These ancient scriptures talk about the balance of these forces through enchanting tales.
There is a beautiful fairy tale from ancient India, recounted in English by Joseph Jacobs, entitled “How the Sun, Moon and Wind Went Out to Dinner.” In this tale, three celestial siblings – the sun, the wind, and the moon once went to dine with their uncle and aunts, while the mother (a distant star) waited patiently for their return. It is said that both the sun and wind selfishly consumed the meal before them. The moon, out of pure love and devotion, carefully set aside portions of each course to share with her mother upon her return.
A Mother’s Judgment: The Consequences of Selfishness and Thoughtfulness
After the siblings returned home, their mother, who had watched them from afar, casually inquired if they brought anything back for her. Both the sun and wind were reprimanded for their lack of thoughtfulness, while the moon was cherished for her kindness. To the sun, the mother cursed him with scorching heat, burning everything in his path as a mark of his forgetfulness. She then spurned the wind, condemning him to a parching dryness, causing everything he touched to wither. But when she turned to the moon, she praised her, saying: “Daughter, because you remembered your mother, and kept a share for her in your own enjoyment, from henceforth you shall be ever cool, and calm, and radiant. No noxious, harsh glare shall accompany your pure & gentle rays, and humankind shall always call you ‘blessed.’”
The Cosmic Balance Between Sun and Moon
The Sun and Moon have a profound and equally deep relationship with the earth, and all its living inhabitants. The relationship between these two heavenly bodies can be observed on both macrocosmic and microcosmic levels:
- Mathematical Precision: From Earth’s perspective, the Sun and Moon appear to be of equal size. They possess the rare ability to eclipse one another.
- Astrological Influence: Both celestial bodies exert a profound impact on human life, affecting everything from emotions to physiological rhythms.
Agni and Soma: The Solar and Lunar Principles in Ayurveda
At a microcosmic level, in Ayurveda, the cosmic balance of these two forces is mirrored within the body:
In Ayurveda, Soma is equal to and dependent on the counteractive concept of agni in the body. Agni is the cosmic solar principle, which is linked to light, fire, heat, and transformation within the universe. The application of heat leads to purification, cleansing, and transformation. Whereas its deficiency is said to result in the accumulation of undigested substance (ama) which can be toxic to the system.
By contrast, Soma is the cosmic lunar principle, which is linked to coolness, calmness, and rejuvenation in the universe. It is a restorative energy which builds, expands, and grows. Its insufficiency can be linked with poor tissue growth, lack of calmness, and ungroundedness.
The interdependence of agni and Soma is crucial. On one side, Soma is the fuel for agni, and agni cannot burn without it. On the other side, refined Soma is the final product of agni. If agni is too hot, it depletes Soma, and if there is excessive Soma, agni becomes dull. One principle cannot exist independently of the other, and the two are relatively balanced in an ideal state.
Overexposure to lunar, or Soma-based energy can have an intoxicating effect on the psyche, making a person a “lunatic” (from latin “lunaticus”, literally “moonstruck”). Whereas overexposure to agni energy can make a person overheated, irritable, or tempered. Both Soma and agni are equally required for normal homeostatic function within the body and mind. A perfect balance between the two ensures optimal health, vitality, and emotional harmony.
The Mystique of Soma in Vedic Tradition
Soma has been referenced throughout Vedic literature, and its true identity remains a mystery.
The ninth mandala of the Rigveda speaks of a divine nectar flowing from the lotus feet of the God Indra. Sushruta, an ancient Ayurvedic sage, describes Soma as a plant with powerful attributes. Several attempts have been made to link it to a specific genus or herb. Some yet believe it is a type of divine nectar, yielding to higher states of consciousness, spiritual enlightenment, and even immortality. Adepts of yogic practices have associated it with a subtle energy, which pours through the consciousness, bringing deep states of peace and bliss.
All truths considered, experts have yet to agree as to what Soma truly is. There is evidence of some truth within all Vedic avenues of research. The search for Soma, however, truly is a solitary journey for each one to awaken within us. It is not to be understood but to be experienced.
Soma and Ojas: The Ultimate Goal of Ayurvedic Living
By connecting Ayurveda with Vedic philosophy, we begin to see that soma leaves a trail of wisdom, guiding us back to our true nature—blissful health. We can also see that through the symbiotic relationship between Surya and Soma, on a microcosmic level, a healthy agni within the body plays a key role in balancing Soma. Ayurveda teaches us that balanced agni (including all its subtypes) yields a substance called Ojas. This is a refined liquid, linked to immunity, positive energy levels & well-being. Ojas itself is said to bear pure Soma.
Building soma is ideally achieved through balancing agni within the body by right living and elimination of ama, consuming a soma-rich diet (comprising of ojas-rich foods for the body and pleasant sensory experiences) appropriate to one’s constitution and consuming soma-building herbs. It is even further refined by adherence to yogic practices and rites that unlock higher states of consciousness. It is a beautiful and delicate balancing act that is truly a unique journey for every person on the planet.
Ultimately, the search for Soma is a personal and spiritual journey. It is not merely understood, but experienced. Through the balance of Surya (Agni) and Soma, we move closer to our true, blissful state of health and harmony.
By following the wisdom of Ayurveda, we can harness the power of agni to transform and the nourishment of soma to rejuvenate, creating a delicate yet powerful symphony of well-being.
Read More: Ayurveda Made Simple: The Ancient Science of Life
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