Document Type : Short Communication
Authors
1 Department of Persian Medicine, Medical School, Research Center for Traditional Medicine and History of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
2 Religion and Health Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Ira
3 Department of Neuroscience School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies Shiraz University of Medical Sciences Shiraz Iran
4 Department of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
5 Molecular Dermatology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
6 Department of Medical Journalism, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
Abstract
The distinction between hedonia (the maximization of pleasure and minimization of pain) and eudaimonia (a virtue-oriented life and enduring flourishing) provides a conceptual framework for explaining happiness. In both Iranian and Indian traditions, health is understood as the outcome of an integrated harmony among body, psyche, and spirit in conjunction with ethical conduct, just as clinical evidence from contemporary studies indicates that exercise, sleep, nutrition, and meditation influence mood as well as physical and spiritual vitality. In light of the social and religious critiques currently raised regarding modern yoga, this study examined and compared the perspectives of Iranian and Indian medicine on happiness and the pathways to its attainment. Avicenna defines pleasure as “the apprehension of, and movement from deficiency toward perfection,” and regards “enduring joy” as the fruit of humoral balance and purification of the soul with divine intention. Yoga delineates an eightfold path for the purification of body and mind and the establishment of sattva (a balanced state of clarity, pleasure, and wisdom), culminating in samadhi (absorption in one’s true essence), while viewing attachment to sensory pleasures as an obstacle to profound tranquility. In conclusion, Iranian and Indian medical frameworks converge in their distinction between “pleasure” and “felicity.” Ethical and cultural contextualization, the safeguarding of practices, and the separation of therapeutic exercise from ritual doctrines are essential for the responsible application of these ancient sciences.
Keywords
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