Chapter 4.5: Analysis of the Person (Purusha Vichaya Sharira / पुरुष विचय शरीर)

Sharira Sthana Chapter 5. Detailed Study of holistic human being Purusha Vichaya literally means detailed (or comprehensive) search or analysis of the person (or purusha). The preceding two chapters explained the developmental phase of an embryo to foetus and the birth of the child. This chapter deals with factors that help transform the child into a fully grown purusha. An important message from this chapter is the view that the purusha is a microcosm mirroring the universe, or the macrocosm. This is briefly indicated in the preceding chapter [Cha.Sa.Sharira Sthana 4/13], where it is said that the purusha epitomizes the universe. All the structural forms that exist in the universe also exist in purusha and vice-versa. A study of the purusha is not simply restricted to exploring the anatomy and physiology of a human being. Rather, the purusha is said to be formed of the same shad dhatu (panchamahabhuta, or the five fundamental elements, and the supreme consciousness) that the universe is made of. Thus, it signifies an interdependence between the microcosm and the macrocosm. This study underscores that a person – or a human being – should not be seen in isolation, but in the context of harmony between man and the environment. Keywords: Purusha, man, microcosm, loka, macrocosm, universe, cause of disease and happiness, serenity, path to emancipation. तत्र श्लोकौ- tatra shlokau- To summarize, in this chapter Purusha Vichaya Sharira (The analytical study/search of purusha) the sage has explained: