What is the Vedic response to Covid 19?

An interesting question with three replies according to the three sections of Veda.

1. Jñāna kāṇḍa is the knowledge section of the Veda so the Jñāna-kāṇḍi’s response would be to learn about virology, the aetiology, the symptoms and infection control techniques and apply them rigorously in accordance with the official health department guidelines.
2. Karma kāṇḍa is the ritualistic portion of the Vedas and so the Karma-kāṇḍi’s response would be to start doing rituals, lighting fires and making oblations of ghee and herbs to purify the atmosphere and to “placate the virus” or incentivise Dhanvantari to offer his timely assistance.
3. Upāsana kāṇḍa is the meditative section of the Vedas. So the upāsakas would start the bhūta śuddhi meditation practice which is a preparation for negotiating the dying process. The upāsaka would know that death is an opportune moment for achieving mokṣa if done with mindfulness and awareness.

The Bhūta śuddhi meditation is based on the sequence of the dissolution of five the elements of which we are composed.

1. Stage one of dying is when the earth element is constrained – we begin a confinement to the home, then to the bedroom, then the bed – our mobility has now ceased and we lie till in the bed.
2. Stage two – the water element dissolves. This means that hydration is disturbed – excessive thirst, sweating urinary disturbances etc.
3. Stage three – the fire element dissolves. High temperatures, inability to regulate body temperature.
4. Stage four is the disturbance of the air element which means breathing difficulties, respiratory failure and the need for intensive care.
5. Stage five is the final dissolution of the ether element – this is when the body shuts down and the ātman leaves the body like one casting off a set of clothing and proceeds to the astral realms in preparation for a well deserved holiday before the next incarnation.

The actual practice is sitting in meditation and then imagining the various elements dissolving in sequence and abiding with the sensation without judging, just watching the experience. Then once you have dissolved the entire body, you imagines that you are merging with your iṣṭha devatā (tutelary deity) – you then imagine the reverse – visualise the space element consolidating, then the air, then the fire, water and earth – and then feel your presence in the body and slowly open your eyes and send out compassion and loving thoughts to all sentient beings – wishing that all beings should be free from disease and suffering, may all being enjoy peace and happiness.