04/05/2025
"He Who Comments on Ayurveda Without Learning It Is a Fool"
Based on an interview by Dr. Karan Dave with Mr. Tom Mathew, Director, Visesh Ayurveda
In a powerful and introspective conversation, Dr. Karan Dave interviewed Mr. Tom Mathew, Director of Visesh Ayurveda and a respected expert in the spiritual marketing of Ayurveda, to explore a growing and concerning trend: the rise of unqualified commentary and misinformation about Ayurveda.
At the heart of the discussion came this bold and necessary truth:
"He who comments on Ayurveda without learning it is a fool."
Mr. Tom Mathew emphasized that Ayurveda is not merely a system of healthcare or an academic subject. It is śāstra—eternal wisdom, a timeless, sacred body of knowledge rooted in consciousness, experience, and spiritual enquiry. While science may rely on external observation and experiment, śāstra is based on internal realization, lived truth, and cosmic principles.
“Ayurveda is not science—it is wisdom. A śāstra is far deeper than measurable data. It emerges from life itself. It speaks to the body, mind, and spirit—not just to the intellect.”
He warned that in today’s world, Ayurveda is often reduced to a modern clinical format, stripped of its essence, and taught without reverence for its spiritual roots.
“Today, many speak of Ayurveda with tall egos and shallow understanding. They may hold degrees, but lack depth. Ayurveda must be learned through adhyayanam (deep study), anubhava (inner experience), and Guru–Śiṣya paramparā (the sacred teacher–disciple lineage). It is not something that can be ‘covered’ in a curriculum.”
Mr. Tom Mathew cautioned against trying to judge Ayurveda through the narrow lens of modern empirical thinking, which often fails to grasp its holistic and spiritual dimensions.
“You can’t measure the soul with a microscope. Likewise, trying to understand Ayurveda with scientific tools alone is like trying to taste music with your eyes—it simply doesn’t work.”
He further stated:
“Anyone may offer opinions on modern medicine. But someone trained only in that system cannot comment meaningfully on Ayurveda. It comes from an entirely different foundation—a foundation of inner wisdom, energy, and balance.”
Mr. Tom Mathew also addressed how widespread misinformation is distorting public perception. The average person today, he noted, is misled by superficial knowledge, media soundbites, and commercial narratives.
“People form opinions without enquiry. But Ayurveda demands deep questioning and personal transformation. Without becoming an inquirer, there is no doorway into this śāstra.”
To the people of Kerala and all sincere seekers, he gave this call to action:
“Ayurveda is under attack—but this is our opportunity. Ask questions. Seek the truth. Go back to the source. Reclaim Ayurveda as the wisdom of life—not as a marketable commodity.”
Ayurveda is not a trend.
It is not alternative medicine.
It is not “Eastern science.”
It is wisdom. It is śāstra.
A timeless compass for life, health, and consciousness.
“Ayurveda is a Śāstra. And only a seeker—an inquirer—can truly understand a Śāstra.”
Those who comment without learning are not bringing insight—they are bringing noise.
Let us listen deeply. Learn sincerely. Live wisely.
