Dr. Svoboda explains the Sanskrit word “upadha,” or allurement, in this short video.

The Sanskrit word upadhā is built from dhā, which means a foundation, and upa, a prefix that means near but also carries a sense of being secondary or inferior. Upadhā therefore means an establishment or foundation that is near, but inferior.

In Ayurveda, upadhā suggests something by which you have been lured—something you have used to create a secondary foundation for yourself. It may be something to which you are habituated or addicted, something you rely on instead of being well established in yourself: svastha, which is Sushruta’s definition of good health.

Upadhā, or allurement, will usually lead to prajñāparādha, a crime against the natural wisdom of your organism. This can lead to disease and require you to review your attitude toward the things on which you have become reliant.