Tea with Dr. Rajan Sankaran: A Masterclass in Homeopathy and Humility

As an advanced student of homeopathy, I’ve had many incredible moments in my journey, but my recent conversation with Dr. Rajan Sankaran was nothing short of transformative. His name is synonymous with modern homeopathy. His contributions have shaped how so many of us approach this profound healing art. When I reached out to invite him for a virtual tea, I never imagined he would so graciously accept.

This wasn’t just a conversation but an experience filled with insight, joy, and inspiration. His warmth and humility instantly put me at ease as the video call connected.


Humility and Humor: The Foundations of a Master

One of the most endearing moments of our conversation came early. I nervously confessed, “I haven’t read all of your works—it’s just so vast!”

With a twinkle in his eye and a warm smile, Dr. Sankaran replied, “I have to admit, I haven’t read all of it either.”

This lighthearted comment, delivered with such ease and humor, instantly made the conversation feel personal and relatable. It set the tone for an engaging discussion. It showcased his humility. His approachability makes him a beloved figure in homeopathy.


Classifications: Bringing Consistency to Homeopathy

We began by discussing his Five Fingers Method, a framework he developed to bring predictability and clarity to remedy choice. He shared his experience. He aimed to address a common challenge in homeopathy. Different practitioners often arrived at entirely different remedies for the same case.

The Five Fingers Method focuses on five key aspects:

  1. Superclass: How we respond to challenges.
  2. Kingdom: Plant, mineral, or animal.
  3. Miasm: The pace and desperation of the disease.
  4. Characteristics: The unique peculiarities of the case.
  5. Keynotes: Confirmatory details tied to the remedy.

With his characteristic storytelling, he explained the six superclasses using vivid metaphors. He used examples like the ostrich, who hides when danger approaches, or the fighter, ready to confront a threat. “My mission,” he said, “was to create a system where fifty homeopaths look at the same case. They would then arrive at the same remedy. Now, after decades of work, that mission is becoming a reality.”


Case-Taking: The Art of Listening

Dr. Sankaran’s emphasis on case-taking as the foundation of successful practice was profoundly inspiring. He spoke about the need to be exact, thorough, and go deep to truly understand the patient’s experience.

“Ask ‘what’ instead of ‘why,’” he advised. “Don’t ask, ‘Why do you feel angry?’ Instead, ask, ‘What is your experience of anger?’” This simple shift creates space for the patient to share without judgment or defensiveness.

He introduced the WISE (Witnessing Inner Song Experience) process. This is a method he developed to access the deeper patterns of a patient’s life. “It’s not just diagnostic,” he said, “it’s therapeutic. Awareness itself can be healing.”


Materia Medica: Stories That Resonate

One of the most captivating parts of our conversation was how he breathes life into Materia Medica. Remedies, for him, aren’t just collections of symptoms—they’re living entities with their own personalities and stories.

For example, he described Rhus tox as “the wife of a drunkard,” capturing its restlessness and longing to escape. “It’s not just about labeling every restless person as Rhus tox,” he explained. “It’s about understanding the emotional essence of the remedy.”

This storytelling approach doesn’t just make remedies easier to understand. It makes them relatable. It helps practitioners connect deeply with their patients’ experiences.


The Remedy Called Awareness

At the end of our conversation, I posed a question. I asked, “If you had to pick one remedy from the entire Materia Medica, what would it be?”

With a playful smile, he replied, “Awareness. In 200 potency, three times a day.”

He explained how awareness is the foundation of healing. It is the ability to observe what’s happening within and around us. We do this without judgment or classification. “It’s the ultimate remedy,” he said, “for both the patient and the practitioner.”


A Legacy of Lifting Others

Throughout the hour, his unwavering commitment to uplifting others struck me the most. He spoke with pride about the collaborators and students who have enriched his journey. He shared updates about the next edition of The Soul of Remedies. His team is working to incorporate new insights. They are also honoring the simplicity that makes the book so beloved.

He also spoke about his Remedies with Rajan series. This series is bringing his teachings to a global audience. It is presented in an accessible format. His passion for sharing knowledge—and his ability to make it approachable for anyone—is a gift to the homeopathic community.


Reflections on a Remarkable Hour

This wasn’t just a conversation but a masterclass in homeopathy, humility, and humanity. Dr. Sankaran’s ability to connect, inspire, and educate deeply moved me.

As I think about this experience, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with homeopathy in the first place. It’s not just about remedies—connection, awareness, and the stories that make us human.

To my readers: explore his work if you haven’t yet. I encourage you to dive into books like The Soul of Remedies and Natural Kingdoms. They’re more than textbooks—invitations to see the world and homeopathy through new eyes.

This conversation will stay with me forever, and I’m so grateful to Dr. Sankaran for sharing his knowledge and awareness.