Wisdom Ways - Inspired by Ayurveda & Yoga

Ayurveda

From the sacred Ayurvedic Text, the Charaka Samhita, we read that anciently observations were made and a question was asked of the Universe by the sages:

"Good health stands at the very root of virtuous acts, acquirement of wealth, gratification of desire and final emancipation.  Diseases are destroyers of health, well being and life.  This has manifested itself as a great obstacle in the way of human life.  What would be its remedy?"

With this question in their minds, the ancient sages went in prayer and meditation.  The answer they received to "How do we help our people?" was Ayurveda, literally translated as "The Science of Life".

The sages were told that the knowledge of Ayurveda consists of:
  • All of the immediate and distant causes of disease,
  • The entire signs and symptoms of disease and health, and
  • The knowledge of all therapeutics for wellness.
Not only does Ayurveda include all of the above, but the sages were also told it includes:
  • The knowledge of all that which is useful or advantageous,
  • All that is harmful or disadvantageous, and
  • All knowledge of that which makes one happy and sad.
Ayurveda is considered the "life-giver" and thus the knowledge of which is held most sacred.  For what is of value in this life, if not the gift of life itself?  Even the definition of "Life" is given to us; "Ayus" (the Sanskrit root for Life) stands for "the combination of the body, sense organs, mind and soul".  Dr. Ram Karan Sharma and Vaidya Bhagwan Dash, translators of the Charaka
Samhita comment, "The body made of the five mahabhutas (basic elements) serves as an abode of the enjoyments and sufferings of the soul.  The sense organs are the eyes, etc.; the sattva is the mind and soul is the bearer of knowledge.  All these combined with the virtue of the invisible past actions are designated as life."

It is interesting to note here that soul as "the bearer of knowledge" is included in the definition of Life.  This science acknowledges that the soul needs to be cared for.  What other medical science of the Western Hemisphere teaches us this?  Ayurveda acknowledges the eternal nature and existence of the soul.  Therefore, Ayurveda, consisting of knowledge for the soul's health, is knowledge that is good for this life and the life beyond.

Our self consists of a Body/Mind/Soul system, and Ayurveda holds knowledge of how to bring this system into a state of harmony and balance in order that we may then pursue the goals of this life - "virtuous acts, acquirement of wealth, gratification of desire and final emancipation".  To be able to walk the path of these four goals in life and beyond is the great gift of "Living Ayurveda".

Yoga

What is yoga?

In a nutshell, yoga is the art of living consciously.  It is the discipline of being present, of being mindful, and of breathing in the now.  It is the daily practice of an ancient tradition which holds as its ultimate achievement - enlightenment, but it is also a path which puts emphasis on the process.  Thus, one who practices yoga may receive benefits in the moment and ultimately.  Yoga is harmonious living to achieve physical, mental and spiritual balance.

Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit root "yuj" meaning "to yoke" or "to join".  The most common translation is that yoga is "union" of the individual self with the supreme Self.  This is the goal of enlightenment or self-realization.  Over millennia the oral tradition of yoga was passed on from teacher to student and many schools or systems of thought arose.  The most significant of them all is the system of Classical Yoga, also known as Raja (Royal) Yoga.  Pantanjali is the rishi known to compile all of the teachings of Classical Yoga into 195 sutras.  Sutra means thread, and these 195 threads are said to yoke or bind one closer to the goal of self-realization.  This path is now known as the Eight Fold Path of Pantanjali.

Pantanjali's yoga is comprised of 8 limbs:
  1. Universal ethical principles or Restraint of the unethical (Yama)
  2. Discipline of personal conduct (Niyama)
  3. The practice of Yoga postures (Asana)
  4. The practice of Yoga breathing techniques or breath control (Pranayama)
  5. Control of the SEnses or sense-withdrawal (Pratyahara)
  6. Concentration of the mind (Dharana)
  7. Meditation (Dhayana)
  8. Absorption in the Infinite or ecstacy (Samadhi)
(More on the 8 Limbs coming soon.)

Value of Yoga Asana

Most people associate  yoga with "holding poses", or doing the asanas.  This one aspect of yoga is of tremendous value by itself.  The benefits of physical asanas are numerous:
  • Creates balance & harmony in mind, body and soul
  • Cultivates a sense of well being and calm
  • Improves concentration and creativity
  • Builds endurance, strength, and flexibility
  • Cleanses and purifies the nervous system
  • Improves circulation and strengthens the immune system
  • Reduces stress, tension, insomnia and depression
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Increases metabolism and energy
  • Massages internal organs
  • Boosts self-esteem
  • Improves posture