Ayurveda, or Ayurvedic medicine, from India is the science of life and universal knowledge, gifted by nature and divine resources. In Indian mythology, the origin of Ayurveda is attributed to the physician of the gods, Dhanvantari.
Ayurveda teaches us how to achieve internal peace and preserve our health by natural means. Here are the guidelines set by Ayurveda which help us to regain or to discover internal harmony that enable us to live and lead a healthy and peaceful life. In Sanskrit, the word "Ayurveda" is a combination of two words: Ayur means "life" and Veda "knowledge."
Origin of Ayurveda
Ayurveda helps us to find a balance between mind and body through natural methods of prevention and cure such as medicinal plants, adapted food, massage, yoga, meditation. According to legend, the ancient sages received the revelation from the Ayurvedic deities in their deep meditations. This knowledge was transmitted orally from master to pupil in the Vedic language, Sanskrit. The earliest literature of Ayurveda appeared in India during the Vedic period, around 400 to 200 BC. The most authentic compilation is the Sushruta Samhita. It contains 184 chapters and describes 1,120 diseases, 700 medicinal plants, 64 preparations from mineral sources and 57 preparations from animal sources.
Our Body is Composed of Five Cosmic Elements
According to Ayurveda, our body is composed of the five elements found in the universe: Prithvi (earth), Aap (water), Tej (fire), Akash (sky), Vaayu (air or ether, space).
We are all inhabited by energy, good or bad. Ayurveda helps us to find a balance of energy that plays an important role to maintain our physical form and development of lively spirit. If there is an imbalance, we are possessed by illness and depression. So, by practicing Ayurveda, we regain a healthy mind and body. It advises us to set and to follow good habits in daily life. If we adopt a healthy lifestyle then we will enjoy a sound sleep and good digestion, which will remove the toxins that poison our metabolism. It also recommends meditation, reflection and regular exercises.
Just as the land may be polluted, our mind can be degraded by negative, anxious and bad thoughts. Ayurveda helps us to reduce all this by substituting with positive and regenerating thoughts and attitudes. Similarly, in order to have internal harmony, it is recommended to control the psychological and emotional reactions such as anger, jealousy, doubt, greed and possessiveness, and eliminate any idea of the mind's dogmatic fanaticism, limited awareness and narrow-mindedness. Everyone must seek to improve his habits, his attitude and his conscience by eliminating misunderstandings, doubts and fear, by sharing good knowledge and pursuing simplicity, well-being and love and by propagating peace.
The Four Stages of Life
According to Vedic philosophy, the human life span is divided into four parts or ashrams: Brahmacharya, Grahasta, Vanaprastha and Sanyasa. The Vedas define specifically the reasons and responsibility of each ashram. The word ashram means "shelter" that the person continues in the four successive stages of his life. If the person follows each step as instructed, he will reach the spiritual union. It exists in Hinduism the concept of a universal spirit, the Paramatma, which is related to the Supreme Spirit, that is God. Each individual has a mind (Jivatma), and the purpose of his existence is to seek and unite with the universal spirit, that is God. This final act is called moksha or deliverance.
The four ashrams or stages of life prepare a person to undertake this process for the grace of God and attain nirvana or liberation. It is the goal of Ayurveda.
- Up to the age of 25 years is the Brahmacharya period. It is devoted to the study of four fields: physical education, art education, mental education and spiritual quest.
- From 25 years to 50 years is the Grahasta period, that of marriage to start a family life. In this specific period we lead a married life and practice the knowledge and know-how acquired during the first stage.
- At the age 50, it is the age of Vanaprastha, that is to withdraw from labor and material world and take an advisory role. Spiritual activities replace social activities.
- The fourth age, Sanyasa or "renonciation" is devoted to spiritual and internal quest. The person must meditate and seek solitude by contemplating God.
After having read and acquainted yourself with Ayurvedic philosophy, continue your path towards well-being and enlightenment and attain good health and a carefree mind. Wishing you a very good physical form and happiness. Let's share and prevail good wishes and positive thoughts, and spread the essence of Ayurveda by sharing these articles with your friends and family.
Sources:
Anil, Joy, Encyclopedia of Ayurvedic Medicinal Plants.
Svoboda, Robert, Prakriti: Your ayurvedic Constitution, Lotus Press.
Pascal Marion - Author, independent researcher, responsible of Terres d'Asie.
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