Title : Ayurveda the science of wholeness of life
Abstract:
Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of health, perceives life, its emergence, evolution, and preservation as a holistic phenomenon. Ancient texts of Ayurveda, such as Charak Samhita, and Sushrut Samhita, describe health as a state of perfect balance and harmony on all levels of life: balance and harmony at the level of physiological structures and functions; and harmony and happiness on the level of Self, mind, and social behavior. Modern science explores the laws of nature and their applications through an objective approach, whereas ancient Vedic science explores the life and its infinite potential primarily through a profound subjective approach. Quantum field theories of modern science have revealed the Unified Field of all the laws of nature at the basis of all phenomena in creation. Vedic Sciences like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Vedanta cognize the unified wholeness of life as the field of pure intelligence, Atma (Self), or Samadhi. This state, known as Turiya or Transcendental Consciousness, is the state of Yoga – a state of perfect balance, harmony, and unity. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Vedic Science teaches the simple, effortless technique of Transcendental Meditation to allow the mind to settle, easily and effortlessly, to progressively more refined levels of thinking until the mind experiences its quietest state at the source of thought. Scientific research on Transcendental Meditation comprises hundreds of scientific studies conducted at over 200 independent universities and research institutions worldwide over the past 40 years. These studies have demonstrated comprehensive benefits for the mind, body, behavior, and society and have appeared in many leading, peer-reviewed journals. Recent epigenetic research shows an increase in telomerase gene expression through the Transcendental Meditation (TM) practice, and through lifestyle changes using extensive health education. Both have been shown to stimulate two genes that produce telomerase. Telomerase maintains telomeres which protect the DNA and thus maintain health and long life. Ayurveda establishes the central importance of preserving health and preventing disease by maintaining life according to natural law. Therefore, Ayurveda utilizes many methods to bring life in accord with natural law from the angles of mind, body, behavior, and environment. These include knowledge of balanced diet and nutrition; health-promoting daily and seasonal routines and behavior; herbal food supplements and Rasayanas; and programs of physiological purification and rejuvenation therapies such as Panchakarma. Ayurveda has a concept of the health of society by creating coherence in the collective consciousness. Twenty peer-reviewed studies and more than fifty demonstrations have found that when a relatively small proportion of a population practice Transcendental Meditation and its advanced programs there is a decrease in negative trends such as crime, violence, hospital admissions, and fatalities. This is known as the Maharishi Effect.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- The audience will learn, in a scientific way, the importance and the means of living wholeness, harmony, and balance in life for benefitting their health, well-being and social harmony.
- The audience will learn how the body’s inner intelligence can be enlivened to promote good health and the prevention of diseases.
- The audience will learn, through the results of scientific research, how the practice of Transcendental Meditation can transform life on a deeper level in a positive way.
- The audience will become aware of many subtle and holistic principles, procedures and practices in Ayurveda that can be very useful in preventing disorders at a very early stage, even before they get expressed as symptoms.
