Title : Ayurveda - The quest for enlightened consciousness and perfect health
Abstract:
Definitions of Ayurveda in various texts explain Ayurveda as the science of wholeness of life. The intelligence of nature that governs and maintains the infinite diversity of creation in perfect order and the intelligence that governs infinite complexities and subtleties of individual physiology and consciousness are closely linked. Life needs to be lived according to Natural Law to lead human life in enlightened consciousness and perfect health. The theme of Ayurveda is living perfect health, enlightened consciousness, and a long and happy life. Ayurveda emphasises enlivening the orderly and evolutionary power of Natural Law in one’s life. The secret to maintaining wholeness of health and well-being is living in perfect balance and harmony on the individual, social, and environmental levels. Ayurveda locates the source of the wholeness of life in its definition of health – Swasthya – meaning established in one’s pure nature – ‘Swa’ or ‘Atma’. In the texts of Ayurveda and other Vedic literature like Yoga, Vedanta, Upanishads, etc., this pure state of Self is described as pure consciousness, transcendental in nature, which is at the basis of all our life expressions. It is the source of all harmony and evolution in life. This level aligns the individual’s nature – individual Prakriti – with the perfection of cosmic nature – universal Prakriti.
Experience of Transcendence and Growth of Consciousness through Transcendental Meditation
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi’s Vedic Science teaches the simple, effortless technique of Transcendental Meditation that allows 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. This state, known as Transcendental Consciousness, is the state of Yoga – a state of perfect balance, harmony, and unity. Regular experience of transcendence through Transcendental Meditation leads to the development of higher states of consciousness, bringing human life to perfection in complete harmony with Natural Law – individual life in unity with cosmic life – life in Enlightenment, the fulfilment of Ayurveda.
Perfect Health through Perfect Balance
Health is not just the absence of disease but life in balance and wholeness – complete happiness, success, and fulfilment. Ayurveda gives knowledge and practice to live in this state of health.
Vedic Rishis describe three fundamental fields of Vata, Pitta and Kapha, the first expressions emerging from the Unified Field of total Natural Law. These fields (or doshas) are subtle but powerful fields that create the structures and functions of the physical world, including that of our body. Balance and imbalance in these fields are the balance and imbalance in the body’s inner intelligence, which is responsible for the proper functioning of all aspects of physiology. Ayurveda is the art and science of keeping these doshas balanced, enlivening the body’s inner intelligence that brings self-healing and perfect health. Ayurveda promotes the continuum of perfect health through principles of preserving good health and preventing ill health. These principles include Ayurvedic daily and seasonal routines, health-promoting behaviour, a wholesome diet, digestion and nutrition, regular Panchakarma treatments – purification and rejuvenation procedures – regular practice of Transcendental Meditation and yoga exercises, and balanced rest and activity.
Audience Take Away Notes:
- Scientifically, the audience will learn the oneness of human life with nature’s perfect and orderly functioning. They will know how important it is to align individual life with Natural Law – individual intelligence with nature’s intelligence.
- 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 how Transcendental Meditation can easily effortlessly give the experience of wholeness, harmony, and balance within one’s Self in Yoga, thereby evolving to a higher state of consciousness.
- The audience will become aware of practices in Ayurveda that protect the health of the healthy through preventive measures and eliminate ill-health by corrective measures in Ayurveda.
