.png)
Integrating Vedanta and Ayurveda in Yoga practice
By Ritu Jain
Meta Crisis Generally, people turn towards Yoga in the course of crisis when they are going through any kind of physical, mental or emotional disturbance. Now we see that these sufferings are increasing day by day globally, which has been termed as Meta crisis.
Yoga teachers must go beyond the physical aspect, and need to integrate Ayurveda and Vedanta along with yogic philosophy to deal with such global causes.
What is Vedanta:
Vedanta has always been relevant to go beyond the embodiment, to enquire “Who we are”? Vedanta explores the nature of reality, the self, and the supreme being.
Core beliefs of Vedanta:
According to Quantum physics whole Universe is well connected just like a web.
Vedanta is centered around several core beliefs that form the foundation of its philosophy. One of the fundamental tenets of Vedanta is the concept of Brahman, the ultimate reality that encompasses the Universe. Brahman is considered to be the unchanging, eternal all-pervading essence of existence. Simply put It is ever expansive just as awareness or the consciousness. For example, the tree, a dog or a cat that we outside is also the part of the Brahman.
Observer Effect: In Vedanta its Seer, Seeing and Seen are one, which means it exists only if you see it or perceive it.
Duality Concept: Holds that the world or the duality what we perceive around us is real and not illusion. Since we are so interconnected and entangled that the manifested Brahman comes into existence only if we see it, implying the impermanent nature.
Modern scientific theory also states in line with vedantic knowledge which further dissolves the distance between the observer and the observed, proposing the pure consciousness running through mind-body, space-time, and energy-matter.
Vairagya: Dispassion, Samskara, Vasana; It involves acknowledging and cultivating the sense of non-attachment for all the likes and dislikes, passion and dispassion, pain and pleasures (Raga, dvesha n bhaya).
Viveka: Discriminating the Real I and the unreal “I”.
Vicara: Self-Enquiry: Vicara refers to discriminative inquiry or analysis aimed at realizing the true nature of the Self (Atman) and the Ultimate reality (Brahman).
Atman: Another key belief is the concept of Atman, the true self or soul that is identical to Brahman.
Citta: Citta in Vedanta denotes the mind or consciousness, encompassing thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. Vedanta teaches to transcend the fluctuation of citta through the practices of meditation and Self enquiry.
According to Vedanta, realising the true nature of the self as Atman leads to liberation and spiritual enlightenment. Additionally, Vedanta emphasises the importance of Self-enquiry, meditation and the study of sacred texts such as Bhagwad Geeta.
Ayurveda for Yoga Practitioners:
Doshas: These are the three elements that are present in human body according to Ayurveda.
Vata, Pitta, Kapha.
Prakriti: Despite the fact that all three doshas exists in every human being, one is dominant and determines an individual’s prakriti. Thus, Ayurveda encourages the individual to understand their body’s needs and adopt practices accordingly.
• It is highly recommended to consume food as per our constitution(prakriti) and the seasons.
• Abhyanga before the asana practice or bath is very beneficial. Also adjusting the yoga practices according to Ritucharya can be very useful.
• Following the circadian rhythm is very important for better metabolism, good sleep and healthy body.
Together Ayurveda and Yoga offer a comprehensive approach to health, self-awareness, and natural remedies for a balanced life and overall well-being.
To watch the full talk please follow the link below :
Comments