"Swastha" The definition of Health according to Ayurveda
Hi Friends and welcome to November. I have just returned from my annual trip to India to receive Panchakarma. I am feeling cleansed, relaxed, rejuvenated and ready to jump back into being of service. If you would like to learn more about Panchakarma visit my website or better join me for my monthly Panchakarma & Chai gatherings. Think PK might be right for you? July into August is looking good for 2020. Dates will be announced soon.
Most of us would like to reap the benefits of good health. I dare to say all of us as that would be assuming. The ancient wisdom of Ayurveda gives us a road map as a guide to help us to understand the current state of our mind and body while also giving us a clear definition of exactly what the state of good health looks like. Let’s check out two quotes to see how these ancient teachers explained this so well.
The Charaka Samhita states:
“One who is established in Self, who has balanced doshas (primary governing energies), balanced agni (fire of digestion), properly formed dhatus (tissues of the body), proper elimination of malas (waste products, sweat, urine and feces), well- functioning bodily processes, and whose mind, soul, and senses are full of bliss, is called a healthy person.”
The Sushruta Samhitha says:
“The person who always eats wholesome food, enjoys a regular lifestyle, remains unattached to the objects of the senses, gives and forgives, loves truth and serves others is without disease.”
Ayurveda also gives us very specific indicators to be continually be aware of. When viewed under self-observation, they give us a clear idea of our current state of health. Perhaps think of these as the check engine indicator in your car or an anti-virus pop up on your computer. When these warning lights start flashing it is time to take a step back to check our diet and lifestyle to see what is bringing the imbalance. We can then make the necessary changes to correct our course. Disaster averted.
Most often the indicators are related. If one is off there will be a domino effect. Others will begin to show signs of imbalance as well.
Here are the 15 indicators for health.
1. When you go to sleep it is easy and at an early time?
2. Waking up early at a good time without feeling tired.
3. Bowel movements- happening easily and the appropriate amount of times.
4. Urine- Too frequent or scanty.
5. Sweating happens easily to eliminate toxins but not to excess.
6. Hunger- Understanding the symptoms of metabolic hunger vs, emotional hunger.
7. Digestion comes easily, knowing the symptoms of good digestion.
8. Eyes- Are the eyes clear, cloudy, dry or weepy?
9. Nose- Appropriate sense of smell.
10. Touch- over-sensitive or dull.
11. Ears- how is our sense of hearing.
12. Taste- can we taste all six of the tastes or is there a lingering of any taste in our mouth on an regular basis.
13. Skin the color and texture is not prematurely aging, oily or dry.
14. Natural immunity or strength- frequency of illnesses or strong immunity.
15. Mind-relaxed, positive and discerning.
Because these are so important, I will be dedicating the next 15 months to offer a comprehensive understanding of each and how to bring them back into balance. In December, we will begin by diving deep into Sleep.
Need something to read? Check out Aghora - At the Left Hand of God, is the story of Aghori Vimalananda by one of my favorite teacher’s Dr. Robert Svoboda. Aghori Vimalananda was Dr. Svoboda’s mentor. This is one of three books penned by Dr. Svoboda about Vimalananda’s fascinating life. I highly recommend the complete trilogy.
The following three practices Vimalananda implemented into his daily rituals. This morning and nighttime routine make so much sense to help one stay present.
When Vimalananda woke up he would focus his attention on these:
Right when you wake up remember that you are going to die.This may seem morbid to the western mind but it is actually a very important practice. Bring your awareness to the thought that “I am alive today and the one thing I am sure about is that at some point I am going to die. It may happen today, or it may not happen today, but I need to be prepared that it may happen today because it could.”
This will give urgency to the way I want to live today.
Spend 5 minutes giving thanks for being permitted to be alive and have the chance to experience, to learn, to love and to achieve.
Resolve not to cheat consciousness during the day. Pay attention to my conscience and let my conscience be my guide. If I don’t cheat my consciousness nothing, I do during the day can stain me.
At night before going to sleep ask myself three questions.
Have I lived? Have I made the best use of the time provided me during the day to grow, learn and develop? Have I not killed time? We have 1440 minutes in the day. Each minute can be used in a positive way, a negative way or a wasted way. Did I love the minutes that were given today in a positive way?
Have I loved? Have I reached out to everyone I met to make them aware of the love on my heart? I have eased their burdens of self-mistrust and self-doubt?
Have I laughed? Did I see the humorous side of even the most painful event? If I can answer yes to these three questions, then we know it has been a successful day.
Vimalananda goes on to say ”If the answer for any of these questions is no, then it is a matter for remorse. One more day has passed, and I am another day closer to my death and have not exerted myself to my fullest potential.”
I know that “life, love, & laughter” sounds like a wall hanging you may pick up at Crate and Barrel, but I really love his explanation.
I hope these practices are as inspiring to you as they are to me. I wish all of you the happiest of Thanksgivings and encourage you to make the
practice of giving thanks.