The Ayurvedic Wellness Counselor Program

KAA 103: Ayurvedic Psychology (Manasa Shastra)

Human Being: An Introduction

Sattva

Human being consists of Sattva (the mind), Atma (the

soul) and Sharir (the physical body). The entire universe
stands on these three pillars.
When this triad is in harmony, there is health. To achieve
complete health, physical health alone is not enough. A
balance at all three levels is always needed.
As each level is connected to the other two, the balance
of each depends upon other levels. Among the three,
Sattva (mind) comes first. The function of Atma and
Sharir depends on Sattva (the mind).

Mind

Atma
Soul

Sharir
Physical Body

Healthy Person: A Definition

The individual whose Doshas, Agni
and Dhatus are in balance, who
eliminates Malas regularly, whose
thinking is clear (the Soul is content),
Indriyas are sharp and mind is
peaceful is called a Healthy Person.

Balanced Doshas
Samadoshaha samagnicha
samadhatu Mala Kriyaha
Prasanna Atmendriya manah
Swastha iti Abhidhiyate
Sama Agni Sama Dhatus
Sama Malakriyas
Sharp Indriyas
Peaceful mind
Clear thinking

Healthy Person: A Definition

Health and Disease have Two Locations:
1.

The physical body and

2.

The mind

In physical disease there is also a mental

imbalance and mental imbalances also
affect the physical body.
In treatment, both levels have to be
addressed. Otherwise, the disease will
not be cured completely.

The Mind: A Definition of Health

Manyate iti Manah: One which creates realization.
Mind is responsible for our perception of the external world.
Mind is the cause of Knowing.
The sense organs receive vibrations from objects. The function of
mind is to analyze these vibrations and use this information to
make decisions and command action.
The mind also guides the organs of action (Karmendriyas) to take
action.
Neither the Gynendriyas nor the Karmendriyas work without the
association of Mind. Therefore, the Mind is called Ubhayendriya.

Ubhayendriya: Organ of both

perception and action.

The Mind: Qualities

Ekatva: Mind is the one and only.
At any given moment the Mind can be associated with only one
sense organ and we will receive information from that one sense
organ. Because of its tremendous speed it seems that the mind is
associated with many senses simultaneously.
That said, we may live in multitasking world, but in reality we can
only focus our awareness on one thing, object, or action at any
given moment. Thus, single-pointedness is very important.

The number of car accidents has

increased since people have begun
talking on the phone while driving.

The Mind: Qualities

Anutva: The atom of consciousness.
The atom being smallest of the small, it is the largest of the large
because it is the essence of all substances in the universe.
The mind is called Ateendriya. It is beyond the sense organs.
The sense organs function only when Mind is associated with
them. The function of each sense organ is limited; the ears
can only hear and the eyes can only see, but the Mind is
limitless, without boundaries. The mind is the essence of all
the sense organs and organs of action. The mind can function
without the sense organs (as in sleep or meditation).

In every cubic millimeter of etheric space there is

enough energy to furnish one million horse powers
working continually for forty million years.
Oliver Lodge

The Mind: Qualities

Mind is an ear of an ear
Mind is the energy behind the ears

Mind is an eye of an eye

Mind is the energy behind the eyes
Mind makes
Hearing
Touching
Seeing
Eating
Smelling

Listening
Feeling
Observing
Savoring
Fragrance

 The mind can pervade the entire field of perception. It does not have one location. It pervades the
entire body.

The Mind: Field of Action

The mind is dualistic in nature. It oscillates like a
pendulum between two extremes:
1.

Desire (Itcha)

2.

Aversion (Dwesha)

The mind makes you happy, excited, joyful, eager,

patient, kind, generous and clear-headed
or
It makes you sad, depressed, anxious, frustrated,
stressed, angry, greedy and delusional

The Mind: Location

The mind resides in the Heart, in the Chest, in
between the lungs. It is the seat of Consciousness
(Atma).
The Pranavaha Nadis emerge from this location of
the mind and circulate Prana and Consciousness
throughout the body. When these Nadis are
blocked, psychological diseases result.
Manovaha Srotas is centered in the heart and
functions through the brain. Its field of action is
the entire body.

The Mind: Functions

1. Receiving vibrations from the sense organs for decision-making.
2. Controlling the sense organs from overuse or misuse.
3. Self control: Slowing down the oscillations of different thoughts and
focusing on one.
4. Chintana: Meditating on various choices and deciding whether to
accept a choice or not.
5. Vichara: Thinking about the pros and cons of any action.
6. Uha: Accepting a choice.
7. Dhyeya: Setting goals.
8. Sankalpa: Developing an action plan to achieve a goal.

The Four States of Mind

According to Vedanta, there are four
functional differences of Mind:
1. Manas
The mind connected to
the senses

2. Ahankara
Ego, I-ness

3. Buddhi
Discrimination

4. Chitta
Memory

The Four States of Mind

1. Manas
The part of mind that perceives the senses.
For example: Seeing, hearing, tasting, touching, smelling.

When the mind functions at this level, a person

becomes full of desire and tries constantly to
fulfill those desires, causing them to become a
sensate being.

At this level the individual is constantly riding on

a wave of emotions: Joy and sadness, happiness
and unhappiness, passion and anger.

The flow of energy is outward.

Manas is Rajasic in nature.

The Four States of Mind

2. Ahankara
Ego; I-Ness
Ego: A world of division between you and me.
A thick wall between inner and outer worlds.
Decisions are personal.
Controlling, dominating, always on the guard.
If used rightfully, Ahankara helps us see
oneness in many forms.
Ahankara is Rajasic in nature.

Dualism begins at this level.

The Four States of Mind

3. Buddhi
Discrimination

Discriminating aspect; Holds the power of decision;

Represents individualized Mahat.
Represents oneness in different forms. Helps us to stay on
the right path, hold on to good values and control Manas
and Ahankara.
Connects us to the inner self (Purusha, Soul, Spirit).
Human beings are the only beings whose Buddhi aspect is
fully evolved.
Helps us become free of desires and disappointments and
become one with Sat Chit Ananda.
Emotionally, a person operating from the Buddhi is calm,
content and eternally happy.
Buddhi is Sattvic in nature.

The Four States of Mind

4. Chitta
Memory
Stores all memories from our
current and past lives.
Represents our conditioned
consciousness.
Can be either Sattvic, Rajasic
or Tamasic in nature.

The Four States of Mind

An Overview
Manas carries vibrations
Buddhi makes decisions
Ahankara gives identity &
Chitta stores as memory.


For Example

The connection between the

keyboard and the CPU is Manas.
The CPU is Buddhi.
File name is Ahankara.
Storing of file in memory is Chitta.

The Mental Gunas (Qualities)

Nature functions through conscious forces. These conscious
forces are represented by three primal qualities, or Gunas:

1.
2.
3.

Sattva: Purity
Raja: Action
Tamas: Inertia

The three gunas of Prakriti are defined as three intertwined strands

of the binding cord of nature. Through this medium, Prakriti binds
together all embodied beings.
Among the three, Raja and Tamas are called mental doshas,
because if imbalanced, they may cause disease (Sattva does not
cause disease).

The Mental Gunas (Qualities)

Guna

Sattva

Rajas

Tamas

Description

Sattva is a quality of
intelligence, harmony,
balance and stability.
Directing inward and
upwards, it brings about the
awakening of the soul.
Sattva creates peace,
everlasting happiness and
contentment.
Kind, compassionate, loving,
forgiving, truthful,
intelligent, strong
Harmony, balance, clarity,
purity so doesnt cause
disease.

Raja is the quality of change, activity,

stimulus and turbulence. Raja is the
motivation for action, ultimately to
achieve power, control and dominance.
It is directed outward causing egoistic
actions. Raja makes person fulfill his
desires, which at the end causes pain
and suffering. Most of the people live
in this state for the whole life.
Egotistic, self centered, greedy, angry,
lustful, violent, anxious

Tamas is the quality of darkness,

inertia, obstruction, heaviness,
ignorance, lack of awareness,
excessive sleep. It functions as a force
of gravity, retarding things. It directs
downwards and causes decay, death
and disintegration.

Movement, action, turbulence.

Causes racing, restless, agitated mind,
anxiety, stress, tension.

Inertia, darkness, dullness, heaviness

Causes depression, fear, nervousness.

Mind

Qualities

Fearful, depressed, dull, miserable,

delusional

The Doshas & The Trigunas

Guna

Vata

Pitta

Kapha

Sattvic

Inspired, enthusiastic,
genuine, divine love and
arts
Nervous, fearful,
anxious, worrisome

Perceptive, clear view,

leadership. Guides and
spiritual teachers.
Angry, resentful, jealous,
controlling and
judgmental.
Hateful, violent,
vindictive.

Nurturing and
unconditionally loving

Rajasic

Tamasic

Depressive, addicted,
psychotic and suicidal

Attached to things or
objects, stubborn and
possessive
Intensely attached to
pleasure, self-isolating,
lethargic

The Doshas & The Trigunas

Living Sattvically: Stage 1

Moving from Tamasic to Rajasic

 Increase Agni
Steps to support this stage:

Join a Satsang.
Eat more spices.
Exercise.
Read spiritual books.
Set goals and work to achieve
them.

The Doshas & The Trigunas

Living Sattvically: Stage 2

Moving from Rajasic to Sattvic

 Increase Akasha
Steps to support this stage:

Set goals and work to achieve

them. Learn to transcend ego

Do selfless actions
Help others
Feel other peoples pain and
suffering
Eat Sattvic foods

The Doshas & The Trigunas

Living Sattvically: Stage 3

Transcending Sattvic
Steps to support this stage:

Increase

the
awareness of spirit
beyond Prakriti and
Sattva.

Nourishment of the Mind

Foods (with all six Rasas) which nourish the
body also nourish the Mind. Food should
feed all of the sense organs, so it should
sound, taste, look and smell pleasing to these
senses.
The essence of food after Dhatu digestion is
Ojas. This subtle aspect of food nourishes the
Mind and makes it strong, happy, calm and
energetic.

Nourishment of the Mind

Along with food, herbs also affect the mind:

Pungent herbs remove the Tamasic quality of

the mind and make it more active (Rajasic).
Nervine herbs such as Jatamansi and
Shankhapushpi remove the Rajasic quality of
the mind and support a sense of mental
calmness and contentment (Sattvic).
Herbs such as Brahmi and Vacha create a
Sattvic state of mind.
Pranayama and meditation directly feed the
mind and make it Sattvic.

Nourishment of the Mind

It is ideal to eat fresh and natural food,
be surrounded by people with positive
attitudes and be at the Buddhi level of
the mind, which helps us to focus
inward towards the truth and reality
rather than outward in search of
momentary pleasures and happiness.

The Five Sheaths

1. Annamaya Kosha
Food Sheath

Atman and/or Purusha

is covered by 5 Koshas
(or sheaths), but

remains untouched
by these veils:

2. Pranamaya Kosha
Vital Air, Breath Sheath

3. Manomaya Kosha
Mental, Emotional Sheath

4. Gyanamaya Kosha
Intellectual Sheath

5. Anandamaya Kosha
Bliss Sheath

1. Annamaya Kosha: The Food Sheath

Consists of the 5 sense organs and 5

organs of action Represents our physical

existence
The name is Annamaya Kosha because
this sheath is emerged from the food
(earth element).
Anatomy of the body.
Grossest of all, limited by space and time.
Metabolizes the earth element.


We are born from the result of the food our parents ate (Shukra Dhatu). While in the womb we grow on
the food our mother eats. After birth we eat food and upon our death we become food for other beings.

2. Pranamaya Kosha: Vital Air, Breath Sheath

The Physiology of a Human Being

The Panchapranas (5 Vayus) correspond to the 5

physiological systems

Prana Vayu: Nervous system

Samana Vayu: Digestive system

Vyana Vayu: Circulatory system

Apana Vayu: Excretory system

Udana Vayu: Respiratory system, acquiring new

knowledge
Pranamaya Kosha functions as long as the person
breathes
Regulates the Annamaya Kosha
Goes beyond the boundaries of the physical body
Metabolizes the water element

3. Manomaya Kosha: Mental, Emotional Sheath

Represents

the continuous
flow of emotions.
Regulates Pranamaya Kosha.
Can make contact with distant
realms.
Works in the realm of known.
Metabolizes the fire element.

4. Gyanamaya Kosha: Intellectual Sheath

Responsible for discrimination.
Stabilizes the oscillations of the mind.
Directs the mind (Banks of the river).
The goal in life is to transcend all five
sheaths and unite with pure, limitless, all
pervading self.
Metabolizes the air element Reaches the
realm of the unknown.

5. Anandamaya Kosha: Bliss Sheath

The most pervasive sheath.
Metabolizes the ether element.
Controls the other four sheaths.
Experienced in deep sleep (I know nothing,
complete ignorance).
Ignorance is because of this sheath between us
and reality.

The Three Bodies

The three bodies from the outside in are:
1. The Physical Body (Sthoola Sharir)
2. The Subtle Body (Sukshma Sharir)
3. The Causal Body (Karana Sharir)

1. The Physical Body (Sthoola Sharir)

The physical body is comprised of the 5 elements, 5 sense organs

and 5 organs of action.
It controls the anatomy and physiology through Vata, Pitta and
Kapha.
It is a tool to take in impulses and perform or act as a reaction to
these impulses or senses.
It helps us stay in contact with our outer world and gather stimuli.
Without the sense organs we cannot perceive anything in and about
the world, or there is no world.
It is a medium thru which Purusha reflects itself in various forms.
Vata Pitta Kapha work at this level
Is limited by time and space
Is very important but we should not get caught up only at this level
When the self (soul or Jivatma) identifies with the physical body it
manifests itself as the Waker.

2. The Subtle Body (Sukshama Sharir)

Represents the energetic field behind a physical body.
Is comprised of the 5 subtle senses, 5 subtle karmendriyas, 5 pranas and manas, ahankara,

buddhi and chitta.

All four aspects of the Mind work at this level. This is called Antahkaran.
The seven Chakras are located in the subtle body.
At this level there are no limitations of time and space.
When the pure self identifies itself with the subtle body, it manifests as the Dreamer.
The subtle energies Prana, Tejas and Ojas work at this level.

2. The Subtle Body (Sukshama Sharir)

Prana, Tejas & Ojas

Prana, Tejas and Ojas are the subtle aspects of Vata, Pitta and Kapha.
They promote health, vitality, clarity and endurance.
Subtle Function
Energy
Prana

Life Force

Tejas

Inner Radiance

Ojas

Primal Vigor

Description

Results of
Deficiency

Governs higher state of consciousness through Mind. It is

responsible for the coordination of the senses, the mind
and the breath. It maintains emotional harmony and
creativity
Represents the fire which digests thoughts and
impressions. Helps to perceive choice and make an
appropriate decision. Gives courage and vigor to
accomplish extraordinary actions.
Represents a vital energy reserve. Creates calmness,
contentment and nourishes all higher states of
consciousness. Provides emotional stability.

Depression

Lack of clarity
and
determination.
Mental fatigue
and lethargy.

2. The Subtle Body (Sukshama Sharir)

Prana, Tejas & Ojas

Prana, Tejas and Ojas are nourished by the food,
water and air we take in. Their quality depends
on Shukra Dhatu, the end product of the
digestion of food. Without the proper reserve of
Shukra Dhatu, Prana, Tejas and Ojas will be
deficient. A deficiency in the subtle energies
may cause further physical and psychological
diseases. At the subtle levels we replenish these
energies through the impressions we receive
from the five sense organs.

3. The Causal Body (Karana Sharir)

Represents the seed potential of all the bodies.

Is the subtlest medium, inside the body as well as
around the body.
Stores Vasanas (impressions of our past experiences)
in their unmanifest forms.
Represents the state of no apprehension. At this state
we know neither the higher reality nor the lower
plurality.
At this level the pure self manifests as a Deep Sleeper,
who goes through homogeneous experiences of
nothingness (complete ignorance).
The causal energies Vayu, Agni and Soma work at this
level.

Normally we are only aware of the physical body. We employ the astral body in our dreams,
while experiencing strong emotions and inspiration but are not usually conscious of it. We touch
upon the causal in deep sleep, profound perception or deep silence of the mind.

The Importance of Knowing the Three Bodies and Five Sheaths

We live in a state of the Waker, the Dreamer or the Deep Sleeper and try to
achieve bliss. In return, we ride the waves of joy and sorrow, happiness and
unhappiness, hope and disappointment.
To remove such a false superimposition, we have to detach ourselves from the
influence of the lower worlds and transcend them. The only solution is to
analyze and discard the five layers that wrap or ensconce us (the sheaths) and
realize that the self is different from the Waker, the Dreamer and the Deep
Sleeper. When the identification with these lower three states falls away, we
experience pure consciousness and pure bliss (Sat, Chit and Ananda).

For Example:
Dress
Fabric
Thread
Cotton

Physical
Subtle
Casual
Consciousness

 Once we have the vision of the underlying reality of things, name or form doesnt
remove our understanding. Multiple names and forms merge into one reality. When we
begin to think beyond Ahankara (the ego), we begin to see the oneness between the
cosmos and ourselves.

The Energetic World of the Subtle Body

The energetic world is made of Nadis, Chakras and Kundalini.
The Causal Body
The Subtle Body
The Physical
Body

Spiritual Brain Brahma

Nadi
1000 Petal
Sushumna
Chakra
Brain
Spinal Cord

7 Spiritual Centers Causal

Nadis
7 Chakras
Nadis
Nerve Plexuses

Nerves

The physical, subtle and causal bodies are knitted together at the Chakras, uniting the three bodies
to work in unison. The physical body is empowered by subtle energy and causal consciousness,
giving the power to cognize, think and feel. The causal brain is the reservoir of cosmic
consciousness which descends through the causal (or spiritual) centers.

The Energetic World of the Subtle Body

The Causal Brain

Location

The Causal Brain Manifests As

Sahasrara (or 1000 Petal) Chakra

Agya (or Third Eye) Chakra
Vishuddha (or Throat) Chakra
Anahata (or Heart) Chakra
Manipura (or Navel) Chakra
Swadhisthan (or Sacral) Chakra
Muladhara (or Root) Chakra

Wisdom
Intuition
Calmness
Love and life force
The power of self control
The power of adherence to good deeds
The power of restraint from evil

The Nadis
Nadis are the subtle energy channels through which Prana flows in the
subtle body. There are 72,000 nadis, among which 14 are important:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Sushumna
Ida
Pingala,
Gandhari
Hastijivha

6. Kuhu
7. Saraswati
8. Pusha
9. Shankhini
10. Payaswini

11. Varuni
12. Alambhusha
13. Vishvodhara
14. Yashaswini

The Nadis: Sushumna

It is the central nadi arising from the

Sushumna is the main Nadi

in the subtle body through
which Prana flows to the
other Nadis.

Muladhara Chakra and ascending to

the Sahasrara Chakra.
Awakened Kundalini rises through this
nadi.
The Chakras are strung around the
Sushumna Nadi (see drawing on
following page).

The Nadis: Ida & Pingala

The Ida and Pingala arise at the Muladhara Chakra and go around
Sushumna like a snake and end at the left (Ida) and right (Pingala)
nostrils.
The nostril through which we breathe alternates roughly every two
hours. To balance the energy in both nostrils, Nadi Shodhanam
(alternative nostril breathing) is performed.
As breath and mind are connected together (Pranamaya and Manomaya
Kosha), breathing becomes imbalanced due to negative emotions such as
grief, anxiety, tension, hysteria, manic depression, etc. Pranayama
balances the breathing and helps to calm the Mind.
Processed foods, canned foods, negative emotions, too many medicines
and illegal or manufactured drugs block the nadis and affect the flow of
Prana.

Ida

Pingala

Starts on left side

Chandra (Lunar)
Cooling
White (Kapha)
Feminine energy
Promotes emotion,
feeling, love and
attachment.

Starts on right side

Surya (Solar)
Heating
Red (Pitta)
Masculine energy
Promotes reason,
perception, analysis and
discrimination.

Balancing the Nadis

Cleansing the Nadis
The key to the health of the subtle body is in
balancing the flow of energy through the nadis.
Therefore Nadi Shodhanam or Alternate Nostril
Breathing is very important. Just like the channels
of the physical body, the nadis can be vitiated by
excess or deficient flow, blockage of flow or flow
outside of their proper course.

Meditation (of a more formless or

silent nature).
Pranayama
Mantra chanting and using gems or
gem therapy.
Yoga asanas, sattvic diet, herbs such
as Vacha, Brahmi and Sandalwood.

Balancing the Nadis

Causes of Derangement

Unhealthy attitudes
Negative emotions
Egoism
Poor intake of impressions
Physical factors such as improper diet (too
heavy or Ama-forming food), lack of
exercise (or shallow breathing) and excess
sex.

Causes of Blockage

Suppression of emotion
Drugs
Forceful exercise, breathing or meditation
practices.

Imbalance

Manifestation
Hyperactivity of the mind, hysteria,
Excess flow dizziness, vertigo, insomnia, vivid
dreams, hallucinations.
Deficient
Hypoactivity of mind and emotions,
dullness of the senses, fatigue.
flow
Emotional blockage, nervous
tension, difficulty in self-expression,
Blockage
severe emotional pain.
Hallucinations, severe mental
emotional or nervous pain,
inappropriate and extreme
emotional outbursts, neurosis,
Flow outside insanity
proper
 Illegal drugs act by first increasing
the
flow of prana through the nadis
channels
by over stimulating nadis and then
nadis become weak, causing
deficient flow. So the final effect is
weak flow of prana.

Kundalini
Kundalini is the dormant spiritual energy residing at the
Muladhara Chakra in a coiled serpent shape. By yogic or
Mantra practices the Kundalini Shakti can be awakened. Once
active, it ascends through the Sushumna nadi towards the
Sahasrara Chakra and the realization of the different planes of
consciousness occurs, revealing the Siddhis of yoga sadhana.

We can be perfectly healthy even if the kundalini is

not awakened. Kundalini Shakti is an important part
of spiritual process.

The Aura

The aura represents the radiant energy

emitted by the five sheaths.
It is the energy field of the astral body.
Clean flow through the nadi causes the aura
to appear clear and intact.
A weak aura is reflected in a weak immune
system.
The aura is the first line of defense against
psychic disease.
The auras strength is directly related to Ojas.
Strengthening the aura involves building Ojas.

The Chakras
The Chakras are part of the subtle body. These are the
subtle centers of vital energy and centers of consciousness.
Each Chakra has control over and functions in relation to a
particular center in the gross physical body. For example: The
Anahata Chakra is related to the cardiac plexus.
Each Chakra is related to the Panchabhoutic Tattvas as well
as certain emotions and mental qualities.
When Kundalini awakens, it passes from the Muladhara to
the Sahasrara and through all the Chakras. At each center the
yogi experiences different Siddhis, (psychic powers) and
acquires knowledge. He or she enjoys supreme bliss when the
Kundalini rises to the Sahasrara Chakra. In super consciousness,
the body takes on a new dimension composed of energy, light
and thought combinations of currents that emanate from the
elementally creative vibrations of earth, water, fire, air and
ether.

The Chakras (Contd)

Each Chakra has a beej mantra, a seed vibrational sound
represented by the Sanskrit alphabet. It also has a particular
number of petals representing the number of Nadis originating
from that particular Chakra.
The Chakras express themselves in the external world through
their respective orifices. Hence listening is the highest art and is
able to free the consciousness.
At these sites we can apply various gems or oils to help
harmonize the respective Chakras energy or perform various
types of bodywork.
The first five Chakras control the corresponding sense organs
and organs of action and have related orifices on the physical
body.

Muladhara Chakra
The Root Center

The seat of earth element.

Has four petals.
Color: Red
Seed Syllable: Lam
Located at the base of the spine.
Muladhara means root support.
Rules the sense organ of smell: The nose and its organ of
action, the anus (elimination).
The seat of Apana Vayu, the downward moving air.
On a physical level, it relates to the coccyx and to the
excretory system.
In the endocrine system, it works through the adrenals.
On a psychological level, it is the site of ignorance and
fear (chitta).

Swadhisthana Chakra
The Sacral Center

The seat of water.

Has six petals.
Color: Dark blue
Seed Syllable: Vam
Located just above the root center in the region of the sex organs.
Swadhisthana means self abode, as it is here where the Kundalini energy
resides when coiled or hidden.
Controls the sense organ of taste: The tongue and its organ of action - the
urethra and/or penis.
The seat of Apana Vayu or downward moving air.
On a physical level it relates to the sacral plexus and to the urogenital system.
In the endocrine system it relates to the testes in men and the uterus in
women.
On a psychological level it is the site of desire and the desire mind (kama
manas).

Manipura Chakra
The Navel Center

The seat of fire.

Has ten petals.
Color: Dark blue
Seed Syllable: Ram
Located behind the navel.
Manipura means the city of gems.
Rules the sense organ of sight: The eyes, and their organ of action,
the feet (movement).
Seat of Samana Vayu, the equalizing air.
On a physical level it relates to the solar plexus and to the
digestive system (particularly the liver and small intestine).
Of the endocrine glands it relates to the pancreas.
On a psychological level it relates to the ego (ahankara).

Anahata Chakra
The Heart Center

The seat of air.

Has 12 petals.
Color: Deep red
Seed syllable: Yam
Located at the level of the heart.
Anahata means unstruck sound; it is from here that the inner
sounds of the subtle body arise.
It rules the sense organ of touch: The skin and its organ of
action, the hands (grasping).
It is the seat of Vyana Vayu, the outward moving air
On a physical level it relates to the heart plexus and to the
circulatory system.
In the endocrine system it works through the thymus.
On a psychological level it is the site of the intelligence (buddhi)
and is the source of aspiration.

Vishuddha Chakra
The Throat Center

The seat of ether.

Has sixteen petals.
Seed Syllable: Ham
Located in the region of the throat.
Vishuddha means very pure, as this center is very subtle.
It rules the sense organ of sound: The ears, and the organ of
action, the mouth (expression).
The seat of Udana Vayu, the upward moving air.
On a physical level it relates to the throat and larynx and to the
respiratory system.
In the endocrine system it works through the thyroid.
On a psychological level it is the site of the individual soul (Jiva)
and is the source of inspiration.

Ajna (Agya) Chakra

The Third Eye Center

The seat of mind (antahkarana), as well as the primary prana or

life-force.
Has two petals.
Seed Syllable: Ksham, meaning patience, peace and fortitude.
Ajna means command and this is called the center of
command, as from here the other Chakras are guided.
On an outer level, it rules the mind as both a sense organ and
organ of action.
On a physical level it relates to the cerebellum and medulla
oblongata, and governs the involuntary nervous system.
In the endocrine system it works through the pituitary gland.
On an inner or psychological level it is the site of the universal
soul (atman).

Sahasrara/Sahasra Padma Chakra

The Crown Center
Also: The Astral Brain; The Thousand-Petaled Lotus

The seat of the spirit (Atman or Purusha).

Has one thousand petals.
Seed Syllable: Om.
As the seat of the true Self it is the source and guide of all the
energies of the body, the essence of life itself.
On a physical level it relates to the cerebrum and governs the
voluntary nervous system. In the endocrine system it functions
through the pineal gland.
At the psychological level it is the location of the supreme Self
(paramatman).

The Chakras and the Gunas

1. The Sattvic person has his consciousness centered in Agya Chakra

(spiritual Chakra). He/she rises continually in spiritual understanding.

2. The Rajasic person is centered in the Anahata Chakra (dorsal center), the
midpoint between the higher spiritual and lower sensory Chakras. He/she
has a power to turn his consciousness upwards toward the spiritual
centers or downwards to the infernal spheres of delusion.
3. The Tamasic persons mind is confined to the three lower Chakras. His
mind dwells in sensory habits and becomes a prisoner of Maya in the
world of duality, inertia and suffering.

The Chakras and the Doshas

Most physiological functions occur mainly through the three lower Chakras. They
govern most of the processes in the physical body. The higher Chakras work on the
subtle bodies.
1.
2.
3.

The Muladhara Chakra is related to Vata and metabolism of the earth element.
Many Vata disorders are due to imbalanced energy at this Chakra.
The Swadhisthan Chakra is related to Kapha and metabolism of the water element.
Many Kapha problems are due to an imbalance at this Chakra.
The Manipura Chakra is related to Pitta and metabolism of the fire element. Most
Pitta problems involve a dysfunction of the Manipura Chakra

The Chakras and the Doshas

Chakra
Muladhara

Relates to
The power to stay
away from evil. The
active power of
resistance.

Swadhisthan Adherence power to

obey beneficial rules.

Manipura

Self control.

Location
Vibratory
earth
element in
coccyx
center.
Vibratory
water
element in
sacral center.
Vibratory fire
element in
Lumbar
center

Notes
n/a

n/a

The Manipura Chakra holds the body upright and causes a purification of the
body and mind. It also makes meditation possible. It is the turning point of the
devotees life from gross materialism to finer spiritual qualities. From the
lumbar to the sacral to the coccygeal center, the life and consciousness flow
downward and outward to a materialistic, sense-bound body consciousness. In
meditation, when the devotee assists life and consciousness to be pulled to the
higher dorsal centers, the power of this fiery center upholds the spiritual work
of the devotee through the power of the higher centers.

The Chakras and the Doshas

Chakra
Anahata

Relates to
The power of vitality
or prana.

Location
Vibratory air element
in dorsal center.

Notes
The power of this center helps the devotee in the practice of healthy
techniques of Pranayama to calm the breath and control the mind
and sensory desires. It represents the power to still the internal and
external organs and destroy the invasion of passion (sex, greed,
anger). It is the destroyer of disease and doubt. This is the center of
divine love and creativity.
Represents the power of intuitive imagination; the ability to imagine
or visualize a truth until it manifests.

Vishuddha

Divine calmness.

Adnya

The state of cosmic

consciousness.

Vibratory ether
element in cervical
center.
Located in the
n/a
medulla, guiding divine
intelligence to the
lower self

The Psychological Personality

Dosha
Personality

Vata
Nervous, anxious, changes mind

Mental Tendency

Confused, spacey, scattered,

restless
Changes mind, decision not wellconsidered
Dancing, traveling, flying (action)

Decision-Making
Hobbies
Planning
Memory

Never plans, does things spur-ofmoment

Remembers but quickly forgets;
Poor memory

Career

Sales, marketing

Mind

In the future

Pitta
Determined, Confident,
aggressive, out going
Irritable, jealous, angry

Kapha
Calm, content, happy

Easy to make decision,

gets good results
Politics, sports (winning)

Hard to make decisions, likes to

follow others
Reading, gardening, walk in the
nature, knitting (joy)
Relies on other peoples plan

List makers, always

organized
Always remember
(selective memory);
Sharp
Presidents, CEO,
Directors
In the present

Dull, heavy, refuse to change

Slow learner, takes time but

never forgets, remembers minor
things
Administrators, Teacher
In the past

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Diet

Sattvic Ahara

Organic, light and mildly spiced foods.

Milk, nuts, fresh vegetables and fruit.
Less in quantity.
No alcohol.

Daily Routine

Meditation
Pranayama
Reading spiritual scriptures, books
Attending support groups

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Meditation

Meditation is a process of directing mind inwards, towards pure awareness.
A symbol may be used for concentrating the mind and making it single
pointed.
By meditation we experience:
Peace or calmness within
Clarity of mind
Single-pointedness, which sharpens thought
processes
Increased concentration
Increased power of discrimination
More energy
Everlasting happiness

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Meditation

Things Required for Meditation

Proper environment (see below).

Specific position.
Proper state of mind.

The Proper Environment for Meditation

Calm and comfortable spot in a quiet room.

Picture of the deity you prefer.
Incense and calming music to create
environment.

the

spiritual

Praying before meditation always helps as it gives us the power to attain and
sustain all the necessary requirements for meditation.
Anybody or anything which guides your mind to follow the divine path is your
guru. It can be a person, a book, or a simple thought.

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Meditation

Postures to Benefit Meditation
As your mental condition affects your physical posture, your physical posture also affects your mental attitude. So proper
positioning helps achieve proper mental condition, develops a devotional mood and helps slow down the restlessness.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Sit comfortably on a flat cushion or folded blanket with legs folded (lotus pose) or on a chair.
Keep the back straight and shoulders pulled backwards (so there are no kinks in the Nadis).
Keep the hands in the middle of the lap with the fingers of the right hand interlocked with those of the left. This helps to
put your weight down on your base and it completes the circle of nadis through which the energy flows.
Relax all of the muscles of your body. Relaxing these muscles revitalizes the cells. To do this, close your eyes and
concentrate on each part of your body and relax the muscles, one by one. For example, start by relaxing only the facial
and neck muscle and then concentrate on the chest and abdomen and relax them as well. Concentrate on and relax your
upper arm, lower arm, hands up to the fingertips and in the same way, relax your hips and legs down through each
individual toe.

This relaxed pose is beneficial to divert attention inwards.

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Meditation

Preparing the Mind for Meditation
The human mind functions on three levels:

1.
2.
3.

Conscious: The present or surface mind containing thoughts, fully realized.

Subconscious: Contains unfinished thoughts, undigested experiences and buried emotions.
Unconscious: Contains unknown instincts, impulses and emotions which show up suddenly and unexpectedly in various
circumstances.

While meditating, you have to calm your conscious mind by withdrawing it from your senses and directing it inwards or focusing on
a symbol. For this purpose, Prayer or Japa helps. It rids the mind of thoughts and makes it lighter to enter the subtler fields of
meditation.

Whenever the conscious mind is quiet, the subconscious floats up. You see dreams. So dreams are natures way
to relieve tensions and pressures created in the mind.

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Meditation

How to Achieve a Calmer State of Mind
Purification of the mind is necessary for meditation. If the mirror is
oily, the face reflected in it will look oily. No matter how clean your
face is, it will not look clear until the mirror is clear or clean.
For This:
1.
Observe your each and every activity.
2.
After self-analysis, try to find any weaknesses, faults or
3.

4.

negative thoughts if you have those in you.

When you are aware of all the negative emotions, you
will automatically rid yourself of them through your
awareness.
The next very important step is to fill your mind with
good, positive and constructive thoughts.

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Meditation

How to Achieve a Calmer State of Mind
The flow of thoughts is to the mind as the flow of water
is to the river. The nature of water defines the nature of
the river. In the same way, the nature of thoughts
defines the nature of the mind and the individual is a
mirror image of their mind. If their thoughts are
positive, their mind is positive and if their thoughts are
agitated, their mind is agitated. In order to take control
of the mind, we must control our thoughts. To do this,
we can either change the quantity, quality or direction
of flow of these thoughts.

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Meditation

How to Achieve a Calmer State of Mind
Decreasing or controlling the quantity of thoughts is achieved by
dedicating or surrendering all the activities to the energy behind all
things Called by some to be the lord, the creator or the matrix.
When you surrender these thoughts to an ideal, your mind
automatically becomes peaceful and is ready for remolding. This path
is called Karma Yoga.
The quality of your thoughts depends on the object from which they
are originated. In the company of good books, noble people, inspiring
ideals, ones devotion to god or a higher power will control or change
the quality of their thoughts. This path is called Bhakti Yoga.
The direction of thoughts is changed by following path of knowledge.
For example: Reading spiritual books or listening to yogis, etc. This
path is called Gyana Yoga.

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Meditation

Japa
Japa is the continuous chanting of mantras. It allows the busy mind to behave with order and rhythm. It increases singlepointedness or concentration of the mind necessary for meditation. It also increases the mental discipline necessary for spiritual
progress.
1.
2.
3.
4.

Sit in a quiet and calm place comfortably, preferably in folded leg position.
Keep the picture of the Lord in front of you at such a height, that when you sit, the feet of lord will be at the level of your eyes.
Have a mala of 108 beads ready for Japa near you.
Look at the Lords face, body, legs and feet. Slowly gaze up from feet, legs, and body to the face of the Lord. Close your eyes and try to
feel the presence of god in you and visualize the Lord exactly as in the picture, in the right side of physical heart. This is the spiritual heart
center in you and if you meditate on it, your success will be doubled.
5. Repeat chosen mantra few times slowly and steadily with love. This gives you the feeling of devotion to start Japa.
6. Take mala, and search for the off bead or meru. Start Japa from that bead. The mala rests on the ring finger and move the bead by your
middle finger and thumb towards you after each repetition of mantra. Allow index finger to stand apart. (We use index finger to express
bad qualities. Also it is used to express duality.)
7. When you have repeated mantra for 108 times, turn the mala and start again to finish second mala.

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Meditation

Mantras
Mantras are the symbols expressing particular views of God and the Universe.
Every Mantra has a certain deity.

Some examples of mantra:

Of all the mantras, Om or Aum is the most powerful and significant mantra. It is also called
pranava. Om is the symbol of the infinite. Each mantra begins with Om.
In Sanskrit O is composed of A and U. So Om is also written as AUM.
Aum has 4 aspects:
A is the beginning
U is the existence
M is the decline
The moment of silence

Om represents both the manifest and unmanifest which

together constitute the entire gross and subtle worlds.

Tat Tvamasi
Aham Brahmasmi
Om Namah Shivaya
Om Shri Rama Jaya
Rama Jaya Jaya Rama

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Meditation

The Final Thoughtless State of Meditation
After practicing chants, slowly
reduce the tone and begin
whispering until your whispers
become echoes in the cavern of
your mind. Slowly allow the
whisper to dissolve and disappear
into the silence. When you reach
this thoughtless state, stay here as
long as you can.

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Pranayama

What is Prana?
Prana is a subtle form of energy that is carried through the
breath, water, food, emotions and thoughts. It is not air or
Oxygen, but it is in the air and oxygen. Prana is a vital link
between physical, subtle and the casual body, and flows
through the Nadis (subtle energy channels).
Prana is life. We can live for days without water or food, but
we will die in minutes if we do not breathe. We are not
aware of our breathing most of the time. Besides bringing
more oxygen to the blood, breathing can control the mind
and physical body (Pranamaya Kosha - A bridge between the
body and mind - influences both).

When the breath wanders,

the mind becomes unsteady,
And when the breath is still,
the mind becomes tranquil.
Hatha Yoga Pradipica

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Pranayama

What is Prana?
Pranayama is Ayama, the control, of Prana, the life
energy. Thus, pranayama is a control of Life energy.
Pranayama consists of series of exercises intended to
keep the body in vibrant health. In Pranayama, the
breathing is done consciously. We become aware of
every inhalation and exhalation.
Pranayama:

Revitalizes the body

Steadies the emotions
Clears the mind

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Pranayama

What is Prana?
Mind and breath are connected. The state of mind is reflected in
the breath. When the mind becomes agitated, the breath loses its
normal rhythm. When we are sad, angry, or scared, our breath
becomes irregular, shallow and rapid. When we are relaxed or in
deep thought, the breath also becomes quiet, slow and
prolonged. Therefore, by simply observing the breath, we can be
aware of what is happening inside. The more we become aware of
breath, the disturbance, the negativity of the mind disappears and
it becomes pure and peaceful.
In order to facilitate the flow of Prana, Pranayama is done sitting
down with the spine, neck and head in a straight line sitting either
in a lotus pose or in a chair.

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Pranayama

Breathing should always be done nasally and not orally
(with few exceptions of certain Pranayama exercises)
for the following reasons:
The air is filtered through the nasal hairs.
The air becomes warm due to its long nasal
passage.
Prana reaches the subtle body, through
olfactory nerves, which are situated at the
back of the nose (not in the mouth).

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Pranayama

Diaphragmatic Breathing
During inhalation, the abdomen
expands and the diaphragm moves
down pulling the lungs with it to
create more vacuums to take Prana
in from the surrounding. During
exhalation abdomen contracts,
diaphragm moves up and the lungs
contract so the Prana is circulated
in the body.

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Pranayama

1:2 Breathing
1. Sit in a lotus pose or in a chair.
2. Close the eyes.
3. Keep the hands on knees with palms facing up and joining the thumb and index
finger.
4. Inhale diaphragmatically for 2 seconds and exhale for 4 seconds.
5. Repeat this process 10 times. Concentrate the mind on each breath. Observe
that the breath is cooler when it enters the body and warmer as you exhale.

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Pranayama

Alternate Nostril Breathing (Nadi Shodhanam)
1. Sit in lotus pose or in a chair.
2. Close the eyes. Do not force the breath. Keep it slow, controlled and without any jerks or sounds.
3. Keep your right thumb on the side of your right nostril and your right ring finger on the side of your left
nostril.
4. Close the right nostril with the thumb and inhale through your left nostril for two seconds.
5. Close your left nostril with your ring and little finger and exhale through the right nostril for four seconds.
Repeat this procedure three times.
6. Breathe in through the right nostril for 2 seconds, closing the left nostril.
7. Breathe out through the left nostril for 4 seconds, closing the finger right nostril
Repeat this procedure three times. Breathe in and out through both nostrils three times. This is one cycle. Start
from three cycles every time and increase to 21 in few months.

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Pranayama

Kapalbhati
The literal meaning of Kapalbhati is shining skull.
Sit with the head, neck and trunk upright and aligned. Using the diaphragm and the
abdominal muscles, quickly and forcefully exhale. Inhale passively and slowly. Repeat
this cycle in rapid succession. Begin with nine repetitions and increase gradually to as
many repetitions as you like. This massages all the digestive organs, circulates Prana,
cleanses the respiratory passages and is very calming to the mind.

The Sattvic Lifestyle: Be Here Now

We are wherever our mind is. Most of the time, our mind is in the past or the future. Very rarely is it
in the present. We spend these precious moments of presence regretting the things we did or did
not do in the past. Or we worry anxiously and fearfully about future possibilities which are yet to
come. Unfortunately we do not have control either on the past or in the future, because we cannot
do anything in these periods. The past is a history and the future is a mystery. The present is the gift,
and we can use these precious moments to do something noble in our life. Be in the present.
What is the present? If today is the present, the last night is the past and tomorrow morning is the
future. If it is noon right now 11.59 is the past and 12.01 is the future. So what is the present? The
present is the presence of mind. Whenever our mind is present, it is in present tense. Let your mind
be present at all the moments and your life will be a continuous train of NowNowNow Now
NowNow
Meditation is not just sitting down, closing your eyes and focusing on the breath. You can spend
your whole day in a meditative state when you are doing things mindfully, with full awareness.
When you are reading, let your mind read with you. When you are eating let your mind eat with
you. When you are gardening, let your mind touch the energy (mind) of the plants. When we live in
such a meditative state, each moment we are Happy, in Harmony and in a state of Bliss.

Trinity

Vata

Pitta

Kapha

Sattva
Consciousness
Index
Brahma
Future
Production
Aa
Catabolism
Adhyatmik
Holy Spirit
Rishi
Observer
Knowledge
Sarasvati
Samaveda
Prana
Zeus
Indra
Gas
Proton
Tulsi
Life force

Rajas
Energy
Middle
Vishnu
Present
Maintenance
Uu
Metabolism
Adhidaivik
Father
Devata
Observation
Knowing
Laxmi
Yajurveda
Tejas
Apollo
Agni
Liquid
Electron
Durva
Light force

Tamas
Matter
Ring Finger
Mahesh
Past
Destruction
Ma
Anabolism
Adhibhautik
Son
Chandas
Observed
Known
Durga
Artharvaveda
Ojas
Dionysus
Varun
Solid
Neutron
Bilva
Love force