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Commencing Mantra
Om.
saha naa-vavatu
saha nau bhunaktu
saha veeryam karavaa-vahai
tejasvina-avadheetam-astu
maa vidvisha-avahai
om shaantih shaantih shaantih
Om.
May the divine protect us.
May it nourish us.
May we work together uniting our strengths
for the good of humanity.
May our wisdom be luminous.
May our relationship be always harmonious.
May there be peace, peace, perfect peace.
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
Concluding Mantra
Om.
sarve bhavantu sukhinah
sarve santu nir-aamayaah 3
sarve bhadraani pashyantu
maa kascit duhkha-bhaag bhavet
om shaantih shaantih shaantih
Om.
May all be happy.
May all be healthy.
May all experience what is good
and let no one suffer.
May there be peace, peace, perfect peace.
healer’s prayer
Lord,
Make me an instrument of your health
Where there is sickness, let me bring cure;
Assessment Criteria
Some suggestions
1. Organize a monthly get together to share your experience and to discuss the subject covered over the previous weekend.
2. Try not to miss any class. But, if you miss one, please ensure a fellow student collects your notes. Catch up sessions are $50/hr.
3. Open an Gmail account, if you don’t have one, so that we can have group discussions.
Ayurveda Elements © 2009
Copying whole or part of this work should be performed only with the
written permission from Rama Prasad or Caroline Robertson.
Warning:
The information in this workbook is only for general information. If you have
any serious health condition you should consult your health practitioner.
6
Course Curriculum
Module Topics
1. Ayurveda in daily life Ayurveda as the art of living and the science of healing • Path to long, healthy living -
Life - Mind - Body daily routine • Five pillars of life • The three doshas • Body-types • Veda and Ayurveda •
Vedic cosmology • Subtle body • Three modes of universe & the mind (satva, rajas and
tamas) • Elements & doshas • Twenty attributes.
2. Dosha and Tissues Dosha rhythms • Branches of doshas • Prana, Tejas and Ojas -the source of doshas • Signs
Body Tree of doshic imbalance • Doshas and seasons • Structure of the body - the subtle tissues •
Channels and wastes. Natural urges • Agni - digestion and metabolism • Agni imbalances.
3. Ayurvedic nutrition Food as medicine • Ayurvedic nutrition • Food classification • Diet during various health
conditions • Ayurvedic cooking.
4. Kitchen herbs Therapeutic actions of herbs • Kitchen herbal remedies for common ailments • Traditional
and powerful ayurvedic herbs.
5. Powerful herbs Introduction to Herbal, Metal and Mineral formulations • Cause and course of disease ~
Six stages of diseases • Disease as healing.
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
6. Diagnosis Diagnosis: Tongue, Doshic and Elemental • Clinical healing • Lifestyle in dosha imbalance
• Colour, aroma and gem therapy • Seasonal regimes.
7. Ayurvedic massage Marmas • Oils and formulas • Head, foot and body massage.
8. Therapeutics Introduction to Ayurvedic body therapies • Beauty regimes • Rejuvenation therapies •
Purifications Yogic (Shatkriyas) and Ayurvedic (Pancakarma) • Examination.
9. Hands on therapies Hands on therapies ~ Shirodhara • pichu • Nasya • Tarpana • Discussion •
Farewell dinner. 7
The above order is subject to change if necessary.
ayurveda is the contents
Weekend 01
knowledge that
Introduction 11
Flowing with nature 15
Four phases of life 19
indicates what is Life pursuits 20
Behavioral tonics 21
Daily routine 25
appropriate and Massage 31
Creative visualisation 35
Pillars of health 38
inappropriate Health questionnaire 42
Natural urges 45
Life as spiritual practice 46
for a blissful life. Evolution 49
Energy vortexes 51
Subtle and gross body 52
inauspicious Appendices 71
Moment meditation 72
Flow with the seaason 83
Study of doshas 86
for longevity. Gunas 87
Dosha types 90
Homework 98
charaka samhita 1.41
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Weekend 01
Life, Mind and Body
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Introduction to Ayurveda
Ayus …………………………………………………………………………………………
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Origin of Ayurveda
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Geographical Origin
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Literature
Charaka samhita Charaka General medicine
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Sushruta samhita Sushruta Surgery
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Branches
1. Kaaya chikitsa General medicines
2. Baala chikitsa Paediatrics
3. Graha chikitsa Psychiatry and psychology.
Also healing with gems, colour, music and mantra.
4. Uurdhvaanga chikitsa Therapeutic and surgical procedures are described to correct con-
ditions of the ears, nose, throat and eyes.
5. Shalya chikitsa Surgery.
6. Visha chikitsa Toxicology.
7. Rasaayana chikitsa Rejuvenation.
8. Vrsha chikitsa Fertility therapy that deals with sub fertility management of male
and female, prenatal, natal and postnatal conditions.
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Flowing with nature
We grow from the events in our lives. We grow from our experiences.
The universe is full of cycles and rhythms such as day and night, hot and cold, left and right, yin and
yang. When we follow nature’s rhythms we enjoy health. Whenever we disobey nature, inwardly and
outwardly, we fall into pain and suffering.
To be healthy, we need to flow with nature. “Flowing with the universe” can be divided into the fol-
lowing categories:
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5. Dina carya Dancing with the day
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Wheel of Life
The 8 sections represent a balanced wheel. Take the centre or hub, of the wheel as 0 (totally dissatis-
fied) and the outer edge as 10 totally satisfied. Rank your level of satisfaction with each area of your
life by putting a cross on the relevant spoke.
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Keeping your ‘wheel of life’ in mind, what are your short and long term goals or intentions? What do
you most want for yourself in the following areas?
1. Physical environment
2. Friends/Family
3. Health
4. Career
5. Money
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6. Partner/Relationship
7. Personal growth
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8. Fun/Recreation
The path to a long,
healthy life.
Art is defined as
goddess of wisdom.
Every molecule in
Life is a vibrant,
evolving art.
Four phases of life - aashrama
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Life pursuits - purusha artha
Kama – Artha – Dharma – Moksha
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What is my strategy?
My plan A / plan B.
Is my plan well thought out?
Is it logical, structured?
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Life pursuits in practice
My main goal
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My main resources
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ljoieuljoieuljoieu
Society and You - sad-vrittam
Ashtanga Yoga
Yama Social rules: Active compassion, truthfulness, honesty, follow nature’s rules, minimise possessions
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Niyama Personal rules: Fulfilled, cleanliness, perseverance, self-motivated, staying with the inner force
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Aasana Physical fitness: Strength, suppleness, stamina
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Praanaayaama Physiological fitness, adaptability, dynamic balance
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Pratyaahaara Minimising distractions
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Dhaarana Concentration, forcus
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Dhyaana Meditation
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Samaadhi Manifestation
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Saahasa Immediate action
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Dhairya Courage through understanding
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Buddhi Intelligence
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Shakthih Massive action
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Paraakrama Pro-activeness
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Behavioural tonics for a Long healthy life
1. Speak truth.
2. Stay away from addictive habits.
3. Practice active compassion.
4. Take time to rest and rejuvenate. Avoid over-exer-
tion.
5. Speak pleasantly and carefully. Use gentle words.
6. Clean the body by regular bathing.
7. Be courageous and patient.
8. Always be charitable.
9. Follow religious and virtuous acts according to your
own beliefs.
10. Always be calm.
11. Practice safe sex.
12. Respect your teachers, elders, nature and all animals.
13. Always be loving and caring.
14. Be merciful to all who are in need of your help.
15. Maintain balance in waking and sleeping in the night;
do not stay awake long in the night and do not sleep
in the daytime.
16. Take milk and ghee in moderation in your diet.
17. Understand the right action according to time, place
and circumstances.
18. Develop the habit of planning and sticking with the
plan. It is said that failing to plan is planning to fail.
19. Always be humble.
20. Behave according to the rules of society.
21. Do not be mean-spirited; be generous and sharing.
22. Strive towards pure consciousness.
23. Respect and serve your elders and wise people.
24. Respect and serve priests, sages, and saints who serve
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dina ………………………………………………………………………………………………
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01 • Awakening
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07 • Breathing exercise
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10 • Work
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12 • Family time
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15 • Gentle stretch
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16 • Light dinner
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17 • Reflection
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19 • Sleep/rest
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My Daily routine
The following is a sample day with some suggested times. Adjust it according to your schedule’s
convenience. A steady routine gives your physiology a healthy rhythm. Once we resonate with the
rhythm of Mother Nature she embraces us in the cosmic dance of growth and vitality.
Your programs
19.
contemplate the lessons given.
20. Prepare to sleep.
21. Bed time.
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Massage - Abhyanga
Ayurveda recommends the practice of daily self-massage, called Abhyanga. Mas-
sage helps to keep one feeling young, beautiful, vital and healthy. Among it’s
many other benefits, massage gives the skin a beautiful lustre, tones muscles,
improves circulation, flushes out toxins, soothes the nervous system, provides
deeper sleep and stimulates the growth of strong, thick hair on the scalp. Self-
massage is an easy, grounding meditation that promotes wellbeing at all levels.
WHICH OIL? Ayurveda, generally recommends oil massage. Sesame oil is consid-
ered the ideal massage oil. Almond, coconut, jojoba, coconut or olive oil can also
be used. A few drops of essential oil suited to your constitution and condition
may be added to the massage oil to enhance the effect of the massage. Coconut
oil is better if you have sensitive skin or tendency to develop rashes or boils.
THE SEQUENCE: The three most important organs to be massaged everyday are
the head, ear lobes and feet. Commence self-massage on your scalp then move
on to your face and finish by massaging your body. The direction of strokes is
away from the heart, generally following the flow of the hair growth. If massage is
not possible everyday perform it on alternate days or at least on the weekends.
PROCEDURE: The most effective self-massage is practiced with a loving and nur-
turing mind-set. Tap into your tactile sensitivity, moulding and stroking your
body like a sculptor creating a masterpiece. Keep the pressure firm but not pain-
ful beyond tolerance. Following are comprehensive instructions on the practice
of self-massage.
1. SCALP MASSAGE
Coconut oil is the ideal oil for scalp massage as it is like rich, nourishing fertiliser
for thirsty grasslands. It prevents hair loss, premature greying and dryness.
METHOD
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
1. Apply oil to the whole scalp by systematically parting the hair and squeez-
ing oil onto the area. Using the pads of your fingers massage the oil onto the
scalp.
2. Use both fists to gently tap the head all over.
3. Gently pull small tufts of hair from the roots and twist clockwise three times.
4. Comb through hair with a wide toothed comb.
5. Leave the oil in your hair for 1-24 hrs then wash out. 31
6. When rinsing avoid conditioner. Conditioners are not considered conducive
to healthy hair as they build up an oily residue on the scalp, trapping dirt and
impeding growth by blocking hair follicles.
7. Avoid external heat on the hair in the form of sunshine, hair driers or hot water.
Heat on the head encourages early balding, greying and dryness.
BENEFITS
• Increases rate of hair growth and gives a glossy, strong quality to the hair.
• Relieves neck and back tension.
• Improves mental clarity, memory & co-ordination.
• Regulates hormone release by stimulating the pituitary and pineal glands; fa-
cilitates the release of mood elevating serotonin and relieves mental tension.
• Relieves dizziness and tinnitus, reduces blood pressure.
2. FACIAL MASSAGE
You may use oil or the following cleanser for facial massage.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup jojoba/ almond oil - 1cup glycerine
- 5 drops tea tree oil - 2 tsps lemon juice
METHOD
Mix 2 tsps of this combination with water. Apply morning and evening
with smooth upward strokes. Wash off with cool water. Also spend time
pressing and pulling ears.
BENEFITS
* Dissolves facial tension and bodily stress, smoothing wrinkles.
* Stimulates lymphatic drainage, enhances circulation, creating a
glowing complexion.
* Promotes tissue elasticity, which helps to maintain youthful con-
tours.
3. BODY MASSAGE
Sesame oil is said to be the most nourishing and toning oil to use on
the body. It is slightly warming and specifically soothes the nervous sys-
tem.
METHOD
Practice before a shower or bath, once or twice daily. Pour cold-pressed
warm sesame oil into your cupped palm and apply to the body in the
direction given in the illustration. Massage each part in the given se-
quence, applying circular movements over the joints and long strokes
over other areas. Leave oil on for 10 - 60 minutes then wash off in a warm
shower or bath. The residual oil is sufficient to moisturise your skin so
there is no need to apply extra moisturiser.
BENEFITS
32 * Tones the skin, muscles and strengthens the bones.
* Increases suppleness and circulation, noticeably reducing cellulite.
* Corrects the flow of electromagnetic energy. Increases stamina, en-
ergy and immunity.
* Balances the function of all internal organs.
PRECAUTIONS
If you have a cold, fever, diarrhoea, severe indigestion or any other seri-
ous health problem, consult your Ayurvedic physician before perform-
ing self-massage. Avoid heavy pressure over varicose veins, bruised or
fractured areas.
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Creative Visualisation
Though Western medicine is reluctant to accept that the mind can alter the body, it already firmly
believes the reverse - that the physical can affect the mental - and it regularly utilises this connection.
Tranquillisers, anti depressants, and anaesthetics are all examples of this. Since it is obvious that the
body can affect the mind, doesn’t it stand to reason that the use of mental power such as imagery
can affect the body. The medical use of imagery has existed in many cultures around the world for
centuries (in Tibet, India, Africa, among Eskimos and American Indians).
Imagery provides a technique to generate new experiences. Instead of simply reacting to experi-
ences, you create them - as you do in your life when you intentionally set a new goal.
Try to see your life as a garden that needs to be tended. We are essentially gardeners entrusted with
our own reality - gardens. As gardeners we must attend to the weeding, seeding and harvesting. Gar-
dens that are full of weeds cannot be harvested properly. Weeds will over run the seeds and prevent
them from taking root and blossoming. Illness, disease, and negative beliefs are weeds that we have
allowed to grow in our personal gardens. Emotions such as anxiety, depression, fear, panic, worry
and despair are also weeds. Negative beliefs and emotions are intimately connected with illness and
disease. It’s no surprise to anyone who recognises the basic unity of the body-mind that research-
ers have found a correlation between negative emotions and lowered immunity. Similarly, positive
beliefs bring us positive emotions such as humor, joy and happiness, and researchers have show that
positive emotions are tied into the healthy immune responses.
Mental imagery is a technique for clearing out the old, negative weed-beliefs and replacing them
with new, positive seed-beliefs. By becoming a gardener of your own reality, self-heating becomes
possible.
PREPARATION
Imaging is directly and dramatically connected to intention, the mental action that directs our atten-
tion and our actions. When we do an imagery exercise, we always begin by defining and clarifying
our intention - what we want to achieve with the exercise. Intention is directed will, and it is essential
to all self healing work generated through the imagination. By using the imagination, we direct the
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
will inward to find new pathways for ourselves, creating better health and richer lives.
Imagination involves the use of the right side of the brain, opening ourselves to change and renewal.
The key to the process of imagery work lies in the connection between emotions, sensations and
images. An image is a mental form of feeling. In imagery work, you use your images to change your
emotions or your sensations. Using images we have the capacity to create something new, influenc-
ing the physical materials of our bodies by utilising our unique creative imagination. 35
Imagery is possibly the most powerful yet easy method of self-healing. Focussing your capacity for
day dreaming through a distinct intention is the key to successful imagery. It is very important that
you feel a sensation with your imagery, the stronger the sensation, the more powerful the imagery.
Once an initial imagery exercise has triggered a sensation, it takes less effort to stimulate that sensa-
tion which triggers the healing intention.
A positive example of this is when Pavlov conditioned dogs to salivate at the sound of a bell, because
it triggered the vision of food in their minds. Another example how an imaging trigger can set loose
a powerful physiological effect is an experiment performed in a New York hospital. A group of 30
former heroin addicts, free of drugs for 10 years, agreed to board a bus that would take them to the
New York street corner where a decade earlier they had bought their drugs. As soon as they saw the
image of the street corner the ex-addicts went into a state of drug withdrawal.
BEGINNING THE EXERCISE
Imagery is very potent at the three transitional points of your day. Upon waking, at twilight and be-
fore sleep. Ideally creative visualisation (imagery) is performed in a quiet room at a time when you
won’t be disturbed, however imagery can be done anywhere at any time. If you prefer to sit while
visualising, place your feet flat on the floor, your palms in your lap or by your side, keeping your spine
straight and your head in alignment with your body. You may prefer to lie down in which case keep
your legs slightly apart, your palms by your side, facing upwards and your head in alignment with
your body.
RIVER OF LIFE
Close your eyes. Breathe deeply three times to completely relax. See your eyes becoming clear and
very bright. Then see them turning inward, becoming two rivers flowing down from the sinuses into
36 the nasal cavity and throat down to flush out all the channels of the body. Their currents carrying
away all the waste products, pain and congestion. The rivers are flowing through your chest and ab-
domen, into your legs and exiting as murky coloured water through your urinary tract. Place special
attention on the kidney and urinary channels. Visualise your breath exhaling as black air and waste
products flowing out of all orifices. Sense the river pulsating rhythmically through the body and see
light coming from above, filling up the sinuses, nose, throat, respiratory channels, prostate, kidneys
and urethra all the tissues are becoming pink and healthy. When you sense both the rhythmic flow
and the light filling the cavities, breathe out and open your eyes.
EGYPTIAN HEALING
Close your eyes. Breathe out three times, relaxing our whole body. Imagine yourself standing in a
large open field or green grass. See yourself stretching up toward the bright golden sun in a cloudless
blue sky. Your arms are becoming very long as you stretch your palms up toward the sun.
The sun’s rays enter your palms, circulating through the hands and finger tips so that there is a ray of
sunshine from each finger. If you are right handed at the end of each ray of the fingers of your right
hand see a complete small hand. At the end of the ray of each finger of your left hand, see an eye.
Now you see five hands and five eyes. If you are left handed, see the hands on your left fingers and
eyes on your right fingers. Now turn these hands and eyes towards your body and use the eyes to see
your body, emitting light in or on the area you are investigating. Each small hand holds a different
instrument. There is a gold bristled brush for cleaning, a laser light tube for healing, golden scalpel
for surgery, cans of golden ointment for healing, as well as gold thread for sewing. After completing
your work come out of your body the same way you entered. Waste materials you collected with the
small hands should be thrown away behind you. Hold your hands up toward the sun, allowing the
small hands and eyes to absorb back into your palms to be stored there for future use.
PURIFICATION PROCESS
Close your eyes and breathing deeply three times relax your whole body. Visualise yourself on a
beautiful calm beach, preferably a place that you have visited or seen before. There is golden sand, a
cloudless blue sky and the sun is shining warm and golden.
Walk to the shoreline, where the water meets the sand. Gazing at the endless expanse of clear blue
ocean relaxes your body and clears all thoughts from your mind. Lie down on your back with the
soles of your feet towards the water and gently smooth your body over with the sand and water mix-
ture, cleansing your skin. The tide enters the soles of feet and creates spiral currants of water wash-
ing away all the toxins from your body, dissolving any deposits or nodules. As the water flows out
through the soles of your feet see the waste product emerging as black or grey stands being carried
away by the out going tide. Repeat this sequence of the water flowing into your body and carrying
all the toxins from your body twice more. Feel all your muscles being massaged and your ligaments,
tendons and joints stretching. Make sure the water flushes through your whole body from the tips
of your toes to the tips of your fingers up to the crown of your head. One last time see the water exit
from your body through the soles of your feet and the water is crystal clear. See all joints, tendons and
cartilages are perfectly formed strong and glowing white. Sense a new strength and vitality flowing
through the body.
Affirmations
Repeat your favourite from the following phrases
at the end of each visualisation:
I comfortably and easily release the old and wel-
come the new in my life. I am safe.
I only create joyful experiences in my life.
I accept and rejoice in myself.
1. Nidra Rest
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38
2. Maithuna Relationship
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Pillars of health - sthambha
3. Vyaayaama Exercise
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4. Aahaara Nutrition
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39
5. Karma Work
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Digestion
Signs of Perfect Digestion
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1. BEFORE EATING
Am I really hungry? It is best to eat only when you are really hungry and when the previous meal has
been fully digested (roughly 5 hours).
Do I need to go to the toilet first? It is recommended to empty one’s bowels and bladder be-
fore eating. It is a sign of ill health to empty one’s bowels immediately after eating.
Did I wash my hands, face & feet? Simple hygiene is important to avoid illness. Avoid a full
shower or swim within 3 hours after eating as it draws the circulation away from the digestion.
Am I in congenial surroundings? Good company, conversation & surroundings are conducive
to a contented mind, which assists proper digestion.
Did I express my gratitude? This may be in the form of a prayer to a higher power or at least to
2. DURING EATING
Am I rushing? Eat at a moderate speed, taking care to chew each mouthful at least 10-20 times.
Am I appreciating this meal? Take time to appreciate the sound, the aroma, the texture, ap-
40 pearance & the taste.
Do I need a drink? Small quantities of warm drinks encourage efficient assimilation and elimi-
nation.
Am I satisfied? It is important to remember that the stomach is only the size of a fist. In order
to avoid over eating make it a practice to fill your stomach half with solid food, a quarter with liquids
and leave the remaining one quarter empty for space to circulate to aid digestion.
3. AFTER EATING
Avoid heavy labour, exercise or mental work for at least thirty minutes after eating. However, one
may lie on the left side for up to fifteen minutes to optimise the digestion. A yoga pose known as
Vajrasana is a good sitting posture to aid digestion. A slow walk for five minutes is advised.
Sleep is best avoided for 3 hours after eating.
The Ideal Diet
Check these eating aspects to optimise your nutrition
3. Do I have enough time to enjoy a meal? 4. What is the quality of the ingredients?
5. How was the cook and quality of cooking? ** 6. How many textures are there in my meals?
7. Am I enjoying my meal with all senses? 8. How many flavours are there in my meals?
dietary indiscretion in
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
developed countries
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
causing a phenomenon
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
known as “the
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
under-nutrition of
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
overconsumption”
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Optimise your
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Nutrition.
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
How much can I improve? If a following statement is applicable choose higher numbers. If not ap-
plicable choose ‘0’.
Digestion
1. Taking the wrong foods at the wrong time, in the wrong amount. 5 4 3 2 1 0
2. Eating too frequently. 5 4 3 2 1 0
3. Eating without awareness. 5 4 3 2 1 0
4. Eating too late. 5 4 3 2 1 0
5. Eating in a negative mental or physical environment. 5 4 3 2 1 0
6. Premature stimulation, suppression or failure to attend to the 5 4 3 2 1 0
body’s natural urges such as thirst, hunger, urination, defecation,
sleep, passing flatus and sneezing.
7. I have lots of cold drinks and / or cold foods (ice cream). 5 4 3 2 1 0
8. Addictions. 5 4 3 2 1 0
9. Exposure to external toxins such as air pollutants, domestic chem- 5 4 3 2 1 0
icals, chemical beauty products and perfumes.
10. Prolonged emotional strain (stress, grief, anger and denial). 5 4 3 2 1 0
Sleep
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
……………………………………………………………………………………
dharaneeya ……………………………………………………………………………………
adharaneeya ……………………………………………………………………………………
Not to be suppressed
There are innumerable vegas, and fourteen of them are listed below with the signs and symptoms
of their prolonged suppression.
11. Yawning Headache, debility, stiffness of the neck and facial paralysis.
12. Tears Rhinitis, pain in the eyes, diseases of the heart and head, stiff neck, loss of ap-
petite, giddiness & abdominal tumours.
13. Vomiting Dermatitis, neuritis, dry eyes, anaemia, cough, nausea, pigmentation and
oedema.
14. Sexual
fluids
Uncontrollable discharge, premature ejaculation, pain and swelling of the
genitals, fever, palpitation, dysuria, anuria, body ache, hernia, seminal calculi
45
and infertility.
Ether, air, fire, water and earth are the five elements. In order to support a balanced
46 flow of elements vastu shaatra offers specific design and placement principles. Ways
in which we can ensure a healthy connection with these forces that weave our exis-
tence are simple. Following are the balancing exercises for elemental deficiency.
Even though you may lead a very busy life it is worth taking 5 minutes every morning
to energise the elemental balance in your home. This very simple yet profound prac-
tice channels supportive energies into your life so your day will be much smoother
and easier to cope with. Many households in India, Bali and Asia practice this every
morning.
The best time to do this is before breakfast, after you have gone to the toilet, brushed
your teeth, had a shower and dressed in fresh clothes. Set aside a small area of your
home. All the utensils used are preferably not used for any other purpose.
Life as spiritual practice
A bell, preferably with a deep ring or a conch shell, Lighter or matches, 3 sticks of pure incense, an
incense holder, a small candle or lamp which you may add 1/2 tsp camphor crystals to, a small open
container of water, a fresh, sweet smelling, stemless flower, do not smell or taste any of the articles
before the ceremony. Ideally your symbol of divinity is placed in such a way that you are near an open
window in the north-east and so that you can face east.
This symbol acts as a medium, accepting your offerings and passing them on to the spirit of the
home.
1. Place your palms together in prayer position and sense the vibration in your body.
2. Visualise a protective white aura enveloping the house, including yourself. You may also pray for
your divinities presence to pervade the home.
3. In your left hand ring the bell in three clockwise circles around the divinity or blow the conch shell
three times. This purifies the element ether.
4. Light the three sticks of incense, holding them in your right hand. Ring the bell in your left hand
whilst offering the incense clockwise around the divinity for 3 circles. Then place the incense in the
holder. This purifies the air element.
5. Light the candle or lamp and ringing the bell in the left hand offer the flame in three clockwise
circles. This purifies the fire element.
6. Ringing the bell in the left hand hold the water in the right hand and offer it three times around the
divinity. You can then place the water at the base of the picture or statue and sprinkle a little water on
the flower with your right hand fingers.
7. Offering the flower in three clockwise circles ring the bell with the left hand. Place the flower in
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
Ether Playing inspiring music (suitable mantras, classical Indian ragas, Mozart and Vivaldi are recom-
mended), singing and chanting can harmonise ether. Avoid disturbing noises such as creaky
doors, loud television and alarms.
Air Burn uplifting scents, keep windows open whenever it is possible, install a skylight in the
centre of the building, avoid air conditioning, use a negative ionisor, practice yogic breathing
47
(pranayama), walk in nature and keep indoor plants.
Fire Watch the sunrise, gaze at a candle flame (Trataka, a yogic practice), let the morning sun into
the house, install a fireplace, use bright colours for clothing or as curtains and exercise to
sweat to harmonise fire.
Water Place a fountain in the north-east of the room or garden, keep indoor plants to balance hu-
midity, make sure poor guttering, plumbing or rising damp is addressed, have an epsom salts
essential oil bath.
Earth Walk in the garden/beach with bare feet, check the house foundations are stable, fix any gaps
or cracks in walls and ceiling, do weight bearing exercise, eat nourishing meals.
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
48
Evolution
Field of consciousness & the unmanifest
Purusha – Prakrti
t
Intelligence - That is “I”
Mahat
t
Ego - I am “That”
Ahamkara
t
Harmony Action Resistence
Satva Rajas Tamas
t t t
Sense & motor organs 5 elements & sense faculties
Organ of perception
Senses & Motor t Power & From
t t
…………… …………… …………… ……………
…………… …………… …………… ……………
…………… …………… …………… ……………
…………… …………… …………… ……………
…………… …………… …………… ……………
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
t
Individual
50
Energy Vortexes - chakras
The following is another way of looking at evolution.
Chakra Seat Gland/region Emotions Colour Gems Note Mantra Instruments Elemnets Symbol
Saha- Brain Pineal gland, Compassion, Violet Amethyst, B Ksham Wisdom White 1000
srara hair, top of peace, diamond, light petals
head, central acceptance, alexandrite
nervous detachment,
system divine love
Sahasraara
Ajna Brow Pituitary, Intuition, Indigo Lapis lazuli, A Aum Visualization Awareness 2
eyes, hypo- clairvoyance, clear quarts, petals
thalamus, equanimity, fluorites
autonomic psychic
N.S. powers
Ajna
Vis- Throat Thyroid, Communica- Blue Turquoise, G Hum Vocal Ether 16
huddhi parathyroid, tion, creativ- crysocolla, petals
neck ears, ity, com- aquamarine
sinus, throat prehension,
and atlas respiration,
expression Vishuddhi
Anaahata Heart Thymus, Giving and Green Emerald, F Yum Flute Air 12
lungs, heart, receiving, tourmaline, petals
immune trust, joy, jade, rose
function
………………………………………………………………………………………
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Praana-maya ………………………………………………………………………………………
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Suuksha shareera
Mano-maya ………………………………………………………………………………………
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Kaarana shareera
Vijñaana-maya ………………………………………………………………………………………
How to strengthen?………………………………………………………………………………………
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52
Aananda-maya ………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
Atman is comprised of sad-maya - ultimate reality, essence or purity, cid-maya - the state of transcen-
dent self-awareness or divine consciousness and Ananda-maya - total bliss.
The modes of Universe
Tri-guna
Tri Guna Manas Antah-karana
Satva
qualities …………………………………………………………………
examples …………………………………………………………………
example …………………………………………………………………
Rajas
qualities …………………………………………………………………
examples …………………………………………………………………
example …………………………………………………………………
Tamas
qualities …………………………………………………………………
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
examples …………………………………………………………………
example …………………………………………………………………
53
Controlled senses, wisdom acquired from experience, knowledge of space, time and personal goals,
following good conduct, using a mantra, performing a ritual daily and being hygienic prevents
diseases of external and internal origin.~ vaagbhaTa.
Diet
Emotions
Thoughts
Activity
Attitude
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
Ether Air
Philosopher Communicator
Fire
Marketer
Water
Nurturer
Earth
Hands on
57
Scientist Easy going Sharp, Precise Tolerant Coach, Trainer
Creative, Open Adaptable Challenging Gentle Methodical
Adviser Multitasking Forceful Carer Routine lover
Charitable Teacher Analytic/result based Nurse/parental Administrator
Thinker Performer Driven/forceful Parental Supervisor, Manager
Exercise: Classify nutrients, food, cooking, exercises, hobbies etc based on five elements.
Doshas -biological units
Dush ……………………………………………………………………………………………
Dosha ……………………………………………………………………………………………
Day
Night
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
Age
Digestion
Disease 59
Body region
Subtle Qualities - Vimshati gunas
Criteria Qualities
Gravity Heavy Light
Intensity Slow Intense
Temperature Cold Hot
Emolliency Oily Dry
Texture Smooth Rough
Viscosity Dense Liquid
Rigidity Soft Hard
Fluidity Stable Mobile
Density Subtle Gross
Adhesion Clear Sticky
Ether ……………………………………………………………………………………………
Air ……………………………………………………………………………………………
Fire ……………………………………………………………………………………………
Water ……………………………………………………………………………………………
Earth ……………………………………………………………………………………………
Pitta ……………………………………………………………………………………………
Kapha ……………………………………………………………………………………………
60 Spinach ……………………………………………………………………………………………
Ginger ……………………………………………………………………………………………
Potato ……………………………………………………………………………………………
The predominant elements are ascertained by scrutinising the nature of one’s structural and func-
tional tendencies, drives, feelings and all other psychophysical signs.
Determining one’s prakruti the first step towards effective preventative and curative health care. It
is similar to distinguishing between a plastic, glass and ceramic bottles. Each is different. Yet each is
special. Each has its own unique abilities.
No body-type is inferior or superior to another. Body type analysis doesn’t aim to put you in certain
compartments, but it is to create an awareness of one’s fundamental nature, initiating an inward jour-
ney of self-discovery and acceptance. This wisdom guides us to understand the most suitable daily
routine, nutrition, colours, essential oils, herbs, colours and other lifestyle and therapeutic substances
needed to bring us to a state of optimum health and harmony.
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
Everything in this universe is made of all the five elements or three doshas in various proportions.
They are classified based on elements or doshas. Doshas are the functional aspects of the five ele-
ments namely ether, air, fire, water and earth.
The following pages will discuss the general tendencies of classical five elemental types and single-
dosha body types.
61
What is your constitution?
Elements In Universe and Life
Ayurveda Elements
Courses & Consultation in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne
63
uncluttered everywhere accessible timber floors
Tools, Minimal All shapes, sizes, Most efficient, Comfort items, food, Lasting, reliable,
furniture variety fastest, latest cushions strong
Vacation Meditation retreat Surprise me, Competitive, Water side, food, Physical, getting
unpredictable challenging friends, cushions hands dirty
Silent, wilderness Something totally Mountain biking, Pampering, yoga Outback, gardening,
outrageous white water rafting retreat renovation
Olympic High jumpers Marathoners Sprinters Gymnasts Weight lifters
it u a e
Spir rical en gy
t
t r
Elec nt ene rgy
a
nt
B B egrity
m
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ss
m e
e
64 Che hanical
m
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tne fsnarT ond
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ve
Mse n
re
ad cal e
ma
La d
I Inat
t
asa chan
n
an t
h
h L i g y
a
r
o
Va
V
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Me ical en gy
R
w
Tr
M
m r
Che nt ene rgy
n
ytir ama
A
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A
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Elec tual en
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Spir
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noi
My body shape when I am normal / healthy
Ether ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Air ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Fire ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Water ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Earth ………………………………………………………………………………………………
I am designed for
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
Ether ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Air ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Fire ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Water ………………………………………………………………………………………………
65
Earth ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Ether ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Air ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Fire ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Water ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Earth ………………………………………………………………………………………………
My philosophy
Ether ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Air ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Fire ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Water ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Earth ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Air ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Fire ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Water ………………………………………………………………………………………………
66 Earth ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Ether ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Air ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Fire ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Water ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Earth ………………………………………………………………………………………………
My perfect work place
Ether ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Air ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Fire ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Water ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Earth ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Ether ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Air ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Fire ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Water ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Earth ………………………………………………………………………………………………
67
My perfect home
Ether ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Air ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Fire ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Water ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Earth ………………………………………………………………………………………………
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
68
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
69
Body type analysis -dosha
Vata (air-ether)
01 I learn quickly 0 1 2 3 4
02 I am enthusiastic and vivacious 0 1 2 3 4
03 I have a light / tall body frame 0 1 2 3 4
04 I walk and talk quickly 0 1 2 3 4
05 I love to have an extra layer in winter 0 1 2 3 4
06. I enjoy warm weather 0 1 2 3 4
07. I am a light sleeper 0 1 2 3 4
08. I have an active and imaginative mind 0 1 2 3 4
09. My energy tends to come in bursts 0 1 2 3 4
10. I don’t gain weight easily, but can loose it easily 0 1 2 3 4
Vata Score ……………
Pitta (fire-water)
01. I tend to be extremely precise and results oriented 0 1 2 3 4
02. I am determined. I have a forceful manner 0 1 2 3 4
03. I enjoy cool weather 0 1 2 3 4
04. I have a strong appetite and am fond of cold food 0 1 2 3 4
05. I have regular bowel habits / tend to get loose bowels 0 1 2 3 4
06. I like to set goals & then try to achieve them 0 1 2 3 4
07. I’m more likely to feel that a room is too hot than too cold 0 1 2 3 4
08. I don’t tolerate foods that are very hot and spicy 0 1 2 3 4
09. I enjoy challenges 0 1 2 3 4
10. I tend to be quite critical 0 1 2 3 4
Pitta Score ……………
Appendices
71
Many great thinkers and spiritual traditions prescribe the practice of being in the present as a path to
enlightenment. Though being mindful of the moment seems simple, it’s actually very difficult to main-
tain for more than a minute. So if present consciousness is the portal to liberation why do we habitu-
ally resist it, choosing to be absent while life passes us by? Moment Meditation helps us to break free
from our preoccupation from the present, offering practical ways to experience the perfection of now.
PRESS PAUSE
Right now a moment of time is passing by! We must become that moment.
-Paul Cezanne
Gurdjieff subjected his students to a technique called the “stop exercise” to develop their present
awareness. At unexpected times he would spontaneously call out “stop” and students would freeze,
focussing their full attention on their current thoughts and actions. A similar idea was explored in Al-
Try pausing now. Focus your attention on your thoughts. Where are you now? Are you in the future
72 wondering.. how long is this article? Do I have time to read it?... what else is coming up?...Or are you
pondering the past thinking…I’ve encountered this topic before...I should’ve done more today…
That previous article was interesting…Alternatively you may be totally in the moment.
Now relax, let go of any extraneous thoughts and surrender your full awareness to now. Sense your
body, breath, surroundings and the act of reading. Imagine time is standing still so you have no-
where to go, nothing to do and nothing to think. Release all tension from your body. Can you feel
your awareness shift to a new level of perception? This intense focus creates the clarity to experience
things as they really are. Reality blossoms under the light of our attention so we view everything
from a fresh, child-like perspective. However it is challenging to maintain this focus for long, as within
seconds the mind strays to future or past concerns. In fact, NLP experts estimate that we spend only
about 1% of our time in present consciousness.
Ascertaining whether we drift to the past or future indicates our psychological tendency. To deter-
Moment meditation
By Caroline Robertson
mine whether we are inclined to lag in the past or flee to the future try the following exercise. Carry
around a small note pad and pen. Over 4 hours be aware of your thoughts and dialogue. Whenever
you are aware of your thoughts, categorise whether you were thinking of the past, moment or future.
Write down a P for past, M for moment and F for future. At the end of the 4 hours tally up the results.
Though there’s a positive and productive side to our time-travelling inclination, it can influence and
perpetuate negative patterns. For example, if you counted mostly F’s you may have excessive future
consciousness. Though far from a a fixed rule, future-based people can be more prone to feel anxi-
ety, frustration, restlessness, agitation, anger, irritability, impatience, worry, fear and dissatisfaction.
Those with a majority of P’s are more attached to past concerns and experiences. The downside of
this can be a predisposition to depression, regret, guilt, resentment, bitterness, hopelessness, self-
pity and a judgemental outlook.
Many of these feelings will dissipate when we come to the party of the present. Through life I’ve
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
observed that predominantly happy people have the uncanny ability to spend the majority of their
time in the moment. Their total presence allows them to be comfortable with others and themselves.
They’ve made friends with the moment and don’t allow pressures of time to impinge on present
pleasures. When we live in the present we experience pleasure with our full presence. We step into a
state of “in-joy-ment” that only comes with complete awareness. When we mentally remove ourselves
from the present we are unable to appreciate the fullness of now and become dissatisfied with life.
73
Though it is necessary and even enjoyable to think of the past and future our awareness should
remain anchored in the only true reality-now. After all, there literally is no time like the present. The
past has passed and the future is not yet born, only this minute bears the rich potential of ongoing
creation. As the saying goes “yesterday is a cancelled check, tomorrow a promissory note. The only
cash on hand is today.” Also the best investment for the future is to be fully present now as then we
make the right choices for the best consequences.
When we disproportionately ponder the past or fret over the future we loose our present power,
creating confusion about present decisions. It drains us to dwell on what was or what may be, rob-
bing us of energy and appreciation of the present. A secret to empowerment is to focus on what we
can influence rather than worrying about what we can’t. To manage life we must process the past and
project into the future to an extent but this can only be done efficiently when we are in present con-
sciousness. However people tend to get trapped in the time machine of fast forward or rewind, need-
lessly investing their emotions in things that have either passed or may never even happen. When
the causes of stress were assessed in a recent study it was found that 30% was caused by thinking
about painful past memories and reliving them, 8% thinking about legitimate future worries, 50%
worrying about things that never happened, and 12% worrying about things one couldn’t possibly
have any control over. As Sir Winston Churchill said “It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The
chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time”
Most of us live with filters created by past or future beliefs that distort our perception of reality. When
life is concentrated on now we release impressions or reactivity from the past and expectations of
the future and are free to create a fresh reality from a reborn consciousness. Liberated from limiting
influences of past preconceptions and future expectations one is receptive to the possibilities of the
unfolding present, free from negative patterns rooted in past conditioning or future concerns.
74 TIME MACHINE
A memorable Twilight Zone episode told the tale of a man who felt the constant pressure of time
scarcity. He loved to read but due to long work hours never got the chance. His longing for more time
miraculously manifested one day when the whole world paused except for him. Scaling the library
steps his face shone with gleeful anticipation at all the books that awaited his eager eyes. In his rush
however, tragedy struck. His glasses fell to the stone ground and smashed.
This story highlights a common dilemma in modern society. We may be more affluent today but an
epidemic of time poverty has stretched levels of stress to breaking point. Many live by time beliefs
such as they are running out of time, they have no time, there’s never enough time or they are wast-
ing time. These tense strings of time constraints bind us from the freedom of the present as Alan
Cohen observed- “if you are a servant of time rather than letting time serve you, you are a prisoner.”
When we live under the pressure of future worries whilst carrying the burden of past baggage we
are too overloaded to relax in the present. We can’t live as Rabindranath Tagore advised – “to lightly
dance on the edges of Time like dew on the tip of a leaf.” Goldie Hawn experienced the joy this at-
titude brings in a recent anecdote -“The other day a great song came on the radio, so I pulled the car
over, got out and started dancing. Why not just live in the moment, especially if it has a good beat?”
Feeling that time is on our side helps us relax and accept that everything happens in its own good
time. Viewing time not as a quantity we must keep track of but as a quality we can be aware of helps
us to squeeze the most from every moment. When we understand that time is a man-made illusion
and all we have is the timeless moment then we can let go and enjoy the passing cosmic play. Being
flexible with our concept of time we then live in multi-dimensional time frame where the past, pres-
ent and future in a mosaic of clarity.
NOT NOW!
Why do we habitually avoid what’s happening now? Mental time travel is a way to divert our atten-
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
tion from present pain and also to stimulate the pleasure-seeking mind. We do it both consciously as
a form of escapism and coping mechanism as well as an unconscious mental habit. When we resist or
reject what is going on in the moment our mind deals with it by distracting us with thoughts about
the past or future. Ironically this may perpetuate and even compound pain and negativity as our ab-
sent awareness is immobilised from shifting our present state towards conscious change. Our bodies
may be in the moment but our minds are absent in another time, creating physical unco-ordination
and a disconnection with ourselves, others and our environment. Preoccupation from the past stops
us from occupying our bodies and as we are off time travelling others sense our absence where ‘the 75
lights are on but nobody’s home.’ Life can pass us by while we’re stuck in a moment of the past or fu-
ture, just like the saying “life is what happens to us when we’re busy making other plans.” The trick to
remain grounded in the present while still processing the past or making future plans is to maintain
awareness of your present sensations and surroundings.
By remaining calm in the moment you can objectively see the past and future for what they are- sim-
ply mental projections based on conditioned responses and judgements. We can also avoid a lot of
unnecessary anguish about the past or future by detaching from the results of our endeavours with
the understanding that we ultimately have no control over the outcome only over our present input.
As Mata Amritanandamayi elucidates “its not the planning nor the hoping that creates problems for
us but our attachment to those plans and hopes. Let go of attachment and appreciate the present.”
PERFECT TIMING
A compulsion to think of the past and future indicates rejection of the present. To check our tendency
to escape the present we must face reality as it is. Rama Dass, author of “Be Here Now” gives a useful
mantra in this regard- “I accept the here and now fully. As..it..is..right at this moment” With the clarity
of present-centred consciousness we can make the right choices, responding and adapting appro-
priately for a positive future, For as CG Jung’s believed “we cannot change anything until we accept
it.” If we don’t see things as they are or resist them, they will persist. When we embrace what is, our
feelings and experiences, we can learn from them, appreciate them and let them go, breaking the
repetitive cycle of destructive unconscious patterns. It is only our biased judgement that categorises
something as good or bad, instead accept ‘this is not good or bad, it just is.” Unless we are fully con-
scious of what we are doing or feeling in the moment we are doomed to repeat it. “Be in the present.
If you are happy now, the past will not torment you. If you live life now, tomorrow will take care of
itself” said Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Though things may appear to be negative now we can’t predict the ultimate outcome of a situation.
“Accept whatever comes to you woven in the pattern of your destiny, for what could be more aptly fit
76 your needs” as Marcus Aurelius said.
When we accept this we trust in the moment, perceiving its perfection. Surrendering to what is helps
us to relax and sense the divinity present in everything, everywhere. Then we sense Henry Miller’s
truth that“every moment is a golden one for him who has the vision to recognise it as such.”
Say yes to the present moment and feel peaceful knowing that everything is as it should be, even
uncertainty. We can surrender our need to control the future and past attachments when we accept
the Course in Miracles lesson that “Heaven is now. There is no other time.”
PLAN BE
It always provoked laughter when exasperated Frank from Seinfeld screamed “Serenity Now!” We
all desire a tranquil life yet often lack the everyday tools to create it. Though the path to peace can
be found through simple non-sectarian solutions, our complex minds often seek more complicated
methods. Perhaps we feel the more difficult and sophisticated the process, the greater the result. Ac-
tually the answer to happiness is so simple it seems unbelievable. Whilst we theoretically understand
the benefits of present awareness, philosophy is mere mental speculation until we put it into practice.
We all know at some level what we need to do but resist doing what we know as habits pull us back.
Moment meditation draws from awareness techniques espoused by the Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish,
Sufi and Christian faiths, and especially Indian Tantric texts, Zen and Taoist scriptures. The common
thread weaving through all these philosphies is aggreeance with Rabbi Jeff Roth’s words that “the
present moment is the only place the Divine can be accessed” and in Rumi’s assertion that “past and
future veil God from our sight.”
Experiencing moment meditation techniques gives us an authentic appreciation of the value of pres-
ent consciousness. Initially we lay the foundation of mindfulness through formal practices but then
we must integrate the methods into everyday life. In this way we can summon the state whenever
we remember, particularly in times of crises when it will prove most helpful. It can be very difficult
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
to maintain moment awareness and for months or even years one may only get transient flashes of
insight, known as Sartori in Zen Buddhism, However, with consistent perseverance and patience one
will be able to sustain present awareness for progressively longer time periods.
Though a concerted effort is required to succeed in this process, excessive strain or striving will ironi-
cally block progress. Instead adopt a feeling of inner non-resistance and intense alertness. Develop
a relaxed receptivity that utilises maximum awareness with minimal superfluous strain. At all times 77
the body is relaxed, the breathing smooth and the mind carefree. Approach the exercises with the
mood of childlike play rather than as a serious adult chore. Let go of any façades or pretences that
cover your true self.
Reality can be confronting and painful but by facing it with a detached and light heart we can often
see the divine humour behind the transient film of events. Just as Hermann Hesse mused that, “eter-
nity is a mere moment, just long enough for a joke.”
When the flickering mind strays from the moment, as it inevitably will, don’t berate yourself, rather
congratulate yourself on observing the shift and gently bring it back to the present. Be happy that
the instant you realise your absence you are present again. Maintain this consciousness by pausing,
breathing and asking yourself the following two questions suggested by Ram Das.
Where am I? Answer, “Here”
What time is it? Response, “Now”
Let go of anything that is not happening here and now.
This immediately grounds us in reality so we can sense our real self and surroundings. For as monk
Thich Nhat Hahn teaches “if we do not go back to ourselves in the present moment, we cannot be in
touch with life.”
The goal of these one day and seven day moment meditations is in Ram dass’ words to “create in
yourself an absolutely calm centre where it’s always right here and now.” This will lead to greater
peace and contentment. For the one day retreat select a day when you have minimal external pres-
sures and obligations. On this day you are going to reconnect with the beauty of the moment by
quietening the mind and settling the senses.
Ideally on this day you can minimise sensual input in order to clear out accumulated sensory over-
load. Support this by taking a vow of silence, reducing food intake to main meals without snacks and
cutting down on television, music and computers. You may also find that closing your eyes at appro-
priate times will create a greater inner connection. Only look at the time when absolutely necessary
in order to promote a timeless, time-free space to relax in.
Throughout the day you are going to focus on four main things:
1) Your breath
2) Your actions
3) Your senses
4) Your thoughts
1) Breath.
During the day be aware of your inhalation and exhalation. Ways to magnify this focus is to breathe
into the belly and to sense the movent of air in the throat and nostrils. Called anapanasati in Sanskrit
this is the main practice to promote a centred and quiet mind. Breath awareness settles a scattered
2) Actions
When was the last time you invested all of yourself in what you were doing? We often do things ab-
sentmindedly thinking of the next task or rushing to get it over with. Lord Buddha advised- “As you
walk and eat and travel, be where you are, otherwise you will miss most of your life.”
78 On this day attempt to bring your full presence to the activity at hand. Try to enjoy the process rather
than thinking of the result of the activity. You can do this by focussing on one thing at a time, known
as eka grata or pratyahara in yoga, one-pointed awareness. Do things slowly at half your normal pace
to aid intense mindfulness. People watching you might think you’ve lost your mind whereas in reality
this is one of the best ways to find your mind. Do everything calmly and slowly with a faint smile on
your face. Reduce the number of things you do at a time and you will soon discover the paradox that
when you attempt to do less, more slowly you actually achieve more, faster.
3) Senses
Open up your senses to the stimuli of the moment. Be aware of subtle smells, tactile sensations,
sights and tastes. Listen to the sounds between the sounds. See things anew, free from comparisons
or judgements which relate them the past or future. Being around others who are present in the mo-
ment such as animals of children playing can really enhance this state of mine.
4) Thoughts
Observe your mental wanderings and internal dialogue. Don’t judge yourself, just become aware
of your mental tendencies. Feel and accept things as they are without trying to change or suppress
them. In this way as thoughts come to the surface we can honour them and let them go so they no
longer have an unconscious hold on us. Whenever you can bring your thoughts back to the present,
think of what you are experiencing now. Focus on the blessings and positive things in your life at this
moment.
Writing a list or reciting them to yourself will help this consciousness of present centred gratitude. As
Charles Dickens reminds us “reflect on your present blessings, of which every man has many, not on
your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
This seven day training will reawaken your senses and remind you how wonderful it feels to be fully
in the moment. Over a week put aside fifteen minutes daily to practice moment meditation. Each
day you will take a fifteen minute walk by yourself, preferably choosing the same route. Do not take
music, a book or mobile phone with you. During these fifteen minutes you will focus on a different
aspect of the present.
Day 1- Focus on breath
Day 2- Focus on body posture, movement, sensations
Day 3- Focus on sounds
Day 4 – Focus on smells
Day 5 – Focus on touch
Day 6 – Focus on sights
Day 7 – Integration of all senses
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
79
Day one- Go for a fifteen minute walk and focus completely on your breath. As you inhale think“I am breath-
ing in”and as you exhale“I am breathing out.”You can also say to yourself“mo”on the in breath and“ment”
on the out breath. Or simply “Now” on the inhalation and exhalation. Avoid looking around, talking or
touching things unnecessarily. Try to bring your awareness to your breath more frequently from now on.
Day two- Repeat your fifteen minute walk, this time being aware of your body posture, movement
and sensations. Feel areas of tension and ease, asymmetry and alignment, heat and cold, pains and
pleasurable sensations in the body. Don’t strain to adjust anything, your awareness will initiate shifts
on a deep and effortless level naturally. After the walk continue to be aware of your breath and body
when you remember.
Day three- On this fifteen minute walk attune your hearing to every subtle sound. Listening to the
near and distant sounds. Hear your footsteps, birds, cars, the movement of your cloth. You will be
surprised at how acute your hearing becomes by the end of the walk, even picking up the sound of
air flowing past your ear. Continue to focus on just your breath and body until your next walk.
Day four- Proceed for your fifteen minute walk concentrating on the smells you encounter. This can be a
subtle experience that also brings awareness to the breath flowing in and out of the nostrils.You may spon-
taneously stop to smell things also. Continue to focus on just your breath and body until your next walk.
Day five-Today’s walk will focus on the sensation of touch. Feel your feet as they touch the ground, clothes
brushing against your skin, the weight of clothes, air flowing over your body, the vibration of sounds
and your body brushing against itself. Continue to focus on your breath and body until your next walk.
Day six- Concentrate on the sights on your walk today. To broaden your visual screen you can prac-
tice a Hawaiian technique called Hokalau., also employed by NLP practitioners. Look up and allow
the left eye to drift to the left side and the right to the right side, you can wiggle your fingers at the
peripheral field of vision to aid this expansion. This opens up your perspective and tends to reveal
deeper layers of reality.
Avoid looking around, simply look straight ahead and take in the visual feast while maintaining
breath and body awareness.
80 Now proceed for a slow fifteen minute walk. Maintain awareness of your body posture and breath.
Let your senses drift from smells, to sights, sounds and sensations. Soak up the essence of the mo-
ment, relish the feeling of being alive in the present. When you maintain this appreciation of the mo-
ment your life may appear to be the same from an outsiders perspective but though you are doing
the same things your full awareness transmutes everything into a spiritual experience. Just as the
Zen phrase goes- “Before enlightenment chopping wood, after enlightenment, chopping wood,” it is
the change in consciousness that makes the difference.
Stepping into the moment you enter a magic realm that transforms every aspect of your life. You will
feel a lightness, ease and connection with everything. Liberated from past impressions you will see
people and things from a fresh, enlightened perspective. As the shadow of the past and present lifts,
the light of reality reveals the true nature of creation. By truly being with others you will be able to
understand them and communicate with them on a deeper level. Consequently, your mindful pres-
ence will radiate a tranquillity and healing that sparks awareness in others, bringing them greater
appreciation and mindfulness of the present. In this way the Buddha‘s aura was said to bestow peace
on beings for miles around him.
By connecting with our inner essence we see things with a fresh innocence that makes even the sim-
plest pleasures blissful. Our mind, emptied of past and future concerns, has space to absorb present
impressions fully.
On a practical level, intense mindfulness enables greater efficiency in planning, action and interrelat-
ing. With our consciousness attuned to the finest cues from the universe we are able to make instinc-
tual decisions that support the highest good. Our body also blooms in this state of heightened aware-
ness as cells thrive on attention and harmony is supported. When we silence the noise of the past and
future we are able to listen to the body’s messages, responding to its needs in the most appropriate
way. Everything comes into balance through this one practice of moment meditation as monk Thich
Nhat Hahn agrees “mindfulness is the miracle by which we master and restore ourselves.”
To attain this divine connection with the moment is the pinnacle of all spiritual goals. As yoga means
to yoke or connect and religion comes from the latin ligare or to link, their main message is that this
peak state of divine union is within our grasp. The beauty of this union is that it is already present, we
don’t have to do anything, go anywhere or attain something new.
Just by tuning our perception to the moment we will perceive the perfect interconnectedness of
everything. Yogi Sri Sri Ravi Shankar explains -“The moment you keep all your senses open.you ex-
perience the whole creation as vibrant, lively consciousness-not dead objects around you-you are
already united with the entire creation. Union has happened.”
By taking life moment by moment rather than day by day we can develop this constant present
awareness and merge withs the moment. Whether it happens in an instant or a lifetime it may be the
key to a happy and peaceful life. Try it and find out for yourself.
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
81
Spring being
a tough act
to follow, God
created June.
-Al Bernstein
In Ayurveda, the traditional system of healing practiced in India over the past 5,000 years, Rtu carya
or seasonal regimens are considered one of the foundations for maintaining good health. It has long
been recognised that our individual constitutions or body-types are affected by changes in nature
throughout the yearly cycle. Most of us have experienced how a cold, overcast day affects us differ-
ently to a warm sunny day or how several days of cold gusty winds can unsettle our nervous sys-
tems.
Ayurveda utilises the simple but elegant principle that ‘like increases like’ to understand how the sea-
sons will affect the energetic forces, known as doshas in Ayurveda, of our body-minds. For example in
summer the hotter, more humid weather and more intense sunlight increases the Pitta dosha, which
is hot, moist and intense in its nature. Accordingly someone with a predominance of Pitta dosha in
their constitution is more likely to experience difficulties with overheating and irritability in the sum-
mer months. If Pitta dosha is then further aggravated by mental or physical stresses then they may
experience fever, red skin rashes, stomach acidity or outbursts of anger.
Applying this principle further we can see that individuals with a lot of Vata dosha, which is change-
able, light, cold and dry, in their constitution are more likely to run into health problems in the au-
tumn months and during the change of the seasons. Someone with excessive Kapha dosha in their
constitution, which is cold, moist, heavy and stable, will need to be more cautious in the late winter
and springtime if they are to avoid colds, hay fever and fluid retention. In this way the season to be
most vigilant about is the one, which corresponds to your individual constitution. In general terms
- summer for Pitta dominated body-types, autumn and early winter for Vata dominated body-types
and late winter and spring for Kapha body-types. Ayurveda places great importance on preventive
medicine, the ancient texts emphasise that we should never wait until a disease has manifested in
order to treat it.
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
There’s a Bengali saying, which warns “never delay in attending to three things-fire, debt and disease”.
Doshic imbalances need to be addressed as soon as they occur. In this way seasonal routines work
to pacify aggravated doshas in our constitutions before a disease can manifest. In order to balance
your bodies’ energies throughout the seasons of the year it is useful to follow the guidelines outlined
below, though it is also important that we are not too rigid in their adherence or guilt-stricken if we
have temporary lapses. That would certainly be contrary to the flexible spirit of Ayurveda. Ayurveda
is inherently an intuitive science, so these guidelines are best used to support a more intuitive ap- 83
proach to food, drinks and activities.
Summer
Diet A Pitta pacifying diet is best followed favouring sweet, bitter and astringent tastes.
Agni (digestive fire) is reduced in summer so overeating needs to be avoided. Sal-
ads and fresh green vegetables are cooling and best taken at lunchtime when the
digestion is strongest, in order to avoid creating gas.
Herbs Hot and spicy herbs should be avoided such as ginger, black pepper, chilli and cay-
enne pepper. Cooling herbs can be taken including fennel and coriander leaves and
seeds.
Drinks Caffeine and alcohol tend to increase Pitta dosha, though a cool beer on a hot day
is preferable to whiskey, brandy, rum and red wine which are more Pitta aggravat-
ing. Ice-cold and iced drinks are best avoided as these depress the digestive fire and
thus pave the way for toxin accumulation.A good afternoon drink is watermelon
juice with mint leaves and a squeeze of lime juice.
Activities Sunbathing is best avoided and hard work under the sun will aggravate Pitta. A well
ventilated hat and protection for the neck is important to prevent overheating. Sun-
glasses should only be used in summer during the brightest part of the day as au-
thorities in Ayurveda maintain that constant use decreases visual acuity. Swimming
is an excellent exercise in summer especially river bathing or even being close to
aquatic and maritime environments. Washing off salt after ocean swims also helps
to prevent Pitta dosha imbalances.
Cool evening walks under the moonlight are especially recommended for pacify-
ing Pitta as is the wearing of cotton and silk. Cooling colours are white, grey, blue,
purple and green. Clothes should be loose fitting and allow the skin to breathe. The
wearing of white flower garlands such as frangipani and gardenias also help to bal-
ance Pitta. According to Ayurveda excessive sex in summer can aggravate Pitta as
sex is heating. Ideally if you want to have sex the early evening is preferable to late
at night when Pitta is in its prime. Early nights are recommended, that is retiring
before 11 pm. Oil massage with coconut oil is generally recommended depending
on one’s constitution.
Diet A Vata pacifying diet is recommended favouring sweet, sour and salty tastes. Food
should be well cooked and easy to digest. It should be served warm and heavier,
more oily food is appropriate. Dry food such as popcorn, raw vegetables and night-
shades [i.e. eggplant, potatoes and tomatoes] should be minimised. Frozen foods
and iced drinks will aggravate Vata.
Drinks Meals should be accompanied by plenty of warm liquids, a good tea for pacifying
Vata dosha is made with equal parts of ginger, cinnamon and cardamom. Alterna-
tively chamomile or licorice tea or hot water are excellent.
84 Activities Vata dosha is specifically increased by too much jogging, cycling, exercising and
by working too hard. Rushing to be on time, long hours of study, staying up late at
night and too much loud rock music or noise will aggravate Vata. Excessive talking,
shouting, crying and laughing will also do the same. In order to decrease Vata we
need to cease activity and this includes driving and flying. Sleep and rest pacifies
Vata. Meditation is also excellent. As Vata is cool, one should be careful to avoid
draughts and keep warm. Natural fibres such as wool are advocated.
Oil massage with sesame oil is wonderful for pacifying Vata dosha, with particular
attention to rubbing oil into the soles of the feet and into the scalp. Performed be-
fore bedtime this helps one to relax and promotes a sound sleep. Colours which
pacify Vata are red, orange and yellow.
White is also soothing to the nervous system. Excessive sexual activity also aggra-
vates Vata. Drinking a cup of warm milk before bedtime is good in autumn and win-
ter together with a pinch of cardamom, ginger or nutmeg. One should ideally be in
bed by 10 pm.
Diet A Kapha pacifying diet should be followed with an emphasis on food that is lighter,
drier and less oily. Warm food is preferable whereas food such as avocado, bananas,
cucumber and dairy products should be minimised. One should favour tastes that
are pungent, bitter and astringent. A good practice is to chew roasted cumin and
fennel seeds after meals.
Herbs Ginger is an excellent herb at this time of year as are other warming spices such as
black pepper, mustard seeds, garlic and cinnamon.
Drinks An excellent digestive tea can be made with equal parts of ginger, cinnamon and
mint. Another good Kapha tea is 1/4 tsp. dry ginger, 1/8 tsp. clove, 1/4 tsp. fenu-
greek and 1/4 tsp. of dill which can be sweetened with honey as desired. Drinking
hot water with a teaspoon of honey also helps pacify Kapha dosha. Cold drinks and
ice cream should be avoided.
Activities Spring is a time for enjoying the outdoors, re-connecting with the joys of nature
and being more physical and active. No wonder gym memberships are up 200% at
this time of year! Gardening, walks in parks with your children and days at the beach
are all recommended. Taking time just to simply be with the blossoming flowers
and singing birds is a great discipline especially amongst the rush of city living.
Sleeping during the day aggravates Kapha and dampens the digestive fire. As a
habit it is more likely to bring on Kapha illnesses such as hay fever, sinusitis and
bronchitis. Air conditioning is also more likely to provoke Kapha dosha at this time
of year. Oil massage using small amounts of safflower oil or a dry besan flour mas-
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
Dr Shaun Mathews co-ordinates Ayurveda courses at the Nature Care Collage, runs meditation and cooking classes and runs his clinic in
Sydney. He can be contacted on 0400 097 337.
85
Study of doshas
In General
Physiology
Body constitution
Disease
Lightness laghu VP+ Light things are easy to digest. Cous cous, puffed
rice, spices and clear soups are some examples. Generally lightness increases Vata and Pitta, and
decreases Kapha. A light diet is generally low fat and it reduces Kapha. Usually it is associated with
“warm”. The lightness aids digestion, reduces bulk, cleanses, creates freshness, alertness and un-
groudedness. Excessive use of lightness results in weight loss, missing elements (eg: anemia, vitiligo)
or low immunity.
etc. are also intense. This is due to the predominance of the fire element. Intense things generally
increase Pitta and reduce Kapha and Vata. This is also related to hot and light qualities. Intensity pro-
motes quickness in psycho-physiological activities and causes ulcers or perforation when in excess.
Excessive use results in inflammatory changes.
Smooth shlakshnam PK+ It is from the earth and water element. Smooth-
ness reduces Vata and nourishes Kapha and Pitta. Concentrated milk is an example. This is also trans-
lated as sliminess. Responsible for love and care.
88
excess. It causes carelessness and premature aging. Rice crackers and popcorn are rough. In smooth,
molecules are evenly arranged, whereas in rough they are firm and uneven.
Liquid dravam PK+ The water element is responsible for this quality.
It improves secretions and flow, compassion and cohesiveness. Liquidity promotes Pitta and Kapha
and reduces Vata. Generally most liquids, fruits and soups are examples.
Soft mrdu PK+ It is from water or fire. Heat and water softens.
Delicacy, relaxation, tenderness, love and care are from softness. It decreases Vata and increases Pitta
and Kapha. Steamed or boiled vegetables and rice are examples of softness.
Hard kathinam OK+ Hardness is from the earth element. It is also relat-
ed to dryness and heaviness. It gives stability and makes one stubborn. It reduces Pitta and increases
Vata and Kapha. Baked food, nuts and dried fruits are examples. But in excess can result in rigidity,
hardness, selfishness, callousness and insensitivity.
Mobile chalam VP+ This is from air and ether. Increases Vata and Pitta
and decreases Kapha. Promotes motion and fluctuation. Light food supports this quality. Alcohol,
recreational drugs are aggravates mobility. And in excess (lack of enough fire, water and earth) re-
sults in shakiness, lack of faith, ungroundedness and restlessness
Subtle suukshmam VP+ This is from ether and air. It has the power to reach
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
minute pores. It reduces Kapha and promotes the others. Responsible for awareness, keenness of
perception and acuity of expression and perception. Gotu kola, long pepper, asafoetida and ghee are
examples.
Vata type
Nature: These are people composed mostly of ether and air. On the other hand, they have relatively
less fire, water and earth in their constitution. They have the lightness and subtlety of air and ether.
They exhibit their nature through lightness, swiftness, mobility and sensitivity. Creativity, enthusiasm
and mobility are from Vata. Displaying fluctuation in almost everything, they represent the stillness
and transient nature of the world. Deers, butterflies and hares are Vata animals.
Mind Very active; millions of ideas and plans; fast thinkers, quick learners with swift re-
sponse; theorists; revivers; they are not into remembering something for a long
time or holding on to things for ages; adapt their minds or change their attitudes
and opinions frequently based on reasons and feeling; they don’t stagnate, yet at
times they get caught up in a mental web for ages; likes and dislikes go with the
situations and environment; Most ideologists, thinkers, philosophers (Ether) teach-
ers, communicators, dancers and musicians (Air) are Vata types.
Personality Their likes, dislikes, work and lifestyle are changeable with the surroundings; sensi-
Relationship Natural communicators; constantly changing subjects; may start and finish relation-
90 ships quickly as they look for variety in everything.
Body Thin, lean, slender; small frame; can be tall (ether) or short (air). They are light, with
small or thin bones with prominent joints.
Endurance Enjoy low impact exercises. Long distance runners and fast bowlers are Vatas.
Voice Fast, uneven according to the importance of the matter; broken sentences; love to
speak and can speak on most subjects to anyone.
Pulse Fast, thin, shallow and fluctuating pulse. Compared to the movements of a snake.
Eyes Relatively small, placed well apart or close together; slate blue, grey or violet
coloured, scratchy iris; greyish or blue sclera; eyes turn quickly dull during weak-
ness. They can also be dark brown to black eyes.
Skin Thin skin, showing the veins and often easily pigmented; relatively darker than oth-
ers in the same race / family; generally their skin is cool and hence love short periods
of sunbathing, as it improves their circulation; their skin may demands moisture and
oils; they may have a few wrinkles and moles.
Hair Thin, course and dark hair; could be curly or even frizzy which kinks easily; often dry
or rough in texture. Body hair is either too much or too less.
Nails Hard, brittle nails; they can also be ridged and rough often; nails may be uneven in
size.
Mouth Small teeth, or teeth with gaps in between; either small or big.
Metabolism Variable appetite, sometimes they are not hungry, and at other times they are rav-
enous; they often overestimate their hunger; If they eat while they are hungry, they
function better.
Sleep Light sleepers; may have difficulty in falling asleep if mind is busy.
Dreams Vivid, travelling, journeys, flying, motions of various kinds; they have lots of dreams
and nights with not even a single dream; they usually don’t remember their
dreams.
Elimination Elimination fluctuates; won’t sweat a lot; easily miss a day or two of bowel move-
ments. Periods can be short.
Examples Gwyneth Paltrow, Kylie Mingoue, Audrey Hepburn, David Bowie, MK Gandhi.
Tendencies Vata people tend to over use their physiological Vata when under pressure. If they
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
do, this can result in the following tendencies. Under stressful situations they may
stop eating, loose weight easily, are prone to worry, fear and anxiety and develop the
habit of biting their finger nails; may develop cold and dry skin and dry hair. If care-
less they experience erratic memory, constipation, insomnia and aches and pains
and diseases like deviated nasal septum, scoliosis, neuromuscular disorders and
bow-legs; receding gums; can get numbness; can overindulge in anything, tiring
and wearing them out; dreams may turn anxious and fearful, anxious and even de-
pressing; careless eating often results in gas and bloating. They also tend to over use 91
their vocal energy. Osteoporosis is common in them during their late 40s or early 50s.
Pitta type
Nature: They are composed of mostly fire and water. So they may demonstrate the intensity, warmth
and flexibility of those elements. They are very accepting people with generosity, care, compassion
and equanimity, but all with a deep intensity. Fast animals like possums, tigers and lions are Pittas.
Preference Attracted to cool, dry climate, food and drinks; can’t stand hot or humid weather.
Mind Intense, focussed, driven and passionate; they display emotions carefully at times,
but sometimes they just open up; methodical and efficient in implementing ideas;
put theories into practice. Positively question the existing methods and habits;
spend money and energy wisely; work long hours to bring progress; always raise
the level of expectation. These are bankers, analysts, marketing specialists and com-
puter programmers.
Personality Strong, warm, consistent, precise, to the point; forceful in dealings; analytical; cou-
rageous; domineering due to their heat & intensity; natural leaders; passionate and
hence work towards their high goals; driven by their dreams, yet practical; they dis-
play strong opinions and intentions.
Relationships Passionate lovers; intense relationships; they put their desire into action.
Endurance Endure vigorous exercises; they love swimming and other water sports; very com-
petitive and often compulsive. Short distance runners, soccer stars, medium pace
92 bowlers are Pittas. It is easy to find lots of Pittas in the boxing ring.
Voice Concise and focussed on their subject; clear and sharp; usually intense and passion-
ate about their subject; famous for their clarity in presentation.
Pulse Strong, wiry, full and medium pace - jumpy like a frog; warm, soft and prominent.
Eyes Intense, sharp looking eyes; medium in size; light, hazel, green, red, light blue and
electric blue eyes are Pitta predominant. Sclera with reddish tinge, turns reddish
when angry or irritated easily.
Skin Delicate, brown, coppery or pink coloured, usually bright and light skin; it could also
be coppery red; always warm with good circulation; easily turns reddish and sun-
burned. Often they freckle before they tan; moles are not rare on these skins. They
tend to wrinkle early.
Hair Thin, fine and delicate; head hair colour varies from light to red. Most of the natural
blondes have a predominance of Pitta in their constitution. Early greying and bald-
ing is their nature. Even their body hairs are coppery, fine and scant.
Nails Soft, strong, well-formed nails; pink and bright often coppery tinge due to their
abundant blood supply.
Mouth Even, medium teeth; easily bleeding gums; reddish or orange tongue.
Metabolism Strong appetite, enjoys eating ‘always ready to eat’ don’t like to miss meals. The in-
tense fire in them burns nutrients excessively
Sleep Fall asleep easily; moderate depth; restful; they can easily function on less sleep.
Elimination They can sweat even in winter with minimum exercise; exercise causes profuse
sweating. This is due to the abundant fire in them. Very regular bowel movements;
they generally get loose, soft, yellowish stools. Urine is often strong. Regular peri-
ods in women.
Examples Xena -the warrior princess, Anthony Robbins, Margaret Thatcher, Rupert Murdoch.
Tendencies Pitta people tend to over use their physiological Pitta under stress. If they do, this
can result in the following tendencies. Irritable or aggressive; acidity, heartburn, ul-
cers in the mouth, dandruff and skin rashes; anaemia; skin tends to react to heat and
bruise easily; hair loss and early baldness; bleed and ulcerate easily; loose bowel
movements often turn into diarrhoea and bleeding; irritable if the meal is delayed;
Ayurveda Elements 17 Orchard Rd Chatswood NSW 2067 0061 2 9904 7754
dreams are related to anger, violence and fights. Easily get soft stool with sensitive
food. Easily stressed and frustrated.
93
Kapha type
Nature: They carry more water and earth. Kaphas are thus solid and flexible. They are soft and gentle
beings, yet at times they are the most powerful due to the earth they are made of. People with good
endurance, who complain less, who can tolerate almost anything are Kaphas. Famous for their slow
and steady nature. This slowness is not from dullness, but the time they take to understand a process.
Once they learn something, they can apply it in a steady manner. Gentle animals like cows and koalas
are Kapha.
Preference Almost any climate is fine for Kaphas, though they prefer heat to cold.
Mind Caring, gentle, sensitive mind; excellent long term memory; may take a bit more
time to learn new skills- yet once they have recorded it in their brain, they never
loose it; avoid confrontations; generally they are emotionally sweet; they are careful
not to hurt others; ignore sensitive or intense situations. Take care of the enterprise
and run it smoothly, and they show great flexibility and stability in that. Sometimes
expend a lot of emotional energy; they accumulate wealth and energy; enjoy rou-
tines. They can be the best nurses, carers, cooks (Water) administrators, trainers and
managers (Earth).
Personality Humble, patient, calm, quite, compassionate, caring, gentle, loving, nurturing,
Relationship Caring, loving, nurturing and very sensitive; gentle and steady lovers; slowly aroused,
remain passionate longer than others. Most mothers with numerous offspring are
94 Kapha.
Body Medium to broad frame. Heavy bone structure. Wide-set shoulders and hips. Well
proportioned bodies. Soft, round and well-lubricated joints. Relatively heavier than
others. They have plenty of energy. They may abuse this, especially if they have Pitta
as a secondary doshic dominance.
Endurance Good muscle coordination and tone. Weight lifters, sideline football referees, shot
putters and wrestlers are Kapha.
Weight They need regular exercise and controlled eating habits to maintain their weight.
Voice Cautious, slow, soft talkers; low pitch and intensity; no broken sentences or words;
they are either “sweet spoken” (Water) and they tell you “what to do”.
Pulse Full, soft, slow, cool and gentle like a swan. It can be strong.
Eyes Large, liquid, milky eyes. Wide Piscean eyes are a good example. Thick, long eye
lashes.
Skin Soft, cool, moist, oily & fleshy skin; few freckles on thick skin; loves sun baking; but
burn easily; very few moles.
Hair Brown, dark brown or chocolatey head hair. Thick and mildly wavy. It can be slightly
coarse due to the earth in them. It can be too oily but with good lustre.
Mouth Large, even, rounded teeth, without gaps in between. Pale, thick or reddish
tongue.
Metabolism Moderate desire for food, happy with small amounts of food and drinks. Since hav-
ing lots of energy storage, they can go without any food. Their secret is utilising the
entire nutrients in food.
Eating Happy with light breakfast and generally small quantities of food.
Elimination Moderate and consistent sweating. Regular in bowel movements. Good exercise
prevents possible ‘slowness’ of elimination. Soft, well formed, pale stools. In women
periods are effortless and very regular. Average quantity of blood, light or pale in
colour.
Tendencies Kapha people tend to over use their physiological Kapha during stressful times. If
they do, this can result in the following tendencies. They might develop comfort
eating and put on weight; can be too attached and emotional; easily prone to swell-
ing and slow metabolism; water retention; excessive sleep; passive, attached, pos-
sessive, greedy; apathetic, co-dependant, additive tendency and lazy. They spend
more energy on others, leaving them emotionally depleted. They gain weight eas-
ily, but loose it with great difficulty. If they store weight it is usually around the ab-
domen and buttocks. 95
Everything in this world is composed of three doshas,
namely vata, Pitta and Kapha in various proportions.
When they are in balance, health results.
When out of balance, suffering results.
-VAgbhTa, Ancient Ayurvedic scholar.
How many body-types?
here are many ways to interpret body types. Here we are using the language of ‘doshas’. Known as
the backbone principle in Ayurveda, ‘dosha’ is a language with three words. The following is the brief
elaboration on it.
Vata-Pitta Vata and Pitta are almost equal, & more predominant than Kapha.
Pitta-Vata Pitta and Vata are almost equal, & more predominant than Kapha.
Vata-Kapha Vata and Kapha are almost equal, & more predominant than Pitta.
Kapha-Vata Kapha and Vata are almost equal, & more predominant than Pitta.
Pitta-Kapha Pitta and Kapha are almost equal, & more predominant than Vata.
Kapha-Pitta Kapha and Pitta are almost equal, & more predominant than Vata.
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Body Type Analysis Body Type Analysis Body Type Analysis
4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5
6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6 6
7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 7
8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 9
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 97
Predominant dosha is Predominant dosha is Predominant dosha is
What were the main difficulties with dosha based body type analysis?
How do you improve and accuracy in this analysis?
How do you increase the spead in anlysing body type?
Discussion for w 02
1. Contemplate and plan the next
5 years life (your profession,
relationship, finance, hobby,
possessions, travel etc.)
98