Spiritual Ayurveda      
Recently there have been several movements to finely define and control Ayurveda in the US and throughout the world. There is talk of regulations, rules, and gatekeepers, all citing the same basic focus why they should be in charge of regulating Ayurveda—medical safety and recognition by western medicine. Yet to date I do not hear any discussion or call for preservation of the spiritual nature of Ayurveda and Vedic education—the very essences of this sacred art.      

Ayurveda is the wisdom of life, not merely the science of medicine; medicine is a small albeit important part of the whole of Ayurveda. Modern Ayurveda mostly traces its roots to the medical system of Charak Samhita and Sushrut Samhita, and, with the British rule over India, consultations mimic the same short consultation and quick prescription (of herbs) as Western medicine consults.

In the US, there is an additional focus on lifestyle, which is more holistic, yet there seems to still be a major focus on herbal medicine, aroma therapy, yoga therapy...all sorts of therapies. Rarely have I heard Ayurveda spoken of and practiced according to the Atharva Veda—where it was first written about.           

There you will read true life-affirming visions; praising the sun, moon, winds, water, fire, earth, grass, plants, agni, and yajna for life and vitality. Moreover, you will learn of the universal methods of Vedic education, farming, ecology, governing, social welfare, family life, professions, and concepts of time, the decimal system and infinity. Here are a few examples:

…the rain, the father, possessing hundreds of nourishing powers…  I.2.i

The waters are the source of happiness, may they helpful to us to attain grain and good vision.         I.V.ii  

The earth is upheld by Truth (satya)…XII.1.1        (Prayer to Mother Earth) 

Can you feel the vibrancy? Can you feel the fullness and oneness of spirit, nature and human? Do you see the truly holistic expanse that Ayurveda encompasses? This is life, this is health, this is Ayurveda. On a sunny day, no one goes to the doctor; so too, when a person is fully aligned with nature, fully engaged their life purpose (dharma), there is harmony and spiritual intimacy—what to say of illness.    

While laying on a blanket in the field looking at the blue sky, smelling the sweet air and listening to the music of the wind, birds and crickets, it would sound absurd to say, I’m taking my nature medicines, sky-color therapy, smelling air aromatherapy, and listening to nature music therapy—there are parts of a synergistic whole—a person in tune with nature, a part of nature...simply living in harmony. They are alive and at peace, and unable to identify parts or pieces that are separate from themselves or from nature. 

Clearly there is nothing wrong with some people majoring in medical aspect of Ayurveda; there are people born to the dharma of being doctors. But to make medicine the voice of the full, sacred Ayurveda would be to sell Ayurveda short. We need stewards of full Ayurveda; promotion without protection will result in a short-sighted, de-spirited form of Ayurveda.

The claim that we need protection from the possibility of harmful Ayurveda suggests these people do not know how to practice Ayurveda gently and safely. Perhaps more insidious, their claim suggests that ‘the people’ are not smart enough, intuitive, or self-reliant enough to know what’s best for them. This is perhaps the most undermining of ideas and the antithesis of Vedic Self-realization whose very premise is self-reliance and self-inquiry allows one to know the truth about oneself and one’s universe. Nowadays, self-empowerment and finding and using one’s voice are becoming more and more blessedly common. Let us avoid such backward thinking by those would seek to deny humans their right of self-choice.

Vedic Education

The way to learn anything, including Ayurveda is through Vedic education and spirituality as the template to share Ayurveda. The Western mind (and educational system) sees humans as separate from life and God, while indigenous cultures cannot tell them apart. Unfortunately, the separate aspects of Vedic lifestyle (yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, etc.) are being usurped and de-spirited by Western-minded folks though they may be sincerely trying to promote these Vedic gifts.

 When people learn at their own rate, and lean in the context of the whole life, while living their whole life, Ayurveda is ‘experienced’ in a natural, gentle format. Licensing can only artificially hamper individual Self-realization education, while the minority who truly wish to abuse the system always find a way around the laws. Red tape and politics only serve those who take the power away from the people.

 In my practice I have found that getting people to look at the big picture, their life purpose and spiritual lifestyle; all their issues begin to clear up immediately—be they physical, emotional, or spiritual nature, or a combination of all three.

Life: Free Medicine

Simply get in tune—you do not need a degree for this, only common sense and a yearning to see the world in harmony and peace. Eat three meals a day (or two if you are a Kapha dosha) of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and legumes, and some dairy, nuts, and seeds. Eat in moderation. Use as little white flour and white sugar as possible. Ideally eat as much organic and vegetarian foods as you comfortably feel fits your lifestyle. As a last resort, use herbs to remind the body and mind of the nature and direction of healing.   

That’s it. Now spend you sacred time focusing on the big picture—why you were born on this earth; what your long term vision is, and what are your God-gifts and how will you share them with the world. With this focus, health is a faint shadow in the full day Sun of your life.     

The Vedic view of God is not a vindictive one, as it generally is believed in the West. If a person focuses on their life purpose and long/short term goals to share their God-gifts, then our ‘good’ karma must be returned to us—never punished. Helping is its own reward. Whether writing, talking, building, organizing, donating, caring for your home’s ecology, buying organic and free-trade, investing in socially responsible companies; there are many ways of helping to suit each person’s definition of ‘help’. So along with silent meditation, helping in the world, your inner spirit instantly grows more peaceful and alive.

Think, feel, live and share the spirit of life. Whatever you do, whatever career you have. This is the best way to ensure you will live in full life-affirming wonder. Focus within on finding and expressing your spirit, and let God determine the forms in your life you will ride on. Listen to your inner truth—to what is best for you and your spiritual needs. Life in oneness is a gentle yet powerful dance of self and nature. Do this and you will live in the oneness of the spirit, experiencing the full, glorious spirit-dance of life.