Ayurveda is the healing side of yoga. Yoga is the spiritual side of Ayurveda. Together they are a complete path of understanding and developing body, mind and consciousness.
When most people think of yoga, they think of exercise and stretching. But this is not really yoga at all. Yoga is a group of practices that lead to calming the mind. Specific yoga postures that help a person achieve this are called “asana”. Asana is what is taught in most yoga classes. Asana, or yogic exercise, is just one of the practices that help to calm the mind. Yoga also includes a proper lifestyle, breathing practices and meditation. Together, these practices allow the mind to settle down. A mind that is calm and at peace is also one that allows the light of the Divine to enter.
Yoga is a spiritual journey. It defines the journey toward union with the Divine. Oneness, wholeness, this is yoga. Rising above our selfish interests, this is yoga. Self-interests are the primary generator of an overly active mind. Fear, worry, anxiety, judgment, anger, attachment. These are the results of a self-absorbed mind. Yoga is the path of rising higher and becoming self-less. A self-less mind experiences faith, trust, non-judgment and non -attachment. A self-less mind is at peace.
A mind at peace leads to a healthy body. How much stress we experience is the single most important factor in determining our state of health. The more stress, the more disease. And here is where Ayurveda comes in. The role of Ayurveda is to keep us as healthy as possible as we walk the spiritual path from selfishness to selflessness. Knowledge of Ayurveda helps each person to live in a harmonious manner with the proper use of their senses. This reduces stress. Proper food, smells, touch, sights and sounds in accordance with one’s unique constitution supports health and well-being. Knowledge of Ayurveda helps to prevent disease. Once we are sick, Ayurveda also provides the remedies to support healing so that we can get back on the path to selflessness.
Dr. Marc Halpern
