Kayakalpa , Kutipravesika (kuti), Rasayana

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expand life and make it more meaningful is rasayana

medicine that do not allow the body to become ill, nurture strenght,

happiness, self- esteem and contentment, cleansing the internal

environment of the body, mind and psyche.

promoting the total development of the individual is rasyanana no

point in longevity otherwise

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sour

in sour and citrus fruits

enhances flow of digestive juices

salt

promotes saliva, softens food and sharpens appetite

pungent

pepers and spices

ginger and garlic

sharps appetite, promotes digestion

leavfy greans

bitter

cleansing action on bodies channels

astringent

beans, green vegetables and honey

like spunges, absorb toxins in system

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fire balanced by sweet, bitter and astringent

air: sweet sour and salty

water: bitter astringent and pungent

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Rasayana

http://www.boloji.com/ayurveda/av047.htm

Ayurveda Inducting Rasayana Therapy in Our Daily Routine by Dr.

Krishna R.S

Ayurveda , the oldest health science has eight branches. Rasayana

(rejuvenation) is one of them. Rasa has different meanings like

juice, taste, essence, flavor or emotion, but is not limited to any

of these in itself. In therapeutic process Rasa is concerned with

the conservation, transformation, and revitalization of energy. Rasa

nourishes our body, boosts immunity and helps to keep the body and

mind in best of health.

The Aim Of Rasayana

The Rasayana therapy enhances the qualities of rasa, enriches it with

nutrients. With such enriched excellent Rasa, one attains longevity,

memory, intelligence, freedom from disorder, youthfulness, excellence

of luster, complexion & voice, optimum development of physique and

sense organs, mastery over phonetics, respectability and brilliance.

Types of Rasayana

1. Types of rasayana preparations which can be consumed according to

the needs.

a). Kamya Rasayanas

Kamya rasayanas are promoters of normal health. These boost body

energy levels, immunity and general health.

* Pranakamya - romoter of vitality and longevity

* Medhakamya - Promoter of intelligence.

* Srikamya - Promoter of complexion.

b). Naimittika Rasayana

Naimittika rasayanas help to fight a specific disease.

2. Types of Rasayanas on the basis of place of Therapy

a). Kuti Praveshika Rasayana - Indoor Rasayana Therapy.

b). Vatatapika Rasayana - Outdoor Rasayana Therapy.

3. Types of Rasayanas On the basis of diet and life styles.

a). Aushdha Rasayana - Drug Based Rasayana.

b). Ahara Rasayana - Dietary Rasayana.

c). Achara Rasayana - Lifestyle Rasayana.

Preparation for Rasayana Therapy

It is very essential for a person who wishes to undergo rasayana

therapy to undergo samshodhana (detoxification) as a preparatory

procedure. The samshodhana process detoxifies both body and mind. A

detoxified body and mind is a like a clean cloth which readily absorbs

the color in which it has been dipped unlike a soiled cloth which

looks soiled even after coloring with best colors.

But when a person is not eligible for samshodhana or is not able to

get samshodhana then he can also consume rasayana preparations which

still boost the qualities of rasa in his body.

Effect of Rasayana Therapy

Rasayana therapy enriches nutritional quality of Rasa, enhances

digestion and metabolism by normalizing agni or body fire, and

promoting the competence of channels

Benefits of Rasayana

The main purpose of Rasayana therapy is to retard the aging process

and to delay the degenerative process in the body.

* It enhances the intelligence, memory, body strength, luster of

the skin, and modulation of voice

* It nourishes the blood, lymph, muscles, tissues, semen, and thus

prevents Chronic degenerative disorders like Arthritis.

* Improves metabolic process and quality of body tissues and

eradicates diseases of old age.

* Helps to attain optimal physical strength and sharpness of sense

organs.

* Rasayana has marked action on reproductive organs and also

nourishes shukra dhatu (semen).

* Rasayana nourishes the whole body and improves Immune system and

hence the natural resistance to infection will be more.

By following Achara Rasayana one can be more Satvik and surge ahead

in the spiritual field by his pure daily routines like speaking

truth, not getting angry, by having control over his sense organs and

calmness.

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Natural Foods which Act as Rasayanas

Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula)

It is called as Haritaki because it cures all the diseases. It has

been alternatively named as Abhaya with appreciation on its action

since it bestows permanent long life to those who use it always. It

is also known as Vijaya since it is a conqueror of all the diseases.

Fresh, round and heavy fruits of Haritaki are always best. The fruits

should sink in water and also be devoid of any diseases. Such fruits

are rich in taste and potency.

The fruit should be slit into two or three pieces and the seed should

be removed. Such fruit pieces are cooked with four parts of water

till they soften. Then they should be removed and allowed to cool.

One part of ghee and one part of honey is added to this and kept

aside for three days. It should be consumed later taking care of

digestion power. After this rasayana is digested shstika sahli rice

with cow's milk is consumed. By using this Rasayana one will be free

from wrinkles, baldness and premature graying of hair. This gives very

good memory power, eye sight and a long healthy life.

GheeGhee (Clarified Butter)

It is the best known Rasayana which is a very good rejuvenator and

Longevity promoter. It also improves digestion, has soothing effects

on the nervous system, improves the glow of skin, enhances memory

power, helps to retain the grasped matters and increases ojus.

Ghee has a very good rate of absorption and it is a very good medium

for transporting the nutrients of the food to the tissue.

So make sure that you use a spoon of Ghee to your daily food which

is very easily and readily available to one and all. (This is not

applicable to people who have high blood cholesterol).

Lemons

LemonThese are very rich source of Vitamin C and are known for there

unique action like improving the resistance to cold, controlling the

bleeding of gums, healing wounds and formation of scar tissue. The

lemon acts as purifier and nourishing agent. Squeeze half lime in a

glass of lukewarm water and add two tea spoons of honey to it. This

helps to reduce weight when consumed in empty stomach at early hours

of day.

Ginger

GingerGinger improves digestion, removes ama (body toxin which causes

diseases). Hence it is accepted world wide as medicine. Always use dry

ground ginger which is more concentrated in its effects and flavor.

Sprinkle little dry ginger powder on a spoon of lemon juice and add

little salt. This should be consumed forty-five minutes before meals

to have a very good appetite and digestion.

Cumin SeedsCumin Seeds

Cumin seeds helps in digestion, digests and expels and balances

doshas.

To expel body toxins start the day with drinking Luke warm water with

powdered cumin and ginger.

Green Gram or MungGreen Gram

Green gram is very light to digest and are best for people who have

digestion problems. They are among the best legumes for there supreme

digestibility and health giving qualities. Those who prefer light food

can opt for this food.

Dates and FigsDates and Figs

These are known excellent source of energy. They also help to build

the body tissues and improve the hemoglobin percentage. Hence eat two

to three dates or figs a day.

AlmondsAlmonds

These are nourishing and life-supporting. Eat five to six Almonds a

day to build energy and strength. It is proved that Almonds helps in

reducing the blood Cholesterol levels. Almonds are also known to help

in improving memory.

lassiLassi

It is a beverage prepared by mixing two part of water and one part of

yogurt. It can be made as a sweet beverage by adding little sugar or

honey and little ground cardamom. For people who do not like sweet

taste it can be made as a delicious salt and sour beverage by adding

roasted cumin seeds and little salt. It is an excellent nutritive,

digestive beverage and can be used during meals or taken as a desert

after meal.

Seasonal Fruits

Always use the juicy fresh fruits which are available in the season.

They are of high nutritive value and are body purifiers also.

Along with all these food and medicinal Rasayana one should follow

Achara Rasayana (Moral Conduct) to have very good effects of rasayana.

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http://www.ayurvedaindia.org/KayakalpaRejuvenation.htm

Vrindavan Kaya Kalpa / Rejuvenation

Kaya kalpa refers to total transformation and transmutation on the

physical, mental and spiritual levels and is a rare combination of

philosophy, theology and therapy. Human body decays and its functional

capacity are decreased under the changes occurring in the body.

Rasayana therapy is the concept of management of constitutional

changes in the ageing process Very recently several techniques

have been evolved to regulate the physiological and psychological

processes. The various forms of yogic meditation, relaxation,

biofeedback and autogenic training are now gaining recognition in

the field of clinical medicine which plays a major role in retaining

ageing process, opening doors for life extension and maintenance of

best of physical, mental and spiritual health.

Vrindavan Kaya Kalpa attempts to correlate various scientific facts

gathered, over the years with natural approaches described in

Ayurvedic Shastra including daily habits, rejuvenation and principles

of yoga and age-old unique concept of "Kutipraveshika Rasayanas".

These include early morning rise, drinking "Shadang Paniyam" (natural

herbomineral water in its purest form which is 100% analogous to our

body fluids, Ayurvedic Massage and Udvartana therapy according to

Ayurveda recipes of oils and herbs which are custom prepared depending

upon the constitutional status. Apart from the regular Vrindavan

Panchakarma the other treatments like Shiro Vasti, Hrid Vasti, Jaanu

Vasti, Uro Vasti, Avaghanam (tub bath of Herbal decoctions and flowers

of Medicinal plants), following Vrindavan Yogic practices, Stress

Management, Ayurvedic Nutrition, Rejuvenation by Natural organic foods

etc.

Vrindavan Kaya kalpa Kuti Praveshika Rasayana treatment is carried

out in an specially constructed cottage according to Vrindavan

Sthapatya Ayurveda specification in an auspicious ground on the

outskirts of town near a place of worship and in the proximity of holy

persons.Vedic rituals has to be followed and specified time, season,

duration and rule of dietetics be taken care while taking the patient

into cottage by physician who is well versed with this concept with

qualified and well trained Ayurvedic Therapists. Generally the period

extends from 21 to 90 days as according to the purpose, diagnosis and

management plan

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http://www.lifepositive.com/body/ayurveda/The_Elixir_of_Youth42005.asp

by Prabhath P

Immortality may not yet be sighted but the legendary kayakalpa, still

in practice, staves off the effects of old age, restoring youth and

increasing lifespan.

An elixir of youth capable of at least reversing the ravages of aging,

if not bestowing immortality, has always been one of the enduring

dreams of humanity. Though immortality still remains beyond reach,

there is an ancient practice, kayakalpa, that restores youth and

increases lifespan. Kaya means body (physical and subtle) and kalpa

means transformation. Kayakalpa aims to arrest the degeneration of the

body by rejuvenating, immunising and regenerating the body cells and

tissues through a holistic transformation of mind, body and soul. It

is best to do kayakalpa before the age of sixty.

Kayakalpa Principles and Methods

The roots of kayakalpa can be traced back to tantra and the ancient

healing systems of siddha and ayurveda. Physical degeneration and

regeneration happens through decay (catabolic) and the cellular

growth processes (anabolic). Kayakalpa brings these processes into

equilibrium through purification and nourishment. Thus degenerative

diseases are cured through comprehensive rejuvenation ensuring

longevity. Legendary siddha seers are believed to have lived for

thousands of years using kayakalpa.

Herbal medicinal elixirs in paste form called rasayana constitute the

essential aspect of kayakalpa treatment. Rasayanas are given only

after purifying and detoxifying the body. Before rasayana therapy,

the unique tridosha type is determined to tailor the treatment

accordingly. In the classical ayurvedic text, Charaka Samhita, there

is an exclusive chapter on rasayana. Ashtangahridaya also describes

rasayana. The five-fold purification treatment panchakarma, swedakarma

(induced sweating), suitable and nutritious diet, yoga and meditation

are integral to kayakalpa. There are only approximately hundred

practitioners of kayakalpa in the world.

According to Dr. Sreeraj, Resident Doctor, Rajah Healthy Acres, a

division of Rajah Ayurvedic Hospitals, Kerala, "The rasayana chikitsa

is still very relevant as a preventive measure and also as a curative

measure. The fast pace of modern society is a cause for various

physical and mental illnesses. So rasayana therapy is the suitable

remedy for most of these problems."

Rasayanas increase ojas (life's vitality) and sattva guna (mental/

spiritual clarity), balance the humors tridosha (vata, pitta, kapha)

and maintains rasa, the vital fluid produced by digestion, which

sustains life, leading to enhanced immunity. Some important rasyanas

are chyavanaprash, agastya rasayana, drakshadi lehya, ashwagandhadi

rasayana and brahma rasayana. These rasayanas are made from herbs

like amalaki (gooseberry, a powerful rejuvenative herb), haritiki,

triphala, bhringaraja, ashwagandha, punarnava and chitraka.

Ancient kayakalpa originally involved two modes of therapy.

Kutipravesika: Kutipravesika means living in a kuti (cottage). The

patient was required to undergo all the kayakalpa procedures, living

in hibernation in a specially constructed cottage secluded from the

world, for 90 days. This is a process that requires intense discipline

and only very few yogis were able to meet the challenge. Legend has

it that the first ever kutipravesika procedure was conducted by the

celestial physicians Ashwini Kumars for the senile sage Chyavana who

thus regained youth.

Vatatapika: This is an easier method mainly involving rasayana

therapy only, which can be carried on while leading a regular life.

Panchakarma and withdrawal from the world are not required. But

benefits are only moderate compared to kutipravesika.

Rajah Healthy Acres became the first institution in India, in nearly

hundred years, to conduct the rigorous kutiprave sika kayakalpa

rasayana treatment. The patient was Columbian, Perseo Agualimpia, 51,

from Miami, who came with the complaints of partial loss of hearing,

indigestion, ulcer and knee-joint pain. Perseo's interest in Buddhism,

Tibetan medicine, Mata Amritanandamayi, and his experience in yoga

and meditation made him confident of volunteering for the challenging

hibernative healing process.

A panel of six ayurvedic experts provided guidance for the project

while the resident doctors of Rajah Healthy Acres conducted the daily

procedures. Perseo was put through 45 days of preparatory procedures.

Preliminary Procedures:

o Abhyanga (complete body massage)

o Snehapana (drinking the medicated ghee indukantham)

o Elakizhi (medicated oil massage with herbal poultices)

o Pizhichil (massaging body by squeezing linen dipped in herbal oil)

o Swedana (induced sweating)

Panchakarma Purification Therapies:

o Virechana (purgation)

o Different types of vasti (medicated enema)

o Vamana (induced vomiting)

o Nasya (nasal cleaning with herbal drops)

Other Procedures:

o Karnapooranam (cleaning the ears with herbal medication)

o Nethratharpanam (eye drops)

o Shirovasti (retaining herbal oil on head)

Afterwards, Perseo was confined to a specially built kuti hut. He was

asked to do an offering (dana) as per ancient guidelines before he

entered the kuti. The arrangements were the following:

o Blue window curtains were provided because the patient liked blue.

o All electric lights were removed except blue zero-watt bulbs in the

bedroom and drawing room.

o The bed was replaced by grass mats (methapaya).

o Nets to repel mosquitoes, flies.

o Fan was not given at first but was provided later when the patient

requested.

o Telephone, TV, refrigerator, mirrors, clocks and calendars were not

allowed.

o CD player to hear chantings was allowed.

o A bystander always stayed in the adjacent room and the same doctor

visited the patient regularly.

o The kuti was fumigated once in three days.

o Fresh clothing and bed sheets were provided daily.

o No visitors were allowed.

o Daytime naps were not allowed

o He was not allowed to meet women.

o Vehicles were removed from the cottage premises.

Perseo's daily routine in the kuti:

o 6 a.m. Waking up

o Yoga session

o Warm cow's milk was the only drink allowed

o 8.15 a.m.: Regular visit by the doctor

o 8.30 a.m.: Abhyanga (oil massage) and bath in warm water for body,

and lukewarm water for head

o 9.30 a.m.: Brahma Rasayana is given on empty stomach starting with

150 gms which was gradually increased over many days to 450 gms.

Later, the quantity was gradually reduced.

o Listen to mantras or meditate.

o Food allowed only once daily.

o Sleep by 9.30 p.m.

Perseo couldn't complete the 45 days in isolation. He had crawling

sensations in the body. By the 28th day, he started having strange

angelic visions. At this point it was decided to withdraw rasayana and

bring him back to normal life. Diet was changed to normal vegetarian

food. The visions ceased after stopping rasayana. Perseo was later

shifted out of the kuti.

Modern medical and laboratory investigations were done before and

after the kuti process to assess the patient's condition. The results

were amazing.

o Perseo's grey hair turned black

o Complexion became fair and skin was smooth

o Hearing loss, mouth and skin ulcers, joint pain and indigestion were

completely cured.

o Concentration, memory and attention improved

o Laboratory tests showed overall improvement in health

"I feel like I'm living in the 1980s," announced Perseo after the

treatment. "I feel 80 per cent more energetic," he also remarked.

He seemed to have attained a higher level of consciousness. When he

came out of the kuti, his eyes were sparkling and his persona was

completely glowing. Vaidya Shrikant Bagewadikar, the famous ayurvedic

expert, flew out from Mumbai to check Perseo and verified the age-

reversal.

Dr. Franklin's Panchakarma Institute and Research Centre, near

Thiruvana-ntha-puram, Kerala, offers a modernised version of kayakalpa

without isolation. The package includes rasayana, panchakarma, sweda,

massage, karnapoorana, yoga and meditation.

Ayurveda Yoga Retreat, Coonoor, Tamil Nadu, has an anti-aging

kayakalpa package. This proprietary program is a combination of

ancient ayurveda, yoga and meditation therapies for age-reversal.

Breaking the Gender Barrier

The ancient texts on kayakalpa offer guidelines from a male viewpoint

as the procedure was done by male rishis on their colleagues.

Dr. Bryan Miller and his wife Dr. Light Miller, Directors of

the Ayurvedic Day Spa and the Center for Well Being, Florida,

(www.ayurvedichealers.com), conducted the kutipravesika kayakalpa

therapy for the first time in the West in 2003. Dr. Light Miller who

volunteered, became the first woman to undergo the ancient method.

Bryan Miller and the ayurvedic expert George Soucy performed the

treatments.

Light Miller remained isolated in the kuti for 30 days. In the first

two weeks, she subsisted mainly on fresh green juices and special

rejuvenative herb teas. In the last five days, she took one meal a

day of steamed vegetables. Every other day, Light received a four-

hour kayakalpa treatment. On off days, she had ayurvedic massage with

special essential oils. The remainder of her time was spent in yoga,

meditation, mantra chanting and deep rest. She remained secluded from

sound, air movement and light with the occasional use of a ghee lamp.

Light reported many paranormal experiences including seeing the entire

kuti hut illuminated with mysterious light, visions of Dhanvantari

(the patron god of ayurveda) and Jesus Christ, personal dark night of

the soul experiences and deep feelings of connectedness.

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Kayakalpa International

Dr. Raam Pandey, President of Kayakalpa International and Kayakalpa

Alchemy Foundation, trained in pre-Vedic sciences and tantra received

his medical degrees in siddha, ayurveda and homeopathy. In 1979,

he synthesized ancient kayakalpa techniques in complete form,

establishing retreats in California. The web site www.kayakalpa. com

details Dr. Pandey's kayakalpa therapy, which is a unique synthesis of

methods.

Medicines are made from a variety of herbs and minerals. Their

composition ranges from a single ingredient to 96 ingredients. Unlike

other common medicines found in the ayurvedic, siddha, and Chinese

medical systems, these preparations undergo intensive purificatory

processes that break them up into very tiny molecules and render them

indestructible. They are assimilated quickly by body cells and the

cells themselves become imperishable by the elements, preventing decay

and prolonging the lifespan.

According to Dr. Pandey's system, the twin tools of kayakalpa therapy

are nourishment and purification. Nourishment is of three types. Macro

nutrition is nourishment as food. Molecular nutrition involves herbo-

mineral compounds that induce homeostasis. Subtle nutrition includes

sound, colour, aroma, gems, metal and breath, which nourish the mind

and senses, invigorating the energy flow.

Purification is conducted on the organ of consciousness (brain-mind),

the organs of knowledge (the senses) and the organs of action or karma

(physical organs). Purification is done through panchakarma procedures

that restore the organs to their optimal state. While panchakarma

deals with just purification, kayakalpa therapy as a whole is designed

for purification, nourishment and rejuvenation.

In the special technique, sirodhara, the constant stream of liquid

(made of herbo-mineral extracts and oil) on the forehead creates a

vibration, which moves the person from a physical to a subtle state,

and by focusing on the breath, induces a state of deep meditation.

Sirodhara is often combined with avagaha, a unique herbo-mineral

hydrotherapy, which creates a weightless embryonic state and uses

specific breathing techniques designed to stimulate the nervous and

endocrine systems. This results in an intensification of consciousness

that kindles the kundalini energy.

Why Kayakalpa?

The long drawn-out processes of kayakalpa, like the solitary

confinement for months, make most people shy away from seeking this

beneficial treatment. Dr. Sreeraj of Rajah Health Acres feels it is

worth the effort, though after Perseo Agualimpia, nobody has been

willing to undergo kutipravesika therapy and they are now using

rasayana to cure only specific diseases like diabetes. Dr. Sreeraj

asserts, "The only question is, 'Should I spend so much time for a

cure?' The answer depends upon the severity of the disease and need

of the patient. It is better to spend three months to prevent a heart

problem than to spend three months to recover from surgery!"

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http://www.kaya-kalpa.org/education.php

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Top Seven Ayurvedic Behavioral Rasayanas

Behavioral (Achara) Rasayanas are behaviors that enhance health,

happiness and longevity. Achara Rasayanas do more than just tell us

how to behave. They provide practical methods�such as eating saatvic

foods and practicing meditation�to effortlessly improve our ability

to choose positive behaviors and avoid making mistakes that cause ill-

health and unhappiness.

1. Speak the sweet truth. There is a saying from the Vedic literature

that goes, satyam bruyat, priyam bruyat, which means, "Speak the

sweet truth. Speaking truth creates ojas in the body, the biochemical

correlate of bliss and health. Speaking lies, on the other hand,

creates ama, or impurities.

But at the same time, you should find a pleasant way to convey a

truthful message. For example, suppose your child has not washed his

face properly. It would be true to say, "Your face is dirty," but that

could offend your child. Instead you could say, "Your face looks good,

but if you were to wash it with lots of water and cleanser, it would

look even better. If you say something encouraging first, a suggestion

for improvement that comes later will be less likely to be taken in

the wrong spirit. It's important to find a way to tell the truth

without hurting anyone.

2. Stay free of anger. Anger is within everyone in seed form. Like a

fire with a small flame, if you put oil on it, it can flare up. By

practicing unconditional forgiveness, you can prevent the seed of

anger from becoming an uncontrollable wildfire.

In practicing forgiveness, it's important to also forgive yourself,

or that anger will reflect to others. Sometimes people enjoy being

angry and they think it's their birthright to be angry all the

time. But they should be aware that anger not only creates ama

and amavisha�flooding the body with harmful hormones�but it also

burns ojas. If you forgive yourself and other people, anger can be

prevented.

In the Mahabharata, the great Vedic epic that contains the Bhagavad

Gita, there is a story of five noble brothers who are in exile. At

one point they try to draw water from a stream, only to find that a

divine spirit wants them to answer a number of questions first. One

of those questions is "What is more powerful than fire itself?" None

of the brothers can answer the questions except Dharma, the eldest,

who immediately answers, "Anger is more powerful than fire. Anger can

destroy the world. That's why it's important to prevent the seed of

anger from flaring up.

3. Be respectful to teachers and elders. Teachers and elders can

teach us invaluable lessons by sharing their wisdom and experience.

It's easy to read a book to gain knowledge, but it's often very

difficult to apply that knowledge in daily life. An elder or teacher

can tell you how they tried to practice unconditional forgiveness, for

instance, and what were the results. Only wise elders can share such

valuable life experiences. They are the best guides. And it is when

one respects teachers and elders that they will offer their advice

freely.

4. Gain Vedic knowledge. The Vedas contain pure knowledge, the

knowledge of how to enliven pure consciousness and live an enlightened

daily life. They reveal the reality of life, and give us the

guideposts along the path to enlightenment.

Listening to Vedic chanting, such as the Sama Veda audiotapes,

helps enhance coordination between heart and mind, senses and mind,

and aligns our awareness with the laws of nature, so we can live a

mistake-free life.

Reading about practical ways to apply Vedic knowledge in Maharishi

Ayurveda newsletters and books such as A Woman's Best Medicine for

Menopause by Nancy Lonsdorf, M.D., and Answer to Cancer by Hari Sharma

helps us to make positive choices for our health and happiness.

5. Practice meditation and stay balanced in sleep and wakefulness.

By practicing the Transcendental Meditation� technique twice a

day, you open your mind to pure consciousness, releasing stress and

strengthening the intellect to allow you to make healthy choices in

life. You'll find yourself naturally growing in positive behaviors

without strain or effort.

Along with the practice of meditation, it's important to follow the

ayurvedic routine of rising before six a.m., and sleeping before

ten at night. This allows your body and mind to become attuned with

nature's rhythms, creating maximum clarity and alertness during

the day and deep rest at night. It is when people are tired and

stressed that many behavioral problems begin. All of the facets of the

ayurvedic routine (massage, exercise, yoga, eating the main meal at

noon and eating lightly at night) help to promote positive behavior.

6. Eat saatvic foods such as milk, ghee, yogurt, lassi, dates, mango,

walnuts and almonds. All of these foods are saatvic, meaning they

are pure and convert easily to ojas. They are medhya, supporting the

physical brain, and enhancing the coordination of mental functions,

such as dhi, dhriti and smriti (learning, retention and recall).

When the mind remains strong, it is able to effortlessly command the

senses, like a skilled charioteer who can guide wild horses without

force. The mind that rules the senses, rather than the other way

around, makes positive choices and engages in positive behaviors.

Tamasic foods are the opposite of saatvic�they break down the

coordination between mind and body and inhibit the experience of pure

consciousness. They create darkness rather than light. Tamasic foods

include alcohol, garlic, onions, red meat, leftovers, and packaged

foods, which have little life force. Anyone who wishes to practice

Achara Rasayana should avoid them.

7. Keep the company of the wise. Even if you are committed to eating

saatvic foods, meditating daily and practicing Achara Rasayana, it

can become difficult if, due to social pressures, you find yourself

drinking alcoholic beverages or eating tamasic foods. This is why it's

important to stay in the company of the wise, to choose like-minded,

saavic friends who will support your desire to follow Achara Rasayana.