The more I delve deeper into Ayurveda, the more similarities are visible between Yin and Yang as well as Ayurveda’s Purusha and Prakruti theory. Who’s to say, that they did not have the same origin.

I love to compare the Samkhya’s Perspective on Male and Female Divine to Yin and Yang’s Dao symbol.

In fact, I love to use it in my meditation classes, for my clients.

I use the left nostril and right nostril breathing to balance the male and female energy characterized by IDA and PINGALA nadi in our body. If they dont understand – I simply say, your yin and yang are imbalanced!

Most of my clients have either tried Transcendental Meditation, or, Zen. And, they are both fantastic.

However, if we are to believe where we are at, and, our doshas – then we would conclude that All meditation styles are not created equal.

For some, perhaps starting just with breathing deeply and doing some Pranayama is beneficial.

Others, cooking is a form of meditation. Cooking is my zen!

For some, running or walking while uttering mantras, help the mind focus.

So many people misunderstand and they hear the word meditation and want to run the other way. Most people think ‘oh no, I can’t sit for that long, or I am too busy, or too sick, or to active in my mind…’ Starting slow is the key.

Telling people do ‘shut of their mind’ is useless. That is not possible for a beginner especially.l I nurture them instead and give them guidance. I invite not tell them to ‘notice the thought without judgment and then let it wash away like an ocean wave comes and goes’ gently…

Mantra meditation is can be helpful to prepare our mind for meditation. I commented in class how mantra meditation brings us to a place of stillness where otherwise we may be distracted.

As Dr. Frawley mentioned in his book “Ayurveda and the Mind” Mantras serves like a boat to take us across the ocean of the unconscious. Mantra prepared meditation is easier, safer and more powerful than trying to meditate directly.

In Vedas, the ‘direction’ as well as the TIME of meditation is very important as well.

For example, early morning just before the sunrise –is the VATA time. Mind is light, full of clarity (If you are balanced!), then, benefits of meditation can be 10 fold.

Also, whenever ‘two’ times are meeting and becoming one- Morning and Night, Morning and noon as well as noon and evening.

We call it ‘SANDHYA’.

These specific times relate to different meditation.

Now, corelate a Kapha Mind, Pitta Mind and Vata Mind—Pitta should meditate in the morning, Kapha should meditate at noon and Vata early morning!

(For best results)

There is also the ‘directions’

How we are sitting, use of yoga mudras, (Gestures), as well as vedic sounds (Beeja Mantras), can also increase the ‘benefit’ of meditation.

Guided meditation is best for a new person.

For beginners, guided mediation is very beneficial. I incorporate guided meditation and quiet meditation all the time in my own practice and in my yoga classes. My friends/students have been very responsive to this. I start new students out with short sessions, maybe even just 10 minutes depending on what ‘type’ they are, what there life is like, how they are breathing, background, etc!

Meditation can help lower blood pressure, and a few minutes can bring abundance and help center you. It can bring you peace and happiness in a crazy world where we are all on the go.

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By Kiki Erspamer

INDICATIONS -VP- K+

Complete meal when served with rice. Has all of the essential Ayurvedic tastes. Coconut is sweet in taste and calms vata and cools pitta, and gives kapha strength.

1 tsp good oil (to reduce vata add extra tsp)
1/3 cup onions
1 clove garlic, mince
1 tsp fresh ginger, mince
1 tsp turmeric
1tsp salt
1 fresh green chili, mince (to reduce Pitta use ¼ tsp or don’t use at all)
2 cups red and yellow bell pepper combined, dice
3 cups zucchini, cut up (to reduce kapha use broccoli instead) which is what you see in pic above
2 cups medium soft tofu
2 cups coconut mil milk
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp agave nectar or maple syrup (optional)
¼ cup fresh cilantro to garnish
In medium pot with medium heat, heat oil. Add onions and sauté. Keep heat on medium, add garlic, ginger, turmeric, salt and chili and sauté for another 2 minutes. Add peppers and zucchini or broccoli, cover with lid and cook until almost done (maybe 5 min). Add tofu, coconut milk, lemon juice, and agave nectar. Reduce heat and simmer for another 5 min. Garnish with cilantro and serve.

Enjoy!

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