First, there are five elements. They combine to form the doshas. The ‘ahamkara’ or I ‘is’ a material element that covers the soul and carries it everywhere.

Soul and spirit are one and the same thing according to Veda. We are embodied beings. In Ayurveda and the Mind, we do this in detail. We are embodied by FIVE COVERINGS.

First is the ‘Soul’ or Atman. It is a non material entity, and, cannot die. It goes on –takes one body, and, then another. So, how does it travel. It cannot travel alone. It is carried by the ‘covering’ of mind, intelligence and ahamkara or ‘I’.

Soul is ‘happiness’, bliss and YES it does perceive other souls. It feels BLISS (not bodily happiness..!!)

It is those people who are not spiritual, they are covered in thinking that –we are the physical body, and, entangled night and day in ‘I’ am this physical body – that may not perceive other souls.

Healers, spiritual people definitely perceive happiness and bliss.

Here is some information about the FIVE SHEATHS according to Vedas that make us who we are, the fifth sheath or BLISS sheath is SOUL or SPIRIT.

Soul feels bliss. Our ‘food’ or physical body feels hunger, and, pleasure, pain –’NOT’ bliss. Bliss is transcendental…energy!

Pancha kosha means five sheaths of the human body.

• Anandamaya Kosha or Bliss Sheath (Soul feels ‘Bliss’ that comes from being in tune with the universe, and, the ‘divine’!)

Is soul a witness to the roles the mind plays —hmmmm –the answer is – it depends on the person. If a person is more spiritually elevated, understands that I am not this body, not even the mind, but a soul covered by mind –he or she can ‘overcome’ the role playing of the mind with ‘intelligence’.

However, when we are completed engulfed in the ‘I’ ego — I am American, I am a man, I am Irish, I am good looking, I am a mother, I am attached….and are not ‘conscious’ or aware of soul as the actual entity that is ‘I’ –and not the ego, not the mind–then, souls are dormant…sleeping…just a witness.

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Within the entire observable universe, the most common reoccurring shape is the circle. This pervasive shape reflects the cyclical nature of all things. Our galaxy along with others, rotates around a common center. Our solar system rotates around the center of our galaxy. Our planet orbits around the sun , our moon orbits around the earth and our earth orbits around its axes. We can even witness this phenomenon on a microcosmic level where we can observe electrons revolving around the nucleus of atoms. We can also derive many other cyclical abstractions through our observations such as a trees lifecycle or the food cycle etc etc.

The human being can be considered a system is embedded within a larger system. Within and without these systems there is a constant exchange of energy that moves in cycles. Ayurveda provides us with a model for understanding the direct effect that the greater cycles within this system have on us as humans. Utilizing this information we are given the opportunity to adjust our lifestyles in a way which will correct any imbalances in our microcosm caused by these external influences.

The first cycle to be considered is the earth’s rotation. During this cycle we experience changes in the amount of direct exposure we receive to various forms of light and other subatomic particles. This creates changes to the doshic quality of the atmosphere around us and directly within us. Although the times of these phases change through the course of the year depending on your location, the following is a general overview of the doshic influence of different times of day:

3AM to 6AM Vata
6AM to 10AM Kapha
10AM to 3PM Pita
3PM to 6PM Vata
6PM to 10PM Kapha
10PM to 12AM Pita
12AM to 3AM Kapha

Those of us who seek balance should consider these cycles and the principal of like increasing like when making decisions on how to conduct our day to day activities. A great global example of this is that most people would be served best by having their largest meal of the day at noon when pitta is highest and feeding the Jathara Agni.

Moving out to slower cycles, we should also consider the seasons which are caused by the earths relation to the sun over the course of its annual orbit. The seasons effect on the body should be offset according to the season itself and the individuals constitution. For example, a kapha during the winter may need to eat a heating diet where a pita would be best served to maintain a balanced diet during the winter with only occasional heating foods. During the summer the pita person may need a mostly cooling diet where the kapha may be able to eat more heating foods.

In addition to the considerations of the current season we must consider the effect of seasons as they change and what they leave behind. During the winter for example, there is frequently buildup of Kapha. Pita can buildup during the winter as well because of the increased storage of internal heat as a response to the external coldness. Considering this potential buildup, the need for spring cleaning takes on new meaning as this is a great time for panchakarma or other cleansing protocols to be implemented. Seasons are different in different places, but generally the following Dosha’s are associated with the following seasons:

Summer Pita
Fall Vata
Early Winter Vata
Late Winter Kapha/Vata
Spring Kapha

In addition to these two important cycles, Ayurveda will also take into consideration more subtle influences such as the moon and other celestial bodies. The tides are managed by the moon and our bodies are made mostly of water. It then stands to reason that our bodies will be effected by the moon as well. It is a verifiable fact that more child labors start on full moons than any other day. Ayurveda also teaches us that other celestial bodies have a direct influence on our being as well.
Our environment does not only include the weather. Where we live, the people we are around, the cleanliness of our home and the wind that brought in the very air we breath will all play a role in influencing our constitution at any time. These facts all serve as wonderful reminder of the need for holistic thinking when approaching health from an Ayurvedic perspective.

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By: Dr. Sonica Krishan

The eyes are quite rightly expressed as ‘windows of the soul’. And one among the best boons bestowed upon us by Mother Nature is the sense of sight. Out of the five main senses known to our sense organs, the sense of sight is the most venerable and at the same time highly vulnerable. It is a pity to find so many youngsters, even small children hiding their charm being the thick glasses. Although we can blame the declining vision due to a number of factors like heredity, lack of nutritious diet, improper reading posture, over-viewing of the idiot box, and both physical and mental stress and strain.

Some signs of failing vision:

You could be losing your eyesight in case –

· There is difficulty in seeing especially the far-off objects.
· When the distant objects start appearing rather blurred.
· When you have to intentionally strain your eyes in recognizing familiar faces and objects once they are at a distance.
· Watching television soap or reading continuously for some time tires your eyes and often triggers off a headache.
· Perhaps there is frequent watering, itching, heaviness and burning sensation in the eyes.
· Headaches and sensitivity of the eyes becoming a common feature.

What Ayurveda believes:
According to Ayurveda philosophy, ‘Drishti dosha’ or the failing vision problem is believed to result from nervous debility and also from long lasting ailments of constipation and common cold.

Care of the eyes is mandatory:

Daily eyewash with rose water, cool water, cucumber juice is excellent for sensitive eyes. As daily routine, eyes need to be washed with cold water. It is also suggested that prior to this act, the mouth be filled with water. This would make the eyes protrude out and better cleansing can be accomplished.

Other than this, local applications of medicated Anjanas have been recommended so as to keep the eyes clean and eye vision sharp.

According to Ayurveda, our eyesight is the product of Agni or the fire. Therefore it is particularly important to save the same from phlegm.

Recommended therapy for defective eyesight:

The line of treatment in case of this malady is undertaken in accordance with the cause of failing vision. As mentioned earlier, the root cause in most of the cases lies with habitual improper evacuation of the bowels as well as chronic cold and congestion. Therefore, powder of the three Myrobalans (Aamla, Harad and Baheda) is used both for internal as well as external purpose. Other drugs of choice like Mahatriphla ghrita, Yashtimadhu churana, Saptamrit Lauha etc may be taken after consulting an Ayurveda physician. Particularly in case of chronic cold, there are some beneficial medicated oils that need to be deeply inhaled along with the therapy.

Try some home remedies:

The juice extracted from the fresh fruit of Aamla is to be taken twice a day in a dose of 20 ml for the longevity of eyesight.
Regular intake of pepper powder with honey acts as a boon for recovering the diminished vision.
Rubbing the soles of the feet with mustard oil or ghee regularly may be of good help.
Being rich in vitamin A, mango is a boon for the eyes. A regular intake of mango during the season is recommended for recovery from eyestrain.
Fresh juice extracted from properly cleaned Rose petals is believed to improve the eye vision. This can be used both for external and internal purpose.
Take regularly approximately half to one-teaspoon powder of the herb of Liquorice twice daily along with cow’s milk to improve the failing vision. This is extremely beneficial for the eyes. It can also to be taken mixed with honey or ghee.

Dr. Sonica krishan is a consultant Ayurveda and physician in Chandigarh, India. She is the author of home cures books ‘Herbal Healers’ and ‘Home Remedies’ and may be contacted at drsonica@rediffmail.com or at +(91)92165-15317.

Note: Fresh fruit of Aamla (Indian gooseberry ) can be difficult to find in the USA. In that case dried Aamla can be taken approx. 2 to 3 grams mixed into half a spoonful of honey twice a day for longevity of vision.

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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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Virtual learning is a ‘new’ term.  Certainly, no Ayurveda college is offering Virtual Learning yet! Some are offering distant learning, and, others – where you attend classes once a month.  SDCOA is offering Ayurveda course from $6 per Credit Hour for selected courses. It is affordable, flexible and experiential.

Normally, when we think of online or distant learning course – we imagine receiving a learning packet, or a book. Perhaps some audio video resources.

A virtual classroom, whereby, students are sitting at their homes in front of a computer, or even logged in through a mobile device –and watching their instructor talk to them, write on a ‘virtual’ whiteboard, share presentations, interact, –is exactly like in a real classroom.

Except the instructor is sitting at his or her desk. Everything is conducted virtually.

San Diego College of Ayurveda offers online and Virtual Learning Environment. (Also known as VLE!).

Please remember, virtual learning is very flexible, cheaper and more affordable. Yet, it is not for everyone.

If you find navigating your computer a problem, or, are not tech savvy, it may be daunting at first.

It also depends on your learning style. Some people are Hands on learners, and, need to be in an actual classroom setting to understand a concept. Others may learn by audio or visual training aids.  Our college offers the best choice to audio and visual learners, who are comfortable navigating an online learning environment – email, chat, website and online conferencing.  Which is why the cost is very low. Our course prices start from $3.50 per credit hour in some online courses, and, $9 onwards for foundation courses .

According to wikipedia, “VLE will normally work and provide a collection of tools such as those for assessment (particularly of types that can be marked automatically, such as multiple choice), communication, uploading of content, return of students’ work, peer assessment, administration of student groups, collecting and organizing student grades, questionnaires, tracking tools, etc. New features in these systems include wikis, blogs and 3D virtual learning spaces.  This kind of Blended learning model is often used in schools and other educational establishments in order to make the learning experience more interactive.”

Virtual learning in Ayurveda is practically unheard of. So, San Diego College of Ayurveda is actually a pioneer in offering an ancient knowledge with cutting edge technology.

Virtual learning is also now called blended learning. We run our courses on servers, share multimedia and web page resources. However, if you are not computer savvy, you  may be confused.

A good Internet connexion is also required.

Our college offers a Blended learning environment from WEBEX. It is similar to a face-to-face classroom environment in that it allows direct communication with the teacher. Students can use emoticons to “raise their hand,” show that they are confused, show that they understand what the teacher is saying, and even give applause for something that the teacher says. Students are also able to talk to the teacher when called on. In many of these virtual learning environments the students are able to write on the “virtual classroom chalkboard.” This allows them to show their work for the rest of the class to see. Students can also be split up into groups in order to work with each other and discuss topics that the teacher introduces. Many virtual learning environments give teachers the ability to share multimedia files such as video and audio files as well as the ability to transfer important documents (Word, PDF,…etc.) directly to students.

In ‘Virtually There’, a book and DVD pack distributed freely to schools by the Yorkshire and Humber Grid for Learning Foundation (YHGfL), Professor Stephen Heppell writes in the foreword:

“Learning is breaking out of the narrow boxes that it was trapped in during the 20th century; teachers’ professionalism, reflection and ingenuity are leading learning to places that genuinely excite this new generation of connected young school students — and their teachers too. VLEs are helping to make sure that their learning is not confined to a particular building, or restricted to any single location or moment.“^[1]

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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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Panchakarma workshop and retreat will include:

• Shirodhara
• Abhyanga
• Svedanam
• Marma
• Nasya
• Basti •
Karnapurnam

Introduction to Panchakarma (detoxification) & Shaman Chikitsa

Therapy workshop for Massage Therapists, Ayurvedic Practitioners, and Herbalists. Registered Nurses can also attend, as well as Physical Therapists.
Learn and experience first hand the cleansing detoxification therapies of Ayurveda that include Abhyanga, sweat therapies, purgative herbs, Vamana, Nasya and Shirodhara. Learn to cook Panchakarma detox therapeutic food and principles of Ayurvedic nutrition.

Introduction to Panchakarma Theory
We will discuss the theory of Vamana, Virechana – Shodhana and Rasayan therapies herb protocols. • Shamana Chikitsa and minor health imbalances. • Panchakarma DETOX recipes due to diet, season and environment.

Dosha Imbalances

Kapha Imbalance - Diabetes 2, congestion, sinus issues, insomnia and extreme stress. Pachaka Pitta, Sadhaka Pitta and Rakta Dhatu Imbalances – Acid reflux, Pitta headaches, skin disorders and adult
acne.
Vata Imbalances that affect Asthi Dhatu, Mamsa Dhatu and Apana Vata – arthritis, joint pains, muscle issues and chronic constipation.

Workshop Location

430 North Cedar Street

Escondido 92025

email- info@ayurveda-california.org

San Diego College of Ayurveda

http://www.sandiegocollegeofayurveda.com/panchakarma_workshop

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This massage is useful for locked jaw, TMJ, headaches and migraine.

Ayurveda Spa

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