Yoga & Ayurveda
Yoga and Ayurveda have long been
linked together as two complimentary systems of human development. They grew up
organically intertwined through their common ancient Vedic roots – the legacy
of the legendary Himalayan rishis who understood the laws of the universe and the inner
process of cosmogenesis that holds the keys
to all transformations. The two systems have maintained a long and intimate
history, interacting upon and enhancing one another up to the present day. Ayurveda is the “second
phase” of interest in Yoga, which builds upon the first phase of interest in
Yoga as an exercise system.
Yoga is seen as a
popular exercise trend, an alternative medical therapy, a profound spiritual path, but to put Yoga in
the proper perspective we must look at it anew, particularly with regard to
individual adaptation.
Yoga in Sanskrit
means “to unite, coordinate, or energize”. It refers to the proper integration
of body, mind and spirit to unfold our higher potential in life. Classical Yoga
takes our ordinary capacities and extends them exponentially to help us develop
an awareness that goes beyond our ordinary personal and human limitations.
Yoga uses the
foundations of the body, its secret energies and natural intelligence to reach
the summits of the spirit.
Classical Yoga is
much more than a great exercise system, it has extraordinary healing potential
for both body and mind, it addresses the structural imbalances in the body,
like bone and joint problems, as well as organic dysfunctions, including
hormonal and immune system disorders, particularly through meditation methods.
Yoga treats nervous
system disorders, emotional tension and psychological difficulties from stress
to psychosis.
For its healing
purpose, classical Yoga is closely aligned with traditional Ayurveda “the science of
life”, which can also be called Yogic medicine. Ayurveda uses diet, herbs, bodywork, pranayama, mantra and
meditation as part of a holistic system of healing that parallels the practices
of Yoga relative to the body, mind and spirit. They both reflect a dharmic approach to life, a
seeking to keep all beings in harmony with the benefic laws of the universe.
As Yogic healing
becomes emphasized we must naturally turn our attention to Ayurveda as well.
Explanation of the 8 limbs of classical yoga