Yurveda and THE IND: B D - D F
Yurveda and THE IND: B D - D F
Yurveda and THE IND: B D - D F
THE MIND
Constitution Chart 3
Correspondences of the Three Gunas 5
Mental Constitution Chart 6
The Five Bodies 8
Sense and Motor Organs Table 9
Functions of the Mind 10
How to Properly Develop the Functions of the 11
Mind
The Chakras 12
Nourishing the Elements Table 13
Gems and Planets Table 14
Mantras and the Elements Table 15
Primary Yantra 16
Appendix 1 17
Appendix 2 29
CONSTITUTION CHART
0
VATA
(AIR)
• •
PITTA
(FIRE)
KAPHA
(WATER)
3
SENSITIVITIES: cold, dryness, heat, sunlight, cold, damp
wind fire
POSITIVE
EMOTIONS: adaptability courage love
NEGATIVE
EMOTIONS: fear anger atrachment
4
CORRESPONDENCES OF THE THREE GUNAS
5
MENTAL CONSTITUTION CHART
DRUGS, ALCOHOL
& STIMULANTS: Never Occasionally Frequently
SENSORY
IMPRESSIONS: Calm, pure Mixed Disturbed
CONTROL
OF SENSES: Good Moderate Weak
VIOLENT
BEHAVIOR: Never Sometimes Frequently
ATTACHMENT
TO MONEY: Little Some A lot
6
CONCENTRATION: Good Moderate Poor
7
'fhe five Bodies
l. Physical Body
2. \Tital Body
(Prana)
3. Mental Body
(Manas)
4. Body of
Intelligence
(Budd.hi)
S. Body ofConsciousnes
(Chitta)
6. self (Atman)
8
SENSE AND MOTOR ORGANS
9
FUNCTIONS OF THE MIND
10
How TO PROPERLY DEVELOP THE
FUNCTIONS OF THE MIND
11
The Chakras
12
Nourishing the Elements Table
Element In Nourishes
Earth Solid food Internal organs, muscles, skin,
bones and other earth predomi
nant tissues
Water Liquid food Mucous membranes, secretions,
plasma, fat, And drink nerve,
reproductive and other liquid
predominant tissues
Fire Heat, sunlight and Blood, digestive fire, and fire
fire element in food predominant enzymes and
digestive juices
Air Breath and the air Vitalizes nervous system, promotes
element in food discharge of impulses and
secretions
Ether Space in breath and Clears and nourishes mind
in food and senses
13
Gems and Planets Table
14
Mantras and the Elements Table
15
Primary Yantra
16
APPENDIX 1
The following tables provide not only a summary but a
more extensive knowledge of our psycho-physical nature
and its place in the greater universe of consciousness. Top
ics covered are the three bodies, the five sheaths, the seven
levels of the universe, the seven chakras, the five Pranas, a
table of the functions of the mind (Chitta), and a diagram
of cosmic evolution.
A
TABLE
THE THREE Booms
17
The physical body functions during the waking state,
in which we live in a world of physical objects, each with
its specific form and location in time and space. For this
body to exist, we must eat and take in the gross elements
that compose it.
The astral body functions during dream and inspired
thought, in which we live in the world of our own impres
sions. It defines time and space rather than being defined
by them. It is sustained by impressions and the subtle ele
ments, which are its food. It is dominated by the emo
tional or sense-mind (Manas).
The causal body functions during deep sleep and pro
found meditation, in which we live in our own conscious
ness devoid of external objects, perceived or imaginary. It
is not located as a form or impression in space and time,
but exists as an idea that creates time and space according
to its qualities. It is sustained by thoughts, the causal ele
ments, which are its food. It is dominated by our deeper
consciousness (Chitta). Our true Self and immortal being
transcend all three bodies and states of consciousness. Only
in this rests our liberation from time and space, birth and
death.
18
It is difficult to get to the causal level directly because this
requires control of the lower bodies and the ability to med
itate.
Physical disease factors, like bad food or water, affect
the astral body indirectly according to the impressions
derived from them. In the same way, impressions in the
astral body affect the causal body indirectly according to
their gunas. All three bodies are involved in some way,
whatever the condition is.
Relative to healing, our physical world can be changed
by altering the objects around which we live, and particu
larly those we ingest (food, water and air). Our astral world
can be changed by altering our impressions and ideas. Our
causal world can be changed by altering our deepest beliefs
and desires (the gunas we hold to).
TABLE B
THE FIVE SHEATHS AND THE MIND
19
The three bodies constitute five sheaths. The Pranic
sheath mediates between the phy sical and astral bodies;
the intelligence sheath mediates between the astral and
causal. The three main functions of the mind (Chitta, Bud
dhi and Manas) constitute the three most subtle sheaths.
The field of our core-consciousness makes up the sheath of
bliss (Anandamay a Kasha) in which we hold our deeper
joy s and sorrows, our karmas and Samskaras that are
imprinted in the gunas. Consciousness is bliss, with love
or desire being predominant, ever seeking happiness and
joy. It governs the state of deep sleep in which all manifest
thoughts and impressions disappear and in which we expe
rience peace and joy.
The field of intelligence makes up the sheath of intelli
gence, in which we hold our deeper knowledge, judgments
and discrimination of truth. This either allows us access to
the bliss sheath, if our wisdom is spiritual, or closes it off
to us, if our knowledge is of the outer world only. This is
the site of most of our mental activities (vrittis), particu
larly those that relate to the determination of truth and
reality.
The field of the mind makes up the mental sheath, in
which we hold our various impressions, both sensory and
mental. These either allow us access to the intelligence
sheath, if we have understood and digested them, or close
it off, if we are caught in outer enjoyments.
Pranamay a kosha's lower (Tamasic) aspect becomes the
physical Pranas, its higher (Rajasic) aspect becomes the
subtle Pranas and emotions (mind and senses) and consti
tutes the emotional body. Similarly, the intelligence sheath
is dual in nature. Its lower (Rajasic) function is intellect,
or thought directed toward the outer world, which works
along with the senses and part of the astral body. Its high-
20
er (Sattvic) function is true intelligence, or discrimination
directed toward the eternal part of the causal body, and
transcends the senses.
TABLE C
THE SEVEN LEVELS OF THE UNIVERSE
21
TABLED
THE SEVEN CHAKRAS
22
Psychological problems relate to their respective
chakras and depress their function. Lack of control of the
sense organs prevents their respective chakras from open
ing and keeps their function weak or deranged. For exam
ple, excess sexual activity weakens the water chakra and
prevents it from opening, while excess fear damages the
earth chakra. Control of the senses brings the energy of
consciousness inward for the unfoldment of its higher
aspects. The role of the third eye is crucial in this regard
because through it the senses are concentrated and direct
ed within.
Ayurvedic psychology balances Vata, Pitta and Kapha
in the body and increases Sattva in the mind to harmonize
lower chakra functions and creates the foundation for the
opening of their higher potential. Tejas helps open the
lower chakras and corresponds to Kundalini. Ojas aids in
the unfoldment of the higher chakras of the head and third
eye. Prana allows the heart (air) chakra to open. Control of
Manas gives us control of the lower five chakras. Develop
ment of Buddhi allows the third eye to develop. Clearing
of the Chitta opens the crown chakra and the deeper spir
itual heart. Dissolution of the ego (Ahamkara) is the key to
the process because ego creates the constriction of energy
that prevents the chakras from functioning properly.
23
TABLE E
THE FIVE PRANAS AND THE MIND
24
eliminates the waste material from the food, and Udana
allows us to use the energy derived from the food for phys
ical work.
On the level of the mind, Prana is responsible for the
intake of impressions and ideas, Samana digests them,
Vyana circulates this information, Apana removes the
waste material (negative thoughts and emotions), and
Udana allows us to do positive mental work and exertion.
On a general level, Prana energizes all the koshas,
Samana sustains their relationship, cohesion and balance,
Apana brings energy down the koshas from the subtle to
the gross, Udana brings energy up the koshas from the
gross to the subtle, and Vyana brings about circulation
through all the five koshas and is responsible for their dif
ferentiation.
25
Agni or the fire principle and together with it vitalizes the
mind and senses.
Apana Vayu is our ability to ward off negativity, the
force of gravity in the mind. When its function is
deranged, we get depressed or take in the energies of stag
nation and decay. Various disturbed downward flows of the
life-energy can occur.
Samana Vayu, the equalizing life-energy, is weakened
when mental peace and harmony are disturbed. Physically,
this deranges the digestive system and weakens absorp
tion, allowing for the build-up of toxins. This causes psy
chological congestion and attachment, along with the
inability to be alone. Severe psychological problems may
cause significant Samana Vayu disorders, with derange
ment of the nervous system and long-term mental imbal
ance.
Vyana Vayu is the expansive part of the life-energy,
responsible for outward-directed movement and activity.
It makes us happy, independent and expansive. Disturbed,
it causes tremors in the body or agitation in the mind. In
the mind, it causes alienation and isolation and prevents us
from getting along with other people.
Udana Vayu is our ascending enthusiasm, will and
motivation. It makes us feel elated, proud or exalted. It
gets weakened by depression. When we are depressed, our
energy is unable to move upwards and sinks. Inability to
speak or express ourselves indicates that Udana Vayu is
weak. Various disturbed upward flows of the life-force can
occur, like coughing or uncontrolled speech when this
Prana is deranged. In excess, it makes us vain, domineer
ing and intolerant.
These five Pranas are one of the most profound aspects
of Ayurvedic thought. We are only introducing them here,
26
but their role should not be underestimated. They require
a book on them alone.
TABLE F
FUNCTIONS OF THE MIND
Consciousness ............Chitta
Element ........................Air aspect of Subtle Air and Ether
Guna ............................Source of the Gunas
Sheath ..........................Bliss Sheath in general
Functions ......................Memory, Sleep, Samadhi
Sense ............................Instinct/Intuition
State of Time ................ Past
State of Awareness ........Deep Sleep
Kingdom of Nature ...... Plant (lower), God or angel (higher)
Nature ..........................Love, Desire
Intelligence ..................Buddhi
Element ........................ Fire aspect of Subtle Air and Ether
Guna ............................Sattva
Sheath ..........................Intelligence Sheath
Functions ...................... Perception, Reason, Determination
Sense ..............................Sense Organs, particularly hearing
27
State of Time ..................Present
State of Awareness ........Waking
Kingdom of Nature........Human (Sage when fully activated)
Nature............................ Knowledge, Higher and Lower
Mind..............................Manas
Element..........................Water aspect of Subtle Air and Ether
Guna ............................ Rajas
Sheath ..........................Mind Sheath
Functions ......................Sensation, Volition, Imagination
Sense- ............................Organs of Action, particularly hands
State of Time ..................Future
State of Awareness ..........Dream
Kingdom of Nature ......Animal
Nature ..........................Action
Ego ..............................Ahamkara
Element..........................Earth aspect of Subtle Air and Ether
Guna ............................Tamas
Sheath ..........................Physical body
Functions ......................Self-sense, ownership
Sense ............................Self or ego
State of Time .................. Past
State of Awareness ........Deep sleep
Kingdom of Nature ......Elemental
Nature............................Ignorance
28
APPENDIX 2
FOOTNOTES
29
(thoughtful, active and motivated) state.
10 What is called karma yoga in Sanskrit.
11 This witnessing attitude is called Sakshi-bhava in Sanskrit and
is the basis of mostVedantic forms of meditation.
12 This is the Atman ofVedantic thought.
13 According to the YOGA SUTRAS 111.33, meditation upon the
heart brings knowledge of the mind.
14 Note Patanjali, YOGA SUTRA 1.2. "Yoga is the mastery of all
the operations of consciousness (Chitta)."
15 In the Buddhist Yogachara school, this deeper consciousness is
called AlayaVijnana or "storehouse consciousness" for its retain
ing all karmic tendencies.
16 Unconditioned Chit reflected into matter (Prakriti or Maya)
becomes conditioned chitta. However, we should note that in
Buddhist teachings, like the Lankavatara Surra, the term chitta
can refer to conditioned chitta or unconditioned Chit. The latter
is called unconditioned chitta or the pure nature of Mind. The
One Mind of Buddhism, Eka Chitta, referring to the uncondi
tioned One Consciousness, resembles the One Self or Atman, of
Vedantic thought.
17 Iccha predominant in Sanskrit.
18 Ayurveda discusses the importa,nce of truthful memory in detail
in CHARAKA SAMHITA, SARIRASTHANA I.147-151, as a
means of both health and liberation.
19 Note section on Samadhi in Yoga chapter of the book for more
information.
20 Ayurveda discusses the role of wrong use of intelligence under
the term Prajnaparadha or failure of wisdom. Note CARAKA
SAMHITA, SARIRASTHANA I.102-109.
21 The BHAGAVAD GITA, the great yogic scriprure of the avatar
Krishna, emphasizes Buddhi Yoga, the Yoga of Intelligence,
through which we can maintain equanimity throughout all the
ups and downs of life.
22 This is called viveka in Sanskrit.
23 This Cosmic Intelligence is called Mahar in Sanskrit. It is the
cosmic counterpart of Buddhi.
24 These are called Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva in Hindu thought.
30
25 This is the higher aspect of Agni or the Cosmic Fire.
26 Sanskrit antarayami.
27 Compared to consciousness (Chitta) in its original form, even
the higher aspect of intelligence appears Rajasic. For this reason,
some yogis relate Chitta to Sattva and Buddhi to Rajas. Other
times, however, Chitta and Buddhi are identified because both
are predominantly Sattvic, which is the view of Classical
Samkhya. In the same way, Cosmic Intelligence and Cosmic
Consciousness are often regarded as the same.
28 For this reason it is also sometimes located in the throat, or
between the head and the heart.
29 Jnana predominant in Sanskrit.
30 This is called Prajnaparadha in Sanskrit and is one the main
causative factors in the disease process according to Ayurveda.
31 This will to truth is called Kratu in the Vedas, which implies
sacrifice or self-negation. This only comes through intelligence
which negates our outer desires. It requires the alignment of
intelligence and the mind, in which the mind's desires are
directed inward through renunciation. Later Vedanta calls it
Samkalpa Shakti or true will power, doing what we say and say
ing what we do.
32 The section on Samadhi in the chapter on consciousness is also
relevant here.
33 This immersion of intelligence (Buddhi) in the heart (Chitta) is
called Bodhichitta or enlightened consciousness in Buddhist
thought.
34 Manas occurs as a general term for the mind in Vedantic litera
ture, in which case it is synonymous with chitta and includes all
the other functions of the mind under its scope. In Buddhist lit
erature, Manas can refer to all the functions of the mind. The
unconditioned Manas can refer to the Buddha nature or enlight
ened awareness, like the Atman of Vedanta. As most mental
activity occurs in the field of Manas, it can be considered as the
most characteristic part of what we normally call the mind.
35 Actors learn to play with these core feelings or emotions. They
are called rasas or essences in Sanskrit. They are also referred to
as bhavas, or states of feeling, which in turn reflect various rela
tionships. Feeling is relationship-oriented. To work with these
feelings and relationships consciously is the path of devotion,
31
Bhakti Yoga.
36 Some Yogis classify Manas as tamas compared to Buddhi as Satt
va because Manas has an outgoing and Buddhi an ingoing ener
gy. Manas does have a component of Tamas, and Rajas generally
leads to Tamas. Classical Samkhya makes Manas a product of
Ahamkara or ego, deriving it from its Sattvic and Rajasic sides.
This reflects the relationship between Manas and the sensory
and motor organs, which are related to Sattva and Rajas respec
tively. All the functions of the mind need some Sattva in order
to function clearly.
37 Sanskrit kriya.
38 Vaca people, however, have the most active and generally most
disturbed minds. This is because they are most sensitive and
because their consciousness (Chicca) is most exposed through the
actions of both body and mind.
39 Sanskrit samkalpa and vikalpa. Yet here it is ordinary samkalpa,
or intention to action, with the body and senses, not the higher
will or samkalpa, the will to truth, which requires alignment
with the Buddhi and the Self.
40 This is called Samkalpa Shakti in Sanskrit, the power of will or
intention. Cultivating it means that we set spiritual goals for
ourselves, like controlling our anger, and then accomplish these,
whatever the effort it may take.
41 This is called Aham-dhi or Aham-buddhi in Sanskrit, showing
that it is a mistake or misconception of intelligence or Buddhi.
42 This has been a Vedantic criticism of certain Buddhist systems.
43 These are called ahamtva and mamatva in Sanskrit.
44 These two factors are discussed in the chapter on Spiritual
Methods of Treatment.
45 Ayurvedic literature contains extensive discussions of the indi
vidual soul and Supreme Soul and their relationship. Note
CARAKA SAMHITA, SARIRASTHANA I.
46 Note particularly the teachings of the modern teacher Ramana
Maharshi and the ancient teacher Shankara for the teachings of
Advaica or non-dualistic Vedanta . Other Vedantic approaches
exist as well, like the integral non-dualism (Purnadvaita) of Sri
Aurobindo, the qualified non-dualism (Visishtadvaita) of
Ramanuja, and the dualistic Vedanta of Madhva.
32
47 Chitta-shuddhi in Sanskrit.
48 In ordinary Ayurvedic terminology, the Doshas ofVata, Pitta
and Kapha in excess damage the tissues or dhatus ofthe body,
which is the dushti or damaged factor. In Ayurvedic psychology,
Buddhi-dosha causes Chitta-dushti, wrong functioning ofintel
ligence damages the substance ofour consciousness.
49 For an extensive examination ofthese different functions ofthe
mind and their states according to the three gunas note SCI
ENCE OF THE SOUL by Swami Yogeshwaranand Saraswati,
pages 96-115.
50 Note YOGA SUTRAS II. 33-34.
51 Please examine the section on intelligence for more information
on the right function ofthe Buddhi.
52 T hese three states relate to Vaishvanara, Taijasa and Prajna in
Vedantic thought. Vaishvanara is the digestive fire in the physi
cal body. Taijasa is the digestive fire in the subtle body. Prajna is
the digestive fire in the causal body. Taijasa, the power ofTejas,
being the digestive fire in the subtle body or mind is most
important in the digestion ofimpressions or mental digestion.
53 Note section on Pancha Karma later in the book, pages 202-203
54 Nore CARAKA SAMHITA, SARIRASTHANA I .118-132 for
an examination ofthe role ofthe senses in the disease process.
55 For example, my book AYURVEDIC HEALING, pages 51-87,
in this regard.
56 Unfortunately there are many animal additives to foods, like fish
liver oil as a vitamin supplement, rennet in cheese, or cows'
bones used to bleach sugar. One should cry to avoid these as
well.
57 T his has been outlined in AYURVEDIC HEALING, pages 83-
85.
58 Nore YOGA OF HERBS in this regard.
59 For a materia medica ofthe herbs mentioned in this book,
please consult YOGA OF HERBS and PLANETARY HER
BOLOGY.
60 Note YOGA OF HERBS, pages 23-25, for its discussion ofthe
six tastes.
61 These are called medhya rasayanas in Sanskrit.
33
62 These five practices are called vamana, virechana, basti, nasya
and raktamoksha in Sanskrit.
63 Note CARAKA SAMHITA, SUTRASTHANA XI.54 where
gems are listed among the spiritual therapies of Ayurveda.
64 More information on Vedic astrology, including its healing
aspects, is presented in ASTROLOGY OF THE SEERS, partic
ularly pages 235-261.
65 For more information on the Ayurvedic use of gems, examine
AYURV EDIC HEALING, pages 308-312.
66 Note CARAKA SAMHITA SUTRASTHANA XI.54 where
mantra is mentioned among the spiritual therapies of Ayurveda.
67 This process is called purascharana or anusthana in Sanskrit.
68 This subject is examined in TANTRIC YOGA AND THE
WISDOM GODDESSES. Also look into Haresh Johari's
TOOLS FOR TANTRA.
69 Note TANTRIC YOGA AND THE WISDOM GODDESSES,
pages 197-219, for ways of increasing Prana, Tejas and Ojas,
including mantra.
70 This chosen form of God is called Ishta Devara in Sanskrit.
There are many works on Bhakti Yoga or the Yoga of Devotion,
like the BHAKTI SUTRAS of Narada, SRIMAD BHAGA
VATAM, the RAMAYANA, and the songs of great saints like
Mira Bai.
71 These are called homa, havana and Agnihotra in Sanskrit.
72 In TANTRIC YOGA AND THE WISDOM GODDESSES, I
examined the role of ten important Goddesses in this regard.
73 Vagbhatta, the great Buddhist Ayurvedic teacher, recommended
using the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara or the Gods Shiva and
Vishnu (ASTANGAHRDAYA UTTARASTHANA V.50-52).
Avalokiteshvara's consort is the Goddess Tara, also called Kwan
Yin in the Chinese tradition.
74 Self-knowledge is the subject matter of Advaita or non-dualistic
Vedanta. Its main classical proponent is Shankaracharya. Its
most noted modern proponent is Ramana Maharshi, the great
sage of Tiruvannamalai, South India.
75 For the importance of Yoga in traditional Ayurveda, note
CARAKA SAMHITA, SARIRASTHANA I.137- 155.
34
76 YOGA SUTRAS of Patanjali, Book I, Sutra 2.
77 What are called varna and ashrama in Vedic thought. The var
nas are our social ethic, which is divided into four as it is based
on knowledge, honor, wealth or work. The ashramas are the
stages of life as youth, householder, retiree and renunciate.
78 The true purpose of Yoga is inner integration. It is done for a
spiritual purpose and requires renunciation and self-abnegation.
Enjoyment, called bhoga in Sanskrit, is not the aim of Yoga,
which moves in another direction. However, many people do
Yoga in order to feel better, which is a pursuit of bhoga. This
often distorts what Yoga means and prevents us from benefiting
from its deeper practices.
79 Note YOGA SUTRAS 1.12. Vyasa's commentary, for an expla
nation of Chitta-Nadi. The outer flow of the mind through the
senses leads to bondage and sorrow. The inner flow through dis
crimination leads to peace and liberation. this inner flow sets in
motion the Kundalini, which is the awakened Chitta-Nadi.
80 This is called Shambahvi mudra in yogic thought. It is used in
several systems of Buddhist meditation as well.
81 We have already discussed Samadhi in the sections of the book
on Chitta and Buddhi and will not repeat that information here.
Please keep it in mind.
82 Vyasa, the main commentator on YOGA SUTRAS, defines
Yoga as Samadhi. The first section of the book is the Samadhi
Pada or section relating to Samadhi. The majority of verses in
the book relate to Samadhi or Samyama.
83 Sanskrit - note Vyasa's commentary on first verse of YOGA
SUTRAS.
84 These Samadhis (samyamas) are explained in great detail in the
YOGA SUTRAS, particularly the third section.
85 These types of possession are explained in Ayurvedic psychology.
I have examined some of these in AYURVEDIC HEALING,
pages 254-257.
35
Sanskrit Glossary
Agni - digestive fire,
Ahamkara - ego or sense of separate self
Antahkarana - internal instrument, mind on all levels
Apana - downward moving Prana
Asanas - yogic postures
Astral Plane - subtle world of pure impressions, dream
plane
Atman - true Self, sense of pure I am
Ayurveda - yogic science of healing
Bhakti Yoga - Yoga of Devotion
Bija Mantra - single syllable mantras like OM
Brahman - Absolute reality
Buddhi - intelligence
Causal Plane - source world of creation, realm of the ideal
or archetypes, deep sleep plane
Chakras - energy centers of subtle body, which govern the
physical body through the nerve plexus
Chitta - consciousness, inner mind, particularly the
subconscious
Devi - the Goddess
Dharana - concentration
Dharma - the law of our nature
Dhyana - meditation
Gunas - three prime qualities of Nature of sattva, rajas
and tamas
Guru - spiritual guide
Homa - Vedic fire offerings
36
Jiva - individual soul
Joana Yoga - Yoga of Self-knowledge
Karma - effect of our past actions, including from
previous births
Karma Yoga - yoga of ritual, work and service
Kundalini - latent energy of spiritual development
Mahat - Divine Mind or Cosmic Intelligence
Manas - outer or sensory aspect of mind
Mantra - seed sounds used for healing or yogic purposes
Marmas - sensitive points on the body
Niyamas - yogic disciplines
Ojas - water on a vital level
Pitta - biological fire humor
Prakriti - nature
Prana - vital force, breath
Pranayama - control or expansion of vital force
Pratyahara - control or introversion of the mind
and senses
Puja - Hindu rituals
Purusha - inner spirit, Self
Raja Yoga - Integral Yoga system of Patanjali in Yoga
Sutras
Rajas - quality of action and agitation
Rajasic - of the nature of rajas
Samadhi - absorption
Samana - balancing vital force
Sattva - quality of harmony
Sattvic - of the nature of Sattva
Shakti - power, energy, particular of the deepest level
Shiva - Divine power of peace and transcendence
37
Tamas - quality of darkness and inertia
Tamasic - of the nature of Tamas
Tanmatras - sensory potentials which are the subtle
elements (sound, touch, sight, taste, smell)
Tantra - energetic system of working with our higher
potentials
Tejas - fire on a vital level
Udana - upward moving Prana
Vata - biological air humor
Vayu-another name for Prana or vital force
Vedas - ancient Hindu spiritual system of Self and
Cosmic knowledge
Vishnu - Divine power of love and protection
Vyana - expansive vital force
Yama - yogic values
Yantras - geometric meditation forms
Yoga - science of reintegration with the universal reality
38
Herbal Glossary
aloe gel ................Aloe vera
amalaki ................Emblica officinalis
asafetida ................Ferula asafetida
ashwagandha ........Withania somnifera
bala ......................Sida cordifolia
basil ......................Ocinum spp.
bayberry ................Myrica spp.
betony ..................Stachys betonica
calamus-................Acorus calamus
camomile ..............Anthemum nobilis
camphor ................Cinnamomum camphor
cardamom ............ Elettaria cardamomum
cedar ....................Cedrus spp.
champak ..............Michelia champaka
chrysanthemum ....Chrysanthemum indicum
cinnamon .............. Cinnamomum zeylonica
cloves ....................Syzgium aromaticum
damiana ................Turnera aphrodisiaca
elecampane ............Inula spp.
ephedra ................ Ephedra spp.
eucalyptus ............Eucalyptus sp.
frankincense ..........Boswellia carteri
gardenia ................Gardenia floribunda
garlic- ..................Allium sativa
ginger ..................Zingiberis officinalis
gokshura ..............Tribulis terrestris
gotu kola .............. Hydrocotyle asiatica
guggul ..................Commiphora mukul
haritaki ................Terminalia chebula
heena ....................Lawsonia alba
honeysuckle ..........Lonicera japonica
hops ...................... Humulus lupulus
39
hyssop .................. Hyssop officinalis
iris ........................Iris sp.
jasmine ................Jasminum grandiflorum
jatamansi ..............Nardostachys jatamansi
kapikacchu ............Mucuna pruriens
lady's slipper ........Cyripidium pubescens
lavender ................Lavendula stoechas
lemon grass ..........Cymbopogon citratus
licorice ..................Glycyrrhizzra glabra
lily ........................ Lilum spp.
lotus seeds ............Nelumbo nocifera
ma huang ..............Ephedra sinense
manduka parni ......Bacopa monnieri
myrrh....................Commiphora myrrha
nutmeg ................Myristica fragrans
passion flower ...... Passiflora incarnata
peppermint ..........Mentha piperita
pippali ..................Piper nigrum
plumaria .............. Plumeria rubra
rose- ......................Rosa spp.
rosemary .............. Rosmarinus officinalis
saffron ..................Crocus sativa
sage ......................Salvia officinalis
sandalwood ..........Santalum alba
sesame seeds ..........Sesamum indica
shankha pushpi .... Canscora decussata
shatavari ................Asparagus racemosus
shilajit ..................Asphaltum
skullcap ................Scutellaria spp.
spearmint ..............Mentha spictata
tamarind ..............Tamarindus indicus
thyme ..................T hymus vulgaris
valerian ................Valeriana spp.
40
vetivert ................Andropogon muriaticus
vidari ....................Ipomoea digitata
wintergreen ..........Gaultheria procumbens
yohimbe ................Caryanthe yohimbe
zizyphus seeds ......Zizyphus spinosa
41
BIBLIOGRAPHY
English
Anirvan, Sri, Antaryoga, Voice of India, New Delhi,
India, 1994.
Anirvan, Sri,. Buddhiyoga of the Gita and other Essays,
Samara Press, Madras, India, 1990.
Aurobindo, Sri, Letters on Yoga, Sri Aurobindo Ashram,
Pondicherry, India. Dist. By Lotus Press, Twin Lakes,
WI.
Frawley, David, Astrology of the Seers: A Guide to Hindu/
Vedic Astrology, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI, 1990.
Frawley, David,. Ayurvedic Healing, A Comprehensive Guide,
Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI. 1989.
Frawley, David, Beyond The Mind, Passage Press, Salt Lake
City, Utah, 1992.
Frawley, David, From the River of Heaven: Hindu and Vedic
Knowledge for the Modern Age, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes,
WI. 1990.
Frawley, David, Tantric Yoga and the Wisdom Goddesses:
Spiritual Secrets of Ayurveda, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI.
1994.
Frawley, David and Dr. Vasant Lad, The Yoga of Herbs,.
Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI. 1986.
Lad, Vasant, Dr,. Ayurveda, The Science of Self-Healing,.
Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI. 1984.
Lad, Vasant, Dr. Ayurvedic Cooking for Self-Healing,.
Ayurvedic Institute, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1994.
Ranade, Dr. Subhash and Frawley, David Ayurveda:
Nature's Medicine, Lotus Press, Twin Lakes, WI. 1993.
42
Yogeshwarananda, Swami, Science of the Soul, Yoga Nike
tan Trust, New Delhi, India, 1992.
Yogeshwarananda, Swami, Science of the Sottl, Yoga Nike
tan Trust, New Delhi, India, 1992.
Yogeshwarananda, Swami, Science of Prana, Yoga Niketan
Trust, New Delhi, India, 1992.
Yukteswar, Sri, The Holy Science. Self-Realization Fellow
ship, Los Angeles, California, 1978.
Sanskrit Texts
43
RESOURCES
44
Astrology of the Seers
Correspondence Course in Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology, also called "Jyotish," is the traditional
astrology of India and part of the greater system of Yogic
knowledge. Vedic astrology is a comprehensive and power
ful tool both of astrological interpretation and prediction,
containing methods for examining all aspects of life from
health to enlightenment.
This comprehensive course explains Vedic astrology in
clear and modern terms, providing practical insights on
how to use and adapt the system. For those who have dif
ficulty approaching the Vedic system, the course provides
many keys for unlocking its language and its methodol
ogy for the Western student. Over five hundred pages in
length, it explains Vedic astrology in modern terms and
relative to Western astrology, affording easy access to this
often arcane system.
The goal of the course is to provide the foundation for
the student to become a professional Vedic astrologer. The
orientation of the course is twofold: to teach the language
and way of thinking of Vedic astrology and to set forth the
Astrology of Healing of the Vedic system. Certification for
the course is given to students who answer all questions
satisfactorily, as well as options for further study.
For further information contact:
American Institute of Vedic Studies
P.O. Box 8357
Santa Fe, NM 87504-8357
1-505-983-9385
Dr. David Frawley (Pandit Vamadeva Shastri), Director
info@vedanet.com
www.vedanet.com
45
A yurveda C enters and P rograms
46
s
Auroma International
P.O. Box 1008
Silver Lake, WI 53170
1-262-889-8569
Website: www.auromaintl.com
Distributor of Herbal Vedic Products
BioVeda
215 North Route 303
Congers, NY 10920-1726
1-800-292-6002
Internatural
PO Box 489
Twin Lakes, WI 53181
1-800-643-4221
Website: www.internatural.com
Retail Mail Order & Internet Sales
Lotus Brands
PO Box 325-AM
Twin Lakes, WI 53181
1-262-889-8561
1-262-8892461 (Fax)
Website: www.lotusbrands.com
47
Lotus Brands, Inc.
P.O. Box 325-AM
Twin Lakes, WI 53181 USA
1-262-889-8561
1-262-889-2461 (Fax)
www.lotusbrands.com
Lotus Light Natural Body Care
P.O. Box 1008, Dept. AM
Silver Lake, WI 53170 USA
1-262-889-8501 or 1-800-548-3824
1-262-889-8591 (Fax)
www.lotuslight.com
Lotus Press
P.O. Box 325
Twin Lakes, WI 53181 USA
1-262-889-8561
1-262-889-2461 (Fax)
www.lotuspress.com
Vinayak Ayurveda Center
2509 Virginia NE, Suite D
Albuquerque, NM 87110
1-505-296-6522
1-505-298-2932 (Fax)
48